The Penny Opus #1 [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED]

CD Details

This compilation dispels any doubt about Hank Penny’s real talent, it comes from soon after the ‘Bloodshot Eyes’ period of his career and also highlights the superb musicianship of his band, the California Cowhands, which included Noel Boggs on steel guitar. Maybe some of the comedy seems a little ‘home-spun’ by modern tastes, but it was typical of the period, for instance, “I Want My Rib” is the kind of material Phil Harris would have performed at this time: “You’re Bound To Look Like A Monkey” is funny to any generation. The well known tunes “Crazy Rhythm” and “Wang Wang Blues” are western swing at its best, and songs like “I’m Not In Love” and “We Met Too Late” are the kind of ballads which made Country a definable genre. “Won’t You Ride In My Little Red Wagon”, incidentally, was Penny’s theme song. It becomes quickly apparent listening to Hank Penny’s repertoire that comedy was a significant feature in his act, and indeed for some of his later career he also pursued a parallel course as a comedian. To some extent, this overshadows his important role as an exponent of Western Swing and a polished Country performer. This new Jasmine 22 track compilation leaves no doubt as to his credentials, whether singing straight or comedic Country material