Conway's Corner

Album Review

Rooted in various Texas styles of blues, country, and rock, R.C. Banks has created an almost perfect picture of how the best of differences can create a terrific and eclectic balance. "Courthouse" takes the best of a John Hiatt melody with some raw harmonica supporting the song, while "Walkin' on Air," although possessing a spoken word quality, is a quiet alternative country ballad. A few twists are sometimes welcomed, but the polka waltz of "Jenny Jones" (named for the afternoon talk show host) and the cheesy "Great Scott's BBQ" diminish previous efforts. A noticeable trait is the record's rather mid-tempo blues swagger on "More Than the World to Me," which has the singer sounding sincere in his delivery. Having considerable success during the slower-paced accordion-tinged "Those Days Are Gone," Banks performs without any considerable change in format or sound, a mildly disappointing fact given the energy and abilities he reveals in the beautiful "Pecan Trees" and "South Plains Panhandle Fair." "Now's the Time" has some Latin overtones, but it's too little, too late. A few more up-tempo tunes would improve the album, but it's quite enjoyable as it is.