Barrence Whitfield with Tom Russel: Cowboy Mambo

Joining forces with country writer/performer Tom Russell, Boston's R&B-master Barence Whitfield have released two albums together. Both records were produced by Tom Russell, and include the pair performing a combination of contemporary covers and Russell's own songs. The arrangements are gritty and hard, which is to say they are great. Their singing is ragged but right. Some of the best cuts are the title cut "Cowboy Mambo," Russell's "The Cuban Sandwich," Jimmy Driftwood's "What Is the Color of the Soul of a Man?" and Steve Earle's "The Devil's Right Hand." Their collaboration is all the more interesting because these records don't sound or feel like either of the individual artist's own releases.
-- Richard Meyer, All-Music Guide

Whitfield and Russel do a cover of The Band's wonderful "Daniel and the Sacred Harp" from Stage Fright.

Tracks

1. The Cowboy Mambo (Tom Russell)
2. A Little Wind (Peter Case/Tom Russell)
3. Daniel and the Sacred Harp (Robbie Robertson)
4. Black Rose (Billy Joe Shaver)
5. Desert Blues (Jimmie Rodgers)
6. The Devil's Right Hand (Steve Earle)
7. Home Before Dark (Tom Russell)
8. I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight (Richard Thompson)
9. Insufficient Sweetie (tribue to Ukulele Ike)
10. Red, Red, Run (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller)
11. Brass Buttons (Gram Parsons)
12. Freedom Highway (Pop Staples)