Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (from the album Texicali

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (from the album Texicali

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (from the album Texicali available on Yep Roc Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

It’s fair to say that no two individuals better typify the archival sound of pure Americana than Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Gilmore, a seminal member of the legendary Southwestern supergroup The Flatlanders, along with Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, was born in Amarillo and is now considered part of Austin’s essential musical royalty. Alvin, a Californian, played a major role in two equally esteemed outfits, X and The Blasters, before embarking on a solo excursion that’s elevated him to the heights of fame and glory.
 
Consequently, the partnering of these two men makes for an auspicious occasion, courtesy of the tellingly-titled Texicali. As its name implies, the album finds Alvin and Gilmore sharing songs that reflect their respective roots. Although the pair each contribute a fair share of the songs — either solo or in collaboration with some fellow travelers — they also opt to cover some classics — “Broke Down Engine”, penned by Blind Willie McTell, Butch Hancock’s “Roll Around”, “Betty and Dupree”, written by Brownie McGhee, “Down the 286”, composed by Josh White and Casey Papendieck, and “Why I’m Walking”, co-written by Stonewall Jackson and Melvin Endsley. Granted, most of those songs could be considered somewhat obscure entries, but to their credit, Alvin and Gilmore stay true to their rustic roots and weave a traditional tapestry that allows them to leave an individual imprint as well.
 
For the most part, Gilmore’s signature style prevails. With his high, seemingly strangulated vocals, his singing often brings to mind Willie Nelson’s particular down-home demeanor. It’s also evidenced in the steady stride of “Borderland” (a particularly prominent example of Tex-Mex tenacity), and the sweetly soulful “Trying to Free”. On the other hand, the two offer homage to the source material as well, whether it’s the comfort and caress given the bluesy “Broke Down Engine”, the saunter and sway of “Roll Around”, or the sedate shuffle given “Why I’m Walking”. There’s a natural appeal that pervades the album overall, ensuring that Texicali finds common ground between Texas, California, and the disparate environs of the great Southwest. Credit Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore for diminishing the distance in-between.  (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore from AMAZON
For more information, please visit the Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore websites