Wayne Hancock / Viper of Melody

Wayne "The Train" Hancock , the heir apparent to both Hank Williams and Bob Wills, released “Viper of Melody” April 21, 2009 on Bloodshot Records . It doesn’t sound like a new release to me. This is hillbilly music circa 1952. Hancock proudly wears his influences on his sleeve playing country swing, boogie, honky-tonk and blues that pre-date the rock and roll of Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. “Viper” sounds like some long lost West Texas radio broadcast and Wayne’s backing band (James Hunnicut on lead guitar, Bob Hoffnar on steel guitar and Huck Johnson of standup bass) plays a high-octane version of what Hancock calls “Juke Joint Boogie”. It simply doesn’t get any more authentic than this. Treat yourself to a listen and see if you don't agree.