The Twangbangers

In the tradition of their earlier package outings Monsters of Folk and Roadhouse Revival, Hightone Records sent its strongest country and rockabilly acts across the United States during autumn 2001 under the collective banner Twanbangers. Guitarist Redd Volkaert, Dallas Wayne, Bill Kirchen, and pedal steeler Joe Goldmark traded support on one another’s original numbers and on classic country and rockabilly tunes alike. Kirchen’s own rhythm section Too Much Fun, featuring bassist Johnny Castle and drummer Jack O’Dell, functioned as the touring unit’s core. The thirty-day run took place in the shadow of the September 11 attacks, a period when public revelry could still feel out of step with national sentiment. Even so, the shows drew strong critical notices and supplied audiences with welcome moments of levity.