CHRIS GAFFNEY & THE COLD HARD FACTS
Live And Then Some (Tres Pecadores)
Reviewed by David J. Klug

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Chris Gaffney supported the Lonesome Strangers (note: see Randy Weeks review) on that band's awesome self-titled county rock record on Hightone in 1989. Gaffney's a talented songwriter and accomplished guitarist and accordionist, as Live And Then Some proves. This 2-CD set was recently released by Tres Pecadores, and includes the re-release of Gaffney's shining debut, Road To Indio, from 1986. Now considered a collector's item, Road To Indio has Gaffney seamlessly combining Tex-Mex, conjunto, honky tonk, roadhouse blues, and rockabilly. For Blasters' fans (who should not be lost on Gaffney's solo work), Dave Alvin makes an appearance with Gaffney's band, The Cold Hard Facts. The live CD culls 16 songs from over 80 played during two nights at the Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano, California in March 1999. Danny Ott (lead guitar), Wyman Reese (keyboards) and Tucker Fleming (drums) - all original members of the Cold Hard Facts, are joined by Doug Livingston (pedal steel), Mike Barry (bass) and R.J. Simensen (washboard). The result is a fun and rockin' collection including "Six Night's A Week," (co-written by Gaffney with Alvin), and covers of Jimmie Dale Gilmore's "Dallas" and Joe Ely's "Are You Listenin' Lucky." Live and Then Some represents the first new recordings in over five years from Gaffney (Hightone released two records; in 1992 and 1995). It also makes for an essential addition to any serious border music enthusiast's collection.

© 2000 - David J. Klug