Mister D: This is the man who wrote “Pretty Legs and Great Big Knockers”, one of Bette’s showstoppers. He also wrote “Sold My Soul To Rock and Roll” for Bette’s movie, ‘The Rose’. Mr. Pistilli also played an important part in the early line-up of the Manhattan Transfer. Odd thing…one would never guess this from this CD….it’s pure western swing. But then, Nashville writers seem to be very versatile. Some of this stuff reminds me of Up Up Up! which Bette sounded right at home on…
GENE PISTILLI
Album Title: I Still Get Dressed on Sundays
Producer(s): Gene Pistilli
Genre: COUNTRY
Label/Catalog Number: Memphis International 0215
Source: Billboard Magazine
Originally Reviewed: May 10, 2003 (Issue Date)
I Still Get Dressed on Sundays
Billing himself as the Hoboken Saddletramp, Pistilli is a respected Western swing guru with a sure sense of style and musicianship. Pistilli doesn’t betray his Yankee pedigree with authentic, expertly executed originals and such choice covers as “Sioux City Sue” and a well-rendered version of Ernest Tubb’s “Waltz Across Texas.” The cowboy slacker ode of the title cut, the hangdog “Less of Me More Often,” and the insistent “Stayin’ Is the Only Way to Go” offer easygoing humor. Elsewhere, “Too Gone Too Long” showcases an impressive clarinet turn and nicely synched harmonies, while “Pearl River Turnaround” sounds like it’s trickling out of a West Texas dancehall of yore, and “New Shadow” is languid Western lounge. The Hoboken, N.J., connection is explored with the Sinatra standard “All the Way,” and the Spade Cooley instrumental “Oklahoma Stomp” charges hard, with swelling steel, deft picking, and rousing horns. A class act all the way. Racked by Megaforce/Ryko.—RW
