Early medical trip tomorrow so going to try to take in the last rays of tonight’s daylight. Hence early Witching Hours post.

The Witching Hours Session – 05/04/2018

The Hacienda Brothers were an American alternative country band composed of Chris Gaffney, Dave Gonzalez, Dave Berzansky, Dale Daniel, and Hank Maninger. They have been described as “the finest country rock band since the Flying Burrito Brothers in their prime”. The band was hailed as making a “groundbreaking blend of country, rock, blues and accordion-anchored Americana” and by the time founder Chris Gaffney died in 2008 had made three studio albums and one live album.

Tonight’s listening;

1 – Hacienda Brothers (2005)

The Hacienda Brothers don’t bring a wealth of new textures to the sound and structure of classic country, but they play in the time-honored manner with grit, soul and passion, and that’s what has always set the best of this music apart; this album proves how much can still be said within the boundaries of the honky tonk style, and it’s a true pleasure to hear.

2 – What’s Wrong with Right (2006)

‘What’s Wrong with Right’ is great soulful music proving that heart and passion recognize no generic boundary line, something that defines the Hacienda Brothers’ musical mission

3 – Arizona Motel (2008)

Frontman and co-founder Chris Gaffney’s untimely death in April 2008 ensures that ”Arizona Motel’ is the final release from this rootsy country-soul quintet. Unfortunately, the band was just starting to receive national recognition due to constant touring when Gaffney was diagnosed with liver cancer. At least they had time to record a final set and leave on a high note, as this album is a logical continuation of the two previous studio projects and one live disc. Gaffney is in fine form, singing the majority of the songs and infusing them with his heartfelt honesty. Opener ‘A Lot of Days Are Gone’ is particularly affecting, especially in retrospect. On it, guitar-slinging shotgun rider Dave Gonzalez trades lead vocals as Gaff sings “There was always time, but now it’s slipped away” for a honky tonk ballad that can also be seen as a moving summary of Gaffney’s life.

‘Arizona Motel’ is a poignant yet proud conclusion to the singer’s musical legacy and a stirring way to close the book on this classy Americana artist