Austin Chronicle: 'Bout Time Review

While Asleep at the Wheel’s carried the torch of Western Swing and kept it alive and well, they’ve also lit the way for outfits like the Hot Texas Swing Band. Hot Texas leans heavily to the Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys-style swing, the kind that makes you wish for the nearest wooden dancefloor. Such songs as “Beam Me Up, Mr. Scotch” feature ace fiddler Jon Kemppainen two-steps its way into the corny country song title turf, just as bandleader Alex Dormont likely planned, and waltzes its way out with the lovely “Roses in Summer Rain.” Judy Collins’ “Someday Soon” fits Selena Rosanbalm’s suede vocals much as the chestnut “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and Willie Nelson classic toast “Nightlife” fit neatly in with Dormont’s farm-fresh originals. The good thing about swing is that it never goes out of style, and Hot Texas Swing Band bounces that country boogie with panache. 

- Margaret Moser, Austin Chronicle

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