Ray Benson - Lead and Vocals
Jason Roberts - Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals
Eddie Rivers - Steel Guitar and Sax
David Miller - Bass and Vocals
David Sanger - Drums
Elizabeth McQueen - Guitar and Vocals
John Michael Whitby - Piano
Over the course of the last 37 years, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have boldly defied the fickle lures of the mainstream -- and thrived -- by sticking to their noble cause of keeping that distinctly American of art forms, western swing, alive and kicking. Along the way, they've been awarded nine Grammys, entertained millions and won praise and admiration from the likes of Willie Nelson to Bob Dylan, George Strait to Van Morrison. Asleep at the Wheel has been called the “post-modern kings of western swing,” and given their storied history, it is a title that few would question.
Asleep at the Wheel is an American musical institution: a kinship of like-minded musicians (over 80 members to date) united under Benson's crusade to carry the torch of big band western swing music into the 21st century. Case and point is the latest lineup, which is not only spectacularly talented but also noticeably youthful. As Ray reflects, “It is amazing to me at this point in 2006 compared to 1970 when I started the band. My whole intent was to bring the music back to my generation. We’ve done what we set out to do and it’s just grown. Now, we have a whole new generation doing it, and we have a whole new band.”
The result is the brand new CD Reinventing the Wheel, the first feature release from the band in seven years and a fitting title for the band’s return to its roots, albeit with some fresh faces. As newest member and vocalist Elizabeth McQueen suggests, “…it’s come full circle and it’s back to that original review concept of Asleep at the Wheel, with lots of different styles of music and different singers trading off, which makes it really great.”
–John Wooley
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