Trini Lopez

That Trini Lopez's 53rd album is a mostly rockabilly affair really shouldn't come as a surprise, since that's how the Dallas, TX, native began his career, and his rhythmic side-turn into pop-folk in the early '60s was more of a departure than many people realized. From the opening track here, the Lopez-penned "Baby Baby Baby Rock On," two things are obvious: Lopez's voice has deepened, and he's really at home in roots rock territory. Working with the Texas Roots Combo (Trini's brother Jesse Lopez and Art Greenhaw of the Light Crust Doughboys), and featuring vocals from the legendary Jordanaires, Lopez turns in a charming set of songs, highlighted by his cover of Rick Nelson's "I'm Walkin'" and an electric, funky, and completely atmospheric version of the ancient folk ballad "Man of Constant Sorrow." Produced by Greenhaw, the album has an easygoing feel very similar to Lopez's classic live sets from the 1960s, only it rocks a good deal harder. The set concludes with a nearly 12-minute interview with Lopez that covers his long career. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide