Imagine you are rummaging in a secondhand store or garage sale and come across a stash of cool and completely obscure 45s from the era of 1957 to 1965. That is the impression you will receive on the first listen to Songs in the Key of Lonesome. Billy and Bobby, The Horton Brothers, from Austin, Texas have masterfully recreated that era of great country-influenced American pop-rock with this new CD of 13 original songs, all of which were co-written by the brothers.
Not unsurprisingly, Songs in the Key of Lonesome is dominated by wonderful “brother” harmonies in the country music/Everly Brothers tradition. The first track, “Rejected,” sounds like it could be the Everlys in their prime. And have a listen to the harmony and masterful songwriting on “One More Last Time” or the rockin’ “Box of Knotty Pine.” “Don’t” is reminiscent of “Mohair Sam” and “I’m Tryin’ to Make You Blue” evokes the East Texas/Louisiana swamp pop sounds of 1960. Other songs suggest Buddy Holly, 50s New Orleans r&b, and George Jones’ “The Race Is On.” Throughout are hints of the British invasion influence on American rock n’ roll.
Songs in the Key of Lonesome was produced by Billy Horton at his Fort Horton Studios in Austin and has a clean, straightforward, uncluttered sound. Musicians are Bobby on guitar, Dave LeRoy Biller on guitar, Billy on standup bass, T Jarrod Bonta on piano, Buck Johnson on drums and Dan Torosian on tenor and baritone sax.
The Horton Brothers are veterans of various roots and retro music bands: Billy was the original bass player with Hot Club of Cowtown and has worked with the Asylum Street Spankers and Wayne Hancock; Bobby toured as a member of Deke Dickerson’s band and the Bellfuries. Billy’s studio has become a mecca for Texas roots music recording, producing albums by Nick Curran, Junior Watson, Dave Stuckey, and Marti Brom.
Listen to "One More Last Time" from Songs in the Key of Lonesome on YouTube. | 
