Git Gone offers a snappy collection of mostly original rockabilly numbers rooted solidly in the Hi-Fi, pre-FM music radio era with Gone Rockin’. Sharon Ward’s upright bass slappin’ style and strong vocals, coupled with Lee Potter’s beat, provide the rhythm for this trio’s effort. Fast-moving rockin’ flow, lots of echo and plenty of reverb are core to this CD, with 14 cuts averaging about three minutes apiece. The music runs the gamut of rockabilly, including Johnny Horton, Johnny Cash, Scotty Moore, and Everly Brothers; but guitarist Jim Stringer’s licks and phrases remain fresh, clear, and just plain fun to listen to.
On the first cut, “Paralyzed”, Stringer’s cool, shuffle picking intro, Ward’s strong, wakeup-call vocals, and Potter’s steady tap-shoe high hat are enough to empty the chairs and walls at any dance hall. “This Time” features swingin’ lead licks that sound like pedal steel sustain, and more hooks than gramps’ tackle box. A hapless turista in Mexico discovers that bar stool lessons “en Espanol” are not free, as he runs out of dinero in the ballad “Fiesta In Guadalupe”. “These Boots Are Made For Walkin'” is ready-made for showcasing Ward’s vocals and that classic bass neck run. You know these are pointy boots.
Stringer’s production on this disc is exceptional. Although the instruments are few, the sound is full, it’s high fidelity at its best. (Stereo? Don’t need it!) When not being played, Gone Rockin’ occupies space on my shelf alongside among Gene Vincent, Monte Warden and Robert Gordon. That’s good company.