Vestapol 13062 reviewed in Dirty Linen

The cornerstone of western swing is its slippery lead guitar, which straddles the boundary between country and jazz. The swing bands of the 40s and 50s generated an amazing group of players, most of whom are captured on this new Vestapol video, including 23 clips recorded between the 40s and the present.

Most prominently featured is Eldon Shamblin, the guitarist who virtually defined this style during his years with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Shamblin is shown here in 15 numbers recorded relatively recently with collaborators including Benny Garcia, Bob Kizer, Billy Dozier, and Tommy Morrell. Watching these veterans effortlessly swapping leads on tunes like "Faded Love" and "Time Changes Everything" is a delight. For me, the best part of the video consisted
of classic footage from western films showing Bob Wills' Texas Playboys, The Light Crust Doughboys, and Jim Boyd and His Men of the West performing at the height of their powers.

Some of these clips are a bit schlocky, perhaps, but they showcase some amazing playing. This nicely sequenced compilation is a godsend for fans of western swing guitar.