Omar & The Howlers Boogie Man (CD)

(Ruf Records) 11 tracks

OMAR & THE HOWLERS amaze audiences with every note of their swinging, rocking, rough and tumble blues. With frontman Omar Dykes' smoldering guitar attack and earnest, gut-busting vocals, he and the Texas-bred Howlers have established themselves as an international blues sensation, constantly winning new fans and receiving accolades from around the world. From being inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame in Austin alongside legends like Buddy Holly, T-Bone Walker and Willie Nelson, to receiving the coveted Edison Award, the Dutch equivalent of the Grammy, OMAR AND THE HOWLERS have performed their rousing Texas-by-Mississippi blues and roots rock and earned accolades over the course of twenty years.

Boogie Man reflects that badge of honor, as especially in Austin, Texas, Omar is held in the highest regard by some of the best American blues artists of all time. Included is an all-star lineup of songwriters and musicians, including Ray Willie Hubbard, Alejandro Escovedo, Darden Smith, Stephen Bruton, Chris Duarte, Terry Bozio (Missing Persons) and Double Trouble - Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, the infamous rhythm section of Stevie Ray Vaughan's late band. Boogie Man is full of co-written tracks ranging from ballads to hard-hitting blues, and with numerous guest appearances, offers a rare glimpse into the extraordinary musicianship of the Austin-based artists who helped define the genre of Southern blues guitar rock. They rallied around their colleague Omar to have fun. And fun they all had; the result is a collaboration beyond the wildest imagination.