Western swing at it's finest was the order of the day as Ray Benson and Asleep At The Wheel played for scores of "Wheel" fans who crowded into Knuckleheads tonight. The band which started in 1970 and has undergone many changes over the years, has collectively won nine Grammy awards. With Ray Benson on lead and vocals, Jason Roberts on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Dave Sanger on drums, David Miller on bass, John Whitey on piano, Eddie Rivers on steel & saxophone and Elizabeth McQueen on rhythm guitar & vocals, they not only played many of the Bob Wills original tunes they are noted for, but many of the numbers from their new album "Willie & The Wheel," which features the great Willie Nelson.
Starting with "Miles & Miles Of Texas," Don't Fence Me In," and "Route 66" Ray turned the reins over to Elizabeth for "I'm An Old Cowhand From The Rio Grande" and Jason Roberts on "A Six Pack To Go." "Goodbye Liza Jane" was followed by "San Antonio Rose," "Faded Love" and "Big Balls In Cowtown." Later, it was a number from the new album entitled "Hesitation Blues," then "Sweet Jenny From Sunny Tennessee," Bob Wills' "Sittin' On Top Of The World," "Oh You Pretty Woman," a song written here in Kansas City by Bennie Moten - "South," "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie," and "I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine." After "Poncho & Lefty," "Angels Flying Too Close To The Ground" and "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," Ray and the band got a huge ovation for "Kansas City," "Hot Rod Lincoln" and "House Of Blue Lights." As an encore, it was the Roy Rogers theme song, "Happy Trails To You" and the 1940 Bob Wills radio introduction "We're The Texas Playboys From The Lonestar State."
This huge crowd throughly enjoyed themselves, many of them dancing to each and every song. We were pleased to see Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius (she sat a couple of tables away from us) step away from the political arena long enough to enjoy this great musical evening. Thanks to Frank Hicks who seems to always book these great entertainers ...... keep up the good work! (Below) top - Asleep At The Wheel bottom - Ray Benson