After releasing his tribute to
Jimmie Rodgers,
Merle Haggard immediately set about working on a tribute to his other major musical idol,
Bob Wills.
Haggard learned how to play fiddle and, within a month, he recruited many of the original
Playboys to augment the Strangers and began recording the album that became
A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player (Or My Salute to Bob Wills). Where Same Train, Different Time was a measured, heartfelt tribute,
Best Damn Fiddle Player is a ragged, enthusiastic good time.
Haggard, the Strangers, and
the Playboys play their hearts out, breathing life into
Wills warhorses like "Right or Wrong," "Stay a Little Longer," "Time Changes Everything," and "San Antonio Rose," while bringing attention to lesser-known songs like "Brain Cloudy Blues," "I Knew the Moment I Lost You," and "Old-Fashioned Love." The fact that Western swing re-established itself as a viable country genre after the release of
A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player is a testament to the power and charm of this record. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine