Oklahoma Territory (RangeRecords, 1997)

As they say in the Southwest "Praise the Lloyd." Oklahoma's Red Dirt Rangers enlisted the help of veteran producer Lloyd Maines for the first nationally distributed CD. Once again Maine's proves that he is capable of defining a band's sound and delivering it through solid production.

It would be impossible to define the band's sound on their latest; it's across the spectrum drawing inspiration from Bob Wills to the Allman Brothers to The Greatful Dead. There in lies the strength of the CD: there is something for everybody. From the opening strains of "Deep Ellum Blues" the Rangers take you on a true musical journey. As a testament to the versatility of the disc, a standout is "Follow Me Down" a song of rebirth and spirituality. If you prefer, take a 180-degree spin and listen to "Delores" a song celebrating the spirit of a border town working girl.

For a true Southwestern musical journey check out this very fine grass roots project. (Available from 948 SW 24th St., Oklahoma City, 73109, or 405-525-3478)