Doin' Time on Planet Earth (Leap, 1999)

The Brooklyn Cowboys, spearheaded by Walter Egan (of "Magnet and Steel" fame), and featuring some talented musicians who've played with everyone from Bill Monroe to Grateful Dead to Bob Dylan to Linda Ronstadt, offer a gem of a debut which rocks and twangs in equal measure.

Joy Lynn White lends her considerable talents on vocals and guitar, former Ozark Mountain Daredevil "Supe" Granda shines on bass, while ace fiddler Vassar Clements excels as usual. Buddy Cage (New Riders of the Purple Sage, Dylan) plays beautiful pedal steel, especially on the outstanding "Californ'", one of the best pure country tunes heard in some time.

With the considerable experience of the members, the Cowboys' music also displays the influences of previous bands such as the New Riders, Daredevils, Eagles, etc. while honky-tonkin' with the best of 'em. "Wishful Drinking" and "You and I and the July Moon" would fit well in any country playlist, while "Boundless Love" is a rollicking Cajun tune. The standout, a new version of the Egan-penned "Hearts on Fire" (previously by Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris) is an achingly beautiful ballad. This album is an enjoyable experience throughout.