The Panhandlers announce debut

Tracked live to analog tape by producer Bruce Robison, the group's self-titled debut is a modern disc recorded in the old-school, straight-to-tape spirit of their 1960s and '70s influences.

"There wasn't a computer in the building when we were recording, which was great," Green said. "It seemed to fit with the whole vibe of the album. We wanted to release a collection of lonesome West Texas songs with that inherent vibe of wind, dust and tumbleweeds."

"The album feels like a story many people have lived or heard," Abbott says. "it's an honest rural reflection of life, voiced here from the panhandle and west Texas, but it's not limited to those areas. Anyone from small town America can releate to the balance of blessings and hardships that life offers. People will love this album because its real."

Abbott and Green both have enjoyed solo careers. Baumann has released four studio albums with "Proving Grounds" out in 2017. Baumann also wrote "Gulf Moon," recorded by Kenny Chesney for the record, "Songs For The Saints."

Initially envisioned as a collection of cover songs honoring the sound and spirit of West Texas (specifically area mainstays The Flatlanders), The Panhandlers' debut grew into an original record during a songwriting session in Marfa, Texas.

Later, after reconvening in the recording studio with Robison, they recorded each song in two or three takes. The music is laced with pedal steel, fiddle, banjo, Dobro, guitar and percussion.

The album kicks off with a cover of Lubbock, Texas songwriter Charlie Stout's "West Texas in My Eye." Each songwriters has the chance to take lead on a song two along with providing harmonies.

The Panhandlers was recorded to two-inch tape, with all the musicians playing together in the same room. It will be released independently via The Next Waltz, Robison's artist-driven record label.

The Panhandlers make their live debut this Wednesday, Jan. 8 at The Music Fest in Steamboat, Col. More dates will be announced soon.