Chris Gaffney dies at 57

Gaffney grew up in Arizona, where he learned to play the accordion as a young child. In 1977, he joined with keyboardist Wyman Reese, who also produced Gaffney's initial solo efforts. "Road to Indio" in 1986, a disc of '50s rock, soul, and Bakersfield honky tonk. "Chris Gaffney & the Cold Hard Facts" followed in 1990. His third solo effort, "Mi Vida Loca, " was issued in 1992. "Loser's Paradise" came out in 2003. The album was produced by Alvin and featured contributions from Lucinda Williams and Jim Lauderdale.

Gaffney also recorded and toured extensively as a member of Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men. Gaff's most current project, The Hacienda Brothers is a collaboration between Gaffney and Dave Gonzalez, best known as the guitarist, singer, and songwriter with the veteran blues-rockabilly combo the Paladins.

Teaming up with David Berzansky on pedal steel, Hank Maninger on bass, and Dale Daniel on drums, the duo became The Hacienda Brothers,. Dan Penn produced the self-titled debut in 2005. A live CD, "Music For Ranch & Town," was released in August 2007. The Hacienda Brothers recorded their 4th CD, "Arizona Motel," that will be released nationally on June 24th.

Plans are in the works for the band to tour in support of the CD in tribute to Chris Gaffney.