This is what rock and roll used to sound like, the music that started everybody rockin' in the first place. It’s not really gone, it’s riding a GHOST TRAIN that echoes through our memories and dreams; it’s howling whistle reminding us of the people we used to be, and of a time many of us will never forget. The GHOST TRAIN is about to make another run, carrying the souls of those whose music changed the world. They shot across the sky like an arrow, and for a short time, the universe smiled. And then…they were gone. And the universe went numb again.
This tribute collection by Alan Cassaro zeroes in on some of the greatest rockers to ever walk the planet, the real prototypes of the genre. Here’s a partial list of artists and influences that are acknowledged in this collection: Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Eddie Cochran, Earl Palmer, Rick Nelson, Baker Knight, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Arthur Gunter, Bill Black, Scotty Moore, Jerry Lee Lewis, Otis Blackwell, Johnny and Dorsey Burnette, Grady Martin, Paul Burlison, Floyd Cramer, Norman Petty, Sam Phillips, Art Rupe, Owen Bradley- and on and on.
And yes, there’s Larry Williams too… (Would someone take away Larry’s gun, please? THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS is not permitted on the GHOST TRAIN.)
As we were almost ready to go to press, the train had to slow down long enough to pick up the poet lauriet of "Rockabilly Noir", Lee Hazlewood. Welcome. Let’s fire one up for Lee, everybody.
This is Al’s followup album to his 2004 CD, “Rock, Bop, Folk, and Pop “Featuring Remember the Alamo” Vol 1”., but this one is being released under his real name, “Alan Cassaro”, a name he hasn't used professionally since 1965. Why now? Because it's time.
It's too bad that none of these artists could be here in the flesh, but they are here in spirit. Al’s sixth sense gives him the insight to render both faithful and fresh versions of these classics, and in some cases, actually channel a few of the guys.
Most of the performances are new, but we’ve included a few of Al’s early recordings as well- some “ghosts” of his own, including “Gotta Get To Mobile”, a single he had out in 1964 on the Integrity Label (You can pick up the original 45 single at some of the vinyl websites, but the CD version sounds a hell of of a lot better, taken from the original master)
So drop the needle on your CD and fasten your seatbelts, we're heading all the way up to Memphis! There’s soft drinks and beer. If you need something stronger, go ask Elvis, Rick, or Johnny Cash; I’m sure they’ll be happy to share.
(notes by Paul Penfield)
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