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'The Train' worth seeing

The Bakersfield Californian | Thursday, Jan 28 2010 04:48 PM

Last Updated Thursday, Jan 28 2010 04:48 PM

Look out, folks; a train is coming. More to the point, THE train is coming. Even more to the point, Wayne "The Train" Hancock is coming. To Fishlips. Tonight.

For those unfamiliar with Hancock's work, allow me to present a brief primer. First off, he is unlike any other artist performing anywhere. There may be a few imitators out there, but Wayne Hancock is truly the real deal. The undisputed king of juke-joint swing, Hancock's music takes the genre to new heights, blending it with big band, Texas swing, country, rock and blues. Honestly, I've seen more live music than almost anybody I know, and I have never seen anyone else do what he does. And that's a very good thing. There's simply no other show like a Wayne Hancock show. Wanna get your swing dance on? This is the show for you. Or if you prefer to sit back and enjoy a truly unique concert experience, you're sure to love this show.

One of the biggest problems facing the music business these days is that it all sounds the same. Hancock, on the other hand, takes his music in a direction that few other artists would dare to go. He carries with him the legacy of Hank Williams, Hank Thompson and so many other of the early pioneers of real country music. An Austin legend, Hancock tours pretty much non-stop, with his excellent band. If you're a fan of the old-school upright bass, you will be especially happy with this show.

Now, Hancock's stuff isn't for everybody. It's sort of 90 proof. Those who get it will be thrilled, but there are people who have never experienced true country music and they might find it a little odd. Another group will be those who have never heard him before but come to the show to hear something new and walk away fans for life.

I've seen these guys a bunch of times, and they never disappoint. The music, the crowd (swing music fans come from hundreds of miles away), and the overall vibe is something everyone needs to experience for themselves. It's just a great show.

If you'd like to dip your toe into the Wayne Hancock experience without diving in, get one of his albums. They're all fantastic. His first album, "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs," came out in 1995, just after his stint in the Marines. Fans back then were blown away by the fact that anyone made a record that showed such care and respect for the legacy of Hank Williams. It's a must-have. His new album, "The Viper of Melody," is just as good. It's like all seven of Hancock's albums are one big compilation, each a continuation of the one before. There's a reason for that -- Wayne The Train doesn't alter his style to fit the times. He does what he does, and he does it well. He's keeping a nearly forgotten chapter in music history alive, and he's doing it nearly on his own.

Come see him play Friday night and, like me, you'll be mighty glad he's made a career of it. And I promise you this: Come to this show and you won't miss another. Fishlips books this band pretty much every time he makes it to the West Coast, which is not often enough. And it's a great venue, just the right size, and features a great sound system. The mojitos don't hurt either.

As if Wayne Hancock weren't awesome enough on his own, there's a great opening act. Grant Langston and The Supermodels are probably familiar to Fishlips patrons. They recorded their live album, "Live in Bakersfield" there, and these guys put on a great show, too. Well-written originals mixed with country classics make these guys almost too good to be an opening act, but, hey -- it's Wayne the freaking Train! Plus there's a sort of freak show aspect to the band. Larry Marciano is one of the best high-octane guitarists around, Josh Fleeger's hair is worth the price of admission, and drummer Tony Horkins is a Brit with perfect teeth. Creepy!

So here's the deal: Get off your couch, get over to Fishlips, and let's all forget about the worries of the world for a night. We'll all take a trip back, to a time when country music didn't suck. Dance around, make some noise, and enjoy a beverage.

Then we'll all go home happy.

These are Scott Cox's opinions and not necessarily those of The Californian.