By Andrew W. Griffin

Red Dirt Report, editor

Posted: July 19, 2010

reddirtreporter@gmail.com

CD REVIEW: Buster Jiggs – Heartache Jubilee (Smith Ent.) 2009

With a rootsy, Americana sound, Hondo, Texas-based band Buster Jiggs has released another appealing, accessible album featuring 11 top-shelf Texas country tunes that incorporate a pop-rock sensibility that may aid any in expanding their exposure.

Guitarist Heath Childs’ simple electric riff opens up the album on the mid-tempo country-rocker “She’s Gonna Break Your Heart.” We soon are introduced to Kristin Muennink’s soulful, countrified voice. It’s strong and confident and remains so throughout the album.

Kristin Muennink, wife to drummer-songwriter Scott Muennink, sings on “Addicted to You” that she needs “a fix” and you definitely believe it.

At times, Kristin will remind me of Kathy Mattea or Lucinda Williams or even Liz Calendar of the Red River Mudcats. No wilting wallflower here. Kristin captures the listeners attention and draws you in with each note. Think Maria McKee during her Lone Justice days, just minus the extra helping of vocal twangery.

For those who like the twang a little stronger, “Heart of Mine,” a breezy country track, hums along while a Cody Canada-esque guitar sound can be heard on “When I’m Dreamin’.”

A devilish energy that dips its toe in a soulful blues-rock sound is what we get on “Madhouse”

Simple, Texas/Red Dirt-styled songs like “Ain’t It Sweet” showcases Buster Jiggs taking a classic, melancholy side trip: “I never knew this road could be so damn long,” Kristin sings, “ these broken white lines keep-a- runnin’ on and on.”

Again, guitarist Childs gets a little solo action at the end of the jangly rocker “You Don’t Have to Be Lonely.” The heartache is bubbling there at the surface.

Closing out the disc is “Down Country Lovin,’” a song guaranteed to find a place in the hearts of Texas/Red Dirt fans hither and yon.

There’s a sameness to parts of Heartache Jubilee but overall it’s a listenable album with a heart that knows joy and pain.

For more information, go to www.busterjiggs.com.

Grade - B

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