Mickee Faust’s house band crosses the tracks with new CD

Review by Margie Menzel

Eclectic Acoustic lives up to its name with the release of “Crossing the Tracks,” its first CD. The good-time group, known as the house band at the Mickee Faust Clubhouse, delivers its trademark harmonies and expert picking on songs ranging from “Gulf Coast Highway” to “There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens.”

“Our repertoire is vast and varied,” singer and percussionist Norma Reesor said. “We have hundreds of songs. We call ourselves ‘Eclectic’ because we like to play a variety of music: country, folk, bluegrass, Texas swing, old pop and blues songs.

“We like songs that have good melodies and good harmonies and are fun to play.”

That’s a fair description of “Crossing the Tracks,” on which Eclectic cuts loose with “Cold Tattoo,” a bluegrass tune, “Gin and Moxie,” a blues tune, and “Goodnight Loving Time,” a cowboy tune.

The group has been together six years. In addition to Reesor, the members are Peter Smith, who plays guitar; Andy Opel, upright bass; Dennis Hardin on banjo and dobro; and Steve McDowell, guitar and mandolin. Each has been a musician for decades, and each brought the group a certain style of music. Nearly everyone sings.

“That’s kind of unique for a group, that we distribute the lead vocals,” McDowell said. “We all enjoy them.”

“We’re known for our harmonies,” Reesor said.

Eclectic Acoustic got its start when the members were asked to provide pre- and post-show music for a cabaret by the Mickee Faust Club six years ago: “We were born in the backyard,” Reesor said. The band performed at Faust’s two “Inaugural Bawls,” in 2001 and 2005, along with fundraisers for environmental and community groups, the Quilt Show at the R.A. Gray Building, and the Downtown Market. They’re currently among the regular performers at the Mockingbird Café in Havana.

The group sought to deliver its performance sound on “Crossing the Tracks,” and succeeds. It’s live to tape, with no overdubbing, and was recorded in a single eight-hour session.

“We sang together because it gave us the energy we have in performance,” said McDowell. “It gives you more energy, but it’s not perfect.” It sure is fun, though.

“Crossing the Tracks” is available by calling 841-3259.