Big Sandy and the Fly-Rite Trio “On the Go” 1992. No Hit Records. Oh, the voice of pure sweet summer honey! This album was the second (of fourteen and counting) full-length release by Big Sandy and remains my absolute favorite. Stripped-down, clear rockabilly/western swing perfection.

In March 1994 Joe, our friend Matt and I drove to Austin, Texas for South By Southwest, back when a music lover could just go without plan or tickets, walk in and enjoy the shows. Now it is a star-studded, music industry staple but in ‘94 the biggest buzz was the (surprise?) performance of Johnny Cash at one of the SxSW venues.

This album (in its recorded cassette form) went on heavy rotation during the 20+ hour drive from Milwaukee to Texas as we meandered on and off of old Route 66. Our vague plan was to see Big Sandy and the Fly-Rite Trio once we got to SxSW, crashing at my good friend Carrie’s place along with a motley of crazy roommates and stray pets. Big Sandy and the Fly Rite Trio played at La Zona Rosa, along with Dave and Phil Alvin. That show was the first of many over the years and I’ve had the opportunity to chat with Big Sandy (née Robert Williams) and he is as sweet as his voice.

“Hold Me” is my favorite track on this album and “Draggen-It Boogie” is a close second, for its delightful humor about his girl’s inability to dance. And on the vinyl’s run-off groove is etched “keep draggen it” on Side 1 and “I’m glad I found Big Sandy” on Side 2.  Me too, production dude, me too.