No Stranger to a Tele

The title of this CD refers to Redd Volkaert's tenure as guitarist in Merle Haggard's band, the Strangers, and the Fender Telecaster that he wields with such agility. Instrumentals like the title tune, with its musical reference to Haggard's "Mama Tried," and "Diminishing Flames" offer jauntiness as reminiscent of Les Paul as of the great instrumental records by Haggard's helpers. Elsewhere, Volkaert displays an engaging baritone singing country classics like Wynn Stewart's "Big, Big Love" and Johnny Bush's cheatin' song "Conscience Turn Your Back." Guitar lovers and Telecaster fans (a breed apart) will find much here to like, but the sensitive instrumental reading of Haggard's weeper "Forget You Everyday" epitomizes the musicality that makes No Stranger to a Tele a treat for anyone. --Michael Ross