Hot Club Of Cowtown - Wishful Thinking (Proper) Their first studio album since 2002, Hot Club Of Cowtown have busied themselves over the intervening years with multiple tours of the UK, and quite possibly, everywhere else. Now back in the UK with a new album to promote and play (there’s a two week tour winding its way ‘round the country as I type, including a Leicester show at The Musician on Saturday 23rd May), their trademark sound, a finger-snappin’ melt of European Jazz and Western Swing, remains unchanged. I’ve heard Wishful Thinking described as a rock opera, due mainly to the character driven songs and the stories they tell, but there’s little to connect the pieces, so best to enjoy them as they are rather than trying to find a narrative. It’s a sophisticated collection, with great playing and vocals, both lead and harmony, and if you’ve previously enjoyed this talented trio, then you wont want to miss this. Check out future dates on their website. www.hotclubofcowtown.com www.themusicianpub.co.uk Rob F. Next