What's Up EP - (El Paso) Man That's Hip - 2/24/05

by Michael Devine

In the tradition of the sweet heartbreaking country and western singing of Patsy Cline and the hard rocking howl of Wanda Jackson comes Jen "Lil Bit" Adams. For the past several years, Lil' Bit and her hard rocking Customatics have been hitting the trails all about central Texas with their hot honky tonk rock and roll. With two tasty albums under their belts, they are an act that should not be missed.

Their sound has all the traditional elements of vintage country music suped-iup with a rockabilly beat. Each member of the band has a misical legacy all their own. Stand up bass player Tomcat Miller was formerly with the Bop Kings, a band that has rocked alongside such luminaries as the Reverend Horton Heat and surf guitar legend Dick Dale. Brian Duarte, the lead guitarist, has a bit of a reckless past from going down the crazy road of psychobilly (old school punk meets rockabilly) with a San Antonio band, the Graverobbin' Bastards. That certainly livens things up a lil' bit more. Dave Crisci, the rhythm guitarist, tames it down and keeps things in control with his love of bluegrass and early country musci. And last, but surely not least, is the tiny fireball, Lil' Bit, who has a commanding stage presence and a king size set of vocal cords.

All in all, each member of this cowboy outfit brings something different to the table. They serve it up pipin' hot and full of spice.