Swinging with the Little Willies

Every time I listen to the Little Willies – which is rarely anytime outside of their release week, I must admit —I’m surprised how the group hits a sweet spot for me. Never an overly enthusiastic advocate of Norah Jones, nor the biggest proponent of swinging country covers toward a jazz beat considerably smoother than Western Swing, the group’s two albums are nonetheless comfort music for me: songs I never tire of performed with warmth but not too much reverence. Their métier is knowing retro, a stylized spin on the past designed for the present, but the group never winks and is never lazy even when they take it easy. There’s no marked difference between the new For The Good Times and their 2006 debut apart from just the slightest hint of increased humor and relaxation, which may not be enough for a swinging Saturday night but it could serve as soundtrack to a lively Sunday morning.