Lil’ Bit & The Customatics “LONE STAR GIRL” ©2007 Tomcattin’ Round Records Review by Jinelle Boyd Jen “Lil’ Bit” Adams channels her inner-Patsy (Cline) on the latest release from the Customatics, “LONE STAR GIRL” (Tomcattin’ Round Records), a whopping 14-carat (actually 14-cut) goldmine of an offering. The song selection is clever, comfortable and fun to follow, with impressive lead vocals on a few tracks by the best doggone doghouse bass player in the rockabilly universe, Tomcat Miller. But I would be remiss if I didn’t stress how much Jen’s already unique vocal talents have just catapulted into the honky-tonk rafters on this project! Rounded out with lead guitar cat Brian Duarte’s pleasantly recognizable sound, and the addition of Rich Alcorta on perfectly peppered percussion, Lil’ Bit & the Customatics have seriously raised the bar for ALL honky-tonk-a-billy wannabes! A special guest appearance by MTM member Keith “The Texas Pianoman” Magel is like the prize in the box of cracker jacks (I’m talking about cracker jack prizes from the ‘70’s when they were reeeeal cooool). Don’t be a square – get this CD NOW! Additional reviews from Lucky Boyd: Lil’ Bit and the Customatics are the next great thing to come from San Antonio, Texas. The 2005 release “WHISKEY NIGHTS” (Tomcattin’ Round Records) is the band’s best offering yet, as Jen Adams (Lil’ Bit) croons some of the best swing and rockabilly around. We like to call it honky-tonk-a-billy, and you’ll know why quickly as Adams wastes no time getting into the groove on the opening cut. Their third album in as many years, this band is doing things in fine fashion, garnering support everywhere they play. Tomcat Miller (bass) is featured on “Train Train” and it’s a tune you don’t want to miss. Dave Crisci (acoustic guitar) rounds out the sound of this amazing quartet (sans drums, you won’t miss them). Brian Duarte (lead guitar) was nominated for a 2005 Musician of the Year Award by the Texas Music Awards for his work on their 2004 release “HEADIN’ ON.” Listen to “Country Boy Rock n’ Roll” or “Stampede” and you might hear another nomination approaching quickly. Speaking of “HEADIN’ ON,” this sophomore project showed a maturation of the band’s sound while continuing to deliver solid writing and arrangements. Their debut offering “SHORT AND SWEET” (Papa’s Poorhouse Records) is a treasure chest filled with more Texas honky-tonk-a-billy gems that turn a page in time. Influenced by the sounds of Loretta Lynn and Lester Flatt, this marriage of the two styles will appeal to those fond of the yesterday sound of 1950’s radio and will bring current music fans face to face with a taste of down home Texas music. Jen Adams is out front on this project, and as Lil’ Bit, she leads the pack well, penning a pair of songs for the album. Then band member, Brent Warren III writes five of the album’s eleven cuts. One listen, and you’ll be the next Customatics fan