New Song Of The Day: Greg Townson – Able Mable

Technically not a “new song”, this version of Able Mable was just released by Los Straitjackets guitarist Greg Townson.

What’s the point of running a website if you can’t promote your friends’ music. Greg Townson is based in Rochester, New York where he and The 13th Floor’s Marty Duda collaborated on many musical adventures back in the day.

Nowadays Greg is playing with Los Straitjackets, Nick Lowe and making his own music. Able Mable is the second track to be released from Greg’s upcoming album which is due out July 23rd.

Here’s what Greg has to say about the tune:

Able Mable was originally written and recorded by the amazing Mable John during her time at Stax Records in Memphis, TN.

I’ve always loved the distinctive rhythm section arrangement built into the song. When I was putting the instrumental arrangement together, I knew exactly who would be perfect for it; Lisa Pankratz on drums and her husband Brad Fordham on bass. They’ve performed with so many talented artists, including Dave Alvin and The Guilty Ones, and I’ve always loved the way they play together.

Los Straitjackets toured quite a bit with Dave and the band and I would just sit on the side of the stage and be amazed by how fantastic they all sounded. When i contacted Lisa and Brad, they were determined to do this, regardless of the pandemic. Thankfully they were able to safely go into Billy Horton’s studio and lay down a fantastic track. Add to that the multi-talented Jim Hoke on baritone sax, and we were in business!