Dale Watson is one of the strongest country & western vocalists around. As always, he is very convincing, and his tribute to truckin’ tunes is a delight. All originals, the 14 cuts presented on Truckin’ Sessions would make Bakersfield bard Red Simpson proud. Mostly upbeat, Watson manages to tip his hat to his home state of Texas with some swing on “You’ve Got a Long Way to Go” and the Bakersfield sound on the humorous “I’m Fixin’ to Have Me a Nervous Breakdown.” Straight-down-the-pike truckin’ songs like “Have You Got It On,” “Makin’ Up Time” and “…Loose Nut Behind the Wheel” keep this project moving along at a nice pace. A more melancholy Watson displays his soft center on the touching “Big Wheels Keep Rollin’.” All in all, a great ride. – Jana Pendragon