Now rolling into its fifth decade as America’s premier Western swing institution, Asleep at the Wheel (AATW) has figured out how to keep it fresh while remaining faithful to the canon. Collaborations appear to be the key, and this billing with former Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys’ Leon Rausch couldn’t be more appropriate. Rausch joined the Playboys in the late ‘50s and later guided AATW during its formative years in the early ‘70s. Like AATW, he has been instrumental in keeping Wills’ legacy alive with his various Texas Playboys II incarnations. At 83, the golden baritone’s vocals are as strong as ever and come equipped with a sunny demeanor. He’s not the smooth crooner like legendary alumnus Tommy Duncan, but his slightly raspy vocals do have character and are more akin to a seasoned blues or jazz singer.

Unpredictability is the other key, meaning that though Rausch is heavily featured, he shares the limelight with three alternating AATW vocalists as well as Willie Nelson on “Truck Driver’s Blues.” This is hardly a Western swing songbook rehash, either. Some of the best performances come from selections outside the box, such as the swinging Peggy Lee title track and the playful showtune-like duet (“Alright, Okay, You Win”) between Rausch and Elizabeth McQueen that works well despite the obvious age difference. Though many would have retired way before this, Leon Rausch proves that you’re never too old to cut the mustard.