How can you say anything bad about this one? Over two dozen of my/your favorite tunes played by a stellar Austin band which features probably the best Texas blues guitarist of our era. Largely a collection of out-of-print CDs, you could retitle this “JLV’s Greatest Hits.” Vaughan’s posse contains the usual Lone Star suspects. Miss Lou Ann Barton contributes her twangy, Big Thicket vocals; George Rains, steady as a metronome, on drums; Kas Kasenoff on the baritone sax; and the late, but truly great Bill Willis on Hammond B3. 

From his earliest days, Vaughan had a soft spot for the music that originated along the Gulf Coast. Indeed, JLV spoke at one of his mentor’s funeral, Count Rockin’ Sidney in Lake Charles. Of the 31 tracks, roughly a quarter of them have ties to Louisiana. Highlights include JLV recycling Guitar Junior’s Lake Charles fireball “Roll, Roll, Roll” and ironically a swampy duet with Miss Lou Ann on Dale and Grace’s “I’m Leaving Up to You.” There’s also a couple samples from Bobby Charles’ early catalog and Jivin’ Gene’s telling “Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do.” There’s a couple of very good guitar instrumentals slipped in, and to be honest, I wish there were a few more. The collection also includes a timely tribute to Bill Willis, who takes the vocals on the timeless “Funny How Time Slips Away.” Ironically, sort of like hearing his previous band the Fabulous Thunderbirds records, lots of folks started searching for the artists who created this wonderful material. The Pleasure’s All Mine from beginning to end doesn’t disappoint. Give it a listen and the pleasure will be all yours.