Two years ago Eunice’s KBON 101.1 FM stepped up to the plate like no other Southwest Louisiana radio station had—by airing 24 hours of Louisiana artists covering all genres. Now KBON’s Paul Marx has expanded the mission with a new record label that’s rightfully christened Louisiana Proud. Surprisingly, their disc debut is not Cajun, zydeco or even swamp pop but bluegrass that’s an insatiable quantity in crawfish country. 190 Express is a trio from neighboring Elton playing a pleasurable brand of bluegrass (read: no banjo) with two guitars and a suitcase bass that’s not exactly carry-on luggage. There’s a Carter family affinity with the opening track, “You Are My Flower” and commendable covers of the popular “Hadacol Boogie,” “Five Pounds of Possum” and the Marx-penned “Please Don’t Cry For Me.” While they’re not the blitzing, breakneck sort of young bucks, Stan Esters does establish himself as a crisp picker while the threesome’s strong suit is their vocal harmonies backed by a steady acoustic accompaniment.

Louisiana Proud sophomore release showcases the pops of swamp pop: Johnny Allen, Warren Storm, Rod Bernard, Li’l Alfred and Willie Tee—the same guys who made it famous back in the Brylcreem days. This time, it’s not the same ole, same ole. It’s a solid batch of new songs spiced with swaying, rolling saxes and lip-blistering trumpet playing from Marshall Cyr. Best yet, each of the featured vocalists still sounds like they would be oh so handsome in their last letter jacket. With these fellers crooning and waxing away, swamp pop could (to paraphrase Bernard) go on forever or at least gyrate a little longer.