Kim Lenz and the Jaguars are one roots rock & roll combo whose reputation precedes them and after hearing and reading rave reviews about this Dallas, Texas based Rockabilly Princess and her band I was eager to see for myself what the shouting was about. Miss Lenz, resplendent in a black, vintage evening dress, took the stage and proceeded to tear the Met apart for the next forty-five minutes.

Anchored by the rhythm section of upright bass slapping Shawn Supra and Drummer extraordinaire Scotty Tecce and buoyed by Nick Curran’s Paul Burlison/ Cliff Gallupesque guitar licks, Lenz showed that she’s got it and she ain’t afraid to flaunt it. Her voice alternating between a sultry croon and a bluesy growl, she showed her mastery of the fine art of rockabilly. Mixing straight ahead boppin’ rock & roll with honky tonk grit and roadhouse blues, Kim And the Boys roared through a set of fiery originals and prime roots music Chestnuts.

Highlights of the set included the Johnny Burnett sounding stomper "Howl at the Moon", a revved up rendition of Sonny Burgess’s "Flame of Love", and a cover of Patsy Klein’s "Got a Load of Rhythm in My Soul" that threatened to strip the paint from the walls. Guitarist Curran showed his versatility by plugging in his pedal steel for a couple of songs, including an incendiary version of rock & roll’s first diva Janis Martin’s "Bang Bang". All in All, Kim & company proved that American roots music is alive and kicking like a Mule.

For a further testimonial to the reigning high priestess of American bop, listen to the Jaguar’s newest long player “The One and Only” on Hightone Records. Produced by none other than Big Sandy and featuring the talents of Fly-Right Boy pianist Carl Sonny Leyland the album showcases both Miss Lenz’s songwriting mastery and her impeccable taste in covers. In fact the album’s title track is a ripping reading of an obscure Davey Houston tune from an equally obscure fifties hot rod flick. Leyland also contributes a standout song, “Coming back Strong” featuring his own boogie woogie piano licks and a growling vocal by Lenz. Buy it or cry it.

Kim Lenz's new release "The One and Only" can be found on Hightone Records.