by James Cassara

The Western swing revivalist trio Hot Club of Cowtown have defied many odds during their almost two decade tenure, persevering with a nimble mix of musical expertise, showmanship, and a love of the genre that has guided their existence.

The group, formed out of New York in 1996, were exploring and expanding a style of music that had been all but forgotten. The fact that Western swing music, as practiced today by bands including Big Sandy and His Fly Rite Boys, Wayne Hancock, and (to a lesser degree) Dave Alvin still exists can be traced in part to Hot Club. They were among the first to revitalize a proud tradition and continued praising its origins and influences before it became fashionable to do so.

Originally a duo, pairing singer/violinist Elana Fremerman (now Elana James) and singer/guitarist Whit Smith, a subsequent move to Austin (what better place to perfect Western Swing than the home state of Bob Wills) included the addition of bassist Billy Horton. The three signed to the than fledgling Hightone label and began a cycle of non-stop touring that has continued to this day.

In late 1998 they released their debut Swingin’ Stampede to strong critical reaction. While the album initially underperformed in sales, to the credit of both band and label (one of those too rare instances of mutual support) Hot Club continued to tour and sharpen their repertoire. A year later Tall Tales followed, and buzz about the band and the style of music they were championing continued to grow.

In 2000, just prior to the recording of Dev’lish Mary bassist Horton departed and was replaced my Matt Weiner. Two years later Ghost Train was released, an album that became critical to the group’s evolution. The album was a more tightly focused effort, with the band depending less on cover songs while developing their own compositional skills. It gathered very strong reviews and sold enough to confirm Hightone’s faith in the band. 2003’s Continental Stomp continued that trend as the band set a personal best record of nearly 300 performances in a year.

It would be six years before Hot Club of Cowtown would record another album. During the interim Weiner left and was quickly replaced by current bassist/vocalist Jake Erwin, while Smith and James both pursued other interests. James found herself in great demand as a session and touring artist, recording with such names as Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Merle Haggard. She also spent the better part of 2005-2008 as a member of Bob Dylan’s stage entourage. At her suggestion Ervin also toured with Dylan, as well as The Mavericks, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and the ever present Nelson. James also found time to record a very fine 2007 solo album.

The 2009 release of Wishful Thinking put the band back front and center. All three put aside other interests to concentrate on taking Hot Club to a higher level of exposure. A 2008 ballpark tour with Dylan and Nelson gave them a much wider audience and they wisely took advantage of that visibility.

In early 2011 the band gave full praise to their spiritual mentor with What Makes Bob Holler, a collection of tunes performed by Bob Wills. 2013’s Rendezvous in Rhythm was a return to songwriting, a solid connection that remained true to the band’s roots while expanding upon familiar themes.

Given that the band derived its name from the Paris “Hot Club” nightspot made famous by Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, and the dusty Cowtown environs traveled by Wills, it’s no surprise that their sound is equally steeped in jazz and country. Those two influences swing easily one into the other and Hot Club of Cowtown have always made the best of both worlds. It is music that both respects and adds to its heritage of equal parts head and heart.

The interplay between James, Smith, and Ervin has never been more pronounced; nuanced in ways that exhibits a bravado mix of gifted musicianship and endless time spent on the road. It’s been far too long since the band has played our town; making this an early New Year must see show.

If You Go: Hot Club of Cowtown on Friday, January 10, 2014, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7). Tickets are priced at $12 ADV/$15 day of show for this partially seated, all ages show. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. (828) 232-5800, www.thegreyeagle.com