Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-04-24
Photo: Courtesy of StarVista Music
As he turns 75, Ray Benson is taking a reflective look back at one of the most unexpected and adventurous projects of his career, Swingin’ and Skankin’, his groundbreaking mix of Western swing and reggae.
Reissued on April 24 via StarVista Music, Benson invites listeners to revisit his 2024 album that united two unlikely musical traditions.
The frontman of GRAMMY-winning Asleep at the Wheel explores new musical territory with help from Willie Nelson, Warren Haynes, members of Asleep at the Wheel, jazz icon Stanley Jordan, and reggae legends Sly Dunbar and Pato Banton, bridging the “two-step” of Texas swing with the laid-back “one drop” of Jamaican reggae.
Stream Swingin’ and Skankin’ HERE.
View previously unreleased behind-the-scenes video of the recording sessions in Jamaica (including Sly Dunbar on drums) HERE.
For Benson, this reissue is more than a re-release: it’s a moment of reflection as he looks back at a life filled with artistry, hits, awards, and sold-out tours.
And as new collaborations increasingly inspire country music to grow and evolve, the time seemed right for fans to take a second listen to Swingin’ and Skankin’.
“I was looking to go to a musical place where no man had ever gone before, just like in Star Trek,” explains Benson. “Music is freedom, so why not give it a try?”
Originally conceived by renowned reggae producer Doctor Dread (founder of RAS Records), the album brought together two musical worlds that share deep roots in driving rhythms, improvisation, genre-bending, and storytelling.
What emerged is a natural, unexpectedly delightful musical conversation that feels both familiar and entirely new, where songs like “Route 66” and “On the Road Again” are reborn with rhythmic warmth and laid-back island vibes.
The album’s journey began in Kingston, Jamaica, where Benson and longtime Asleep at the Wheel collaborator Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan’s musical director and bassist) recorded the foundational tracks at Gussie Clarke’s Music Works studio.
Backed by an all-star lineup of reggae artists including Sly Dunbar (drums), Dwight Pinkney (lead guitar), Steve Golding (rhythm guitar), and Robbie Lyn (keyboards), the sessions unfolded with infectious energy.
Twelve tracks were recorded over just two nights, fueled by creative chemistry between the musicians and the spirit of Kingston.
From there, the songs traveled to Austin, Texas, where Benson layered in Western swing elements ranging from pedal steel to accordion alongside contributions from special guests, with Doctor Dread, Jim Fox, and Steve Mazur overseeing production and final mixes at Benson’s own studio.
The result is a seamless blend of styles that defies categorization, a testament to Benson’s artistry, versatility, and creative curiosity that knows no bounds.
Featured Collaborations Include:
“On the Road Again” featuring Willie Nelson
“Boogie Back to Texas” featuring Pato Banton
“Highway 61 Revisited” featuring Warren Haynes
“Got Riddim” featuring Sly Dunbar, Tony Garnier, Dwight “Brother Dee” Pinkney, Steve Golding, Robbie Lyn, and Stanley Jordan
Additional contributions from Asleep at the Wheel co-founder Lucky Oceans, fiddle player Katie Shore, and saxophonist Joey Colarusso helped ground the album in Benson’s musical roots while pushing it into new territory.
While Swingin’ and Skankin’ is rich with collaboration, its defining element remains Benson himself. His unmistakable baritone anchors each song, guiding the listener through every note.
Founded in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years, led by Ray Benson since its beginning.
Although the band got its start on a farm in Paw Paw, West Virginia, Asleep at the Wheel became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas scene upon its arrival in 1973.
Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 GRAMMY Awards.
About StarVista Music
With years of experience distributing entertainment-based content and live entertainment through its sister company, StarVista LIVE, StarVista Music is a trusted and effective label partner.
The company provides world-class resources, including multi-channel marketing, publicity, promotion, in-house creative expertise, and long-standing industry relationships and partnerships built over its history.
