EMI

Sometimes making music – even if it is “uncharacteristic” – is just too fun. The Little Willies – Norah Jones (piano, vocals), Jim Campilongo (guitar), Lee Alexander (bass), Richard Julian (guitar, vocals) and Dan Rieser (drums) – first joined forces in 2003 over a love of American music. For the Good Times, the group’s second release, is a rambling affair, shifting from honky tonk to traditional and old-time country with covers from Loretta Lynn, Ralph Stanley, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Lefty Frizell, among others. Campilongo (who also penned one cut) provides some stinging licks, while Jones and Julian’s vocals invoke the proper twang. The loose interplay exemplifies the band’s intent and album title. Stand out tracks include Cal Martin’s revved-up trucker’s tale “Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves” and Dolly Parton’s dark, piano-driven “Jolene.”