Better Times is an extended play (EP) by American country band Asleep at the Wheel. Recorded at Bismeaux on the Hill and Moonhouse Studios, it was produced by the group's frontman Ray Benson with Sam "Lightnin'" Seifert, and was released on May 28, 2021 by Benson's own label Bismeaux Productions. Better Times is the group's first release to feature steel guitarist Flavio Pasquetto, who replaced Eddie Rivers in 2019.
Background According to Asleep at the Wheel frontman Ray Benson, the title track of Better Times was written "after nearly a year of this pandemic", referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he likens to "a war with an invisible enemy". Benson performs lead vocals on the track; fiddler Katie Shore performs lead vocals on "All I'm Asking"; and the pair duet on "Columbus Stockdale Blues". The band performed "Better Times" at Benson's "birthday bash" during the 2021 South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
Track listing
Personnel
Asleep at the Wheel Ray Benson – guitar, vocals, production Katie Shore – fiddle, vocals Flavio Pasquetto – steel guitar Dennis Ludiker – fiddle, mandolin, backing vocals Josh Hoag – bass John Michael Whitby – piano David Sanger – drums
Guest performers Ginny Mac – piano, accordion Floyd Domino – piano Jason Baczynski – drums Joey Colarusso – saxophone Chloe Feoranzo – clarinet
Additional personnel Sam Seifert – production, engineering, mixing, guitar Curtis Clogston – engineering Chris Gage – additional engineering, piano Eric Conn – mastering Ellie Newman – art direction Brooke Hamilton – photography
References