Acoustic-Centered Collection Rewards

With any new David Lindley album, you immediately wonder who’s on board for Lindley’s latest musical odyssey. Previous partners have included guitarist Henry Kaiser, Jordanian-born percussionist Hani Naser and seemingly all of the musicians on the island nation of Madagascar.

This time around, the Prince of Polyester has recruited drummer Wally Ingram, and his latest collaboration is typically varied and rewarding.

“Twango Bango Deluxe”--featuring a dozen tunes recorded live, in performance and in the studio--is a richly textured, acoustic-centered collection of new and familiar material, including originals and typically skewed covers.

There’s nothing flashy in this rootsy mix of folk, rock, reggae, blues and country, but Lindley and Ingram nonetheless create a tasty, fulfilling musical gumbo.

The album opens on a humorous note with the not-so-nourishing “Cat Food Sandwiches,” Lindley’s twisted ditty about the perils of dining on the road when you’re not a rock star: “I’ve got cat food sandwiches waiting for me backstage / Made by a woman who looks like Jimmy Page.”

A darker tone defines the album’s overall mood. A concert staple is Lindley’s rendition of the traditional work song “Cottonmill Blues”; here, it’s a powerful opus, certainly one of his most emotionally wrought performances.

The vibe is even gloomier on Lindley-Ingram renditions of “Do You Want My Job?,” Little Village’s disturbing look at Third World oppression, and “Well Well Well,” Bob Dylan and Danny O’Keefe’s tale of economic despair.

“Well Well Well” also features Lindley’s tremendous soloing on the Turkish saz, the kind of instrumental prowess that leaves a listener awe-struck.

*

Lindley’s eclecticism and dazzling chops on all manner of other stringed instruments surface on a more subdued, reggae version of Steven Van Zandt’s “I Am a Patriot,” a breezily tropical-flavored reading of Martin Liko’s “Waimanolo Blues” and a spirited rendition of “Pay Bo Diddley.”

Ingram, who has worked with Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Timbuk 3 and Blues Traveler, among others, brings experience and versatility with him. He has a sturdy yet flexible hand, whether playing the djimbe with a brush, a marching drum with snares or a simple pair of shakers.

The uninitiated may find Lindley’s nasally voice takes getting used to. Still, except for poor enunciation on “45 Blues” and “Spodie,” Mr. Dave’s singing is serviceable and, at times, even inspired.

(Available from David Lindley Inc., P.O. Box 370, Upland, CA 91785-0370. $20, includes $5 for shipping and handling.)

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).