Diane Hubka & the Sun Canyon Band - Moon Over Larrabee (2025)

This is an L.A. band more entrenched in country on their sophomore release, though they are steeped generously in various genres: folk, Americana, R&R, swing & blues. The independently released album contains 12 well-recorded songs in L.A. for Moon Over Larrabee produced by Rick Mayock (vocals/acoustic, electric & baritone guitars), Diane Hubka (rhythm guitar), & Frank Rosato.

What’s apparent is that the lyrics to some can be somewhat elementary compared to the fine musicianship that’s laid down by these fine players. The lead Rick Mayock track, “Sun Canyon,” is weighed down by juvenile rhyme schemes. His “Moon Over Larrabee,” however, redeems him. This is quite improved. Far better & engaging.

Originally a jazz artist who lived 2 decades in NYC, Diane brought her warm, skilled chanteuse voice to the Sun Canyon Band & now wears a cowboy hat. She possesses a countrified tone, is consistently entertaining & puts her signature on everything she sings. Her set is always perceptive & sincere. The musicians are proficient & even the cover of the Louvin’s “If I Could Only Win Your Love” (featuring guitarist Albert Lee) is genuine & country pure.

As is the Townes Van Zandt cover “If I Needed You,” – a stunner, with airy support & Diane’s effortless vocal. Rick provides his vocals on “Dark Side of Town,” & he’s effective throughout with a country tune that dips a toe into a noir pond. Nice touch. Diane returns with more homespun, well-articulated vocals on “Two Birds,” another good Mayock tune.

The band goes rockier with a Delbert McClinton cover: “Two More Bottles of Wine.” And while rock may not be their forte, Diane’s vocals sustain the groove & the country accompaniment fills the spaces with near-rockabilly propulsion. Good effort. The more traditional stuff is well done, but it’s been heard before.

A jazzier piece showcases Diane’s excellent style with colorful vocal scat improvisation on “It’s Hard To Say,” that would make both Ella Fitzgerald & Anita O’Day smile. What’s surprising is how the musicians take their musical break & insert some impressive country-jazz finesse.

“Ordinary Madness” is a good duet written & sung by Rick with Diane, but again, the lyrics fall between the cracks of cliches despite the instinctively good playing & lovely music. It’s not easy to write great lyrics, is it? But then they tackle the late Fred Neil’s “The Other Side to This Life,” which, lyrically, is glorious. Rick sings this one with authority.