Playing what he calls "urban hillbilly" music, Wink Kaziah has drawn comparisons to country rebels like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but also pioneering country-rock artist Gram Parsons and current master of the genre Ryan Adams. Backed by his trusty sidemen, Delux Motel, the North Carolina native sings from rough-and-tumble personal experience and hard living, a philosophy exuded by his much-lauded album "Working Songs for the Drinking Class" and his latest effort, "Hard Times." The music is raw, gritty, supercharged Americana that's aimed at and dedicated to the working man (and woman).

Wink Keziah & Delux Motel play Thursday, August 6, 9 p.m. at Abilene Bar & Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way. Free. 232-3230.