The Hacienda Brothers' final album, "Arizona Motel," was released last week on Proper Records. The set is an unexpected memorial to lead singer Gaffney, who passed away in April following a short battle with liver cancer.

The California-based band wrote and recorded the majority of its new material in Arizona, where Gaffney had planned to spend his retirement. A portion of the proceeds from the album will be donated to aid Gaffney's family.

Gonzalez, best known as the frontman for blues/rockabilly combo The Paladins, spent the last six years playing beside Gaffney, who had a long career as a solo artist and also recorded and toured extensively as a member of Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men.

"People were really drawn to Gaffney's unique vocal style and his soulful, no B.S. delivery," Gonzalez said in a statement. "He was truly one of a kind, and his presence could make everyone in the room stop whatever they were doing and just listen. I am honored to have been his friend and very lucky to have written and recorded with Chris so much."

Helping Gonzalez celebrate Gaffney's life and music on the road is an all-star lineup of Texas musicians including singer/guitarist Mike Barfield, pedal-steel guitarist Dave Biller, bassist Kevin "Big K" Smith and drummer Damien Llanes.