Vermilion Parish is Louisiana’s biggest cattle-producing parish, so it stands to reason that with that many cattle, cowboys and an affinity for country music will follow. Apparently Vermilion Parish has an affinity for native son Garland Thompson as well, given that many of its parishioners helped launch his honky tonk debut. With a supporting squadron that includes steel ace Richard Comeaux, guitarist Tony Ardoin, pianist Eric Adcock, bassist Chevy Foreman, fiddlers Beau Thomas and John Buckelew, The First Time draws heavily upon the canons of Hank Williams and Merle Haggard. Even though these selections are familiar (“Wedding Bells,” “Working Man Blues”), Thompson still manages to apply a certain boot-scooting vibrancy to them.

But where things really hit their stride is in the four, previously unrecorded tunes written by late brother-in-law Tim Sonnier. After Thompson showed him his first chords, Sonnier developed a knack for songwriting that’s particularly evident on the title track and “Someone Move the Bandstand a Little Closer.” On the latter, a dancehall floozy attempts to lure the poor, stoned performer. He’s sweating bullets because behind her looms a menacing-looking boyfriend and the only thing that matters now is escape. Next time out, Thompson would do well to play more of his strongest suit, the songs of Sonnier.