Galleywinter

I hope that life without a chaperone is what you thought it’d be
I hope your brother’s El Camino runs forever
I hope the world sees the same person that you’ve always been to me
And may all your favorite bands stay together
-Dawes “All Your Favorite Bands”

The words of Taylor Goldsmith rang out late into the Turnpike Troubadours’ set Saturday night at Waco’s Extraco Events Center, a cavernous mid-century arena that has hosted everything from Elvis to Monster Jam to rodeos and Rodney Carrington over the years. The main reason many folks were there on this night was to see the return of Turnpike.  The one person not onstage when bassist RC Edwards sang this song had been the focus of everyone’s attention and expectation for weeks, if not months.  In introducing the song, Edwards said “How you doin’ Waco?  It’s good to be here…it’s good to be anywhere.”  Evan Felker had performed “Diamonds and Gasoline” acoustic accompanied only by steel guitar player Hank Early on a dobro on the song prior before making his exit to let the band shine without him for a tune.  The overtones were ominous and the vibe dark during this moment, but by the time Felker rejoined the band onstage for “Long Hot Summer Day” all was right with the world.  If a statement regarding the band’s future was being made, it was brief.  The band was staying together…for now.

After opening sets from Parker McCollum and Britt Kerr, the Troubadours hit the stage a little after 10:30pm and didn’t let up until just before midnight.  McCollum in particular delivered a rousing opening set that had the early arrivals pumped and singing along.  He gave several deferential shoutouts to the Turnpike Troubadours and a pall of anxious energy hung over the entire arena.  Conversations in beer lines and bathroom stalls all revolved around if Felker would show up, if he’d be in a good frame of mind, if he’d be affected by the Miranda Lambert marriage news and on and on.

The house lights dimmed and the entire band strode confidently strode onstage led by fiddler Kyle Nix.  After some standard hemming and hawing and tuning, during which many in the crowd were shouting enthusiastic encouragements, the band kicked off the set with “The Housefire”.  Ryan Engelman’s tele cut through the thick air of anxiety as Felker struggled to match the intensity and energy of his bandmates who all seemed extremely relieved and excited to be onstage.

But, then it happened.  You could see the empowerment and relief wash over Felker’s body language like a wave crashing into the sand.  He looked around at the guys, smirked and seemed immediately at ease the moment that first song ended.  “How ya doin’ Waco? Give it up for Parker McCollum!”  And with that, Felker cast gazes at Edwards and Nix as they assembled behind their mics to deliver the acapella opening strains of “Every Girl”.  In the brief seconds after that intro and the first verse, Felker smiled throughout.  He was gaining confidence with each lyric.  He made constant eye contact with many in the crowd and smiled and waved throughout the show.  People continued to shout things such as “We love you Evan!” and “Kansas City Southern!” Felker seemed genuinely humbled and amused that people care that much.  As usual, Nix and Engelman kept the show moving with their fierce virtuosity and joy.  Edwards adeptly plowed through the lowends with drummer Gabe Pearson.  Early utilized his talents in various manners and the whole Turnpike machine rolled on through the show like it has never hit a speed bump.  In fact, if one had not known there had been all sorts of recent issues, one would still not know.

As the band hit the chorus the second time on “7&7”, the crowd could audibly be heard yelling the lyrics over the PA. The group proceeded to knock out favorite song after favorite song.  “Wrecked”, “1968”, “Blue Star”, “Gin Smoke and Lies” rolled out in succession. Felker gaining animation and ease with each number.  It all evokes the provocative words of Goldsmith that Edwards sang.  However, this time it would be,

Now I’m just waking up and I’m not thinking clearly so don’t quote me
With one eye open I’m writing you this song
Ain’t it funny how some people pop into your head so easily
I haven’t seen you in there for so long

The Turnpike Troubadours are the best country band in the land when firing on all cylinders and one of the biggest spectacles in country music when not.  Thankfully for them, and all the rest of us, all signs point toward the former rather than the latter.  May all our favorite bands stay together indeed.

Turnpike Troubadours Set List
2/16/19
Waco, TX

The Housefire
Every Girl
7 & 7
Wrecked
1968
Blue Star
Gin Smoke and Lies
Down Here
Something To Hold On To
Tornado Warning
Good Lord Lorrie
Kansas City Southern
Whole Damn Town
Bossier City
Diamonds and Gasoline (EF acoustic)
All Your Favorite Bands (RC Edwards – Dawes cover)
Long Hot Summer Day
Pay No Rent
The Bird Hunters

all photos credit:  Tim Murphy –Crackers and Cucumbers

Austin Meade is a young cat that we’ve been excited about for a quite a while. A millennial with a 70’s soul, Meade’s songwriting skills are beyond his years. His guitar prowess adds some vintage rock ‘n’ roll edge that contrasts his smooth melodies that are easy on the ears. We’ve featured Meade on 20 Questions and he’s played River Jam several years running, including last year’s Saturday night full band performance at the River Road Ice House.

Austin Meade’s latest album, “Waves” hits the streets on March 1^st.  As the title suggests, Meade looks at life through a surfer’s eyes, riding the crests while enduring the troughs.  Sometimes you reminisce on the epic rides with exuberance; sometimes you lick your wounds and learn from the wipe outs.

We’re fortunate to give you a sneak peek by premiering the track “Growing Pains” here at Galleywinter. Meade’s upbeat but mellow delivery is backed by a groovy drumbeat that gets your head nodding from the get-go. It’s an open the sunroof type of tune that will turn your spirits after a challenging day.

Meade told us:

“’Growing Pains’ was one of the first songs that I put together for this album ‘Waves’. I was at a crossroads in life… deciding whether to keep pushing forward, or dropping my goals to please someone else. It’s a hard thing to realize that someone or something you love just isn’t right for you. But after making the decision to go for what I wanted, I became much happier. It felt like the universe was lining things up in perfect order for me. Every now and then I’ll hit a wave of bad luck, but then it turns back around. ‘Growing Pains’ is that voice in the back of my head every now and then that reminds me of how things used to be.”

We dig it so much that we’re giving away an Austin Meade autographed vinyl of “Waves.” Leave a comment below and we’ll pick a winner.

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