Free Music from Millport Arts (guys you know individually from different bands).
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Today in Music
One day like today... 1973 Willie Nelson staged his first Fourth of July Picnic in Dripping Springs, TX.
1982 Ozzy Osbourne married his manager, Sharon Arden, the daughter of powerful music business manager Don Arden.
2001 Cory Morrow puts on the first "Willie's Day Off" show. Willie didn't have a picnic that year so Cory put one together that featured: Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kevin Fowler, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Dub Miller, Bash Rip Rock, Doug Moreland, the Geezinslaws and many others.
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GreenFest this year is going to be vastly different than years past. We're going old school and throwing everything about it being an "event" out the window. GreenFest started back when it was about people. It was formed as an idea to get together and meet and see each other on a weekend when no one was playing any music because we believed that most important, just behind the music, were the people.
Somewhere along the line we started having fun and wanted GreenFest to be bigger and better and show off new talent around the scene. We packed as much music as we could possibly handle into 6-7 hours. What we were left with was alot of really good music... but nothing substantially different than the rest of the years festivals and events. We all had fun, we all drank the bar dry, we lost money, we made money, we listened to music... but something just wasn't the same.
So this year we pushed off the date so we could regroup. We asked the questions of is GreenFest really even needed anymore? Should we get a bigger band and make a festival out of it? Should we just do acoustic? And what we came up with was that we wanted to go back to the vibe of a bunch of people meeting up at Georges to hang out over Big O's or meet up for lunch and then head to the Copper Tank.
Back to the basics is our theme and GreenFest is an important time in all our lives. It's a weekend that we're going to turn it up and laugh, joke, eat, float, listen to music and make friendships that will last for years. And.. make it a weekend that you can be part of as much or as little as you want to.
Here's the skinny on what all we're going to have going on in Austin, TX!
Friday July 24th - Dinner and Music
We're going to set up a dinner somewhere for whoever wants to come. And then we'll see what's happening around town and go check ot some music. No set plans.. just a come and hang out and listen to music night.
Saturday, July 25th - Summertime and Music
Saturday starts off with several Austin spots for lunch. We'll have 3-4 Options like El Arroyo, Salt Lick, Hula Hut where we can hook up and grab some lunch.
Saturday Night is when it all comes together at Momo's in Austin. We've got Modern Day Drifters and Adam Hood playing full bands and ripping the roof off like they usually do. But we're not cramming set times like usual. We're keep it loose so we can all talk and have fun as well as listen to some great music.
Sunday, July 26th - The River and Music
We'll get together and jump in some tubes and float those headaches away in the Texas sun on the Guagalupe River. We're all set up at the LoneStar Floathouse (where you'll get out of the river) to have Drew Kennedy and Rodney Hayden host a songswap and have a few special guest appearances. We do realize that the river is WAY down so the float may not happen but we're still going to support the Floathouse becuase withno river and this economy, they could use some LOVE.
So there you have it. Greenfest 09 is bringing it back to where it's supposed to be. Make your plans to be in Austin now! We'll be updating everything weekly with Hotels, Details, etc...
In honor of GreenFest going back to it's roots this month, the featured artists this month will be two of the building blocks of this site and scene: Pat Green and Walt Wilkins.
Quite frankly, if it wasn't for Pat Green, there'd be no Galleywinter or a modern Texas/Red Dirt scene for that matter. We started the site and party in his honor and although we've all gone down different paths the last five years or so, we're all still here!
And, it's safe to say that without Walt Wilkins, there'd be no Pat Green. At least in the form we came to know him. Ol' Walt Willy doesn't live up in Nashville anymore, and he's a true Texas treat. He also has a new album called Vigil that you should check out.
Millport Arts is a coalition for music and fine art, representing a group of artists involved in Texas/Red Dirt Music. The music created by the different MA artists is very diverse, ranging from funk to rock to jazz and yes even back to Texas/Red Dirt. The artists that populate this group will be familiar to your eyes and ears, but not in the way you are normally used to. Names such as Rodney Pyeatt, Caleb Jones, Jeremy Bryant and Josh Roberts. Check out their website where they have free music and other cool stuff.
What it is......
Each laminate will include a photo of the winner right on the pass and will allow them and a guest free entry into any show for the months of July and August. Also, if the winners email or call RPR Media in advance of the show they plan to attend a VIP situation will be set up for you. In addition, you and your guest will receive a discounted No Justice t-shirt at the show.
How to enter......
To enter the contest you will need to post a paragraph to THIS THREAD stating why you should win the pass. It could be a funny story, special memory, etc. You also need to post a photo that you would want used on your laminate if chosen. Once all the entries are submitted 5 people will be chosen to receive a VIP Summer Pass. The winners paragraphs will also be posted on the No Justice website.
Several months back, Modern Day Drifters had the opportunity to schedule some meetings and a showcase in Nashville. We figured, why not go kick the tires so to speak and set out to make it a cool vacation/roadtrip/business meeting set-up. Reservations were made and the trip was booked. Everyone was excited as many had not been to Nashville ever, and while my wife was born there, she left at the age of 2 and doesn’t exactly remember much.
So, there it was, after a weekend of gigging around DFW, we set out. 7 of us packed tightly into a Ford 350 Econoline van pulling a trailer full of gear and luggage. Lance, our jedi ninja of a driver drove us through all kinds of horrid weather conditions and worse drivers than you’d find on your local go-kart track full of nine year olds. We pulled into Memphis on a Sunday night, and after unloading we headed downtown to Beale Street to soak up some culture and vibes.
Our first stop was the Blues City Café for some grub and brew. Our waitress was named Honey, and she looked like one of the Staple Singers. She was amazing, and awfully funny. Derrick, the veteran of blues bands had a good time wrapping with her and she was impressed with our non-touristy aura. She told us the story of the British couple dining across from us that had just complained to her about their tamales. Seems they wanted to send their food back due to the waxy taste…they had not removed the covering and chewed right through all of it. Leaving them unimpressed with their first taste of food in the States.
Leave it to my wife to top the British couple. While we were tabbing out, we asked Honey what we should do aside from Graceland and the usual stuff. Give us some out of the way spots that tourists wouldn’t normally encounter. After she rand down her list, she said…”and the Rock ‘N Soul Museum is pretty groovy.” To which my wife at the other end of the table heard “The Rock and Salt Museum” and proceeded to ask Honey why we’d want to go to a museum about ice cream makers…and was serious. We were mortified…but it makes a good story and Honey told us she now had something to share with her customers the rest of the week aside from the tamales incident.
Upon bidding Honey adieu, we headed down Beale Street to hear some real live blues. The genuine stuff. And, we found it with the Dr. Feelgood Blues Band. Four old cats picking their hands off that resembled the opening to the Chappelle’s Show. After some time there, we headed down to a corner spot and saw a band named Mercury Boulevard. They were amazing and led by a Coby Wier look-alike. After they finished we gurmed them out a bit and found out that another cool band was starting down the street where we’d just come from in about five minutes. So, we high-tailed it up that way in time to see a big blues/jazz band complemented by a Jeremy Bryant (Stoney LaRue’s drummer) look-alike on guitar. He was wearing a worn Nirvana shirt and had his guitar strapped up really high. To which Josh pointed out that only a legitimate guitar player would wear his instrument up that high. And, Josh was 100% correct. We watched “Jeremy” jam for well over an hour with his band, and I left thinking that he was one of the best players I’d ever seen in person.
We had an early check-out so we were up and at ‘em early as we headed over to Cracker Barrel for some breakfast. No matter where you are, CB brings it’s A game with breakfast. Here, our waitress was named Sugar. I wish I was making this up. As we debated our plan of action, we decided to try Rock ‘N Soul/Rock and Salt first then play it by ear.
I am so glad we toured this museum. Being the music snob I am, I was aware of the influence that Memphis has had on all forms of American music, but it didn’t hit home until I took a trip through this place. Ike Turner’s piano, the handwritten lyrics to “Suspicious Minds”, and finding out that “I Can’t Stand the Rain” was not a Missy Eliot original, but rather a sample from Ann Peebles who Tina Turner ripped off for her image was mind boggling. Every sound on this track was made by a human playing an actual instrument. What a novel concept modern music makers! Hearing this track blaring through a video screen at me, stopped me in my tracks. Holy Musical Moment Batman!
From there, we hopped aboard a shuttle to Graceland that several in our party were not too enthused about. They weren’t stoked about paying $30 to walk around a house. But, I looked at it as an experience you had to take part in while in Memphis. After a half-hour everyone was smiling and saying things like “I’m so glad we came here!” It was while on the tour that we noticed a girl walking around by herself and dressed a bit different. Definitely a European we thought.
When the time came to depart on the shuttle back to our car, the girl got on board with us. We were loud and carrying on like we’d just been picked up off the Guadalupe and were riding in a beer-soaked yellow bus down River Road. When, Josh turned around and told her “I’m sorry, we’re obnoxious Texans.” To which she replied…”Oh, it’s quite alright ya bloke, talley ho.” Or what might as well have been that once we heard the first drop of her accent. Soon, we’d invited her to dinner with us and got her whole story.
Her name was Georgie, she was a stewardness on luxury yachts in Europe by trade, but was on holiday in the States for the summer. She started in New Orleans, Memphis was her second stop and she was heading to Nashville in the morning for the next leg of her journey. Well, over oysters and beer we convinced her to change her plans, ditch that Greyhound ticket and hop in our van tonight as we headed to Nashvegas. For some reason, she agreed. And, next thing I know we have 8 people crammed in the van and three of us are in the backseat with 2 guitars writing a song called “Waitin’ on Georgie”.
After checking into our hotel and taking advantage of Tennessee’s 3AM liquor cutoff time, we hung out on the front porch of our hotel getting to know Georgie better. During this conversation, she excused herself to go type a text/e-mail back home. When she came back she read it to us…and it sounded like the start of a horror film. It was hilarious. “Hi everyone, I’ve met a country band from Texas at Graceland and they are really nice. They’ve picked me up and taken me to Nashville…”
Morning came too soon and we headed out for our meetings. After the meetings were over we headed downtown for some lunch and people watching. Fan Fair aka CMA Fan Fest aka Iowa Trailer Park Relocation week was sliding into gear and this was like the people watching Olympics. Sadly upon seeing only three mullets in two hours we decided it was nap time before the gig. That night, MDD played at Edgehill Café. A really cool venue right in the middle of Music Row. After load out, we headed back downtown to go honky-tonking down on Broadway.
The town was really busting at the seams now and everywhere we went was crowded. We must’ve stood out from the crowd, because at one bar the band, an all-female outfit named BroadBand called us out from the stage and said “Y’all aren’t tourists are you…you’re a band…I can tell by the way you dress.” They were very gracious and even offered to let us get up and do a couple. We thanked them and headed down the street where we continued to run into thousands of tourists and CMT celebrities. Pretty soon we’d had enough and headed back for more hotel porch hangtime.
It was up early for another round of meetings and another Texas reunion. We ran into Blu Sanders, Rob Baird and an intern from Baylor. Then, it was back downtown for lunch and more festivities. Unbeknownst to us, they were having a FanFair parade down Broadway. Luckily, we got to watch this from our restaurant window in the air-conditioning. Our snark was on high as we watched a cavalcade of has beens and never weres parade down the street like it was Pasadena on January 1st. Sunny Sweeney was our only highlight and we yelled loud and proud for her. The rest was a joke full of guys and gals that looked like they were straight from central casting “Country Star 2009”. Exhibit A: One Flew South.
Next, we hit up the Hall of Fame, which is a must if you’ve never been. Then, it was over to Randy and Wade’s bus to introduce them to Georgie. Georgie was overwhelmed as she was greeted like a longtime friend and given autographed schwag from two guys she’d never even heard of. After a trip through the Ryman and some dinner down on Broadway we decided to skip the start of the Randy/Wade show and hit up Will Hoge and Friends at 12th and Porter. Will’s been a longtime favorite and we were all bummed when he got in a bad motorcycle accident last summer and had to cancel his Whitewater date.
We made the 8 block walk down to the venue and got there 45 minutes early, which allowed us to stake out a killer front row spot. Will sported a limp from the motorcycle wreck, but that was the only evidence he would show. His intensity and charisma were Springsteen-esque. From the way the veins popped out of his neck, to the way he violently strummed his guitar…it was an all-encompassing musical experience that moved many to tears and 90 minutes of goosebumps. The stage was rounded out by two full-figured soulful female back-up singers, and the “friends” part of the bill were Will’s brother Josh Hoge and Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites’ fame. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, anywhere.
After our face got rocked off, we trudged back 8 blocks to the Rutledge for another Texas reunion and the end of Randy and Wade’s set. Randy was in fine comedic form as he took the piss out of Nashville. Wade played along fantastically, and it was cool to see the guys play hardball just as tough in Nashville as they would in Austin.
We had another early wake-up call as MDD was playing for the kids and parents at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital the next morning. It is odd to say, and I didn’t quite understand it when the welcoming committee told us, but it really was one of the happiest places on Earth. The entire place has an infectious optimism and enthusiasm that cannot be contained. After MDD’s set, we got a tour of the whole facility and were able to meet some really cool kids, parents, nurses, doctors and staff members. As I tweeted, the next time I feel jaded or frustrated I will just remember this experience. Wow is all I can say. The art made by the patients was moving and beautiful. Our tour guide even related that many high-profile managers in Nashville and LA send their clients to visit St. Jude anytime they notice an ego running wild. I can think of many people who need to do this trip. Life-changing.
Next it was the long ride back to Texas. By now, we’d convinced Georgie to hang around Texas for a while and postpone her other plans. Soon she was at Sake of the Song Fest signing more autographs than Randy and taking in a county fair in Navasota. She also has plans to take in a Rangers game and the Alamo among other things before picking up her own itinerary again. She was even on the radio this morning being interviewed about her crazy trip!
A lot of times I hear people question whether there is a higher power out there in the universe, then I experience something like this trip. Whether it was us saving Georgie from God knows what on that Greyhound, Will Hoge moving people to tears through music, or the magic we saw at St. Jude…something’s going on. And, who’d a thunk a rogue band from Texas picking up a drifter at Graceland would kickstart so much.
I've heard this record, Beautiful Day, described by some industry people as being Charlie's divorce album. There's nothing here as dark as Vern Gosdin's Alone or Willie Nelson's Phases and Stages, but the big D is something that permeates the entire record.
It is the elephant in the room that the listener is hearing even when Charlie is singing about good times. The album kicks off with the title track, a catchy tune about a girl on that poetic journey of self-discovery and awakening. But, is there a metaphor in the lyrics of the girl trudging off past problems for brighter days ahead that mirrors Robison's marriage.
Yet, like the exceptional songwriter he is, Robison never lets on with any autobiographical details, he wisely colors outside the lines and leaves the heavy thinking to the listener. "Yellow Blues" title belies the groove that it hides within the chorus. There's nothing bluesy or yellow about this tune. Robison's rapid fire lyrics grab your attention, while the banging rhythm gets your toe tapping. "Down Again" is vintage Charlie Robison. With melancholy lyrics that read like the best of Terry Allen or Robert Earl Keen, and music that when played live would keep the floor packed. Words come out of this song and hit you straight in your heart, especially knowing the back story of Robison's past couple years.
That lyrical wheelhouse is spun further on "Nothin' Better To Do", where Robison's heartfelt words are paired with a freewheeling musical vibe as he sings heartbroken lyrics such as:
I woke up early today and thought of seven different ways
to like myself less than you do
for any reason false or true
Now you dig me more than I dig myself
And I'm in love with you cuz I got nothin' better to do...I got nothin' better
"Feelin' Good" picks the mood back up, a classic roadtrip song about blasting Willie on the radio and saving your soul on a backroad. "Middle of the Night" is another vintage Robison track that could've been found on any of his albums and displays that his pen and voice are both as strong as ever.
A track that stands out from anything Robison has ever cut is "She's So Fine", a rollicking track full of distorted guitars, bluegrass speed mandolin, and a wicked fiddle and drum intro. And, the one track that's already getting a lot of buzz is the cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Racin' In the Streets". It is a respectful cover without being note for note. Robison puts his imprint on the song and if I hadn't known better I'd have thought he wrote it himself because it fits so beautifully into the rest of the album.
Robison doesn't crank out material as often as many of his peers, but he is very consistent with the quality. This is a fine album from start to finish and only further embellishes the legend of Charlie Robison.
Charlie Robison is releasing his first album in five years this month, and I've been lucky enough to hear an advance copy. It's fantastic, and I will be posting my review of it soon. Pick up a copy of Beautiful Day and visit Charlie's forum as he is gigging more often in support of the release.
Darren Kozelsky also has an album dropping this month. Arrivals and Departures features more of Darren's trademark smooth, big vocals. The first single, "Seven Vern Gosdin's Ago" is already getting heavy buzz and airplay. Drop into Darren's forum and talk about the goings on.
Well, here we are again boys and girls. Rolling into the warm Texas summer months, and time for some hot new music that I want you to check out.
These songs of course are spinning on Mandatory FM, but, if you haven't had a chance to hear them yet, I don't want you to miss out.
1. Todd Snider - Slim Chance - Album "The Excitement Plan"
Todd has delivered once again. I'll be honest with you, I've been a fan of Todd's music for a long time, and while I'm not really interested in hearing some songwriters opinion on politics, but if the goods are there you have to share them. Todd's last couple of albums have not been my favorites. A little TOO political for me overall, but they did have some good tunes on it. Todd's new album "The Excitement Plan" takes you back a bit to that old-school Todd Snider feel. Songs with a meaning, mixed with a little humor. Todd also always seems to do something that will totally surprise you on every album, and on this one, he teams up with THE Loretta Lynn…not only a co-write but they both sing. Great song. Here is one I really want you to hear, and pay attention to the lyrics. Got to see him do this as his opening song at the Tuesday night campfire at Larry Joe Taylor's Festival. It's called "Slim Chance" and it's
totally Todd
2. Six Market Boulevard - Cold Deceit - Album (Well it's just their debut EP, so no album name)
This is a band that comes from Stephenville, TX, the home of Mandatory FM. Have watched this band develop from the absolute very beginning and have just recently recorded their first EP. It's a band that I really respect because they are doing things the right way when it comes to this scene. They are building from the ground-up and paying their dues. They understand that to be successful in this scene you have to play those free gigs opening for bands, and playing when basically nobody is even really listening. They've been doing it for over a year now before even trying to record anything, building their chops and their stage show. I think you folks will really dig this tune
3. The Dexateens - New Boy - Album "Singlewide"
Think a mix of the Jayhawks and the Dedringers. The Dexateens are from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and have been around for about a decade with a rotating cast of band members, but always constant is John Smith and Elliott McPherson who have headed up the band the entire time. Great harmony vocals, and some really pretty deep and dark lyrics at times. Nice lounging around the house Sunday type of music.
4. The Felice Brothers - Run Chicken Run - Album "Yonder Is The Clock"
Maybe one of the most diverse bands I've ever told you about here on Galleywinter, and currently one of my favorite bands. Such a unique sound, you really can't describe it very well. Maybe a little bit of the Gourds in there….it's one that you really have to just listen to. Roots and Alt-Country at it's finest, and it comes to us from New York. Who knew?
5. Owen Temple - I Don't Want To Do What I Do - Album "Dollars And Dimes"
Thank GOD Owen Temple is still doing music. He is such a talented songwriter and can totally deliver a song that even my friends who don't like "country" music really can appreciate. Owen's new album is called "Dollars And Dimes". What was amazing to me on this album, is that as talented a songwriter as Owen is, he teams up with some of our favorite songwriters on this album. Like he even NEEDED to do that. He joins forces with Adam Carroll, Gordy Quist (Band Of Heathens) and Scott Nolan for the songwriting and even gets help from Adam and Will Sexton as part of the band. Job well done Owen. PLEASE keep it up
6. Zach Huckabee - The One - Album "The Way It Is"
Holy cow. Really. Holy cow. Zach Huckabee used to front a band called "Zach Huckabee And The Honky Tonk Roadshow", but after I listened to his first album, I straight up told him he had to either drop the band name, or come up with something else. There is no Honky Tonk on the album at all. On this new album (which should be out in late June or July) Zach teamed up with Texas rocker Phil Pritchett (who produced this album) and Zach let Phil take the reigns on the final outcome, telling him to do whatever he wanted to do when finishing it up. That's respect by the way folks. I had a lady tell me when she hear it on the air that it might be one of the "sexiest" songs we have played. It could be a theme song for every guy out there…or at least we would hope we were that cool. Zach by the way, should be making a big impact on this scene soon.
7. Buzz Cason - Donuts - Album "Busload Of Love"
Buzz Cason just totally blows my mind. Buzz has had songs recorded by U2, Pearl Jam and even the Beatles. Yeah, no kidding. Guy has been doing this a long time. This new album might include every genre of music possible sans rap, and I can't promise you that Buzz can't break out a rhyme if the situation called for it. This song is extremely simple and right to the point. If you love donuts, or a good rockin' little tune for that matter, then this is for you!
8. Ryan Delmore - Sing Like Mary Sang - Album "The Spirit, The Water & The Blood"
If Ryan Adams did a gospel album, I think this is what it would sound like. I was totally blown away by this one, and still am whenever I hear this album. When life is getting you down, pop this album in and just listen. Ryan, in case you wanted to know, is from California. Glad to see that there really is still some soul left in the world.
9. The Pawn Shop Lifters - Dumoore County - Album "Rifle And Flask"
Again, back to the alt-country. Great little band from Virginia Beach. Nothing unusual here. Just good straight up country-rock. A little Steve Earle, The Kentucky Headhunters and Georgia Satellites..mix it all up, and you get the Pawn Shop Lifters
10. Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs - Hawks On A Pole - Album "The Only Thing That Matters"
We wrap up this months top ten with something very different but absolutely incredible. Some of the sexiest soulful vocals I've ever heard. Very emotional vocals with a rockin' little band. This song kicks off with a vengeance and continues throughout. If you don't "feel" this one, then get yourself checked. I always hoped that Bonnie Bishop would go this route.
Ok, kids, that's the top ten. Honorable mentions go to Kris Kehr & Stone Poets, Charlie Robison, Ed Burleson and Jamie Kindleyside.
Again, I must invite you to check out www.mandatoryfm.com if you like any of these tunes and would like to continue your search for quality hidden music.
Oklahoma has Stillwater, Texas has Waco! What!?!?!
That was the thought racing through my mind after a conversation I had with Rodney Pyeatt (Stoney LaRue, Selena, Blacktop Gypsy) a few months back at a show. He mentioned to me that there is more musical talent in the central Texas area of Waco-Temple-Killeen than any other area west of the Mississippi.
A bit grandiose and hyperbolic I thought at the time, despite my obvious inclinations to root for the area. Yet, as the night wore on and I watched Derrick Dutton rip through Modern Day Drifter's set on lead guitar, I began to realize what Pyeatt was saying. My brain shuffled through all the great musicians from central Texas and got me to thinking that, aside from the Lubbock area that produced Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Lloyd Maines, et al that he was probably onto something.
Historically, the Waco area has been home and birthplace to many musical legends. Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys perfomed on WACO-AM radio in the 1930's. A clean-cut Willie Nelson played all the beer joints out on Highway 77 in the 1950's when the area was a haven for hell-raising airmen stationed at the local airbase, and even attended Baylor University for a short time. Banjo-playing funnyman Steve Martin calls Waco his hometown. While, arguably the greatest songwriter to ever come out of Texas, Billy Joe Shaver, has called Waco home for decades. Johnny Gimble has been fiddlin' around the world from his Waco base for years.
Yet, it is the contemporary crop of musicians impacting our scene of Texas/Red Dirt that Rodney was referring to.
The most obvious connection is that of Pat Green. Pat's parents still call Waco home, he's still the Mayor of Salsaritaville each August and he helped turn a Baylor-area dive bar into a Texas icon with one album and song. Say what you will about the musical direction of Pat's last few efforts, and plenty people have, but you cannot deny his impact, influence and passionate dedication. Songs like "Washington Ave" and "Galleywinter" exhude central Texas literally. There are traces of the time Pat spent in college in Lubbock and hiding out in the hippie wonderland of Austin in his music, but it's always Waco at the core.
As has been well documented, Wade Bowen followed in Green's footsteps from a busy childhood in Waco to the dusty, rowdy college life in Lubbock then onward to Austin. Wade recently said "What is it about your hometown that makes it seem cooler as you get older?" That's a good question that I don't have an answer for, but I do know that his hometown has produced some incredible music.
Aside from singer/songwriter/bandleader stalwarts like Green and Bowen, there are some incredible axemen in this scene with roots in far reaching outposts of the U.S. Yet, somehow they were drawn to the magnetic musical pull of Waco.
Gary Wooten (Wade Bowen) is originally from North Carolina, and currently lives in Austin when not on a tourbus. However, he did his time in Waco. Playing the dive bars of downtown and anywhere else he could pick up a gig. He's blossomed into one of the finest players in the country let alone Texas. Cue the 1:10 mark.
Kris Farrow (Josh Grider/Micky and the Motorcars) was a jazz saxophone playing cat from upper state New York when he made the trek to Texas to tackle independent music. Guitar is essentially his third best instrument, but you would be hard pressed to figure that out by watching him in concert.
And, the aforementioned Derrick Dutton (Modern Day Drifters) grew up the son of a southern rock musician in Portland, OR of all places before landing in Waco for college. He's now the tastiest blues based lead player in the Texas scene. Cue the 3:30 mark.
And in the continuing interest of trying to spur more conversation, I'd love for you to hit up the comments and talk about what region of Texas you think has produced the most impressive list of musicians impacting this scene. I look forward to reading your idea of what the best region is.
MINOR CHORDS:
-Had a guy ask me the other day who I thought would be in the Super Bowl, and I told him..."I have no idea...it's not like last June I was proclaiming...Arizona Cardinals, baby!" Let's get to the All-Star Break before thinking about football. Sports season fatigue. Seasons are far too long. I heard a while back that the NHL and NBA used to be over by mid-April before giving way to MLB. But, not now...the cash grab is forcing the NFL to even look at adding more games. Give me tired head.
-Setting out for my first trip in a couple years to Memphis and Nashville next week. Planning on catching Modern Day Drifters on Tuesday and the Randy/Wade acoustic tourstop on Wednesday. Open for suggestions on places to stop/see/eat. I have my favs in the area, but always enjoy hearing what other people suggest.
-We are moving again, and moving just plain sucks. No two ways about it. I like paying people a huge hourly rate to dent/ding my stuff.
-Greenfest is right around the corner on July 25-26! We are building "hang time" into the evening and scaling things back to focus more time on the music and definitely more time on the fellowship. Should be a cool evening. Then, of course the next day features our Acoustic Showcase/River Float with Drew Kennedy and friends. Also, remember that this event/weekend is a family reunion, not just a concert. Make your plans to be there now, and drag your friends along with you...they'll thank you later.
-Summer Bash details are out: House Concert on Lake Corpus Christi on July 4th featuring Josh Norman. Good times my friends, good times.
-I knocked out several books in May including Slash's autobiography. Juicy, but no Dirt or Heroin Diaries. Up next, Scar Tissue by Anthony Keidis. Any other suggestions?
-Summer tv is such a wasteland it makes me want to pick up another hobby with the extra time I don't have.
-Sad to see the GM Bankruptcy stuff. As a guy who grew up with a family that owned a full-service gas station for fifty years and catered to Chevy's, it was a tough pill to swallow. My first three vehicles wore the bowtie. I'm hopeful that it will rebound.
-I wish George Carlin was still around to take the piss out of this entire situation our country finds itself in. I know he'd have some hilarious insights. Such as: "These days many politicians are demanding change. Just like homeless people."
-This month's recommended film: The Terminator: Salvation. Christian Bale might be a prick but he does an amazing job of bringing life to dated popcorn franchises.
-This month's recommended album: Charlie Robison-Beautiful Day. Some people would call this a comeback album, I just call it a continuation. Heavily influenced by Robison's divorce, along with one of his favorite albums of all-time, Willie Nelson's Phases and Stages, this record plays like a sequel to Good Times.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
Bobby Duncan is one of the brightest new voices on the Texas scene, and with good reason. His new album, Faith, Hope and Everything Else, produced by Walt Wilkins showcases a fresh take on the lovelorn stretches of Texas Music mined by the likes of Randy Rogers Band and Wade Bowen. Much like RRB's watershed Rollercoaster album, this record is rooted in the arc of a relationship complete with sweet beginnings, comfortable togetherness, and a crushing end. This romanticized storyline in a sense gives the entire record a concept feel.
Duncan's voice and songwriting join together to create a sound that has hallmarks of Adam Hood and Ryan Adams, most notably on "Changes", but throughout the entire record. Wilkins' production on this song is full of the groove and restraint that Adams showcased best on the Heartbreaker album. "Should I Give Any More of Me" continues the Adams' trajectory in both musical and lyrical content, yet it seems to lean back on some of Brandon Rhyder's best work with regard to melody and phrasing. An insanely catchy and excellent tune. "Still Don't Have You" is the classic please come back to me song. Classic country lyrics are overshadowed by some overbearing harmony lyrics in the chorus.
"What's On Your Mind" is a great confessional song that you'd find at home on an old Jackson Browne record, with the harmonies now locked back in the background and an extremely tasty guitar solo from Christopher Lugo. "Waiting To Hurt" is a breakup song set to the beat of a modern rock song accompanied by some more fantastic guitar work from Lugo. The trip through the chronicled relationship wraps the album with "Losin' Someone" a groovin' southern front-porch type of jam with the great hook of a broken hearted troubadour ("I guess findin' your way, takes losin' someone").
The maturity and life experience displayed on this album certainly counters the mere 22 years that Duncan has spent on Earth. Much like the legendary albums and artists referenced in this review, Duncan has a good handle on lyrics that speak to your heart and melodies that stick in your brain. He's an old soul, with a poet's pen, an impressive list of influences, and an A-list supporting cast of musicians (including Brady Black and Corby Schaub) that help him pull of one of the great recorded triumph's to be released in Texas this year.
I am so glad we toured this museum. Being the music snob I am, I was aware of the influence that Memphis has had on all forms of American music, but it didn’t hit home until I took a trip through this place. Ike Turner’s piano, the handwritten lyrics to “Suspicious Minds”, and finding out that “I Can’t Stand the Rain” was not a Missy Eliot original, but rather a sample from Ann Peebles who Tina Turner ripped off for her image was mind boggling. Every sound on this track was made by a human playing an actual instrument. What a novel concept modern music makers! Hearing this track blaring through a video screen at me, stopped me in my tracks. Holy Musical Moment Batman!
We made the 8 block walk down to the venue and got there 45 minutes early, which allowed us to stake out a killer front row spot. Will sported a limp from the motorcycle wreck, but that was the only evidence he would show. His intensity and charisma were Springsteen-esque. From the way the veins popped out of his neck, to the way he violently strummed his guitar…it was an all-encompassing musical experience that moved many to tears and 90 minutes of goosebumps. The stage was rounded out by two full-figured soulful female back-up singers, and the “friends” part of the bill were Will’s brother Josh Hoge and Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites’ fame. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, anywhere.
