One day like today... 1948 Influential and acclaimed Singer/Songwriter James Taylor is born in Boston.
1992 Eric Clapton records his historic live performance of MTV's Unplugged. Featuring the first public performance of his song "Tears in Heaven" written about the tragic death of his infant son. It also included a re-make of his 70's classic "Layla" that raced up the charts faster than the original release.
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Texas Independence Day is celebrated each March 2nd. It marks the date upon which Texas settlers signed a Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836. The independent streak created all those years ago by the brave folks who decided to challenge the empirically powerful Santa Anna-led Mexican government can still be found in the manner this scene goes about making music.
Scores of artists from Texas, have for years, been declaring independence from the music biz machinery and doing things their own way with a great deal of success. There are times however, that these artists decide joining the Union would be the best thing for their careers; and you always have those who stubbornly hold on to their art with the same vitriolic passion found in those early Texan settlers. Who is right and who is wrong? The answer is there are no winners and losers. As the old saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat (PETA,unwad your panties...it's just a figure of speech). Each artist has to decide what is best for themselves, their family, their organization, and their art.
This notion is, of course, most famously echoed in the manner Willie and Waylon went about their business in the 70's. Bucking the trends, forging their own paths on a go for broke ethos that had them proclaiming the only way they were going to make music was on their own terms. Those terms may have been heavily influenced by copious amounts of coke and pot...but they were their terms nonetheless. I like to think that they, like we as fans have for over a decade now...even though they knew it was a gamble, believed that if the masses just heard the music they were creating it'd be a hit. Luckily, they were right. The movement they started all those years ago has reverberated for decades bringing us all manner of artists and variations of the Outlaw scene. Which brings us to the currently much-maligned and watered down Texas/Red Dirt market where independence still reigns even for those folks on the major labels out of Nashville.
Just because there are more zeroes at the ends of the checks and they are riding in a bus doesn't make guys like Randy Rogers or Jack Ingram any less relevant, savvy, and aware of their roots than they ever were. In fact, they are most likely more heavily steeped in their Texan roots. I point to two examples with those two guys that I've witnessed over the last year. First, I saw Randy perform with Wade Bowen in Nashville last June. During that show and in front of a roomful of heavy hitting Music Row executives who came out to, as I overheard one of them say at the bar, "see what all this underground fuss from Texas was about", Randy delivered blistering between song banter related to the mockery that most modern country music has become. He was making fun of many of the artists who make these bigwigs mortgage payments. He essentially walked into the lion's den and poked him with a stick. Most major label artists wouldn 't have the balls to do something like that. Many pay lip service to an Outlaw attitude and name-check Waylon in interviews and songs...but it's all a publicity campaign. Recently, Jack Ingram played a frat party down on 6th Street at a place no bigger than the famous dive he got his start at, Adair's. He tweeted that it reminded him of old times and was really fun. Most artists with chart hits and ACM Awards don't play gigs like that anymore. Jack did. By doing things like this, these artists and others like them are able to grasp for the golden ring while remaining grounded in their Texas roots. This allows them to make new fans and retain old ones...all while cranking out good, relevant music.
The flip side of the major label artist is the true independent artist. The guy who pays the bills by gigging and converting one fan at a time in one-night stands across the region and beyond. One of the most successful guys I know doing it this way is Drew Kennedy. He has built a worldwide network of underground fans that enable him to make a comfortable living as a traveling songwriter even though his gigs may never pack out places like Midnight Rodeo. He has the respect of the Americana and songwriter scenes...all while basing himself out of Texas. He's never played the game...has no aspirations to be on a major label. He lives for the art of the song and connecting with fans one night at a time. There are even those guys that start out in this way and end up winning Golden Globes. Of course, I'm referring to Michael Jackson winning for "Ben" back in 1972. The streets of 1960's Gary, Indiana were rough!
In all seriousness, both groups of artists have pros and cons. And, both maintain the independent streak that this great state was founded on 174 years ago. It's okay to like both types of artists. You don't have to hate on something because it is popular. And you don't have to ignore something just because it doesn't pack out your local corporate MidnightWestCrazyRodeoHorse dancehall. Appreciate everything for what it is...and try not to hate on it. Unless it's Taylor Swift singing live.
What makes that appreciation tougher to come by sometimes is the fact that we as fans have opinions and passion that is as equally independent and stubborn as the artists we adore. Upon indoctrination to this great music scene, new listeners usually find themselves swimming up and down the food chain of success looking for the next thing to grab their attention. Much like the palette of food craved by your diet, some folks begin to appreciate the finer things in life...say wine and fine Italian food. Whereas, some folks are happy with macaroni and cheese. Yet, others crave both and are equally happy driving through for a dollar menu treat or sitting down to a five course meal at a fine steakhouse. The trick is being independent enough in your thinking to figure out what makes your soul groove. You can listen to musical snob blowhards like me for guidance or chase it on your own...but the point is...in the end, what you like is what YOU like. Independent of everyone else. Which is something that this scene, even with all of it's mini-Nashville politically charged atmospheres still maintains. Tour bus, van or a beat up Ford...everybody's marching to the beat of their own drummer and making their own stands.
MINOR CHORDS:
-Rita Ballou. Where to start? Well, first off I AM NOT her; nor do I have anything to do with it or know who she is for sure. I've been asked numerous times and I just don't know. I have my suspicions, but I think it's more fun to actually not know. The fact that somebody got pissed off enough to start a Perez Hilton gossip blog about this scene cracks me up in of itself. Secondly, I think it's harmless fun. It cracks me up on the daily. Third, we needed someone to remind us not to take this music so serious all the time. As I've ranted about before, this scene has grown to such a large level that it's become really politicized and corrupt. Glad someone else out there notices. Next, I think Rita should do a podcast with Shannon Canada...it would be hilarious. Lastly, that darn independent streak strikes again...just in a new way.
-Sad I missed Scott Matthew's ship off shindig this past weekend. Proud of him.
-Anyone else think of Rusty Wier throughout much of your Crazy Heart viewing?
-Like funky soul music from Austin? Check out Da He Be Ge Bees. Hadn't seen them in too long. I'm so often immersed in this style of music that I continually find myself searching for live music outlets that provide something different.
-Is it football season yet?
-The Olympics made me care about hockey for about 17 minutes.
-Did someone put acid in my takeout Sunday or did I really see William Shatner reading poetry in front of giant, inflatable beavers?
-Michelle Beadle is a goddess.
-Congrats to the RRB on the ACM nomination. Enjoy the free bar and come back with some good stories.
-It is festival season. And an even numbered year. That means rain at all events. Get your rain boots now. Bands should sell these at the merch stand at outdoor events. Chicks would buy them and pair them with a skirt and white tank-top. I've seen it. Make some money guys!
-This month's recommended film: Shutter Island. Even though it was a little uneven in spots and I'm really kind of bored with Leo pairing with Scorcese...it's still Scorcese.
-This month's recommended album: Mumford and Sons-Sigh No More. An English folk rock band in the vein of Drive By Truckers or Lucero that the aforementioned Mr. Kennedy turned me onto after a recent gig. Folksy, emotional and straightforward musically. Passionate, romantic yet direct lyrically. This band and debut album are both winners.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
In this space, I've ranted about stuff I don't like as much as I have raved about stuff I do like. So, I'm often asked why I like or prefer Texas and Americana music over the more slick commercial and mainstream country offerings. Or why I don't like a particular band or album. I usually answer it's because of the relatability and realism of the lyrics and the rawness of the music.
I mean, I've never picked a girl up in a green tractor or enjoyed bragging about my hillbilly bone. I much prefer hearing a singer/songwriter deliver some soulful slice of life.
Ten years ago that might've been Pat Green talking about a dancehall or Jack Ingram referencing tearing down the road in a beat up Ford pick-up. Nowadays it might include Wade Bowen conveying the mindset of soldiers overseas or Brandon Rhyder singing about a backroad.
But recently, when someone asked me about why I liked a certain person's songwriting it got me to pondering. Why do I dig this or that?
The stuff I dig is what I like to call authentic and original. I don't mind if it's influenced by someone else, but I cannot stand a blatant carbon copy. I also like seeing artistic growth...but too often in this scene bands become stagnated and make the same record over and over. Or, (even worse) they try to go so far in the opposite experimental direction that they fail.
Look around at the Texas music scene. Things are supposed to get better, right?
I mean, humans have evolved. Television has arrived at everything-HD. Light bulbs last longer and take up less energy. Sneakers are more advanced than the Chuck Taylors were upon their introduction. You can get your vision corrected through laser treatment, rather than be confined to coke bottle-thick glasses.
Everything around us improves in quality, use, and adaptability.
So why, in our precious little music scene, has the overall level of craftsmanship when it comes to songwriting, declined?
Does the next generation of music fan even know what a good song is, or do they just think something is good because they hear it on the radio?
Where is the taste? Where is the education? Where is the exploration?
If there ever comes a time when there are no Josh Griders left down here, no Eadys or no Chris Knight's being welcome.... then I think there is only the music fan to blame.
Texans have had a long love affair with their rightful heritage as the state that has produced some of the finest songwriters in the world. If we lose the increasingly small number of true songwriters we have left, aren't we losing a part of our heritage?
Everything has to go, but for a state that sticks to its historical background with the fever of 10,000 banshees, wouldn't you think there'd be a higher standard here?
That's what I've been wondering for the past couple years as bands I did not "get" or personally enjoy staked a claim in the musical heritage I hold so dear.
However, as Dylan said, the times they are a changin'. And for the good.
There is a strong undercurrent of strong talent beginning to gain traction. Not only are they remaining critic's darlings...but the public at large is starting to get turned on to them.
Slowly, but surely.
It seems to me that music fans will no longer hold the blame I alluded to earlier. They are starting to figure out which artists have legs for a lifetime of enjoyment and which one's will expire past this particular hell-raising Saturday night.
This pendulum shift is being forced by Ryan Bingham's national success, Band of Heathens global touring and notoriety, Jason Eady's steady climb to the top, Sean McConnell's acceptance, Randy Rogers Band's uncompromising major label charge and the continual evolution of Wade Bowen.
In other words, people are beginning to realize the church of Walt Wilkins is much more righteous than the church of Hell Yeah in the long run. There's nothing wrong with being in the latter when you're 18-24, but if you hang around that church solely after that age then you come off looking like Wooderson in Dazed and Confused.
Plus, the church of Walt Wilkins knows how to have a good time too...it's just classier.
MINOR CHORDS:
-This entry marks the 6th anniversary of this column...as my first one back in 2004 dealt with the Grammy's that year. What a long, strange trip it's been. Thanks to all the folks who've ever told me they dug my writing, sent an encouraging e-mail and even those who've left nasty comments. I deeply appreciate your responses.
-Speaking of Walt...will the jackass that stole his guitar please return it?
-Someone asked me on Twitter the other day why I was hating on Taylor Swift so much after I compared her singing voice to this crappy weather we're having (dull, off-putting and relentless). My answer was that she's just an easy scapegoat for a failing industry and business model at large. The old star-making major label machine is fading faster each year as listeners get more mobile, picky and sophisticated. Then, after her dreadful performance on the Grammy's cemented the fact that she cannot sing and the Internet fallout began, I just sat back silently lack a cat that had caught the canary. The mainstream that was unaware of her prior to the Kanye incident now realized what we've been saying for three years...the girl can't sing...she may be able to write some lyrics that teenage girls connect with...but she can't sing. Add in the laughable defense of her by Scott Borchetta, the Kelly Clarkson blog in response to his defense, a growing buzz of "hey, this girl really can't sing", Pink singing live while doing a Cirque de Soleil show...and the backlash has begun.
-Going to see Miranda Lambert perform this week...if I see Blake Shelton tweeting, I will break his phone. Y'all can thank me later.
-There is a movement afoot to convince the NFL to move the Super Bowl to Saturday. Makes complete sense to me...that means they probably won't do it.
-I'm very much ready for pitchers and catchers to report, spring festival season to kick off, spring weather to arrive,
-If you're interested in contributing to our new "What I'm Diggin' " feature, let us know. And, no I'm not looking for essays from archaeologists, geologists or excavators.
-Version 4.0 of Galleywinter is closer than ever. We've got some tricks up our sleeve for it. Stay tuned. We think it will be much improved.
-Who has two thumbs and still hasn't seen Avatar and has no plans to? This guy right here.
-Someone get Shayne Hollinger back on the air.
-Next month's column may just be about how I see so many talented musicians lacking motivation...why is that? Some of the most talented people I've ever seen have no ambition to get out of their small-town fame or off their couch for that matter.
-I hear something super important is going on tomorrow in Miami. I think Will Smith is riding a colt and trying to act like a saint...bienvenido a miami.
-This month's recommended film: The Hurt Locker As someone who has had family members and friends battling in the Middle East far too often these past few years...this movie hit home.
-This month's recommended album: Ray Wylie Hubbard-A: Enlightenment B. Endarkment. Perhaps the Wylie Lama's most solid effort during his creative renaissance. A bluesy, growler of an album that showcases some of the finest wit and songwriting you'll find anywhere.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
As we embark on a new year and decade of music and life, I was in a reflective mood as I sat down to write January's piece. But, after several drafts and pausing to soak in the magic of Steamboat from afar, I finally found what I was trying to get out. Over the past few months, I've taken a sabbatical from live music due to being burnt out on it. I found myself less and less captivated by the songs, sounds and musicians my ears were encountering.
Everything sounded the same and looked the same. Only the most remarkable musical events made an imprint on me...and they were fewer and farther between than ever before. I needed to cleanse the soul and musical palette.
With a refreshed approach and virgin ears, I'm ready to tackle 2010's musical adventures.
But, what will those adventures be?
I'm not really sure yet.
There are new albums in the pipeline from old favorites and new names I don't yet know. Will they deliver for me? Not sure, but I'll know it when it hits me.
I'm yearning for something that speaks to my soul, but what will it say if it reaches that far down? I don't know because it's been so long and rare these days that anything has done that.
I firmly realize that I'm in the minority in wanting some depth in my music. But, we are a strong, vocal minority and I foresee good things in store for us here in 2010 and beyond. Here are some of the things I hope keep happening:
I hope guys like Sean McConnell keep infiltrating our scene of music to grace it with their talent. It trickles over to the other artists and fosters a healthy creative environment. Kudos for guys like Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen reaching out to Sean a couple years ago and broadening the reach of our scene to bring Sean into our family.
I hope we are able to continually support the great venues who are dedicated to supporting the music, while letting the joints that are just places that host music not survive on our dollars by bringing in our favorite artists.
I hope the bands that have been plugging away for many years and haven't gotten that big break but deserve it, find things breaking their way. On the flip side, I hope the lazy placeholders scrounging up dates and money from the harder working young kids get out of the way.
I hope that the handful artists who have grown large egos due to success in our scene remember they aren't the Beatles or Stones and get off their high horse. Taylor Swift wants that white horse back anyway.
I hope teenagers continue to be influenced by things like Rock Band and Guitar Hero to pick up guitars and discover actual music as opposed to auto-tuned, warmed over hip-hop that sounds like Alvin and the Chipmunks on acid.
I hope Ryan Bingham wins an Oscar or at the very minimum gets to perform on the telecast.
I hope country music continues opening the door just enough to let guys and gals like Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert crash their market research driven sippy cup party.
I hope gritty, blues based AC/DC rock n' roll continues it's comeback and some new bands come along that fit the bill.
I hope LJTs expands their artist roster to include some of the newer generation of songwriters that may not sell out City Limits, but may deliver the best sets they have all weekend at the acoustic stage.
I hope Stoney LaRue and Pat Green drop good records.
I hope Paul Worley's touch lifts the Randy Rogers Band to the national consciousness their talent deserves.
I hope Wade Bowen continues his ascent to the top.
I hope many things come along and catch my ear that I can't even fathom right now. I mean ten years ago think of all the things that weren't around that we have today: ITunes/IPods, YouTube, sites like Galleywinter and tons of bands we didn't know were just around the corner.
What say you? What are some things you hope to see, musically speaking, in the next few years?
Minor Chords:
-Texas Music's year is always kicked off by Steamboat. From what I've read, seen and heard, this was one of the best years yet. I know that the aforementioned Sean McConnell continued to blow people away. He and anyone with the last name Welch seemed to get most of the love from what I heard. Well deserved. And, our friends at MusicFog captured tons of cool videos that they haven't uploaded all of yet. Hit up their site in the coming days to see what they got!
-Bitter loss for UT/Big 12 in the title game. As of deadline, the Cowboys still haven't won a playoff game since Notorious BIG was alive. I hope and expect that to change.
-I tried to avoid Jersey Shore on MTV. And, I really wanted to hate it. But, I caught one of the guys on SportsNation on ESPN the other day (best show on ESPN fwiw) and I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. It sucked me in. Sadly, it resembles a Jersey version of my central Texas bachelor pad/friends from 2002-2005. I'm eternally grateful that most of our exploits weren't caught on film or video.
-Tank's been working extremely hard on the next version of Galleywinter and we should be launching soon.
-What's up with this weather? I didn't go to Steamboat, but I assume Mother Nature decided I needed to attend as she ushered the coldest days of consecutive frigid weather I can recall. I suppose someone in Canada didn't put the toilet seat down and here we are. Well, I'll take 100 over 10 anyday. Now, to contemplate what this means for the LJT's weather forecast. Yikes!
-This month's recommended film: Crazy Heart. I have yet to see it, but I'm recommending it on the strength of the reviews I've heard from friends that have seen it and how awesome the soundtrack is. Jeff Bridges in his latest role of a lifetime and an Oscar-buzzworthy Bingham song. Say what!?
-This month's recommended album: Brian Burns-American Junkyard. Burns has been under the radar his entire career except for a brief time when people got to know him for his "I've Been Everywhere" tweaked hit single. Well, he's immensely talented and has quite a bit of wit and style at his arsenal. This collection is a nice mix of originals and some select covers that remind Burns is an often forgotten Texas treasure.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
What makes something timeless? That's one of those questions that begs to be answered with the trite reply of "I'm not sure...but I know when I see/hear it." That's never more true than when speaking about music.
Too often I'm confronted with music that is subpar and most definitely not timeless. Timeless meaning something that either sounds as good today as when you first heard it five, ten, fifteen, even twenty plus years ago. Or something that upon the notes being immediately released sweetly into your ears you realize that it is something that you'll still be listening to in twenty years. Related to that, it also means songs that are covered in dust but could be blown off and returned to the top of the charts if they were re-released today. For example, if Guns 'N Roses released Appetite for Destruction today and put out "Sweet Child O' Mine" as the first single, it would race up the charts and blow everything from Lady Gaga to Owl City and every other auto-tune T-Pain influenced piece of trash that is on pop radio off the charts. It's classic. It's timeless.
How does this fit in with Texas Music? Well, what I think attracted many of us to this style of music in the first place is that it reminded us of what country music used to be. The classic stuff. Haggard, Jones, Willie, Waylon et al. We had all tuned out in the 90's when everybody dressed like a Cavender's ad and squeezed the soul out of country music as hard and fast as they squeezed into their Wranglers. Our support became a passionate rally to arms around guys like Pat and Cory as we rebelled against what was being forcefed to us by Clear Channel, CMT and the major labels. Many of us discovered for the first time that there was a whole other world of music out there waiting to be scooped up and passed on to the next person. We had grand hopes for changing the game and our motto was "Nashville sucks!" Well, 10 years since Tank and JP started the blueprint for Galleywinter and after a decade of hard fought wins and losses on the artistic front from our heroes...what has changed? We've certainly made waves, and we've even created an entire industry/network of bands, companies and clubs that wouldn't exist without all of us in fandom.
Yet, for all the progress, this little scene is still ours for the most part. We thought people outside of our little clique would "get it" like we did. The results are in that they clearly don't unless some of the elements we love so much are watered down or turned down in the mix.
But, there is nothing wrong with that!
In fact, it's a badge of honor for we the fans and the artists we love that so much can be accomplished by a strong core of dedicated and passionate artists and fans. Our guys and gals are making music we consider timeless in our own little community of Texas Music. I mean bands have been ripping off Randy Rogers Band's Like It Used to Be, Robert Earl Keen's Live Diner No. 2 and Reckless Kelly's Millican and many other albums/bands for many years now. Why? Because they are timeless standard bearers.
What we have built in this scene of music transcends charts and sales. We have truly built a grassroots community where everyone supports one another...or at least pays lip service to doing such a thing. The network of musicians is small and tight with familiar players drifting in and out of different bands. Bolstered by sites like Galleywinter, you see familiar faces at each gig you attend.
Galleywinter was social networking when social networking wasn't cool. Ten years of music, memories, marriages, heartbreaks, friendships and roadtrips...all created by a common love of music and a common url.
So, now when I think about what timeless means when related to music, I have some different opinions. Yeah, it still might be remembering how awesome the Red Headed Stranger album is...but above all it is the timeless bonds created by the people of this scene...both performers and fans alike. The music of this scene will never go platinum...but I'd take what is created around here and the things that creation has created above just about anything else.
And, I'm proud of the fact that the music we all support is something I'd consider timeless. I prefer artists who are chasing longevity, integrity and respect over slapjack's who know three chords but can't find the truth.
MINOR CHORDS:
TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2009
1. Will Hoge-The Wreckage-a fierce slice of American rock-country-soul that is overflowing with a combination of energy and emotion that is not heard often enough these days in any genre of music. Standout track: "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
2. Jason Eady-When The Money's All Gone-his record label billed it as "blue-eyed soul", and while I agree this record if full of soul...it's got much more in common with Johnny Cash than Hall & Oates. Eady is a fantastic songwriter and vocalist full of conviction. Standout track: "Cry Pretty"
3. Band of Heathens-One Foot in the Ether-the best true band to come out of the Texas Music scene. Shared vocals and songwriting duties blend to make a stirring follow up to their debut studio disc that sounds a lot like another band...The Band. Standout track: "L.A. County Blues"
4. Radney Foster-Revival-The most confessional and personal collection of Foster's career finds him mining traditional country themes in non-traditional ways with heavy rootsy/gospel overtones. Standout track: "Trouble Tonight"
5. Ryan Bingham-Roadhouse Sun-Bingham burst onto the national scene with Mescalito and returned in short order with this album that was just as gritty musically but more broad lyrically. Standout track: "Change Is"
6. Josh Grider-Sweet Road to Ride-The most eclectic songwriter in Texas music released a disc that showcased all of his influences ranging from Jason Mraz type pop melodies to honky-tonk Haggard stomps. Standout track: "Halfway There"
7. Bobby Duncan-Faith, Hope and Everything Else-Duncan's first full-length release was the strongest debut album to hit the marketplace in 2009. Moody and beautiful...it detailed a relationship from start to finish. Standout track: "What's On Your Mind"
8. Drew Kennedy-Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel-Arguably the finest wordsmith traveling the highways of Texas, Kennedy followed up 2007's record of the year (Dollar Theatre Movie) with a lyrically driven collection that drove points home with strong melodies. Standout track: "Rolling Around in the Bed"
9. Miranda Lambert-Revolution-Lambert stretches beyond the country spitfire image that Nashville tries to hang around her neck constantly to deliver a tasteful, well-rounded album that encompasses elements of Americana and pop. Standout track: "Me and Your Cigarettes"
10. Cross Canadian Ragweed-Happiness and All the Other Things-Red Dirt veterans, Ragweed dropped their latest studio record this year. For me, this was their strongest album since The Purple album. Cody's songwriting has never been better and all the guys sounded great. It's always cool when you can hear the guys playing on the album that you see at the shows. Standout track: "Burn Like the Sun"
TOP 5 SHOWS of 2009
1. Radney Foster's 50th Birthday-Hill's Cafe-Austin-July 2009.
-A magical night that found Radney teaming with a different who's who of Texas Music past and present for each song. Major kudos to Dave Lytle and the Hill's Cafe staff for pulling the event off without a hitch despite the most ego's I've ever seen in one room at a show. I had a great seat for the festivities (sidestage) and was able to see the utter joy come across Jack Ingram's face as he just got to be a fan and take in a night of amazing music. Despite being arguably the most successful national act there, Jack was the only person to roll up solo in his pickup with no entourage, walk through the sold-out crowd, open a cold beer and just hang. Aside from his own turn onstage, he and the rest of us saw Pat Green, Jack Ingram, Cory Morrow, Roger Creager, Wade Bowen, Brandon Rhyder and more all hop up and duet with Radney on his biggest hits; Joe Ely even strode in cooly and performed a Buddy Holly tune; . Modern Day Drifters opened the show and the highlight had to be my favorite musician discovery of the past year, Nate Rodriguez on drums and vocals busting out a cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" during the middle of band introductions. I know VinnytheShark and others have mentioned that Nate screams his vocals...I don't hear that. I hear straight from the heart and soul like he's on the Chitlins Circuit of the 1950's or rocking the Meadowland's in the 80's. Equal parts James Brown and Springsteen. He's since left MDD and doing his own solo stuff and this dude is as effective with an acoustic guitar as he is on a drumkit.
2. Will Hoge and Friends-12th and Porter-Nashville-June 2009.
-I was up in Nashvegas for some meetings and to see some old friends. It also just happened to be FanFair week. Bad timing...but a dilemma was presented as Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen were performing an acoustic show at the exact same time Will Hoge would be making his return to the stage at the place he cut his teeth. I was with a large group of people, and we split up. While it would be cool to see Randy and Wade in Nashville, I can see them anytime. It's not often that Hoge, one of my favorite artists, makes it to my neck of the woods. So, it was decided. And, it ended up being one of the best choices I've ever made. We got to the club early and staked out a spot right in the front of the stage. 12th and Porter is a tiny, dingy club akin to what you'd imagine CBGB's to feel like circa 1979. As showtime crept closer, the place got packed...it's a good thing the Nashville fire marshall was probably busy with some FanFair Billy Currington fans from Iowa because that joint had to be way over the limit. Anyway, the lights went down, the band strode onstage and a shadowy figure came limping from the stage door. It was Hoge. Still showing effects of the car wreck that nearly claimed his life, Hoge strapped on his beat up guitar and tore into an amazing set that featured tunes from the forthcoming The Wreckage, as well as, "hits" from several of his past records. The show was billed "and Friends" because Will called up a few people to help him out on vocals or guitar every couple songs. Taking part on this night were Ashley Monroe, Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites), and Hoge's own brother Josh. I've seen Hoge several times but have never heard his band sound better. They were joined by these "friends" and a cache of full-figured and fuller-voiced female background singers who gave the show an air of a big rock n' roll extravaganza stuffed into this tiny club many blocks away from the touristy trap honky-tonks of Nashville's Broadway.
3. Allman Brothers/Widespread Panic-Dallas-October 2009.
-I've never been a jam band guy. Never understood the point of songs lasting more than seven minutes without vocals starting etc. But, I've always been an Allman Brothers fan. Sadly, too many folks think of them as a southern rock band in the vein of Skynyrd. Yet, they are much more than that. They have always maintained an original sound that is deeply steeped in the blues and country music. 2 drummers, 2 guitars, multiple vocal parts. You name it, they have it. Despite losing Duane Allman and Berry Oakley to motorcyle accidents in the 70's they have continued with modern guitar slingers Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks in the fold. ABB tore through a frenetic setlist that included every song I would have ever wanted to hear. Which is amazing because they never play the same setlist twice and track the setlists on their website. All of the shows previous to this one on this tour did not feature an extensive collection of songs I hoped they'd play. Well, they must have caught my vibes, because they played everything I wanted to hear and more. Trucks and Haynes shredded in the most tastiest of ways all night and left my soul shining. With the state fair going on behind us and the Texas/OU game the next day...I can sum this whole evening up in one word: magical.
4. Adam Hood/Jam-Greenfest-Austin-July 2009.
-It had been too long since I'd seen Hood plug in and take me to church. The man drove in to Austin straight from Alabama with no other gigs routed along the way and told me he was happy to play for some real music fans. Hood took us on a tour of his musical past and presented us with some gems from his musical future. After a blistering two hour set, Hood took a break and invited some of the other musicians in the crowd to get up and jam. Before you knew it several guys from Modern Day Drifters (notably Derrick Dutton on guitar and Jimmy Kinerd on bass) tore into blues infused jams with Hood on lead vocals. It was sickly amazing. At one point, Brian Brown of the band Sloppy Joe hopped up and they tore through an Arc Angels song as Hood and Dutton traded licks. The night was capped off by the aforementioned Nate Rodriguez grabbing Hood's acoustic guitar and singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", "I Saw the Light" and "A Change Is Gonna Come". This acoustic soul music expertly escorted the family vibes of Greenfest throughout the room as another year's reunion came to a close.
(Trying to find video of this show).
5. Wade Bowen-Clubhouse Concerts-Fort Worth-May 2009.
-It had been a long time since Wade had climbed onto the hallowed songwriter's haven of a stage at Clubhouse Concerts, but he did so for the first time in a number of years back in May. Accompanied by only his Gary Wooten on guitar, Wade played for close to three house to a quiet, respectful audience. Old songs, new songs and some like "Red Headed Woman" that he'd forgotten and had to have help with the lyrics from the audience. This show was everything an acoustic show should be.
(Trying to find video of this show.)
Honorable mention-Dwight Yoakam at Whitewater-July 2009. It was like listening to a greatest hits album. The sound was perfect, Dwight's voice has never sounded finer and his Eddie Perez-led band was a fierce honky-tonk outfit that gave an incredible amount of energy to each tune.
5 ARTISTS YOU NEED TO DISCOVER
1. Jonathan Terrell-sounds like Ryan Adams with the swagger of a boozy Dean Martin. Find his track "Raining Sunday" and you'll hear what I'm saying.
2. Zach Huckabee-a funky, young rocking cat out of the Hill Country town of Lampasas. He's got a groove and style all his own which makes him standout...which can be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for. I dig original sounding stuff, so I dig his music.
3. The Trishas-sounds like Patty Griffin and Emmylou Harris somehow had a slew of daughters that started a band.
4. Midnight River Choir-Their debut album is very green, but they show a lot of potential for the future. This Eric Middleton/Jeromy Yager outfit should be around for a while.
5. Ryan Beaver-Nice guy, nice voice. Doing things the right way.
BEST LIVE ACT
Josh Grider Trio
Encompassing all the best aspects of country, rockabilly, bluegrass, folk and rock n' roll...this trio rolls out tight 3-part harmonies, stand up bass that slaps you in the face and greasy guitar licks that ring your ears in a good way. They give you your fill of drinking, cheating, dancing and everything else you could want in a musical experience...all in an original format. Check out this unique act when they come your way. If you've never seen them, check out this vid and make sure you watch the entire 5 minutes as they hold some tricks up their sleeves.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Wade Bowen
Wade took a giant step forward this year as people continue to discover the brilliance of his music. He's fought the good fight for a number of years and is starting to see the fruits of his labor. Nice guys do finish first. And, 2010 will see him deliver his own Live at Billy Bob's to the marketplace.
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Derrick Dutton
This scene is full of guitar slingers who joined up with bands just because they thought it was the easiest way to make a buck. Their heart's not in it, and you can tell. They just shred around the basic chords and fill the space, hog the stage and crank up to 11 without any forethought. Dutton is not like that. He comes from a blues background and even played with some old black cats that were in the Ike and Tina Revue at one point. He has jammed with Modern Day Drifters, Josh Grider, Drew Kennedy, Adam Hood, Ashley Ray, Matt Powell, Wade Bowen and many others. Last time I talked to him, he was playing with MDD through Steamboat and then possibly looking for a new musical adventure. Whoever picks this dude up will have a beast on their hands that's as adept with a slide as he is a pick. The tones he coaxes out of his Les Paul goldtop are mind-blowing. Fast forward to the 3 minute mark of this video and enjoy.
-Here's to a 2010 that's even better...enjoy the holidays y'all...let the one's you love know...and remind them that you'll turn it up.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
For the past few years, November has found me using this space to talk about musical things I am thankful for or for artists to share the artist they are most thankful for. This year, I was inspired to go to a more broad place with my gratitude. I am thankful for music. Period.
Simple statement, and I'm going to keep it short and sweet this month (due to extended recommended film section below). When putting my thoughts together, I began to piece together different ideas and landed on the notion that I'm simply thankful for music. Think of it as liner notes for the musical soul. Music defines me. One of the first things people I meet realize is that music is important to me. I'm passionate about five things: my family, my friends, God, music and sports. Depending on when you catch me, the order may be a bit jumbled. But, I am devoted to all. Music makes me hum through Mondays and fly through Fridays.
It's cliche, but it is the soundtrack to our lives. It drags me out of bed. Harmonizes with me in the shower. Gets me down the road. Reminds me of specific times and places: first crushes, bygone parties, lost friends, joyous celebrations, and holidays. It can comfort a bad mood or sustain a good mood. It comes in all shapes and sizes depending on what you want to hear or it feels you need to hear. Music can be fun and flighty or moody and heavy. It can be rowdy or serious. Music is a seductress that I can never turn away from. It creeps into every facet of our lives. I hear music in birds singing, fingers tapping on desks or water dripping out of a leaky faucet.
God has placed music all around us, and for that I am thankful.
What are you thankful for musically speaking?
MINOR CHORDS:
-Upon completing last month's "Woodshed" column that referenced Duane Allman's brilliance, I had the opportunity to take in an Allman Brothers/Widespread Panic show in Dallas. It was one of the coolest shows I've ever seen. And, up on the video screen to open the show was a simple intonation that this modern revamping of ABB was "...for a brother". At certain points videos of Duane were superimposed over Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks as they played identical scales and licks. Blew my mind.
-Lots of good records hitting recently with Brandon Jenkins, Lyle Lovett, Josh Grider and Drew Kennedy all having new ones...check them out.
-This year seems to be flying by, but fall is my second favorite time of year behind summer. Crisp air, anticipation of the holidays, football is peaking, and reunions of old friends happening all over the place. Good times.
-What is the deal with old people and not tinting the windows in their cars?
-Fried turkey owns all other turkey forms for Thanksgiving.
-I've become quite the guitar aficionado over the years. I remember not even going to shows a decade ago and not paying attention or caring what the people onstage played. Now, I find myself studying it intently and comparing tones and hitting the web up as soon as I get home to find YouTube vids of players using similar rigs.
-I hate the Yankees more than any other sports entity and it looks like they will (as of deadline) win another World Series barring a miraculous comeback. I'm ready for the devil to re-finance with the Steinbrenner family.
-Halloween was fun this year. Went to a big party with a cover band playing. At one point, I brought a friend of mine onto the stage that was dressed up like Randy Watson in Coming to America with a verbatim rendering of Arsenio Hall's lines. My buddy then belted out "I believe the children are our future..." a ca pella and the party raged on. My costume was modified from straight up Jon Gosselin to encompass all aspects of douchebag. Faux hawk. Stud earrings. Bandana hanging out of pocket. Flip flops with jeans. Ed Hardy shirt. Fake tan. Eyeliner. Cigarette in ear. Huge belt buckle supporting a front tuck of the aforementioned Ed Hardy shirt. Fake bling. I called everyone bro and did Jaeger shots all night. It was fun to be that guy all night.
-This month's recommended film: This Is It. For better or worse, Michael Jackson was an icon of Generation X. I was never a huge fan, but I did dig the heck out of the Thriller album. I kept hearing from people who's opinion I respected that this movie was mind blowing, so we decided to take it in. The positive reviews I heard didn't do it justice. The music had the entire theater hopping like we were at a concert, and seeing it on the big screen with the huge sound system is the only way to do it. You see MJ craft a grand stage show from inception to near completion. You see the musician perfectionist side of him as he guides his band and dancers to "play the songs the way the fans want to hear them...I want it to sound just like it does on the record." When told by the bandleader that they were getting it there...Michael politely, but effectively replies "Well, get it there." Speaking of the band, they are stupendous. Among a sea of standouts, stunning female guitarist Orianthi Pangaris shines. If this movie doesn't stir your soul a little bit, then you may not have one. Between the music and the grand video bits, particularly during "Earth Song", it is one moving ride that remains mostly upbeat throughout. I couldn't help but think how healthy and spry he looked up there...you'd never know he was taking pharmaceutical cocktails to get zombie like sleep each night. Which leads me to the final point I'd like to share. The joyful ride of a movie ends on a bittersweet note as we all know. And, I left the theater feeling emotionally overwhelmed and a bit melancholy. Blown away by what I'd just seen but sad that this really was it. Sad that it took dying for him to be remembered as more than a punchline. Sad, yet satisfying that he went out with the old showbiz motto of always leave them wanting more.
-This month's recommended album: Josh Grider-Sweet Road to Ride. My entire review is on the homepage, but let me just say that you enjoy your country music injected with shots of Jason Mraz type pop sensibilities combined with Walt Wilkins-esque spirituality...check this record out.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
Recently, I've been reading a couple of Allman Brothers autobiographies that sparked a connection in my brain to our current scene. One of the books is about the entire band and one is solely dedicated to the brilliance of Duane Allman. Several parallels struck me about the Allman's musical journey and that of many of our favorite sons. Most noticeably, the concept of woodshedding yourself into being a prime musician prior to even chasing the dream.
The Allman's beat around the south in and out of different bands pulling one night stands as a live jukebox beating covers like "Mustang Sally" into the ground while trying to hone their own sound. That sound they were seeking and ultimately ended up with was not one easily labeled then or now...much like Texas/Red Dirt. It was a mix of rock, blues, soul and country that was distinctively their own. Each song comprised of soulful voices and bottleneck guitar solos. From the beaches of Florida to the coast of California and a stint in Music City USA, they beat around the music business landscape with record deals, publishing deals, line-up changes and endless gigs until they hit the paydirt in Jacksonville and then most famously Macon, GA. Yet, before the success, these books are full of page after page of letdown detailing year after year of disappointment.
What got them over the hump?
Well, music and sports are two of my very favorite things...and they have a great deal in common, especially in the case of people like Duane Allman. He was an average guitar player skills-wise who willed himself to master the sounds he heard in his head and couldn't quite get his fingers to pull off. As related in the book, Skydog by Randy Poe, an old musician friend that knew him during his early years tells the story of Duane's practice habits as a teenager just learning the guitar.
"Duane had one of those little record players that looks like a suitcase. The speaker's in front, the top opens up, and the turntable was inside. He would sit there and play along with B.B. King records. When he got to something he wanted to learn, he would stop the record. He was barefooted, and he would put his foot inside the record player and stop the record with his toe, and he would play until he learned the lick. Then he would let the record go. When it got to the next lick, he would stop it with his toe again. He would do that over and over again all the way through the record. Then, he'd flip it to the other side, and when he was done with that side, he would flip it back over and do it all over again. He would sit in his room and do that for hours and hours each night. He was the first guy I ever saw that practiced that much, who was that organized. And it was like, 'Okay, now I see what it takes. I see how the guy got that good.' That was an inspiration to me from then on. If you want to be good, that's what you've gotta do--the record collection, the homework, the research, the practice routine, and all of that."
No different than Michael Jordan getting cut from his JV basketball team and working twice as hard or Michael Irvin running endless routes with Troy Aikman in the offseason, often the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary is effort. In the music realm, people often remark that Texan audiences are open to letting green acts work out these kinks in front of them. Texas audiences are known for wanting to hear originals over covers. Supporting starving artists...and basically being patient...as long as we see some promise. We seem to have a good eye for talent...but we can spot a fake from miles away.
Not to rob Taylor Swift, because I'd let her finish. But, lucky for us, a great number of our favorite artists spent Friday nights in bedrooms with amps turned up until their fingers and ears bled or in the bleachers with drums while we were running on the field or cheering on the track. They've spent a great number of years honing their craft and it shows. This superb quality of musicianship has led to us being spoiled. This is why manufactured acts or bandwagon fakes will never make it much further than their frat brothers packing a bar in their college town unless they dedicate themselves to the craft. We're a patient audience with a long memory. There are too many artists jumping in just to be seen, or being created in boardrooms in Nashville and New York. Can they sing? Doesn't matter. Can they write? Doesn't matter. Can they play? Doesn't matter. The catch is...it matters to us. It matters to those of us who hold music as something that is sacred and powerful. It's not just business to us, it's personal.
With Halloween coming up later this month, I like to think of these fake types of artists as wearing the costume of the serious artists who have put in the work and paved the road for them to drive down. There are a number of examples I think of when I think of artists who have woodshedded their way to where they are through hard work and dedication. But the first that continually jumps to mind is Cory Morrow. There are goofy pictures of him floating around the internet in glasses, holding down a couch next to Pat Green out in Lubbock and tearing through song after song on their acoustic guitars as they wanted to translate their Robert Earl Keen inspiration into original magic. Cory quickly began playing as often and long as humanly possible around Lubbock. Soon, he realized he'd have to travel to Austin to make a go of it as a professional musician. The bug had bitten him and he was sick with the music biz blues already. It wasn't a popular decision with his parents for him to drop out of school, move and become a professional musician. However, he had a vision and he knew that risking it all is what it would take. He set out to accomplish his goal of being under the lights of the stage each night by doing whatever it took. As he relates on his Double Exposure live album...he delivered pizzas, slept on couches, and when people told him he was crazy, he'd reply "I'm not crazy, you're crazy," because he was living the dream.
Sounds like something I just read recently...
"I mean, this was Duane, he was hell-bent for stardom and nothing was going to stop him. You want it bad enough, you're gonna pay your dues. Nobody's gonna tell you that you can't, and the more people that tell you that you can't, the more determined you are to prove that you can."
After over a decade as a fan and involved member of this scene, I've come to realize and accept that there will always be some douche with too much money and not enough talent that will make a splash in the pan. But, it shouldn't threaten anyone...they won't last. Their peers won't respect them, and eventually the audience won't receive them. So, my challenge to everyone here in October of 2009 is be on the lookout for the costume wearing fakes. Spook them out of our scene.
MINOR CHORDS:
-Glad the weather seems to finally be coming around to fall. I like every season but winter. Not a fan of cold, dark and gray. But, there is nothing like that first blast of cool, crisp autumn air. Football all weekend, leaves of all colors, and county fairs everywhere. It's not heaven or a corn field in Iowa...but it's pretty darn cool.
-Speaking of fairs...I'm thinking of heading to the State Fair and partaking in some fried fried.
-Seems like we say it every year, but this football season has already been ridiculous. Capped by what's going on out in Lubbock. I'm not real sure what all Mike Leach is putting in his coffee these days, but as a Longhorns fan I hope he keeps it up. But, I will give him kudos for kicking Brandon Carter off the team. There is no place for a real-life Steve Latimer in college football in 2009. The NCAA needed to let Mr. Carter know a long time ago that they are not the WWE and he is not Papa Shango.
-Thinking of taking the plunge for AC/DC tickets off E-Bay for the Austin show next month. I've seen them several times but not in a long time. I want to see them one last time before Angus is in a rest home.
-Started a guitar club for 10 and 11 year olds. When I took a poll on the first day to see what kind of guitars they had...acoustic or electric? I had several write down, "kustick". Too funny. We will be rocking out real life School of Rock style in no time.
-I've had a sabbatical from Texas Music live shows for over a month now, and it's been nice. Good to recharge the batteries as I was getting beaten down by the repetitive nature of the gigs. Everybody's gotta get away sometime...
-I've avoided the swine flu as of yet. I attribute this to my immune system being put into permanent overdrive by twelve years spent camping at LJTs.
-I used to have many funny thoughts to put in this space, but Twitter steals them all now.
-This month's recommended film: I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I loved the book. I did talk to some peeps who saw an advance screening and they raved about it, so I'll go on my thoughts of the book and their word (which I trust). Will be seeing it soon. If you dig crass, offensive, gonzo style humor, you'll dig this. And, if nothing else read Tucker Max's stories. He's a hero to men aged 18-50 for saying and doing all the things we've thought about but would never do ourselves...and then publishing it for all to see.
-This month's recommended album: Josh Grider-Sweet Road to Ride. Before I got an advance copy of this record, G-Ride told me that it represented a full circle album for him. It had pieces of his Riverside days, pieces of the Josh Grider Band days, pieces of the solo acoustic days and of course the Trio stylings. The title is apt, as is his description. Another great record by one of the most underrated and unappreciated artists in our scene. A truly original take on what country/Americana/Texas/Red-Dirt can and should be. Grider has always straddled the line of pop/rock/country seamlessly which led to me once christening him as being Merle Haggard meets Dave Matthews...and that still fits. Pick this album up.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
Musicians almost always listen to old stuff...the stuff that inspired them to pick up a guitar in the first place. I have the privilege of being around an array of musicians quite often. They are definitely a unique breed of people, and their influences, in this scene at least have little variety. I'm speaking of the frontmen only for this article. Guitarists, bassists and drummers are each a subculture unto themselves! Anyhow, most guys point to a Mount Rushmore of Influence that usually includes Waylon Jennings, Townes Van Zandt, Robert Earl Keen and Bruce Springsteen in some mixture with others ranging from the Allman Brothers to ZZ Top garnering some attention when the musicians I've seen are trying to get the creative juices flowing
I recently wrote a profile piece on Will Hoge for the next issue of LoneStarMusic magazine. In the piece I answer the question of why a Will Hoge feature would appear in a Texas music magazine among others. And, it got me to thinking that the only two guys I hear other musicians in this scene go crazy about that aren't old, dead or retired are Hoge and Sean McConnell. Why is this I pondered?
I've concluded it's because Hoge and McConnell share qualities with the music they fell in love with many years ago. Those shared qualities are things like being real, staying genuine, as well as, being powerful both emotionally and sonically.
All these guys rave about and gain inspiration from McConnell and Hoge because they are a bridge back to the soulful base great music is built on.
One time when I asked a young singer/songwriter from San Marcos what type of music she dug the most, she responded by saying..."Anything with soul." I knew immediately she wasn't only talking about the fantastic soul music made by stalwarts like Al Green, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. She meant anything she could feel. Whether that was Slaid Cleaves, Guy Clark, Doug Sahm or Janis Joplin, she was seeking music that stirred her soul. Therefore, she called it soul.
It's been a long time since people have used the word soulful to describe anything about this scene. Stoney sparked some of that reverence when he was covering Jim Croce and Neil Young songs in 2004 acoustically next to Bleu Edmondson. Jason Eady bares his soul onstage each time out. Adam Hood oozes soul. But, there aren't great numbers of guys doing a lot that gives you goosebumps. And, that's just my point.
Where do these contemporary guys look to for inspiration when they need some? The past.
Being that they continually look for inspiration in music, and the wells of Jennings and Van Zandt are running dry from them, I've seen guys branching out into other genres of music. Cody Canada incorporates guys like Kurt Cobain into his music. Cobain had a sarcastically sublime take on life and music. Achingly beautiful while being crunchingly loud. Certainly not elements in your mom and dad's country music. Drew Kennedy reaches to 90's alt rock stylings like Ben Folds. Admiring the manner in which Folds told mundane stories in a very entertaining way. Randy Rogers reaches back to 90's Texas alternative rock legends The Toadies. Rogers enjoys the reckless abandon in which they made music, and the intensity they poured into the lyrics.
Why do they turn to these artists? What do these things have in common with Hoge and McConnell?
They reach to them because it's been so long since something real grabbed a hold of their consciousness that they must reach to the past and expand outside of Americana/Country to make impactful music of their own.
They reach to Hoge and McConnell because they are colleagues banging it out one night at a time up and down the highways as they employ some of the virtues listed above. Original songwriting. Intense, emotive live performances. Powerful lyrics. Catchy melodies. Soul.
If you haven't done so yet, get your hands on a copy of anything Hoge and McConnell have done. They are spellbounding live, captivating on record and full of soul in any avenue you run into them.
Where's the soul? It's out there, but you have to drive past the fast-food joints, strip malls and into a harder to reach part of town. You have to skim past the best sellers and cramped radio playlists. You may have to do some work to find it, and there aren't many places selling it, but it's out there...I'm buying it...are you?
-MINOR CHORDS:
-Lots of feedback on last month's column. It's healthy to have discussion...and part of the reason I wrote the piece the way I did was to try and get people talking. One of the people that gave me feedback was mentioned in the article, Josh Abbott. He is a stand-up class act. He let me know in a very cool way why he agreed with my sentiment wholeheartedly but felt like he didn't need to be lumped in with the type of stuff I was railing against.
-I've had several people ask me recently for my Twitter address. It's twitter.com/behelerb. Jump on board for updates that are sometimes humorous, sometimes mundane, sometimes too frequent, sometimes inane, and sometimes revelatory.
-Support Justin Frazzell's Pickin' For Preemies event if you can. One of the finest, most moving musical experiences I've had in this scene along with the Tom Webb shows.
-Great music month shaping up. New releases all over the place. I have my favorite of the batch and will be posting reviews of several of these albums.
-It is finally football season! My fantasy drafts ended up well, and my favorite teams seem to be priming up for some special seasons. Now, if the weather would just cool off we'd be in business.
-Pet peeves: suposably, could care less, irregardless, and mute point.
-Radio is atrocious right now. Beer guts riding on big green tractors and acting like they are 15 in the country while listening to Tim McGraw. Ugh. Makes my head hurt.
-This month's recommended film: Adventureland. A dark coming of age type comedy from the guy behind Superbad. Faces you'll recognize and some you won't as you take a tour through working at an amusement park in 1987. The lead actor, Jesse Eisenberg does a good job, but bites Michael Cera's style a bit too much in certain scenes. And, while most facets of the film are authentic to 1987, Kristen Stewart's wardrobe and attitude generally look like she shuffled off a Twilight presser to recite her lines. However, all that being said, this is a movie that will hold your attention and have you rooting for certain characters. A good rental for sure.
-This month's recommended album: Jason Eady-When the Money's All Gone. Nobody incorporates more gospel infused Delta fire and brimstone in their Americana/Country brew than Jason Eady. Following two critically-acclaimed albums, Eady is back with his third effort. Much like those first two albums, When the Money's All Gone, is a strong collection of songs that stands out among a crowded landscape of lyrically challenged clowns singing solely about beer, babes and state pride. There's nothing wrong with those things, as long as that's not your only thing, and Eady displays a diversity of musical styles and songwriting prowess that puts him in a category with few peers. Just try to listen to "Cry Pretty" once and not immediately repeat it.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
My brother-in-law was at a casino in Shreveport some years ago when he ordered a Dr. Pepper. The waitress exclaimed they had Mr. Pibb and punctuated it by saying "What's the difference?". I was reminded of that fine rhetorical question recently during a conversation I was having with someone about the state of affairs in our once proud local music industry.
The person I was talking to was an old-timer. Used to work in radio as a disc jockey in the 80's, he now works in the sports field. He was talking about how music today confuses and perplexes him and that upsets him because he still considers himself hip. And, from talking to him, I could tell that he still had a good grasp of what was cool and what was definitely not.
His main point of contention about mainstream country music was that when he's cruising by radio stations or CMT/GAC he can't distinguish one act from another. They sound the same, look the same etc. And, back in his day it took no time to tell the difference between a Haggard song or Jones song...and it could be done in the first 10 seconds. Now, everything is so formulaic that it sounds the same. Produced by the same handful of producers using the same handful of studio musicians. The videos are all shot by the same handful of directors, in the same Nashville area locales and using the same extras.
His main point of contention about Texas Music was much the same. When it came back into flavor in the late 90's, it had an edge and was different. Then, as has been pointed out so many times here and elsewhere, the scene got flooded with no-talent hacks singing bad beer-soaked GCDC poetry. People that can't write, sing, or play squeezing out those few truly talented and innovative artists who are doing something original. The first wave pointed to guys like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Robert Earl keen as their inspiration. Next, after a couple of years, a rock influence seeped in and Bruce Springsteen's name was bandied alongside Kurt Cobain, the Toadies and even Prince. Then, a younger wave of guys came through that pointed to guys in the first wave as their influences and unabashedly copied them.
As we talked through all this, the old-timer summed it up by saying "Texas Music used to be different, but it's not anymore...a lot of it is crap." I could only nod my head in agreement. It is something I've pointed out over and over and over. It is now to the extent that a casual older gentleman that follows this music has noticed.
Texas/Red Dirt has slowly slipped into a precarious ravine where everything sounds and looks the same.
Every album seems to be produced by Mike McClure, Lloyd Maines, Walt Wilkins or Keith Gattis for the most part. I seem to remember a time when I could tell who's song was whose just by the first few bars. Different techniques, different vocals etc. Yet, it's gotten to such a point that those who still retain an original sound are copied to the point of frustration. And, some of those who have become relatively popular have an "original sound" only because it is so basic and juvenile that it makes me want to rip my ears off.
The minute someone can explain the lyrical genius and sophisticated musical stylings of Casey Donahew and Josh Abbott will be the same minute I root for the Oklahoma Sooners and join PETA.
Seems like a lot of the folks that are making cool, new music in this scene are playing to fifty people in a dive while the lame rip-off artists play to packed houses full of alcohol fueled sing alongers who don't know any better. Why do they not know any better? Because Texas radio has become just as bad as Clear Channel and Cumulus minus a couple of exceptions (Mandatory FM and KNBT). Listen/stream those two stations if you want to hear cool stuff without the crap paying to play on the narrow playlists of other "Texas" stations.
There are countless other examples that I can come up with...but I want to hear yours...what's the difference anymore...or is there a diference?
MINOR CHORDS:
-Greenfest was a rousing success this year. Momo's was the perfect venue and we hope to return next year. The Sunday show was great too. Thanks to everyone for making it a success. My favorite part was the jam at the end of the night at Momo's featuring Nate Rodriguez playing Adam Hood's guitar and singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" Amazing stuff.
-I've had the pleasure of seeing Will Hoge play twice this summer. Once in Nashville, once in Dallas. The Nashville show was better, but they were both excellent. If you get a chance to see this man perform, please do. He's got the intensity and charisma of Springsteen without merely namechecking him and playing watered-down rock.
-The older I get, the more I realize how selfish people can be in general. It's a sad comment on the human race.
-It's finally football season! Have big hopes for the Longhorns...hope to be pleasantly surprised by the Cowboys.
-Making plans to see several big rock shows this fall. Gotta see how the big dogs do it. AC/DC, U2 and others on tap. I'm excited already.
-VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul are the best channels on cable many nights.
-I've read several books this summer during downtime, and Midnight Riders: The Story of the Allman Brothers Band by Scott Freeman, may have been the coolest. We have two huge bookcases in our house and they are completely full. 75% are full of music and music bios/autobios...this is a good one. At times it drug on with a few too many details. For example, Freeman goes into extraordinary detail about each recording session the band ever went into. You'll see what I mean if you read it, and you should. But, the tales of the band rising up from bars to stadiums and the problems that come with that were fascinating.
-Ran into one of the good guys of Texas Music at Greenfest, Adam Svoboda. You may know Adam best for his time spent with Ryan Turner on lead guitar. Adam is now playing with Wes Hayden of toolbag Bachelorette fame. Poor Adam. He assured me that Wes is really cool and that the entire show was a bad edit job.
-This month's recommended film is: 500 Days of Summer. A quirky little movie with a killer soundtrack. If you dug Garden State or Nick and Norah...this is your movie.
-This month's recommended album: Radney Foster-Revival. I have a full review of this record coming in the next issue of LSM Mag. But, let me say it'sa cool little record that mixes equal parts gospel, country, blues and Brit pop. Basically, it's a Greatest Hits record full of songs you've never heard before.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
I often get asked what my top five bands/albums/songs etc are, and I find that such an impossible task. There is too much music out there. Both the kind stored on my mp3 player and in my brain...as well as they kind I've yet to discover. I'm turning 30 this month. Not old by any means, but definitely a milestone. And quite a lifetime of music I've experienced through the years. I've waxed nostalgic in this space often, and what better time than now?
I figured I'd take this month to take a trip down memory lane at the influences that carved me into what I am at this point, as well as, hopping behind the wheel of Doc Brown's Delorean for a trip into what the future might hold. It's probably a similar journey for many other Generation X'ers near my age, and shares something with those older and younger than me, so I look forward to the comments section being filled with your own musical timeline.
It's also evident to me upon looking back, that this collection of influences are really what led me to Texas/Red Dirt as a saving grace.
Music's been a part of the fabric of my soul for as long as I can recall, and even before memory served me. A story I often relate is that my very pregnant mother took me to a Doobie Brothers concert while I still resided in her belly. I rocked along in the womb apparently. She's even joked that I kicked along with the beat. That early indoctrination to music definitely kickstarted a passion that has only grown evermore consuming as the years go by.
As I think back to songs I actually remember hearing, the first one that comes to mind is "Elvira" by the Oak Ridge Boys. I'm convinced I saw them on TNN or something, but it could've been the Barbara Mandrell tv show...at any rate...I probably thought they were cartoons with William Lee Golden looking like the Grizzly Man and Joe Bonsall passing for a live action Muppet. Not to mention the tugboat bass of a voice owned by Richard Sterban and his "oom pappa mahw mawh"-ness.
My next musical memory is of "We Are the World". Someone gave me a tape that said "USA FOR AFRICA" on it. I had no idea or concept who all these voices I was hearing were, let alone the cause...but I knew I liked it and proceeded to listen to it for about a month on steady repeat. Two of the voices on that track would immediately impact my musical world as I would blare the Born in the USA and Thriller albums on repeat. Again, with the Springsteen I had no idea that the lyrics to the title track were actually not happy and shiny...in my young mind it was just a joyous affirmation of patriotism.
And, with Michael Jackson I was just swept up in what other people thought was cool. I think they gave Thriller away for free in the mail with as many people had that album, and I wasn't very discretionary at age five. The MJ songs were merely a soundtrack for the videos I saw playing out on MTV for hours at a time as my sister babysat me by placing me in front of it for hours at a time like the kid in the early 90's sitcom Dream On.
Throughout my childhood, as I was dropped off at a grandparents' house for the weekend, we would always be surrounded by music. Whether it was church on Sunday rooting me in gospel music, or blaring old school jazz and big band LPs on a huge old-school record player cabinet/piece of furniture as they regaled me of stories of Tommy Dorsey and Sammy Davis, JR. Between this and the many TIME Life commercials popping up during the 80's, I began to assimilate all these foundation pieces into my own musical DNA.
I was also getting to the age where I got to pick out my own music. Some of the first I remember purchasing with my allowance, on cassette at the local K-Mart with the big, unnecessary plastic cases around them, were RUN DMC and Beastie Boys. Even at a young age, I was searching out something unique. Something different. Something fresh. Definitely not my parents or grandparents music anymore. From there, with the help of the ever present MTV of the day and influence of my friends older siblings, I dug hard into the hits of the day...most notably hair metal. I was seduced by the soaring choruses and weird looking freaks on tv singing catchy melodies about going home sweet home and living on prayers.
Please remember that throughout my independent dalliances were nightly viewings of Ralph Emery's Nashville Now show on TNN and constant helpings of George Strait, Mel McDaniel and Hank Williams, Jr as I traveled anywhere in a vehicle.
Yet, I continued to search on my own, again landing in the dangerous world of hip-hop. From the feelgood stuff like Sir Mix Alot, Kid n Play and MC Hammer to the edgy stuff like NWA and Eazy-E. Typical, rebellious stuff for a kid in a no-stoplight town in Texas. But, don't blame me...I got it from the neighbors!
Around this time, the neo-traditionalist movement began to sweep country music with guys like Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam, along with the infamous class of '89 (Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt). As music like that was steadily pumped into my consciousness, there was a huge movement happening. Grunge was happening. It was the fall of '91 and I remember the media making a big deal out of Michael Jackson releasing Dangerous and the "Black and White" video simulcast...but nobody I knew was interested.
We were more interested in seeing how many times MTV would play "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Something that spoke to us. Something outside the lines.
The edge found in that musical moment caused me to chase the dragon of danger from then on. So, my tastes trended to harder and harder stuff until I was blaring Pantera, White Zombie and old Metallica (among others) so loudly and often that I'm pretty sure I damaged my hearing.
As the decade began to wear on, and country music's constant presence in my life was waning due to the Shania-ized crap radio was pushing, someone gave me a Robert Earl Keen cd. Then, next thing I know I was invited to see some kid from the hometown play at a dive bar. His name was Pat Green. And, from there I dug deeper into Texas Music. Where my core still is. Sure, I've continued to dabble and search for cool stuff in all genres, but my homebase is Texas/Red Dirt.
And, the reason I think that I stay there at the core is that Texas Music embodies all 30 years of styles that make up my musical DNA. Of course there are the country/honk-tonk notions...but the best of this scene showcase themes of blues, rock, and even the edginess of gangsta rap at times. It's not slick. It's dangerous. And it keeps me forever searching for the next cool thing. That's how I ended up here...30 years of music soaking into my soul...how about you?
-MINOR CHORDS:
-The Michael Jackson stuff has been crazy. But, I must admit like the cliches played out in the media...this death has made me re-evaluate and remember how good his music was in the first place. I've watched countless YouTube videos of his in the past couple weeks and came away so impressed by the performance aspect of some of the live clips I saw. He was dancing full steam ahead without lip-synching and never missing a lyric. Amazing.
-Am I the only one that hears "down, down doo doo brown?" when "Cupid Shuffle" is played? And for the love of all that is holy, people please stop line dancing. PLEASE!
-On a recent roadtrip I was reminded of the time some buddies and I were lost in San Antonio and one of them exclaimed "We can call my cousin!". Me, "Does he live down here?" Him: "No, he lives in Dallas." This was in the dark ages before cell phones and GPS were prevalent. So we were lost until another one of my friends got directions that told us to simply go to the end of the street and take a left. What a fantastic invention that GPS is!
-Another all-star break with the Rangers at/near 1st place. Let's see what happens from here on out. If they're still hanging in there in late August I'll be happier than Kirstie Alley at a Golden Corral.
-Glad so many people liked my piece about Georgie, the chick from London we picked up at Graceland. She will be at Steamboat, so you can holler at her in person!
-Greenfest is this month. Cool to feel the vibe being just right about it. Nice mix of old-skoolers coming back and newbies. We're all family. Come on out if you can make it. Sat July 25-Momo's in Austin. Sun July 25-LoneStarFloathouse in New Braunfels.
-Heard a story on the news recently about a former TCU Football player that was shot over the weekend in Florida over accidentally spilling his stepfather's beer. Bizarre. Hope his stepfather stays away from Greenfest!
-This month's recommended film: The Hangover. Quite frankly, one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. That's all I'll say. Go see it.
-This month's recommended album: Walt Wilkins-Vigil. Classic Walt. Some songs you know. Others you don't. Folksy and soulful. All for a good cause. Every penny of the proceeds will benefit the Longevity Foundation - an Austin-based charity supporting research into a cure for ataxia-telangiectasia, a degenrative disorder causing premature aging of the nervous and immune systems.
-"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."-Mark Twain
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
