McKay Brothers,
McKay Brothers

Label: Texas Archipelago Records
Year: 2003

(4 out of 5)

The McKay Brothers hail from Bandera, the town that bills itself as "The Cowboy Capital of the World." While Noel and Hollin may not make cowboy music, they clearly do take tradition seriously.

On their self-titled debut CD, released in 2003 on Texas Archipelago Records, the brothers pay homage to musical hero Guy Clark while blending elements of country, conjunto, blues, folk, and other influences on Central Texas music.

With so many inspirations, one might expect the McKays to have overreached with their ambitious debut. Instead, with the help of producer Gurf Morlix, the McKay Brothers managed to craft one of the most compelling albums to emerge from the Hill Country in several years.

The opening "When I Reached the Colorado" is a folksy ode to Texas rivers in the vein of "Brazos River Song" (better known as "Texas River Song" from Lyle Lovett's Step Inside This House).

"Friday Night" sports a 50s-styled rockabilly vibe to relate an amusing take on small-town entertainment:

It's a Friday night the music's free
Out in the parking lot's the place to be
Why don't you site here on the tailgate
You can smoke a cigarette with me

On "Mi San Antonio" the McKays introduce an accordion– and bajo sexto–based conjunto rhythm to accompany their bilingual close harmony. The brothers then shuffle vocal duties on the mysterious, brooding "Harrisburg."

Noel resumes as lead vocalist on "Great Big Oldsmobile," a humorous yet romantic story about lovers looking forward to growing old together:

And I'll drive you 'round this little town in our great big Oldsmobile
Even when they say that I'm too old to get behind the wheel
And I'll still hold your hand, and I'll still hold your hand
We'll stand together till there's no more strength to stand

"The South Coast of Texas" pays tribute to the song's author, Guy Clark. Another cover follows, this time a rendition of Steve Jordan's "Las Olas."

Four original compositions close the album. "Hey Old Man" relates a man's attempt to connect with his aging father. "Dirty Old Town" offers another look at the emptiness of small-town life.

The brothers' witty views on domestic romance surface again on "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is":

I fixed the sink again dear, scrubbed them dishes till they shine
You really mean you love a man with dishpan hands? Is that just another line?
So put your money where your mouth is, and honey put your mouth on mine

The closing "Pretty Bay Mare" is a pretty, romantic lullaby in three-four time.

My first exposure to the McKay Brothers came via "Friday Night" on the now-defunct KRIO 103.7/105.9 FM in the San Antonio area. Then in April 2004 I saw the brothers open for Guy Clark and Verlon Thompson at Floore's Country Store in Helotes. Playing with just Noel on guitar and Hollin on bass, the McKays left me astounded. Even Guy Clark applauded the brothers' talents.

Whether you see the McKay Brothers live or listen to their debut, it's clear that Noel and Hollin have extraordinary gifts: rugged voices, poetic lyrics, seamless close harmony and instrumentation.

While the McKay Brothers may draw inspiration from Guy Clark, their varied styles place them squarely in the company of such clever, literate singer/songwriters as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and even Townes Van Zandt.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

January 24, 2005