This Is Texas Music

Time to say goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:55:00 +0000

I created this site in early 2004 as a way to help spread the word about Texas music and musicians, and also to give myself an outlet for creative writing. Over these last five years, I've greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about exciting artists, make new friends, and of course listen to lots of great music.

When I started, I felt like a lone online voice striving for a largely objective look into Texas music. Since then, I've been joined by many who do the job better than I possibly could — The 9513, Lone Star Music Magazine, and KUT's David Brown foremost among them, and each with a broader reach than I ever imagined.

So I am putting This Is Texas Music on hiatus. I've stepped away from the site for a couple months now and have enjoyed the break. I may return at some later date, but chances are this hiatus will be permanent.

Thank you to all the fans and readers out there who have sent so many emails and posted so many links over the years. Thanks also to the artists who have shared their music and their stories with me, as well as the publicists who helped bring us together. And to all of you, thank you for letting me share in your passion for music.

Feel free to continue emailing your questions, thoughts, and recommendations. I'd also like to invite you to befriend me on Facebook so we can share in one another's ongoing life stories.

Goodbye for now,
Patrick

Music shares the spotlight at the Texas Book Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:48:00 +0000

This weekend marks the 13th annual Texas Book Festival — a two-day celebration of reading, writing, and culture that takes place in and around the state capitol building. All events are free and open to the public.

Here's a quick rundown of music-related events during this year's festival:

Saturday panels

12:30–1:30
Tune In: Clear Channel
Andy Langer leads a dialogue on San Antonio's radio/media behemoth Clear Channel Communications. The panel features Alec Foege, author of Right of the Dial: The Rise of Clear Channel and the Fall of Commercial Radio.

1:00–1:45
Punk Rock Etiquette
Full-time cartoonist, part-time musician, and native Texan Travis Nichols presents a light-hearted look at the ins and outs of the music business.

3:30–4:30
Let's Get Back to Our Roots (Music)
Richard Holland moderates a discussion about the resurgence of roots music in American culture. Among the panelists is music critic Amanda Petrusich, author of the recently released It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music.

Saturday performances in the Music Tent

10:00–11:00
Austin Community Steelband

11:00–12:00
Bucolics Anonymous

12:00–1:00
Shelley King, the official Texas State Musician for 2008

1:00–2:00
Los Texmaniacs

2:00–3:00
Texas Swing Kings

3:00–4:00
Jesse Sublett with Jon Dee Graham

4:00–5:00
Terri Hendrix

Saturday performances in the Children's Entertainment Tent

11:00–12:00
Island Rhythms Hula Company

1:00–2:00
Joe McDermott

2:00–3:00
Mr. Johnny and Sharon

3:00–4:00
Rochelle Rabouin

4:00–5:00
McCallum High School Steel Drum Band

Sunday panels

11:00–11:45
Shine On: 100 Years of Shiner Beer
Though not about music per se, Shiner Bock is omnipresent on the state's music scene. Mike Renfro introduces his new book chronicling Spoetzl Breweries' first century in business.

1:30–2:15
Willie Nelson: The Biography
Journalist Joe Nick Patoski discusses his critically acclaimed book about the Red Headed Stranger's long and winding career.

Sunday activity in the Children's Demonstration & Activity Tent

1:00–1:30
Let's Make Music
Kids can make their own instruments and join in a jam session with Christopher S. Jennings, author and illustrator of Animal Band.

Sunday performances in the Music Tent

12:15–1:30
Rockin' Gospel Project

1:30–3:00
W.C. Clark

3:00–4:00
Jitterbug Vipers

4:00–5:00
Redd Volkaert and Cindy Cashdollar

Sunday performances in the Children's Entertainment Tent

12:00–1:00
Chaski

1:00–2:00
Super Pal Universe

2:00–3:00
Sara Hickman

3:00–4:00
Kim Lehman

See the official schedule for the full list of panels and performances.

ACL Fest in review, plus Ray Benson profile with more to come

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:14:00 +0000

An article in this month's Spin magazine criticizes the inaugural All Points West festival, held August 8–10 in New Jersey, for failing to draw upon local or even regional talent. No one can say that about ACL Fest. At least 40 of this year's 130ish performers had Texas connections. I couldn't see them all, but I tried to take in as many as I could.

Who impressed me the most?

Dan Dyer, whose soulful voice resonated even better live than it does on his brilliant self-titled album.
Ageless, timeless wonder Rodney Crowell. No bass, no drums, no problem.
The new-to-me Black & White Years, who grabbed hold of my eyes and ears when I'd planned to focus elsewhere.
Festival veterans the Old 97's, whom I'd never seen in concert. I only wish I could have stayed for the full set.
The immensely talented and entertaining Bavu Blakes, with help from full band the Extra Plairs. They started with Living Colours' "Cult of Personality" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and never slowed down.
Nakia & His Southern Cousins, who filled the WaMu tent with the unstoppable combination of music and love.

There are some shows I wish I'd seen but didn't. Alejandro Escovedo. Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. Flyleaf. Erykah Badu. Roky Erickson. I think it's impossible to leave any festival without at least a few regrets.

I also managed to spend some time backstage with a few artists gracious enough to withstand the heat and dust a little longer. My profile of Ray Benson is up today on The 9513. I'll have new features on the Eli Young Band and Nakia ready soon, plus a pre-ACL Fest interview with Randy Rogers.

Like many of this year's attendees, I'm still removing dust from unwelcome places and trying to soothe a scratchy throat. But, as usual, ACL Fest was worth it.

ACL Fest photos, day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:58:00 +0000

Elizabeth Wills opened the final day from the BMI stage.

A.A. Bondy's witty stage banter rivaled his brilliant solo performance for entertainment value.

The Belleville Outfit drew a sizable mid-day audience to the BMI stage.

Rob Teter and Marshall Hood, from the Belleville Outfit.

Nakia & His Southern Cousins got the WaMu crowd moving.

Nakia shines in the spotlight.

It's always fun to watch keyboardist Derek Morris really get into the music.

ACL Fest photos, day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:16:00 +0000

The Black and White Years rock the hometown crowd.

Scott Butler, lead vocalist and guitarist of the Black and White Years.

Zac Hartwell, age 14, leads Austin rock band We Go to 11.

We Go to 11 bassist Jake Hartwell, age 16, and drummer Sled Allen, age 13.

The Old 97's played classics like "Victoria" and "Stoned" as well as songs from this year's Blame It on Gravity.

Murry Hammond and Philip Peeples form the Old 97's plaid-clad rhythm section.

Rhett Miller, charismatic front-man of the Old 97's.

Brad Skistimas brought along a full band, but closed the Five Times August set with the solo acoustic "Audience of Zero."

Austin's own Bavu Blakes is a man of many disguises.

Despite the mid-afternoon heat, Bavu Blakes & the Extra Plairs had energy to spare.

Americana chart-toppers the Band of Heathens packed the BMI stage.

ACL Fest photos, day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 03:31:00 +0000

Festival-goers rush to stake their spots as the gates open just after 11am.

Alexis Jones-Roberts and the Jones Family Singers open the WaMu stage.

Dan Dyer gets the AT&T blue room stage off to a soulful start.

Asleep at the Wheel opens its annual benediction with "Miles and Miles of Texas."

Rodney Crowell jams with Will Kimbrough in a "no bass, no drums" show.

Rodney Crowell makes a political statement with a t-shirt reading "America Don't Worry, Israel Is Behind You."

Artist Mike Ming demonstrates his technique in the Dell Dome.

With the workday winding down, the festival crowds (here watching Del the Funky Homosapien) begin to build.

A faraway shot of James Young, Mike Eli, and Jon Jones from the Eli Young Band.

Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and the Swell Season battled instrument problems yet managed to pull off an incredible set.

Eli Young Band an instant chart success

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:09:00 +0000

The Eli Young Band explodes onto the Billboard charts this week. New release Jet Black & Jealous comes in at #5 on the Top Country chart and #30 on the Top 200. An impressive national debut.

And if you're coming to ACL Fest this weekend, keep in mind that Eli Young Band plays the Austin Ventures stage at 6:30 Friday. Single-day tickets are still available.

Listen:

"Guinevere"

"Enough Is Enough"

"Always the Love Songs"

"Radio Waves"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes

ACL Fest preview: Sunday's lineup

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:03:00 +0000

Completing the weekend roundup, here are the Texans on Sunday's schedule, presented in order of appearance:

Elizabeth Wills, 11:15-11:45, BMI stage
With two self-released albums under her belt, Elizabeth Wills decided it was time for a change. She left Texas for the Rockies, and when she crossed the state line she pretty much left her music career behind, too. But after hearing Wills sing, a new Colorado friend became so passionate about getting the singer/songwriter back into the studio that she started her own record label. Fly came out on the new Erian Records this spring. The Austin Chronicle's Jim Caligiuri lists Wills as a top pick.

Big Don, 11:30-12:00, Austin Kiddie Limits stage
One of Austin's favorite hip-hop artists, MC Overlord, again transforms into Big Don to entertain the kiddos. He also is scheduled to perform on Friday.

River City Christianettes, 11:30-12:30, WaMu stage
The women comprising the contemporary gospel quartet River City Christianettes have been singing and praising together in San Antonio for more than a decade. The Statesman's Kathy Blackwell lists the Christianettes' ACL Fest debut among her top picks of the weekend.

Belleville Outfit, 12:40-1:20, BMI stage
When Lyle Lovett recommends a band, like he did onstage at the Long Center this summer, you should take heed. It seems the Belleville Outfit's modern take on gypsy jazz captivated Lovett, just as it's done with thousands at festivals across the country. Formed just in time to play MerleFest last year, the Austin-based sextet released its debut, Wanderin', to widespread acclaim this spring. The Statesman's Blackwell, the Chronicle's Caligiuri, and KUT's David Brown include the band on their top-picks lists.

Scott H. Biram, 12:50-1:30, Austin Ventures stage
Growling, howling, and scowling, Austin's Scott H. Biram produces some of the dirtiest blues this side of the Mississippi. The one-man band has made a home for himself on presitigious Bloodshot Records, which released his most recent album, Graveyard Shift, in 2006.

Nakia & His Southern Cousins, 1:00-2:00, WaMu stage
Nakia got his start with faux lounge act the Small Stars, until frontman Miles Zuniga (Fastball) cut him loose with orders to start his own band instead of hiding behind his Vic Odin character. Nakia & His Southern Cousins released their Playing the Cards EP in 2007. A new album currently is in the works. The Chronicle's Margaret Moser includes the band among her top picks.

Octopus Project, 1:30-2:30, Dell stage
The dynamic quartet behind the Octopus Project never tire of experimenting — even after last year's Hello, Avalanche garnered their best reviews to date. One never knows what sounds might emerge during their ACL Fest debut. This is listed as a top pick by the Statesman's Michael Corcoran, the Chronicle's Darcie Stevens, and KUT's Brown.

The Jimmies, 2:30-3:00, Austin Kiddie Limits stage
The New York band with the Texas guitarist charms the kids once again. The quintet also is scheduled to perform on Saturday.

Flyleaf, 2:30-3:30, AT&T stage
This platinum-selling metal band from tiny Belton has a bark much fiercer than its bite. Read last week's in-depth preview for more.

Okkervil River, 5:30-6:30, AT&T blue room stage
There's not a hotter band in Austin right now. Press and fans alike fawned over last year's The Stage Names, which Harp Magazine named the top album of 2007. Similar acclaim is pouring forth for new release The Stand-Ins. Okkervil River's second ACL Fest appearance is a near-consensus top pick (with the Chronicle as the lone exception).

South Austin Jug Band, 6:40-7:20, BMI stage
Despite slimming down from a quintet to a trio, the South Austin Jug Band somehow managed to turn out its best work yet with the new Strange Invitation. They're so good so consistently, and play so often around these parts, I think this is perhaps the most underappreciated band in town. Only the Chronicle's Caligiuri includes them among his top picks.

Kevin Fowler, 7:45-8:45, Austin Ventures stage
He may not be the most talented or most successful artist on the Texas country scene, but no one can get a crowd going quite like Kevin Fowler. His arsenal of rowdy anthems like "Beer, Bait & Ammo," "100% Texan," and "The Lord Loves the Drinkin' Man" is sure to ring out across Zilker Park no matter who else is playing nearby. The Chronicle's Moser names Fowler a top pick.

For recommendations on whom to see during ACL Fest:
– Joe Gross, Michael Corcoran, and others weigh in from the Statesman
– David Brown from KUT's Texas Music Matters presents "The List"
– Daily picks and more from the Austin Chronicle

ACL Fest preview: Saturday's lineup

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:01:00 +0000

Continuing with yesterday's theme, here is a rundown of Texans on Saturday's schedule, presented in order of appearance:

Bonnie Bishop, 11:15-11:45, BMI stage
After already finding regional chart success with her first two studio albums, Bonnie Bishop signed with Nashville's Montage Music Group and then headed into the studio with A-list producer Will Kimbrough. The new album will be out early next year. KUT's David Brown lists Bishop as one of his top picks for "musical discovery" at this year's festival.

Shields of Faith, 11:30-12:15, WaMu stage
Though based in San Antonio, the Shields of Faith have become an Austin staple thanks to regular performances at Stubb's gospel brunches. And with this their fifth ACL Fest appearance, only annual stalwarts Asleep at the Wheel have been more frequent guests.

The Black & White Years, 12:00-12:30, Austin Ventures stage
When they started out just two years ago, the Black & White Years drew instant comparisons to the Talking Heads. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that ex-Head Jerry Harrison fell in love with the art-rock quartet at SXSW and ended up producing their self-titled debut, out this year on local label Brando Records.

Old 97's, 12:30-1:30, AT&T stage
This is the third ACL Fest — and first since 1994 — for the Old 97's. Released this spring on New West Records, Blame It on Gravity has received some of their strongest reviews to date. Now in their 15th year, Rolling Stone says "there's still no better band to spill your beer to."

We Go to 11, 12:40-1:20, BMI stage
These kids know how to rock. Brothers Zak (vocals and guitar, age 14) and Jake Hartwell (bass and keyboards, 16) plus lifelong friend Sled Allen (drums, 13) are back for a second straight appearance. We Go to 11 is in the early stages of planning its debut album.

Five Times August, 12:50-1:30, Austin Ventures stage
Dallas twenty-something Brad Skistimas is the man behind solo project Five Times August. Thanks to song placements on the likes of Laguna Beach and The Real World, Skistimas has sold more than 100,000 song downloads without any label support. He self-released the latest Five Times August album, Brighter Side, in March.

Bavu Blakes & the Extra Plairs, 1:50-2:30, Austin Ventures stage
Houston may get most of the press when it comes to Texas hip-hop, but Bavu Blakes is helping grow the scene here in Austin. The prolific artist will release three albums in 2008 alone, and he's uploading a new song every week as part of the ambitious '08 Is So Great project. The Statesman's Joe Gross lists Blakes among his top picks of the festival.

Band of Heathens, 2:40-3:20, BMI stage
It's been a meteoric rise for this group of friends who started jamming together at Momo's three years ago. The Band of Heathens released two live albums on Fat Caddy Records and won Best New Band honors in the 2007 Austin Music Awards. The venerable Ray Wylie Hubbard produced their self-titled studio debut, which spent nearly the entire summer in the top 5 on the Americana Music Association's airplay chart.

The Jimmies, 3:30-4:00, Austin Kiddie Limits stage
The family-friendly quintet hails from New York City, but guitarist Matt Puckett is a native Texan (or "foreigner," as he's described on the band's site). The Jimmies describe their music as "silly songs for the shorter set," and after listening to new release Make Your Own Someday I'd say that sounds about right. If my kids were just a few years younger, they'd love it.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, 4:00-4:45, Austin Ventures stage
With an album in the works on Lost Highway Records, this is the perfect time to shine for emerging soul powerhouse Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. This is another top critics' pick, this time from both the Statesman's Gross and KUT's Brown.

Robert Earl Keen, 4:30-5:30, AMD stage
A trailblazer for modern Texas country, Robert Earl Keen released his first album (No Kinda Dancer) in 1984 and hasn't slowed down since. His inimitable blend of the folksy and urbane has inspired countless singer/songwriters along the way. This is Keen's fourth ACL Fest appearance.

Erykah Badu, 4:30-5:30, AT&T stage
Another top pick from both Gross and Brown, Erykah Badu's festival debut is among the most highly anticipated of the weekend … assuming she makes it, that is. After canceling her Austin City Limits taping, some fans are concerned she may bow out altogether (though festival organizers assure she'll be there as scheduled).

Iron & Wine, 7:30-8:30, Dell stage
Sam Beam rose to indie rock fame while residing in Floria, but moved his family and recording studio to Dripping Springs three years ago. It was there he recorded The Shepherd's Dog, arguably his best album to date — and, reaching #24 on the Billboard charts, certainly his most successful. This is Iron & Wine's second ACL Fest.

Roky Erickson, 7:45-8:45, Austin Ventures stage
There's no better success story in music. With the Thirteenth Floor Elevators, Roky Erickson helped pioneer the psychedelic rock scene of the 1960s. But mental illness forced Erickson underground for the better part of two decades, until brother Sumner won legal custody and was able to get Roky the help he needed. He's cautiously returned to the public spotlight, and I've yet to hear of anyone who's been disappointed by one of Roky's live shows.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, 8:15-9:30, AMD stage
Though nearly 25 years apart in age and miles apart in style, guitar god Robert Plant and bluegrass songbird Alison Krauss have somehow found a way to play off each other's strengths. Their Raising Sand collaboration was recently named Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association. Touted by both the Statesman's Gross ("he's ROBERT FREAKIN' PLANT") and KUT's Brown, this set is a near-consensus critics' pick.

ACL Fest preview: Friday's lineup

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:26:00 +0000

Some folks chiseled their ACL Fest plans in stone as soon as schedules were announced in June. I am not one of them. With the festival now just four days away, I still have few firm plans of where to go and whom to see. And I know I'm not the only one out there. So to help myself with planning, and hopefully to be of use to those of you in similarly unscheduled straits, I thought I'd present a rundown of Texas artists. Today, we'll look at Texans on Friday's schedule, presented in order of appearance:

The Jones Family Singers, 11:30-12:15, WaMu stage
Music is truly a family affair for these Bay City holy rollers. Formed by Pentecostal pastor Dr. Fred Jones, the group features daughter Alexis Jones Roberts along with her four sisters, brother, brother-in-law, and nephew. The Jones Family Singers made their ACL Fest debut in 2005 and have been invited back each year since.

Dan Dyer, 11:45-12:30, AT&T blue room stage
A veteran of the Austin music scene, Dan Dyer made waves locally with this spring's release of his third album — and first since 2004's Lenny Kravitz–produced …Of What Lies Beneath. Recorded in a church-turned-studio, Dan Dyer is a soul showcase so powerful it made it onto Statesman critic Michael Corcoran's list of the top 10 albums from the year's first half.

Rodney Crowell, 12:30-1:30, AT&T stage
The Houston kid makes his first ACL Fest appearance just weeks after releasing the critically-acclaimed Sex & Gasoline. Read last week's in-depth preview for more.

Asleep at the Wheel, 12:30-1:30, AMD stage
It just wouldn't be ACL Fest without Asleep at the Wheel. The 9-time Grammy® winners are the only artists who have performed at the festival each year since its inception. A fitting honor for the band that also holds the distinction of having the most appearances on the festival's television counterpart.

Paula Nelson, 12:40-1:20, BMI stage
Sure she's the daughter of a country music legend, but Paula Nelson has developed a rootsy style that's all her own. Lucky 13, released earlier this year, features support from the likes of George Devore, Landis Armstrong, and yes, papa Willie (on "Day to Day Love").

The Hensley Ensemble, 12:45-1:30, WaMu stage
Founded by Elbert Hensley, Jr. more than 25 years ago, the Hensley Ensemble includes more than a dozen gospel singers from around the Dallas area.

What Made Milwaukee Famous, 1:30-2:30, AT&T blue room stage
One of the biggest buzz bands of 2005, What Made Milwaukee Famous became the first unsigned artist ever to perform on Austin City Limits. The band signed with indie heavyweight Barsuk Records and re-released Trying to Never Catch Up in 2006. This year's What Doesn't Kill Us proves the band is no one-hit wonder.

The Strange Boys, 1:50-2:30, Austin Ventures stage
From their ACL Fest bio: "Whats so strange about the Strange Boys? Only the obvious mystery of how four guys barely in their 20s manage to absolutely nail the raw, Chuck-Berry-infused essence of England's Newest Hitmakers-era Rolling Stones. … But these guys do that thing they do so true, they never even sound like theyre trying to be retro."

Brotherly Luv, 2:00-2:45, WaMu stage
A seven-piece contemporary gospel group from McKinney, Brotherly Luv is still recovering from the death of member Devenchae Turner last year. The healing continues with their ACL Fest debut plus the release of their third album, Keep It Real, next month.

Big Don, 2:30-3:00, Austin Kiddie Limits stage
If you're taking the little ones to ACL Fest with you, get ready to bounce around when Don Robinson takes over the kids' stage. The veteran hip-hop performer and producer transitions from R-rated MC Overlord to family-friendly Big Don with recent release Big Don's Big Beat. Trust me, it's pretty entertaining kids music.

Sunny Sweeney, 2:40-3:20, BMI stage
With only a couple years experience under her belt, comedian-turned-singer/songwriter Sunny Sweeney captured the hearts of music fans in Austin and beyond with 2006's self-released Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame. She signed with Nashville's Big Machine Records in 2007 and makes her ACL Fest debut this year.

Patty Griffin, 4:30-5:30, AMD stage
It's not surprising to learn that this is Patty Griffin's fourth ACL Fest. A three-time Grammy nominee, the perennial industry darling won best album (Children Running Through) and artist of the year honors from the Americana Music Association in 2007.

Eli Young Band, 6:30-7:15, Austin Ventures stage
The country-rock quartet returns to ACL Fest for a third straight year. Read last week's in-depth preview for more.

Ryan Bingham, 6:40-7:20, BMI stage
The 26-year-old with a voice that sounds as though it's weathered decades of mischief made his national debut with Mescalito on prestigious Lost Highway Records. Nearly a year later, "Bread and Water" remains a staple on KGSR and Americana stations around the country. A new album from Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses is due out early next year.

Alejandro Escovedo, 7:45-8:45, Austin Ventures stage
A survivor in every sense of the word, Alejandro Escovedo just might have the album of the year in Real Animal. Making his first ACL Fest appearance, Escovedo gets the honor of closing the Austin Ventures stage.

ACL Fest preview: Flyleaf

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:58:00 +0000

Did you know that tiny Belton (population 17,330) is home to a platinum-selling rock band? Flyleaf's self-titled debut on Octone Records has sold steadily since its 2005 release, reaching platinum status this spring. Four of the album's 11 tracks have cracked Billboard charts, highlighted by "All Around Me" reaching #17 on the pop chart this year following a #6 peak on the modern rock chart in 2007.

So what's clicked for this loud quintet from such a quiet town? Flyleaf has benefitted from tours with some of the genre's top artists, including back-to-back years as part of Korn's Family Values Tour, plus various stints with the likes of Staind, 3 Doors Down, and Bowling for Soup.

But there's another explanation for Flyleaf's lasting appeal: music with a bark much fiercer than its bite.

The angst-ridden sound is nü-metal, with snarling guitars and bass enveloping Lacey Mosley's alternately feminine and ferocious lead vocals. Yet beneath the anguished veneer is a substrate of faith-based trial and salvation.

You may have to listen closely to detect it. Flyleaf isn't hiding its beliefs by any means, but most songs make no outward spiritual references. And those that do generally take an opaque approach — like these lines from "Sorrow":

I'll take this piece of you
And hope for all eternity
For just one second I felt whole

Plenty of believers are catching the buzz. Flyleaf has spent nearly three straight years among bestselling Christian albums (currently sitting at #5).

Like faith-embracing brethren P.O.D. and Relient K, the band doesn't really care whether it's portrayed as a Christian rock band or as just a rock band. As Mosley explained to MTV's James Montgomery, there's no real distinction:

"We all share the same faith. And so when we deal with the whole 'Christian band thing,' we kind of think about something P.O.D. says, like, 'If you're a Christian, it affects everything in your life. So if you're a plumber, does that make you a Christian plumber?' I don't know the answer. We're a band, it's part of who we are, so it comes out in our music, and it's the fuel for what we do."

Flyleaf plays on the AT&T stage Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m.

Listen:

"Breathe Today"

"I'm Sorry"

"Sorrow"

"I'm So Sick"

Buy:

Amazon, iTunes

ACL Fest preview: Rodney Crowell

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:34:00 +0000

We live in a society that simultaneously celebrates and is suspicious of career resurgences. Say an athlete storms back from what was thought to be a career-ending injury, or manages to blossom late in their career. Whispers of performance-enhancing drugs are sure to follow. Or say an actor makes a surprise return to the spotlight after an extended period outside the public eye. Suspicious minds will wonder if it was addiction, financial ruin, or legal problems that forced their exodus in the first place. "Career resurgence" is a loaded term. But that load isn't always fully charged.

Take the case of Rodney Crowell, who makes his first ACL Fest appearance this year.

The Houston native moved to Nashville in his early 20s, where he found company among fellow struggling ex-pats like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Steve Earle (friendships immortalized in the great Heartworn Highways). Crowell eventually landed a prime spot in Emmylou Harris's Hot Band, where he honed his lyrical chops with songs like "I Ain't Living Long Like This." After a couple of years, he left to form the short-lived (though later resurrected) Cherry Bombs, and then struck out on his own.

While Crowell found some measure of success writing and producing for his wife, Rosanne Cash, plus a small handful of top-50 hits ("Stars on the Water," "Victim or a Fool"), it would be nearly another decade before he truly staked his claim on Nashville.

1988's Diamonds & Dirt cracked Billboard's top 10 and spawned five #1 singles, seemingly cementing Crowell's place among Music Row royalty. But he and Cash soon divorced, and his songwriting began to evolve away from radio-friendly country-pop and toward introspective country-soul. He continued to record and to write for himself and others, but the mainstream success that was once so certain now proved elusive.

Shortly after turning 50, Crowell perhaps unwittingly embarked on a career resurgence. 2001's The Houston Kid provided a powerful look back at life's first half-century, reminding critics and fans alike of Crowell's continued relevancy. Despite the lack of radio hits, the album still managed to chart in the top 50 — a streak that continued with odd-year releases Fate's Right Hand and The Outsider, albums that found Crowell channeling into song his frustration and dismay over a world seemingly gone mad.

The disillusionment theme continues with this month's release of Sex and Gasoline, wherein Crowell sets his sights on our society's treatment of women:

Tired ol' story, sad but true
We mama's boys got it in for you
Our faults are many, our virtues nil
We never loved you, we never will
Ah come on now girl, it's time we both come clean
This mean old world runs on sex and gasoline

We objectify ("Sex and Gasoline"). We lust ("Funky and the Farm Boy"). We prey ("I Want You #35"). We silence ("The Rise and Fall of Intelligent Design"). The songwriter casts a broad and shameful gaze.

Yet despite society's ills, Crowell manages to find redemptive tenderness in the boundless love in a parent's heart ("I've Done Everything I Can"), solace in aging with the one you love ("The Night's Just Right"), and grace in the friends and small comforts of life ("Closer to Heaven").

Under the minimalist production of Joe Henry, Crowell has produced what is arguably his finest work since The Houston Kid — and just may be the best of his career thus far.

Rodney Crowell plays on the AT&T stage Friday, Sept. 26 at 12:30 p.m.

Listen:

"Sex and Gasoline"

"I've Done Everything I Can"

"The Night's Just Right"

"Funky and the Farm Boy"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes

ACL Fest preview: Eli Young Band

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:09:00 +0000

The Eli Young Band is on an extended roll. The country-pop quartet spent three solid years supporting national debut Level, which caught the attention of radio programmers around the country and spawned the group's first charting single, "When It Rains." Heavy video rotation on CMT and GAC plus a particularly devoted fan base also sparked a heated major-label pursuit. The band signed with Universal Records South earlier this year, and new album Jet Black & Jealous hits stores today — just 10 days before the band makes its third straight ACL Fest appearance.

Though still safely in their 20s, the Eli Young Band boasts a set of very familiar faces on the Texas music scene. Mike Eli and James Young met at the University of North Texas and started as a duo before eventually adding classmates Jon Jones (bass) and Chris Thompson (drums). While still in school, the newly constituted Eli & Young Band band self-released an eponymous EP that included early fan favorites "Guardian Angel" and "Drive Away." Another EP followed in 2004, leading Nashville's Carnival Recording Company to sign the band (now without the &) to a songwriting and recording deal.

While "When It Rains" has became the band's signature tune, it wasn't what originally garnered airplay for Level. The feel-good "Small Town Kid" spent months in heavy regional rotation and generated the band's first music video. But as I noted upon Level's release, "When It Rains" is more complex and rewarding song, and its broken-heart angle is more emblematic of the band's overall thematic approach.

Even though it reached #34 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart in 2007, "When It Rains" returns as the lead track on Jet Black & Jealous. New standouts include "Guinevere" and "Enough Is Enough," plus eminently radio-friendly tracks "Always the Love Songs" (a "Small Town Kid" redux that's already climbing up the airplay charts) and "Radio Waves."

Produced by Mike Wrucke and Frank Liddell — the team behind Miranda Lambert's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend — Jet Black & Jealous features an incredibly polished sound that should help the Eli Young Band broaden its national appeal while serving as a rootsier substitute for fans outgrowing Rascal Flatts.

The Eli Young Band plays on the Austin Ventures stage Friday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Listen:

"Guinevere"

"Enough Is Enough"

"Always the Love Songs"

"Radio Waves"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes

For Doug Moreland, it's ball season

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:17:00 +0000

Though it's still plenty hot outside, the calendar says that fall is just around the corner. And that means it's time for Doug Moreland's 6th annual calf fry on Saturday, September 20th at his Cattlelacs workshop/gallery just south of Austin.

Gates open at 3, with a washer tournament at 4 (you can enter for $5/player). Food is available at 7, with all-you-can-eat calf fries included in the price of admission (corn dogs and other foods are available for the squeamish).

Live music starts at 5 and runs to midnight, with an impressive roster highlighted by Eleven Hundred Springs, returning guest Ryan Bingham, and of course The Doug Moreland Show.

Admission is $15 per person — or just $10 if you bring a new, unwrapped toy donation. Kids 5 and under are free. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Manchaca Optimist Club.

My family and I went last year and had a ball. Well, I only had one ball; my wife ate a few more. They taste kinda like heavily-breaded catfish, if you can just get over the texture.

Help select the 2009 Texas State Musician

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:28:00 +0000

The Texas Commission on the Arts is now accepting nominees for the 2009 Texas State Musician.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

A native Texan or at least five years of in-state residency
Recognition from peers and the press
Two or more albums released nationally, or 20+ years formal teaching experience, or otherwise make a living from music

October 5 is the deadline for nominations, which are submitted via a simple online form. Each resident may nominate up to three artists. The winner will be announced during next spring's legislative session.

Previous honorees are Shelley King (2008), Dale Watson (2007), Billy Joe Shaver (2006), Johnny Gimble (2005), Ray Benson (2004), and James Dick (2003).

So what does it mean to be named the Texas State Musician? Not much, really, beyond bragging rights valuable primarily to marketing and PR folks. But as the whole world knows, we Texans do love to brag.

Inside the radio airplay charts

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:20:00 +0000

The Band of Heathens are in the midst of an impressive run. This marks the band's second week in the #1 slot on the Americana Music Association (AMA) chart and 10th straight week in the top 5. Remarkable results for a self-released studio debut that has been out since May.

And it's not just the overall ranking that makes an impression. Although the Heathens' total spins and reporting stations have tilted slightly downward in recent weeks, their frequency of plays-per-station (PPS) continues to nudge upward. Last week, the Heathens and Micky & the Motorcars both averaged a chart-topping 8.63 PPS; this week the Heathens stand alone at 8.95.

It might be easy to downplay those PPS numbers since the Band of Heathens sit in the overall #1 spot, but the number of reporting stations for the other artists in the top 5 is significantly higher (and their PPS concurrently lower).

Artist	Album	Stations	Plays	PPS
Band of Heathens	Band of Heathens	40	358	8.95
Little Feat and Friends	Join the Band	46	357	7.76
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson	Rattlin' Bones	51	356	6.98
Carrie Rodriguez	She Ain't Me	55	348	6.33
Rodney Crowell	Sex and Gasoline	48	332	6.92

Those stations playing the Band of Heathens are playing them frequently. One example is XM's X Country, where the Heathens have spent the last two weeks atop the airplay count. (This week's chart is not yet available.) The Heathens continue to place steadily on the Texas Music Chart. "Heart on My Sleeve" sits in the #36 spot, which is roughly its average position over the past couple months.

The real story on the Texas Music Chart (TMC) is Jason Boland & the Stragglers. Despite surgery that sidelined Boland just as Comal County Blue was heading toward its August 26 release, the band has received tremendous support from regional radio.

This is the third straight week atop the TMC for lead single "Comal County Blue." Its 1803 spins this week, though down slightly from a peak of 1837 last week, is still 300+ more than the closest competition. In fact, in each week atop the chart "Comal County Blue" has received more airplay than any other single this summer.

Despite Boland & the Stragglers' regional strength, they've yet to crack the AMA's top 40. That is likely to change, however. The album debuts this week at #2 on Billboard's genre-agnostic Top Heatseekers chart. And as Boland recovers he's slowly able to add radio appearances. Last night, for example, he was the guest on X Country's "Hang Time" with Jesse Scott — where I learned of at least one commonality connecting Boland and the Band of Heathens: Momo's, which Boland listed as one of his favorite places to hang out, is also the Heathens' home away from home.

Here's a quick look at the Texas artists appearing on both the AMA and TMC charts this week:

Artist	Album	AMA	TMC
Band of Heathens	Band of Heathens	1	36
Chris Knight	Heart of Stone	8	21
Eleven Hundred Springs	Country Jam	36	12
Hayes Carll	Trouble In Mind	14	29
Honeybrowne	Mile By Mile	22	9
Micky & the Motorcars	Naive	17	4
Reckless Kelly	Bulletproof	6	2

Listen:

"Comal County Blue" by Jason Boland & the Stragglers

Dan Dyer goes national, Austin Collins takes on Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:31:00 +0000

Dan Dyer's self-titled album made waves locally when it was released on Fat Caddy Records this spring. The Statesman's Michael Corcoran even placed it #5 on his list of the top 10 local albums from the year's first half.

Now the whole country is getting a chance to heap praise upon Dyer thanks to this week's national re-release.

Dan Dyer has made it as high as #3 among iTunes' bestselling R&B/Soul albums, thanks in part to its $5.99 download price. That's a tremendous value, though I must say one of my favorite things about the physical album is its gorgeous packaging. You can still order the CD from Fat Caddy.

Dyer's "Love Chain" single will go to national radio the second week in September. Fall will be festival time, with Dyer scheduled to play the AT&T Blue Room stage during ACL Fest and then New Orleans' Voodoo Music Festival in October.

In other good Fat Caddy news, Austin Collins has a chance to be big in Europe thanks to a new distribution deal with a top German label. Blue Rose Records — also home-away-from-home to Steve Earle, Son Volt, the Drive-By Truckers, and many others — will release Something Better and Roses Are Black to the European market this weekend.

Listen:

Dan Dyer, "Love Chain"

CD review: Jason Allen, The Twilight Zone

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:33:00 +0000

When one thinks of classic R&B singers with a country flair, chances are it's Ray Charles first, followed perhaps by Joe Tex and Solomon Burke. Jason Allen makes the case for adding Stevie Wonder into the mix with a terrific cover of "I Just Called to Say I Love You." Slowed to a honky-tonk shuffle, it's a novel take on a pop standard. But that doesn't mean The Twighlight Zone is a novelty album by any means.

Allen uses his smooth, silky voice and seemingly limitless range to pay tribute to a variety of inspirations. There are traces of Buddy Holly in opener "I Can't Let You Go," echoes of Roy Orbison in "Lost," even a nod to the big band era on "Dance With Me Baby." But the best of the bunch is "He's Still Dancin' With Her," a straight-up sad country song about a widower dancing by himself, oblivious to all but memories of his lost love (and written in memory of Allen's late mother).

With help from co-producer Tommy Detamore, plus guests like Bobby Flores and Deryl Dodd, Allen has made The Twilight Zone a solid and entertaining glimpse into his roots and inspirations.

Listen:

"I Just Called to Say I Love You"

"I Can't Let You Go"

"Lost"

"He's Still Dancin' With Her"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes

The rigors of Austin's "Willie economy"

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:34:00 +0000

Austin has its share of well-known artists, of course. But for every Joe Ely or Bob Schneider there's a hundred unknown musicians playing at small clubs and coffee houses. It's not money they're after; there's really none to be made. Instead, an incurable passion compels them to step outside the daily grind and express themselves through music. They pay out-of-pocket for recording and duplicating. They sell a few CDs at shows or online, but most are handed to friends and family with a smile that says "this is me."

The Daylight Titans is one such band. You won't find them anywhere on Austin's A-list, but this self-described "post-punk power pop" trio with influences like David Bowie, the Church, and early REM has quietly built a small but solid following over the last half-decade.

The willingness of bands like the Daylight Titans to step outside the comforts of everyday life and bare themselves before an entertainment-seeking public gives Austin a cultural flair not found in many other U.S. cities. New York may have its "Warhol economy"; perhaps here we have the "Willie economy." Live music draws in a steady stream of visitors and new residents alike, functioning as the lifeblood of the city. High tech may dominate the business headlines, but it's music and the arts that sustain the city's soul while still pumping millions of dollars into the economic engine that keeps Austin both weird and functional.

Local musician and entrepreneur Troy Dillinger is doing his part to keep that engine churning. He leads the Save Austin Music campaign that is rallying business leaders and city officials to bolster the music infrastructure. Dillinger also is calling on each member of the citizenry to commit to seeing at least one local band every month. Live music attendance has dropped over the last decade despite the city's steady population growth. And because of dwindling crowds, numerous venues have been forced to close; those that manage to stay afloat can only pay artists at an averaged rate that hasn't budged in two decades. With ever-higher costs of living and no signs of a slowdown in central Austin's housing market, it's tougher than ever for musicians to make a living.

So if you're here, go out and see at least one show this month. Maybe even this weekend, like the Gougers and Hayes Carll at Threadgill's tomorrow night. Or the Daylight Titans at the Hole in the Wall on Monday. Let's all do our part to support local live music.

"Dogshit and Sadness" by the Daylight Titans, from the forthcoming Boom and Chime:

Inside the radio airplay charts

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:15:00 +0000

When I reviewed The Lonesome Dirge from Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward this spring, I wrote that if there's any justice in this universe, the band would finally get some recognition. 2005's Blow the Soot Out was outstanding, and the new record is even better.

Happily, the band has gained solid airplay this summer, charting in the top 20 on XM's X Country and this week hitting the top 10 in the Texas Music Chart.

The Americana Music Association slots the band at #33 for the third straight week. But even that number is impressive. With airplay at only 16 of the 75 reporting stations, Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward appears on fewer stations than any other band in the AMA chart. But those 16 stations play The Lonesome Dirge songs at the greatest frequency of any charting band. The next highest frequency belongs to Massachusetts indie band Girls Guns & Glory, which made it onto the air at 25 reporting stations last week and charts at #13 overall.

Here's the top 10 artists from this week's AMA chart, ranked by the frequency of spins per station:

Artist	Album	Stations	Plays	Frequency
Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward	The Lonesome Dirge	16	163	10.19
Girls Guns & Glory	Inverted Valentine	25	247	9.88
Los Lonely Boys	Forgiven	17	156	9.18
Old 97's	Blame It On Gravity	35	301	8.60
Reckless Kelly	Bulletproof	50	426	8.52
Roger Salloom	La Te Da	18	152	8.44
John Hiatt	Same Old Man	55	457	8.31
Honeybrowne	Mile By Mile	25	198	7.92
Band of Heathens	Band of Heathens	53	414	7.81
Hayes Carll	Trouble In Mind	57	443	7.77

Another interesting item of note is how Smith Entertainment totally dominates the Texas Music Chart. The Fort Worth–based label released the albums behind 16 of this week's 50 charting singles. That's a full 32% of the chart. The next highest total belongs to Lost Highway Records, with only two artists.

The trend is purely regional. Only one Smith Entertainment release — Honeybrowne's Mile By Mile, the title track of which comes in at #20 on the Texas Music Chart — makes it onto either the AMA chart (#24 overall) or XM's most recent X Country chart (#43 overall).

So what Texas music artists appear on more than one of the three charts? There are 12 in all. Here's the pared-down list:

Artist	Album	TMC	AMA	XM
Alejandro Escovedo	Real Animal	–	5	44
Band of Heathens	Band of Heathens	30	4	1
Cory Morrow	Vagrants and Kings	23	–	42
Eleven Hundred Springs	Country Jam	5	9	16
Hayes Carll	Trouble in Mind	31	2	2
Honeybrowne	Mile By Mile	20	24	43
James McMurtry	Just Us Kids	–	8	3
Mother Truckers	Let's All Go to Bed	–	25	37
Old 97's	Blame It on Gravity	–	10	21
Reckless Kelly	Bulletproof	1	3	11
Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward	The Lonesome Dirge	10	33	18
Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis	Two Men with the Blues	–	17	40

I'm considering making this a weekly or at least occasional feature. Let me know if you find it interesting.

CD review: Luke Olson, Red River Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:44:00 +0000

It's been 22 years since Luke Olson made his on-stage debut, and 13 years since he cut his first album. Pretty amazing when you consider the San Antonio singer/songwriter just turned 30. Now the decidedly un-grizzled veteran is releasing his fifth album, Red River Blue, on Sustain Records.

This time around Olson relies heavily on covers, by a ratio of three-to-one. Perhaps that's because of his newly minted status as a proud papa. Whatever the reason, it's somewhat of a shame because Olson really shines on two of his three originals. "Hello My Old Friend" is a nicely-phrased lament of the musician's reliance upon the road, paired with driving percussion, banjo, and mandolin. The theme continues on "Everyday," which slows the pace while adding lovely harmonies.

The covers generally work well, too. "Red River Blue" sounds positively Strait-esque. The Rodney Crowell–penned "Uncertain Texas" and Mac Macanally's "Yellow Lights" give Olson a chance to work with some strong storytelling.

But I'm puzzled by the inclusion of Brooks & Dunn's "Don't Look Back Now," which basically was a throwaway song to begin with and here seems to stretch Olson's vocal range a bit too much. Similarly, I'm not sure why Warren Zevon's "Searching for a Heart" was pegged as the album's first single. Olson's take is true enough to the original, but likely a bit heavy on vibrato to fit in nicely on commercial radio.

Regardless of the material's source, it's authenticity in delivery that makes Olson really stand out. There's almost an analog quality to the vocal tracks — you can hear the quaver in Olson's voice as he strums the guitar. And kudos to producer Gerald Boyd for steering clear of overusing gadgetry to beef up the endearing thinness in Olson's tenor.

Overall, Red River Blue is a solid country album that more than justifies Olson's place alongside labelmates Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Cory Morrow, Wade Bowen, and Drew Kennedy.

Listen:

"Hello My Old Friend"

"Everyday"

"Red River Blue"

"Uncertain Texas"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon

Crossmen big winners at DCI, even finishing last in the finals

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:34:00 +0000

When people hear I write about music, they often ask if I'm a musician myself. The answer is no. I've never dreamed of being on stage. I've never written a song. And I don't play an instrument … well, I don't anymore.

I was a serious band geek in my teenage years. I played French horn in concert band and mellophone during marching season. Practically all my friends (including my future wife) were fellow band members. I was enamored with band life, and I fully planned on playing throughout at least my college years. But I ended up passing on a music scholarship and attending a school without a music program. Except for the rare college football game and the distant echoes of drumbeats on autumn Friday nights, I've hardly given a thought to concert or marching bands over the last 15 years.

On Saturday, the Drum Corps International (DCI) Southwestern Championship re-awakened my long-dormant love.

The full-day event at the Alamodome featured all 20 world class corps in direct competition. Perennial powerhouse the Blue Devils continued its season-long unbeaten streak with a brilliant display of musical and visual creativity, with the Cavaliers a distant second. Upstart Carolina Crown finished third, topping Phantom Regiment for the first time in its brief history.

But the best part of the day was watching San Antonio's own Crossmen thrill the hometown crowd. Though a long-standing member of DCI's top-level division, the Crossmen (which moved from Pennsylvania in 2006) have rarely threatened the upper echelon corps. For this year's squad — including 24 locals out of 150 total members — the opportunity simply to perform before friends, family, alumni, and fans was guaranteed to be a highlight of the season.

The Crossmen competed in the middle of the afternoon's preliminary round, one of 12 corps vying for only four open slots in the evening's finals. They took the field to a boisterous reception and a stream of individual shout-outs from the modest though growing audience. To make the finals, which the Crossmen hadn't done in four years, they would need to post a season-best score. And they would have to do so right after watching one of their color guard members crumple to the turf with an apparent knee injury.

Somehow the Crossmen managed to keep their focus and turn in a solid performance. The "Planet X" program ended with corps members pumping their fists and celebrating while the audience responded with a standing ovation. But it would be another two hours before the Crossmen would find out if their best was good enough.

Preliminary results were revealed from the bottom-up. When the Madison Scouts were announced in 5th place, the Crossmen knew they made the evening's finals. Judges placed the Crossmen 4th thanks to high marks for visual impact. (If ranked on music alone, they would have placed 7th.).

By the time the evening session began three hours later, the crowd had at least doubled in size. Clearly the story of the competition thus far, locals and visitors alike cheered the Crossmen wildly as they led off the finals. I wish there was a storybook ending to relate, but there is a wide gulf separating the good corps from the great corps. Though the Crossmen performed admirably, they ranked 12th out of 12 in every scoring category. But the strong showing catapulted the Crossmen from 17th to 12th place in the overall season standings. And for one night at least, they were the talk of DCI.

The Crossmen will compete in the 2008 World Championships in Bloomington, Indiana August 7-9. The worsening economy unfortunately has forced DCI to cancel live television coverage of the finals, which were to air on ESPN2. But you can follow the Crossmen's exploits through their Daily Planet X blog or via DCI webcasts and podcasts.

The Hudsons go from folk to Nasty

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Austin folk favorites The Hudsons are trying on a new sound this summer. The Nasty Clan, which debuted last month, is Brian Hudson and Hudson Mueller on vocals and guitars plus Kivett Bednar (guitar), James Willis (bass), and Mark Evans (drums).

No word yet on whether a full album is in the works. For now, check out the "California" demo and then go see the band Sunday at United States Art Authority or August 23 at Momo's.

"California"

Introducing mrandmrsmays

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:16:00 +0000

I get a sheaf of emails from publicists and marketing firms looking to get their artists noticed. To be honest, I don't read them as often as I used to. But this week I perused an email from Ariel Publicity pointing me to a new band I just can't get enough of.

Bred in Britan but based in Austin, mrandmrsmays features the husband-and-wife combo of James Mays (who goes by The Reverend) and Kate Kind:

"mrandmrsmays the name is a bit of a joke and it isn't. We are a real normal ol' married couple, which isn't that glamorous, yet we full-on freak out on stage, so if you're expecting a sweet safe married couple… that's not what you are going to get, on stage anyway" says Kate Kind – the 'mrs' of the band.

The Austin, TX based and self-described indietronic/dance/rockers with a punk vibe will be releasing their self-titled debut July 15.

"mrandmrsmays is a band of many. We started as a duo, as a writing exercise. We both were working on solo projects when we met in New York. Then, we started playing out together as a natural progression and found we got 6 times the tips singing together, so that was that really. Adding friends into this sound and sharing the musical experience as an ensemble has been – and is – a trip."

As mrs says above, the debut album from mrandmrsmays will be out next week. And after listening to these full-track samples, I can't wait to hear the CD.

"Remedy"

"BO5"

"Lifeline"

Oh my, momma, ain't that Texas cookin' something

noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Nichols) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:39:00 +0000

This year's annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival featured a track dedicated to Lone Star heritage. "Texas: A Celebration of Music, Food, and Wine" proved invigorating for Roger Wood, the Houston-based professor and co-author of Down in Houston: Bayou City Blues.

Wood recaps a string of wonderul cross-cultural concerts in yesterday's Houston Chronicle, adding that even after the finale he wasn't ready for the magic to end:

Backstage afterward, for the first time in decades, I consumed a couple of longneck bottles of Lone Star beer, just like we used to do back in Waco in the cosmic cowboy days of the '70s. Along with the musicians and staff, I also devoured some finely catered barbecue ribs and brisket, a diet that I rarely partake of these days. With my ears, taste buds, stomach, tapping foot, words, and yes, I do believe, with my soul, I had rediscovered my Texan-ness, so to speak. And it felt good.

…read more

Artists performing during the two-week festival included Guy Clark, the Quebe Sisters Band, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys, Augie Meyers, Los Texmaniacs, Little Joe y La Familia, Terri Hendrix, James Hand, Joe Ely with Joel Guzman, Marcia Ball, and many more.

The 20-page program guide (PDF) provides a glimpse into the event's thematic blending:

Food and music have a special relationship to each other in the Lone Star State. Most Texans consider them the two most important ingredients in successful community celebrations and traditional family events. In fact, it would be unthinkable to have a crawfish boil without a band playing in the background or a watermelon festival without live music.

To me, nothing expresses Texas music and food better than Guy Clark's "Texas Cookin'":

The festival's site features an interview with and performance by Guy Clark from the National Mall.