Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SHELLEY KING with Special Guests The SUBDUDES at Saxon Pub 11-14-09
This was the highly anticipated Austin cd release show for Shelley's new record called "Welcome Home" which was released on the 10th. First off, the new record is GREAT, from beginning to end.
I was almost afraid this concert would be a letdown because I was so wound up about it. Turns out, I had no worries. It was a tremendous afternoon of music. Yes, afternoon. A 3pm matinee show. That was something quite different and I must say, leaving a bar at 6pm on a Saturday evening, half in the bag, is not a feeling I'm used to! It was sort of like, now what? Well, I guess we are getting a little smarter. We went home.
Back to the concert. Shelley had her full band and these folks are so good. Really suit her style, I think. Marvin Dykhuis on lead guitar, Perry Drake on drums, Sarah Brown on bass and Chip Dolan on keys.
They spent the first set playing only songs off of "Welcome Home." You know a record is good when they can play it like that, no old & trusted stuff thrown in, and they keep the crowd. That's how good this new material is. Everybody was into the show from the start with "Everything's All Right" through the end of the set which was spectacular. The show was about 40 minutes along when Shelley announced some special guests in the house and up came the 3 Subdudes she made the album with! They played a show the night before at Antone's so it worked out perfectly for them to show up to this. I hadn't seen The Subdudes in probably 10 years. Back in Chicago in a sold out 4000 seat theater. To see them in this small room was beyond cool. This really brought the show up another notch. They kicked off the first of three songs together with "I Remember" which got everybody going big time. Then they did the radio hit "Summer Wine" and ended with a kid you not, stunning "Welcome Home." The voices on that song are off the charts. You feel like you are at a revival in the middle of St. Louis Cemetary. The Subdudes do some serious howling on this one.
At this point they took a break, signed cds and stuff outside for about 45 minutes to an hour. Afterward, the band and Shelley came back for another hour or so and played a wide variety of her songs! I tell you, everybody had so much fun. This was a great time.
Another cool thing, pizza was provided for all and she asked fans to bring a potluck dish to share so it gave the whole thing a nice, homey atmosphere. What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
$7 or $8 cover, I can't remember. Bargain of the month.
I took 5 videos including "Welcome Home" which you can see here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dUqOyOLprs
I was almost afraid this concert would be a letdown because I was so wound up about it. Turns out, I had no worries. It was a tremendous afternoon of music. Yes, afternoon. A 3pm matinee show. That was something quite different and I must say, leaving a bar at 6pm on a Saturday evening, half in the bag, is not a feeling I'm used to! It was sort of like, now what? Well, I guess we are getting a little smarter. We went home.
Back to the concert. Shelley had her full band and these folks are so good. Really suit her style, I think. Marvin Dykhuis on lead guitar, Perry Drake on drums, Sarah Brown on bass and Chip Dolan on keys.
They spent the first set playing only songs off of "Welcome Home." You know a record is good when they can play it like that, no old & trusted stuff thrown in, and they keep the crowd. That's how good this new material is. Everybody was into the show from the start with "Everything's All Right" through the end of the set which was spectacular. The show was about 40 minutes along when Shelley announced some special guests in the house and up came the 3 Subdudes she made the album with! They played a show the night before at Antone's so it worked out perfectly for them to show up to this. I hadn't seen The Subdudes in probably 10 years. Back in Chicago in a sold out 4000 seat theater. To see them in this small room was beyond cool. This really brought the show up another notch. They kicked off the first of three songs together with "I Remember" which got everybody going big time. Then they did the radio hit "Summer Wine" and ended with a kid you not, stunning "Welcome Home." The voices on that song are off the charts. You feel like you are at a revival in the middle of St. Louis Cemetary. The Subdudes do some serious howling on this one.
At this point they took a break, signed cds and stuff outside for about 45 minutes to an hour. Afterward, the band and Shelley came back for another hour or so and played a wide variety of her songs! I tell you, everybody had so much fun. This was a great time.
Another cool thing, pizza was provided for all and she asked fans to bring a potluck dish to share so it gave the whole thing a nice, homey atmosphere. What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
$7 or $8 cover, I can't remember. Bargain of the month.
I took 5 videos including "Welcome Home" which you can see here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dUqOyOLprs
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SHELLEY KING at Waterloo Records 11-10-09
This was a fun time. These Waterloo performances are usually short and sweet. They generally happen when there is a new record being released and that was the case on this day. Many in Austin have been waiting for this album and it finally came out! Shelley made this with 3 members of the Subdudes and we've been hearing much of it the past several months live, plus the single which KGSR has been playing called "Summer Wine." The cd is called "Welcome Home."
Shelley had Marvin Dykhuis(lead guitar)and Chip Dolan(keyboards)with her at Waterloo. She did about a 45 minute set and played at least 6 songs off of the new record.
As alway with these Waterloo shows, no cover and free beer!
It was a nice warm up to what is going to take place this weekend at Saxon Pub. She will do a cd release show there with her full band and special guests are being mentioned. We all think it will be the Subdudes! It is sure to be a time!
I have listened to "Welcome Home" all the way through about 3 times now. It is GREAT! One of those that is good from beginning to end. God, do the Subdudes ever fit her on this material. The song "Welcome Home" is jaw dropping, to say the least.
Anyway, more to report after this Saturday!
Shelley had Marvin Dykhuis(lead guitar)and Chip Dolan(keyboards)with her at Waterloo. She did about a 45 minute set and played at least 6 songs off of the new record.
As alway with these Waterloo shows, no cover and free beer!
It was a nice warm up to what is going to take place this weekend at Saxon Pub. She will do a cd release show there with her full band and special guests are being mentioned. We all think it will be the Subdudes! It is sure to be a time!
I have listened to "Welcome Home" all the way through about 3 times now. It is GREAT! One of those that is good from beginning to end. God, do the Subdudes ever fit her on this material. The song "Welcome Home" is jaw dropping, to say the least.
Anyway, more to report after this Saturday!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
GRAM PARSONS BIRTHDAY HOOT at Threadgill's 11-5-09
My first, but the 3rd annual benefit celebrating the music of Gram Parsons on his birthday. Cover was $10 and proceeds went to the SIMS Foundation, an organization that provides Austin musicians and their families with mental health and/or addiction services.
I really wanted to go to this because, to tell the truth, I am just not that familiar with Gram's music and I know I should be. I only know a handful of his songs. So, I thought this would be a good night to go hear a bunch more of his stuff. I only knew a 1/2 dozen or so of the performers and all others I was not familiar with.
They had a house band and about geez, I don't know, 15 or so different performers. There was never any down time. The artist would come up, do 1 or 2 songs, get off the stage & the next person was up.
It was a fantastic time. I did learn that I do need to become a student of his music. A writer, indeed.
The house band, at times, included Gurf Morlix, Earl Poole Ball, Tom Pittman, Steve Carter, Julieann Banks and Patterson Barrett. Patterson is the person who started this thing and still runs the show. He not only put everything together, but kept it flowing from start to finish, all the while singing, playing guitar, mandolin, keyboards, you name it.
Some of my favorites were there: Ben Mallott along with Jess Klein singing "Return of the Grievous Angel," Jenny Reynolds did a killer "Luxury Liner" and Gurf did a stunning "Wild Horses." Individual members of Stonehoney each did a couple of songs. They were all great but especially off the charts was Phil Hurley and his version of "She." This guy is a howler! Wow!
Heard some new voices. A fellow named Tom Gillam did "Brass Buttons" and all I could think of was how much I liked his voice. Kind of reminded me of Glen Frey and in print that comparison doesn't do Tom justice. Julieann Banks on bass, harmony vocals and lead vocals, too was a blast all night. She has a great stage presence, full of personality, so much fun to watch. Other new to me musicians I'll be looking for are Steve Carter, Freddie Krc, Steve Brooks, Eric Hisaw and truthfully, I've forgotten some. There were just so many!
Suffice to say, it was way more than I expected. Lasted about 3 hours. Everybody came on stage at the end and they did "In My Hour of Darkness," what else? A great finish. I was part of a group of 5 at this show and we all left saying we'd be back next year.
I really wanted to go to this because, to tell the truth, I am just not that familiar with Gram's music and I know I should be. I only know a handful of his songs. So, I thought this would be a good night to go hear a bunch more of his stuff. I only knew a 1/2 dozen or so of the performers and all others I was not familiar with.
They had a house band and about geez, I don't know, 15 or so different performers. There was never any down time. The artist would come up, do 1 or 2 songs, get off the stage & the next person was up.
It was a fantastic time. I did learn that I do need to become a student of his music. A writer, indeed.
The house band, at times, included Gurf Morlix, Earl Poole Ball, Tom Pittman, Steve Carter, Julieann Banks and Patterson Barrett. Patterson is the person who started this thing and still runs the show. He not only put everything together, but kept it flowing from start to finish, all the while singing, playing guitar, mandolin, keyboards, you name it.
Some of my favorites were there: Ben Mallott along with Jess Klein singing "Return of the Grievous Angel," Jenny Reynolds did a killer "Luxury Liner" and Gurf did a stunning "Wild Horses." Individual members of Stonehoney each did a couple of songs. They were all great but especially off the charts was Phil Hurley and his version of "She." This guy is a howler! Wow!
Heard some new voices. A fellow named Tom Gillam did "Brass Buttons" and all I could think of was how much I liked his voice. Kind of reminded me of Glen Frey and in print that comparison doesn't do Tom justice. Julieann Banks on bass, harmony vocals and lead vocals, too was a blast all night. She has a great stage presence, full of personality, so much fun to watch. Other new to me musicians I'll be looking for are Steve Carter, Freddie Krc, Steve Brooks, Eric Hisaw and truthfully, I've forgotten some. There were just so many!
Suffice to say, it was way more than I expected. Lasted about 3 hours. Everybody came on stage at the end and they did "In My Hour of Darkness," what else? A great finish. I was part of a group of 5 at this show and we all left saying we'd be back next year.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
SHELLEY KING at Southpark Meadows 11-1-09
Here's the deal. It was a free show outside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon so why wouldn't we go see Shelley King? It's football season and you can pretty much shoot a cannon through these streets in Texas and not hit anybody but I'm a Bears fan while Linda is a Patriots fan and neither of those teams were on tv (in my case, I'm grateful I don't have to suffer through watching the Bears this season).
So, we headed to Southpark Meadows which is a strip center on the far south side of Austin. They have a little area set up for concerts and during the summer, I believe, have a show every Friday evening. On this Sunday they were having an artist play every hour and taping it so they can put out a cd of all the musicians who had played there this past summer (I think). We went, had a beer and listened to Shelley, along with her band (except a different lead guitarist). She sounded great, as always. Everyone in this town is pretty excited about her new record which is coming out this Tuesday! It's called "Welcome Home." Early critics are hailing it as GREAT! She will be doing a cd release show at Waterloo Records on Tuesday and a Saxon Pub release show on Saturday. Looking forward to both!
So, we headed to Southpark Meadows which is a strip center on the far south side of Austin. They have a little area set up for concerts and during the summer, I believe, have a show every Friday evening. On this Sunday they were having an artist play every hour and taping it so they can put out a cd of all the musicians who had played there this past summer (I think). We went, had a beer and listened to Shelley, along with her band (except a different lead guitarist). She sounded great, as always. Everyone in this town is pretty excited about her new record which is coming out this Tuesday! It's called "Welcome Home." Early critics are hailing it as GREAT! She will be doing a cd release show at Waterloo Records on Tuesday and a Saxon Pub release show on Saturday. Looking forward to both!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
MUSIC in the KITCHEN Panel Discussion and Book Signing 10-31-09
Not really a live music event but worth writing about as it was a very cool, only in Austin, musical experience. It took place at the Texas Book Festival, an annual event held on the grounds of the Capitol building in downtown Austin.
A new cook book has just come out called "Music in the Kitchen." It's by Glenda Pierce Facemire, makeup artist and stylist for the PBS television series Austin City Limits. She gathered favorite recipes from some 130+ musicians who have appeared on the show over the last 35 years! It's a blast! You have recipe names like Drunken Baby Carrots from the Drive-By Truckers. And it's not just recipes. The book is filled with pictures of the artists by the show staff photographer, Scott Newton. And, many of the musicians have comments about the recipes, the show, etc...it's great fun!
The book has one dedication: to the fans
At this event, not only did you have the author but also Terry Lickona, producer of Austin City Limits, Marcia Ball and Kevin Welch who both have recipes in the book and Shelley King, 2008 Official State of Texas Musician!
All gathered to discuss the book, the series, food and the difficulties of finding good food on the road. All kinds of things came up. It was very interesting. Many entertaining stories were told.
And there was a some live music. Shelley King led Marcia, Kevin and the crowd in a sing-a-long of Hank Williams's "Hey Good Lookin'." You know the tune, "hey good lookin,' whatcha got cookin'?" That was a perfect way to end the session.
Afterward, I got to chat with Terry Lickona. I had a couple of questions and figured when would I ever get the chance to talk to this man again??? He was very nice and gave me detailed answers. Could've listened to him for hours.
Lastly, got everybody on the panel to autograph the book. Now, it will be fun to take it to some shows and have the musician sign their recipe page.
A new cook book has just come out called "Music in the Kitchen." It's by Glenda Pierce Facemire, makeup artist and stylist for the PBS television series Austin City Limits. She gathered favorite recipes from some 130+ musicians who have appeared on the show over the last 35 years! It's a blast! You have recipe names like Drunken Baby Carrots from the Drive-By Truckers. And it's not just recipes. The book is filled with pictures of the artists by the show staff photographer, Scott Newton. And, many of the musicians have comments about the recipes, the show, etc...it's great fun!
The book has one dedication: to the fans
At this event, not only did you have the author but also Terry Lickona, producer of Austin City Limits, Marcia Ball and Kevin Welch who both have recipes in the book and Shelley King, 2008 Official State of Texas Musician!
All gathered to discuss the book, the series, food and the difficulties of finding good food on the road. All kinds of things came up. It was very interesting. Many entertaining stories were told.
And there was a some live music. Shelley King led Marcia, Kevin and the crowd in a sing-a-long of Hank Williams's "Hey Good Lookin'." You know the tune, "hey good lookin,' whatcha got cookin'?" That was a perfect way to end the session.
Afterward, I got to chat with Terry Lickona. I had a couple of questions and figured when would I ever get the chance to talk to this man again??? He was very nice and gave me detailed answers. Could've listened to him for hours.
Lastly, got everybody on the panel to autograph the book. Now, it will be fun to take it to some shows and have the musician sign their recipe page.
CAROLYN WONDERLAND at Saxon Pub 10-29-09
What can you say? Getting to see this trio in a small room is a luxury these days, for sure.
I believe she can overwhelm any size venue but when you are sitting right on top of her, in a small space, WOW! You sit there with your mouth open all night while she just tears it up. It never ceases to amaze.
Her guitar playing and singing are bigger than life itself. You throw in some trumpet, mandolin, along with the blistering lap steel and it is a heckuva show to see/hear. Not to mention, her drummer, Michael Lefkowitz, looks like he’s in a trance when he’s playing, very fun to watch, head bobbing every which way. Then you have Cole El-Saleh on keyboards along with bass. That is pretty cool to see, with his right hand playing piano and/or organ while his left is wailing away on the bass.
They tour nationally as well as parts of Europe so shame, shame, shame on you if they come anywhere near and you don’t go.
We got about an 1½ show and it roared all the way through. Did get to hear several new songs as they are currently recording for a new record. Guessing we’ll have something in 2010.
Seriously, she is the real deal. I would say on any given night in Austin, we have a ton of choices for live music. The only time there is no issue over who to go see is when Carolyn’s playing.
$15 cover
I believe she can overwhelm any size venue but when you are sitting right on top of her, in a small space, WOW! You sit there with your mouth open all night while she just tears it up. It never ceases to amaze.
Her guitar playing and singing are bigger than life itself. You throw in some trumpet, mandolin, along with the blistering lap steel and it is a heckuva show to see/hear. Not to mention, her drummer, Michael Lefkowitz, looks like he’s in a trance when he’s playing, very fun to watch, head bobbing every which way. Then you have Cole El-Saleh on keyboards along with bass. That is pretty cool to see, with his right hand playing piano and/or organ while his left is wailing away on the bass.
They tour nationally as well as parts of Europe so shame, shame, shame on you if they come anywhere near and you don’t go.
We got about an 1½ show and it roared all the way through. Did get to hear several new songs as they are currently recording for a new record. Guessing we’ll have something in 2010.
Seriously, she is the real deal. I would say on any given night in Austin, we have a ton of choices for live music. The only time there is no issue over who to go see is when Carolyn’s playing.
$15 cover
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