Sunday, January 24, 2010
JOHN FULLBRIGHT at Momo's 1-22-10
First time seeing John and all I can say is you have got to be kidding me. I'm not sure how long its been since a new to me artist left me with my mouth on the floor. It's been a couple of days and I still can't believe how good this guy is.
First of all, he's only 21 or 22. He writes way beyond his years. Then he's got this voice that is SO expressive. Very soulful, all the emotion of the song is there. He's from Oklahoma and you hear it. I tell ya, this kid is the REAL DEAL! I am excited to come across him and can't wait to see/hear more of him. He played guitar, piano and harmonica.
His slot at Momo's was from 8-10pm. He did the first set solo, took a break, came back on and had guests sit in. Well, all I can tell you, being in Austin and loving music is like living in heaven.
First came Kevin Welch, along with his son Dustin on banjo, for a song. Then Kevin's daughter Savannah and Kelley Mickwee joined in for some harmonizing. Then Dustin did a couple with Kevin and Savannah helping out. Truly awesome, this family!
Up next was Randy Weeks! He did a couple, including a new one (love when this happens!) possibly called "Sugar Lee" and also backed a guy named Ramsay Midwood. This Ramsay guy, I'd never even heard of and he was spectacular! Walked up with this cool looking old guitar that was duct taped together and did this bluesy, swampy kind of Tony Joe White sounding killer song! I remember turning to my friends and saying "isn't it great to live in Austin!"
Then up comes Idgy Vaughn! Now she is somebody I've heard of, wanted to see, but hadn't yet. She only did 1 song but it was a killer honky tonk number and she has a heckuva voice!
God, what a night! All that talent in one room. Hard to believe. $10 cover, what a bargain. We all walked out raving, shaking our heads about how great this night was. This is one we'll be talking about for a long time.
First of all, he's only 21 or 22. He writes way beyond his years. Then he's got this voice that is SO expressive. Very soulful, all the emotion of the song is there. He's from Oklahoma and you hear it. I tell ya, this kid is the REAL DEAL! I am excited to come across him and can't wait to see/hear more of him. He played guitar, piano and harmonica.
His slot at Momo's was from 8-10pm. He did the first set solo, took a break, came back on and had guests sit in. Well, all I can tell you, being in Austin and loving music is like living in heaven.
First came Kevin Welch, along with his son Dustin on banjo, for a song. Then Kevin's daughter Savannah and Kelley Mickwee joined in for some harmonizing. Then Dustin did a couple with Kevin and Savannah helping out. Truly awesome, this family!
Up next was Randy Weeks! He did a couple, including a new one (love when this happens!) possibly called "Sugar Lee" and also backed a guy named Ramsay Midwood. This Ramsay guy, I'd never even heard of and he was spectacular! Walked up with this cool looking old guitar that was duct taped together and did this bluesy, swampy kind of Tony Joe White sounding killer song! I remember turning to my friends and saying "isn't it great to live in Austin!"
Then up comes Idgy Vaughn! Now she is somebody I've heard of, wanted to see, but hadn't yet. She only did 1 song but it was a killer honky tonk number and she has a heckuva voice!
God, what a night! All that talent in one room. Hard to believe. $10 cover, what a bargain. We all walked out raving, shaking our heads about how great this night was. This is one we'll be talking about for a long time.
AUSTIN HELPS HAITI at Scholz Beer Garten 1-20-10
A benefit with all proceeds going to the Haiti earthquake relief effort. $10 minimum donation at the door. The 3 artists who played were Jenny Reynolds, James McMurtry and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Music was from 5-7pm.
Jenny kicked it off with a short, 4 song set and had the Flyin' A's with her. Stuart played guitar and did some singing while Hilary harmonized. It was a nice start to the evening. She did a couple of my favorites, "I Forget Myself" and "Never Let Him Go."
After Jenny came James McMurtry. I'd say he did at least 45 minutes and was fantastic! I didn't realize, until I saw him very recently solo, acoustic, just how good a guitar player he really is. On this night it was just him, along with 2 of his guitars, a 6 and 12 string. It was a stellar set. "Choctaw Bingo" like this is unGodly great.
Jimmie Dale had his son Colin, along with a bass player named Billy Crompton, I think. Jimmy was lead on a few songs, then Colin came out front, back to Jimmy for 1 last song and that was it, probably about 30 minutes. Very enjoyable. They opened with "Ramblin Man" and were off and running from there.
Austin musicians, as usual, are taking the lead and volunteering their time and talent in shows all over town to raise funds for Haiti.
Jenny kicked it off with a short, 4 song set and had the Flyin' A's with her. Stuart played guitar and did some singing while Hilary harmonized. It was a nice start to the evening. She did a couple of my favorites, "I Forget Myself" and "Never Let Him Go."
After Jenny came James McMurtry. I'd say he did at least 45 minutes and was fantastic! I didn't realize, until I saw him very recently solo, acoustic, just how good a guitar player he really is. On this night it was just him, along with 2 of his guitars, a 6 and 12 string. It was a stellar set. "Choctaw Bingo" like this is unGodly great.
Jimmie Dale had his son Colin, along with a bass player named Billy Crompton, I think. Jimmy was lead on a few songs, then Colin came out front, back to Jimmy for 1 last song and that was it, probably about 30 minutes. Very enjoyable. They opened with "Ramblin Man" and were off and running from there.
Austin musicians, as usual, are taking the lead and volunteering their time and talent in shows all over town to raise funds for Haiti.
Friday, January 22, 2010
BETTYSOO at Austin Acoustical Cafe 1-16-10
This was trying out a new spot in town and hoping for the best, as in a listening room vs a music as background room. The good news is, it's definitely a listening room. The bad news is they serve coffee with that fake dry creamer stuff. Ich.
Anyway, they kicked off the new year with BettySoo so we debated all week, BettySoo at the new place or Bruce Robison and Ben Mallott at Saxon.
The new place is inside a senior citizens center. I am not kidding. No alcohol. Just coffee and homemade desserts. They really need to get real cream. I didn't try the desserts but man, they looked good!
The sound in this place was great. You could hear every guitar string, word sung and the crowd (full house) was listening.
No new musical ground tonight with BettySoo, just another good night of her music along with a few covers. If you've never seen her, she is getting very good at working the room. She's very witty and her between song banter can be hilarious and it was on this night.
Jeff Plankenhorn accompanied her and played acoustic guitar the entire evening. A real treat to listen to. Then Will Sexton rolled in for the 2nd set so there we were with BettySoo and two of Austin's best guitarists (that is saying something!). Only in Austin.
Fun night. $12 They played close to 2 hours.
Anyway, they kicked off the new year with BettySoo so we debated all week, BettySoo at the new place or Bruce Robison and Ben Mallott at Saxon.
The new place is inside a senior citizens center. I am not kidding. No alcohol. Just coffee and homemade desserts. They really need to get real cream. I didn't try the desserts but man, they looked good!
The sound in this place was great. You could hear every guitar string, word sung and the crowd (full house) was listening.
No new musical ground tonight with BettySoo, just another good night of her music along with a few covers. If you've never seen her, she is getting very good at working the room. She's very witty and her between song banter can be hilarious and it was on this night.
Jeff Plankenhorn accompanied her and played acoustic guitar the entire evening. A real treat to listen to. Then Will Sexton rolled in for the 2nd set so there we were with BettySoo and two of Austin's best guitarists (that is saying something!). Only in Austin.
Fun night. $12 They played close to 2 hours.
Monday, January 11, 2010
STONEHONEY at Threadgill's North 1-6-10
First live music of the new year for me. I've only seen these guys a couple of times which is ridiculous, as they play around Austin frequently and those times I did see them, they knocked me out.
They're doing a run at Threadgill's, playing every Wednesday evening for about 6 weeks, I think. There is no cover. It's a restaurant so most people are eating dinner while the music is going. That is a different vibe for me. I go for the music first and foremost while many people there are eating with the music being secondary. Hence, you will have to put up with noisy patrons but hey, it's a restaurant and the music is free, so that's how it goes. Also, it's more of a laid back show, no drums, not loud. Special treat on this night was Patterson Barrett sitting in much of the evening on pedal steel. Really nice touch, having that added to their music.
Stonehoney - 4 guys who harmonize like there's no tomorrow in a roots/Americana genre mostly but they do some blues, straight ahead rock, too. All 4 can and do sing lead but it's their harmonies that really make you sit up straight and pay attention. Just killer!
Lastly, I have to say Phil Hurley is a kick ass lead guitarist in a town that is full of them but he is right up there and also has one heckuva soulful voice.
They had guests up all night besides Patterson. They brought Bo Porter up for a few songs. He's a darn good honky-tonker who I've heard once before, over at the Saxon. They also brought up another guy, and I think his name was Bo also, who sang and played harmonica. He was terrific and I am bummed I didn't get his name. Lastly, Earle Poole Ball got up and sang a few songs. He usually does the weekly Wednesday night gig at this club. He is a keyboard player and plays around town in various formations. He also played in a band whose leader was named Johnny Cash. That's just how it is here in Austin.
All 4 each took a solo turn, also. That was nice to listen to them individually and get a feel for each.
So, a really fun night of terrific music. Started at 7pm and didn't end until well after 9:30pm. Can't beat it.
They're doing a run at Threadgill's, playing every Wednesday evening for about 6 weeks, I think. There is no cover. It's a restaurant so most people are eating dinner while the music is going. That is a different vibe for me. I go for the music first and foremost while many people there are eating with the music being secondary. Hence, you will have to put up with noisy patrons but hey, it's a restaurant and the music is free, so that's how it goes. Also, it's more of a laid back show, no drums, not loud. Special treat on this night was Patterson Barrett sitting in much of the evening on pedal steel. Really nice touch, having that added to their music.
Stonehoney - 4 guys who harmonize like there's no tomorrow in a roots/Americana genre mostly but they do some blues, straight ahead rock, too. All 4 can and do sing lead but it's their harmonies that really make you sit up straight and pay attention. Just killer!
Lastly, I have to say Phil Hurley is a kick ass lead guitarist in a town that is full of them but he is right up there and also has one heckuva soulful voice.
They had guests up all night besides Patterson. They brought Bo Porter up for a few songs. He's a darn good honky-tonker who I've heard once before, over at the Saxon. They also brought up another guy, and I think his name was Bo also, who sang and played harmonica. He was terrific and I am bummed I didn't get his name. Lastly, Earle Poole Ball got up and sang a few songs. He usually does the weekly Wednesday night gig at this club. He is a keyboard player and plays around town in various formations. He also played in a band whose leader was named Johnny Cash. That's just how it is here in Austin.
All 4 each took a solo turn, also. That was nice to listen to them individually and get a feel for each.
So, a really fun night of terrific music. Started at 7pm and didn't end until well after 9:30pm. Can't beat it.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
CAROLYN WONDERLAND 12-23-09
Carolyn finished off the marathon day. What more can I say about her? She's ungodly terrific. You HAVE to see her.
Carolyn was one of the few who actually played Christmas music at this year's Bazaar.
Also, she played a few hellacious covers: the Janis Joplin penned "What Good Can Drinkin' Do," "Dust My Broom" and the hilarious "The Little Dealer Boy."
Shelley King also harmonized on a few songs. Always a treat.
What a day. From Shelley to Guy to Carolyn. It was my final day at the Bazaar and it couldn't have been any better.
Carolyn was one of the few who actually played Christmas music at this year's Bazaar.
Also, she played a few hellacious covers: the Janis Joplin penned "What Good Can Drinkin' Do," "Dust My Broom" and the hilarious "The Little Dealer Boy."
Shelley King also harmonized on a few songs. Always a treat.
What a day. From Shelley to Guy to Carolyn. It was my final day at the Bazaar and it couldn't have been any better.
GUY FORSYTH 12-23-09
Guy followed Shelley. Hadn't seen Guy do a long show in quite a while. I guess I'd forgotten just how much energy he brings to the stage. Not to mention his drummer, Rob Hooper, who is great fun to watch. Very animated.
Guy is as soulful as a white boy can get. No doubt about it. And a fantastic guitar player. If you've never seen him, you sure need to.
Guy is as soulful as a white boy can get. No doubt about it. And a fantastic guitar player. If you've never seen him, you sure need to.
SHELLEY KING 12-23-09
Another marathon day at the Bazaar. When you go for all 3 shows you are there for 12 hours, basically.
Shelley King started off on the 23rd. Another good show from Shelley with many songs from her great "Welcome Home" record. Also one of my favorite cds from 2009.
Shelley King started off on the 23rd. Another good show from Shelley with many songs from her great "Welcome Home" record. Also one of my favorite cds from 2009.
JIMMY LAFAVE 12-18-09
What a treat on this night. Jimmy is just a great singer/songwriter. We all know that. Doesn't matter if it's his own work or interpreting Dylan, he is fantastic.
Well, we're sitting there before the show and who walks up but Cindy Cashdollar! Holy cow, she sat in the whole night!! This was a tremendous show. She is so much fun to listen to and watch. I have several videos but haven't had a chance to get them on YouTube but eventually it will happen. A memorable night.
Well, we're sitting there before the show and who walks up but Cindy Cashdollar! Holy cow, she sat in the whole night!! This was a tremendous show. She is so much fun to listen to and watch. I have several videos but haven't had a chance to get them on YouTube but eventually it will happen. A memorable night.
MARCIA BALL 12-17-09
My first Pianorama! Have heard about this forever! Marcia Ball gets several of her piano playing buddies together and they all play at the same time. They take turns playing solos, leads, rhythms, etc...it is something to see and hear!
Check it out here as it's easier to watch than try and describe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiSFl_AO20
Check it out here as it's easier to watch than try and describe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiSFl_AO20
RAY WYLIE HUBBARD 12-16-09
Ray closed out the Wednesday night spot. He has a new record which is coming out very soon so we got to hear some of that along with his older stuff. His son sat in with him for the first set but had to leave afterward. He's only 16 and had a physics test the next day! The kid can play. He's gonna be something.
Ray is hilarious. He's the male version of Toni Price when it comes to comedy on stage. Ya never know what's going to pop out of his mouth! Always makes for a fun concert.
Ray is hilarious. He's the male version of Toni Price when it comes to comedy on stage. Ya never know what's going to pop out of his mouth! Always makes for a fun concert.
KALU JAMES 12-14-09
This is a guy I've been hearing about and for several months have wanted to get out and see. Finally got my chance during the Bazaar.
Kalu is a Nigerian born singer/songwriter who uses some cool African rhythms in his music. First time I see someone all I do is sit there and think do I like the music? I don't try to remember lyrics or anything else.
I liked him a lot. The music is good. Lyrically, he reminds me of an old soul even though I think he's a pretty young guy. He sees the world.
He did his share of ballads but he mixes it up with some funk and neat rhythms. Definitely want to see more of him.
Kalu is a Nigerian born singer/songwriter who uses some cool African rhythms in his music. First time I see someone all I do is sit there and think do I like the music? I don't try to remember lyrics or anything else.
I liked him a lot. The music is good. Lyrically, he reminds me of an old soul even though I think he's a pretty young guy. He sees the world.
He did his share of ballads but he mixes it up with some funk and neat rhythms. Definitely want to see more of him.
ELIZA GILKYSON 12-12-09
Eliza closed out Saturday night. No new songs but as always, she is a pleasure to listen to. It was a footloose show. She took many requests. Even did "Man of God" which she swore once November 2008 came she'd never play again. Very funny, she said "I don't play that anymore. I hope I don't have to picture the neocons in my head to sing it." I don't know if she did or not but she did sing that song with all the gusto she always has. Fact of the matter is, it is a KILLER song. Always will be.
TONI PRICE 12-12-09
Toni followed Ian. As always, a blast! A great singer but so funny on top of it all. Stellar lead guitarist Rich Brotherton was by her side, along with Warren Hood sitting in on violin and Willie Pipkin on guitar. Toni directed everybody during the break to the booth where they were selling her cds: "I'm broker than the 10 Commandments!"
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