Monday, February 22, 2010
SHAWN COLVIN at One World Theatre 2-19-10
She still reigns. When it comes to the whole singer/songwriter package, especially female, nobody is yet to come close. I know the past decade hasn't been very prolific for new music but it has yielded one really good record, "These Four Walls" from 2006. Regardless, her entire catalog still stands up as fresh as the individual albums did the day they came out. She is such a good acoustic guitar player and her show is always entertaining. Shawn has a natural story telling way on stage and even though we really didn't get stories we did get a lot of funny little one liners or blurbs about the songs themselves. Her show is always going to hold your attention.
On this night she was doing 2 shows. We were at the early show and it lasted about 1 1/2 hours. We had $30 tickets (+$12 for service charge-how do you spell ripoff?) that were side stage, 3rd row. This place is tiny, 300 seats and is built so that no matter where you are sitting, you are close to the stage. Awesome venue! And sound!
We got the standards, "Trouble" and "Shotgun Down The Avalanche." During "Trouble" she morphed into the song she stole from to write it, Crowded House's "Private Universe." We also got some gems, "Steady On" and "A Matter of Minutes." She was definitely in a "Fat City" mood as we got "Polaroids" (the long version where in the middle she goes into all of the songs, about 6 of them, stolen to write that song!), "Tennessee," "Round of Blues" and "I Don't Know Why." We got "Window to the World" and "This Must Be The Place" from "Cover Girl." Also in the set were "Witchita Skyline" and "Fill Me Up."
The other covers she did were a stunning "That's The Way Love Goes," a Lefty Frizzel song made popular by Merle Haggard, "Crazy," the Gnarls Barkley tune and Tom Waits's "Hold On." As anybody who has ever seen Shawn live, you know she does covers better than anybody in the world. Always makes them her own and they are always as good as the original, sometimes much better. "Crazy" is one of those songs that, like everybody else, I thought was catchy and fun. It wasn't until she did it that I really listened to the lyrics. It's a killer song, lyrically. Probably never would've realized that without her version. If you don't have it, go buy it at iTunes or wherever you buy your downloads.
So, suffice to say, a fantastic night all around. For living in Austin she doesn't play here too often. Wish she would come out of hiding a bit more frequently. Oh well, we'll always take her whenever we can.
No photos or video at this place.
On this night she was doing 2 shows. We were at the early show and it lasted about 1 1/2 hours. We had $30 tickets (+$12 for service charge-how do you spell ripoff?) that were side stage, 3rd row. This place is tiny, 300 seats and is built so that no matter where you are sitting, you are close to the stage. Awesome venue! And sound!
We got the standards, "Trouble" and "Shotgun Down The Avalanche." During "Trouble" she morphed into the song she stole from to write it, Crowded House's "Private Universe." We also got some gems, "Steady On" and "A Matter of Minutes." She was definitely in a "Fat City" mood as we got "Polaroids" (the long version where in the middle she goes into all of the songs, about 6 of them, stolen to write that song!), "Tennessee," "Round of Blues" and "I Don't Know Why." We got "Window to the World" and "This Must Be The Place" from "Cover Girl." Also in the set were "Witchita Skyline" and "Fill Me Up."
The other covers she did were a stunning "That's The Way Love Goes," a Lefty Frizzel song made popular by Merle Haggard, "Crazy," the Gnarls Barkley tune and Tom Waits's "Hold On." As anybody who has ever seen Shawn live, you know she does covers better than anybody in the world. Always makes them her own and they are always as good as the original, sometimes much better. "Crazy" is one of those songs that, like everybody else, I thought was catchy and fun. It wasn't until she did it that I really listened to the lyrics. It's a killer song, lyrically. Probably never would've realized that without her version. If you don't have it, go buy it at iTunes or wherever you buy your downloads.
So, suffice to say, a fantastic night all around. For living in Austin she doesn't play here too often. Wish she would come out of hiding a bit more frequently. Oh well, we'll always take her whenever we can.
No photos or video at this place.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
UNPLUGGED at the PARAMOUNT featuring JOE ELY, BILLY JOE SHAVER, SLAID CLEAVES and AMY COOK
Won tickets to this through KUT. It was a charity event for the Livestrong Foundation. Pretty excited to win the tickets as you're talking some great artists on one stage. Song swap format.
Each musician played 4 songs, I think.
All played Billy Joe Shaver's "Live Forever" to close out the main set. That was spectacular.
Amy Cook opened with "Hotel Lights," a song off her soon to be released record that Alejandro Escovedo produced. I look for this to be her breakout year. I've seen her a couple of times over the last 5 years or so. She just gets better and better. That song, "Hotel Lights," in an erlier time, would be a big indie hit. Great song.
Slaid followed Amy. He's one of my favorites. One of the few guys from Maine, I'm guessing, who can yodel!
Then came Billy Joe. I had never seen him. What a character! He is seriously funny between songs, if you can understand him. Between his mumbling, rambling Texas twang, you gotta concentrate but it's worth it. He's written many great songs. It was a thrill to see him live.
Joe Ely was Joe. Just the greatest. If I had to say who defines the Texas style of great songwriting and sound, it would be Joe.
The show lasted about an hour and a half. It was not sold out or even close. Our seats were up in the nose bleeds but we were able to move way down. Sound was terrific. A Friday night spent listening to great songwriters. Pretty cool.
Each musician played 4 songs, I think.
All played Billy Joe Shaver's "Live Forever" to close out the main set. That was spectacular.
Amy Cook opened with "Hotel Lights," a song off her soon to be released record that Alejandro Escovedo produced. I look for this to be her breakout year. I've seen her a couple of times over the last 5 years or so. She just gets better and better. That song, "Hotel Lights," in an erlier time, would be a big indie hit. Great song.
Slaid followed Amy. He's one of my favorites. One of the few guys from Maine, I'm guessing, who can yodel!
Then came Billy Joe. I had never seen him. What a character! He is seriously funny between songs, if you can understand him. Between his mumbling, rambling Texas twang, you gotta concentrate but it's worth it. He's written many great songs. It was a thrill to see him live.
Joe Ely was Joe. Just the greatest. If I had to say who defines the Texas style of great songwriting and sound, it would be Joe.
The show lasted about an hour and a half. It was not sold out or even close. Our seats were up in the nose bleeds but we were able to move way down. Sound was terrific. A Friday night spent listening to great songwriters. Pretty cool.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
RANDY WEEKS and NOELLE HAMPTON at Jovita's 2-11-10
We found out about this show over the weekend and thought it sounded like a fine double bill. Not to mention, Tony Gilkyson would be sitting in with Randy! It had been a couple of years since I'd seen the two of them together. Tony is one heckuva guitarist.
Randy opened with a one hour set. He had a full band, Tony, Will Sexton on bass, Rick Richards on drums (Ray Wylie Hubbard), the usual stellar lineup you get with everybody in Austin! Also, Mark Hallman played accordion. He is a producer here in town who, back in the 70's, played with Carole King and Dan Fogelberg, to name a few. When I learn stuff like that it blows my mind. And here in Austin, that kind of thing is the norm.
Randy, besides being a great writer, really puts on a fun show. Plays a lot of up tempo songs, I would say. He had people dancing throughout his set. He's a really good guitar player so watching him and Tony together was quite the treat.
Also, doing some harmonizing were members of Sonehoney and Noelle. Unfortunately, you couldn't hear them because of a speaker or something that wasn't working. All I can say is, if you're a live music venue and you're going to have people like this in to play, you should have your act together better. That was frustrating. End of sermon.
Noelle, I'd only seen once before and it was very brief. She sounded good that night so we were looking forward to hearing her again. She's my latest new discovery that #1 I'm embarrassed to think it took me this long to find and #2 glad I finally found! Love, love, love her sound. She has a beautiful voice, rockin' songs, the whole 9 yards. Her husband Andre is her lead guitarist. They are awfully good. You should check her out, the real deal. She has a record called "Thin Line" the above mentioned Mark Hallman produced.
A final treat. Rosie Flores was in the house and Noelle had her up to play "Country Boy!" She tore the place up. It was awesome!
No cover charge, tips only. Insane, I know.
This town is nuts with talent.
Randy opened with a one hour set. He had a full band, Tony, Will Sexton on bass, Rick Richards on drums (Ray Wylie Hubbard), the usual stellar lineup you get with everybody in Austin! Also, Mark Hallman played accordion. He is a producer here in town who, back in the 70's, played with Carole King and Dan Fogelberg, to name a few. When I learn stuff like that it blows my mind. And here in Austin, that kind of thing is the norm.
Randy, besides being a great writer, really puts on a fun show. Plays a lot of up tempo songs, I would say. He had people dancing throughout his set. He's a really good guitar player so watching him and Tony together was quite the treat.
Also, doing some harmonizing were members of Sonehoney and Noelle. Unfortunately, you couldn't hear them because of a speaker or something that wasn't working. All I can say is, if you're a live music venue and you're going to have people like this in to play, you should have your act together better. That was frustrating. End of sermon.
Noelle, I'd only seen once before and it was very brief. She sounded good that night so we were looking forward to hearing her again. She's my latest new discovery that #1 I'm embarrassed to think it took me this long to find and #2 glad I finally found! Love, love, love her sound. She has a beautiful voice, rockin' songs, the whole 9 yards. Her husband Andre is her lead guitarist. They are awfully good. You should check her out, the real deal. She has a record called "Thin Line" the above mentioned Mark Hallman produced.
A final treat. Rosie Flores was in the house and Noelle had her up to play "Country Boy!" She tore the place up. It was awesome!
No cover charge, tips only. Insane, I know.
This town is nuts with talent.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
JESS KLEIN at Our House 2-6-10
Our house as in our home, where we live, no kidding. We got LUCKY and had the honor of hosting Jess in a private house concert.
I will tell ya, we were nervous about it. Had never done it, didn't know which end was up but figured we'd give it our best shot.
We invited about 30 people and ended up with around 25, I think. The show was held inside for a couple of reasons. You don't know about the weather this time of year and no need for a PA system, which we sure as heck don't have! So, we set up in the living room and hoped for the best (prayed for no echo).
Our friends came early. We ate, drank and chatted. Just had a great time.
Jess emailed earlier in the week wondering if it was ok to bring Randy Weeks along. She said he would play some with her and do some of his own stuff. After I got back up from falling out of my chair, I replied he was welcome to come over to our house any time to play!
I have to tell you, the intimacy in your own home, well, it can't get any better. We have gone to a couple of house concerts and really loved it. But, both were with a PA system. To have someone stand in a room of your home and start playing a guitar and singing, no amplification, all I can say is, I have never experienced anything like it. It was SO cool! There is an intimacy there that can't be topped. To hear those familiar songs like that, I don't know how to describe how great they sounded.
Jess did 2 sets. Randy played with her in each set on a few songs, playing guitar and harmonizing. He also did one of his own songs in each set, with Jess helping out.
Really, I am still buzzed over the whole thing. To have these two great musicians playing in our house was an occasion we'll be remembering and talking about for a long time.
It was also very neat that some of our friends who were not familiar with either one were blown away, buying cds, raving, etc...Now they're fans and that's always a cool thing when you get to see other people discover new to them artists. I love that.
Finally, for the first time in a very long time, I didn't take any photos or video. You know, I do it mainly so I will always have something to go to. And I did have my camera right there. But when Jess started and sounded so good, I knew I wanted to just sit back and enjoy the show. Figured if I have trouble remembering this gig, I have a much larger problem to worry about.
I will tell ya, we were nervous about it. Had never done it, didn't know which end was up but figured we'd give it our best shot.
We invited about 30 people and ended up with around 25, I think. The show was held inside for a couple of reasons. You don't know about the weather this time of year and no need for a PA system, which we sure as heck don't have! So, we set up in the living room and hoped for the best (prayed for no echo).
Our friends came early. We ate, drank and chatted. Just had a great time.
Jess emailed earlier in the week wondering if it was ok to bring Randy Weeks along. She said he would play some with her and do some of his own stuff. After I got back up from falling out of my chair, I replied he was welcome to come over to our house any time to play!
I have to tell you, the intimacy in your own home, well, it can't get any better. We have gone to a couple of house concerts and really loved it. But, both were with a PA system. To have someone stand in a room of your home and start playing a guitar and singing, no amplification, all I can say is, I have never experienced anything like it. It was SO cool! There is an intimacy there that can't be topped. To hear those familiar songs like that, I don't know how to describe how great they sounded.
Jess did 2 sets. Randy played with her in each set on a few songs, playing guitar and harmonizing. He also did one of his own songs in each set, with Jess helping out.
Really, I am still buzzed over the whole thing. To have these two great musicians playing in our house was an occasion we'll be remembering and talking about for a long time.
It was also very neat that some of our friends who were not familiar with either one were blown away, buying cds, raving, etc...Now they're fans and that's always a cool thing when you get to see other people discover new to them artists. I love that.
Finally, for the first time in a very long time, I didn't take any photos or video. You know, I do it mainly so I will always have something to go to. And I did have my camera right there. But when Jess started and sounded so good, I knew I wanted to just sit back and enjoy the show. Figured if I have trouble remembering this gig, I have a much larger problem to worry about.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
PORTERDAVIS at Saxon Pub 2-5-10
Hadn't seen these guys since last summer for their cd release show which was also held at the Saxon.
3 white boys who are a killer blues band.
It's worth the price of admission to sit and watch the percussionist, Mike Meadows. He plays a Black Swan, among other things. See photo above. He sits on that and plays sticks, brushes, hands, tambourine, you name it, he makes a sound out of it.
Simon Wallace on harmonica doesn't sound like anyone else. I sometimes get bored with harmonica and think enough is enough. Not with this guy. He's great!
Daniel Barrett is on guitar and lead vocals. He does the biggest share of singing and has a voice made for the type of bluesy/rootsy stuff they do.
All 3 guys sing though and when they harmonize, it is really, really good.
On this night they had Gurf Morlix sit in on a few songs (produced their latest record) and he also played one of his own. This was a fun night. Later, Leeann Atherton got up and belted out a couple of numbers with them. She was meant to sing the blues and God, she was terrific on their songs. We all said we would have loved to have heard more of her with them. That final spice to the mix, I guess. Anyway, it was a great couple of hours and they brought the house down. $10 cover. Can't beat it no way, no how.
3 white boys who are a killer blues band.
It's worth the price of admission to sit and watch the percussionist, Mike Meadows. He plays a Black Swan, among other things. See photo above. He sits on that and plays sticks, brushes, hands, tambourine, you name it, he makes a sound out of it.
Simon Wallace on harmonica doesn't sound like anyone else. I sometimes get bored with harmonica and think enough is enough. Not with this guy. He's great!
Daniel Barrett is on guitar and lead vocals. He does the biggest share of singing and has a voice made for the type of bluesy/rootsy stuff they do.
All 3 guys sing though and when they harmonize, it is really, really good.
On this night they had Gurf Morlix sit in on a few songs (produced their latest record) and he also played one of his own. This was a fun night. Later, Leeann Atherton got up and belted out a couple of numbers with them. She was meant to sing the blues and God, she was terrific on their songs. We all said we would have loved to have heard more of her with them. That final spice to the mix, I guess. Anyway, it was a great couple of hours and they brought the house down. $10 cover. Can't beat it no way, no how.
CINDY CASHDOLLAR and STEVE JAMES at Rawhide House Concert 1-31-10
First time at this place which holds monthly house concerts. We thought wow, Cindy Cashdollar in a house concert, gotta go! It was fantastic. This home is set up very nicely. It was cold so it was held inside. A nice, big comfortable room. They also have their own PA system. I did not go outside but it looks like they have a beautiful and large deck that is used for the concerts during nicer weather.
Honestly, I didn't know anything about Steve James. Came away a big fan. He's a real blues historian, that is for sure. He did pretty much all of the singing while Cindy sat and played her killer slide guitars. He played bottleneck, too. Talk about a night of stellar guitar playing. Pretty awesome to sit in someones home and witness these two.
We got to hear an immense amount of old blues/roots songs, going back to the 20's and 30's. Steve is also a heckuva story teller. Got the gift of gab and uses it well. Likes to set up the songs and he's awfully funny.
They did 2 sets, each one about an hour long. Cost was $20. Well worth it.
Honestly, I didn't know anything about Steve James. Came away a big fan. He's a real blues historian, that is for sure. He did pretty much all of the singing while Cindy sat and played her killer slide guitars. He played bottleneck, too. Talk about a night of stellar guitar playing. Pretty awesome to sit in someones home and witness these two.
We got to hear an immense amount of old blues/roots songs, going back to the 20's and 30's. Steve is also a heckuva story teller. Got the gift of gab and uses it well. Likes to set up the songs and he's awfully funny.
They did 2 sets, each one about an hour long. Cost was $20. Well worth it.
CAROLYN WONDERLAND and BETTYSOO at Saxon Pub 1-29-10
To our way of thinking, this was a great double bill that could not be missed. I think about once a month the Saxon hosts a Lone Star State of Mind show which is broadcast live on a local radio station. I can't say the call letters anymore as they've changed their format and pretty much stink up the place. Probably a matter of time before Lone Star State of Mind goes away, also.
Carolyn was first, from 9pm to 10:30pm or so. Live, she can't be beat but tonight was a whole different animal. It was about mid-day when word started getting around that her father passed away earlier in the morning. Can you imagine? She said the show would go on and was to be dedicated to him.
When she arrived, it about broke your heart. The emotion was visible. Puffy, swollen eyes. You just ached for her.
Shelley King joined her on several songs, a couple of them were gospel. I think it was comforting for everybody there, to tell you the truth. It was also nice, I thought, that Shelley was there with her since they are such good friends.
Carolyn ended the show with a song dedicated to her dad. You could see her trying to hold it together. About midway through the tears started falling and by the end, pretty much pouring. I don't know if there was a dry eye in the house, either. All of us in the audience will never forget her performance on that night.
After Carolyn came BettySoo for about an hour show. Still live on the air. She had Gurf Morlix in the band on guitar and that is always a treat. I tell ya, she always has great guitar players but there is something about Gurf's playing that sounds so good. Probably his style just lends itself to her music but boy, if you get the chance to see her when he is sitting in, don't miss it!
Carolyn was first, from 9pm to 10:30pm or so. Live, she can't be beat but tonight was a whole different animal. It was about mid-day when word started getting around that her father passed away earlier in the morning. Can you imagine? She said the show would go on and was to be dedicated to him.
When she arrived, it about broke your heart. The emotion was visible. Puffy, swollen eyes. You just ached for her.
Shelley King joined her on several songs, a couple of them were gospel. I think it was comforting for everybody there, to tell you the truth. It was also nice, I thought, that Shelley was there with her since they are such good friends.
Carolyn ended the show with a song dedicated to her dad. You could see her trying to hold it together. About midway through the tears started falling and by the end, pretty much pouring. I don't know if there was a dry eye in the house, either. All of us in the audience will never forget her performance on that night.
After Carolyn came BettySoo for about an hour show. Still live on the air. She had Gurf Morlix in the band on guitar and that is always a treat. I tell ya, she always has great guitar players but there is something about Gurf's playing that sounds so good. Probably his style just lends itself to her music but boy, if you get the chance to see her when he is sitting in, don't miss it!
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