I want you to picture the inside stage at Floores in your mind and picture this set up.
A hardshell suitcase
kickdrum with a tambourine on top
acoustic guitar
hollow body electric guitar
dobro
banjo
harmonica
fiddle
cigar box guitar
This is what you get when you see Lincoln. He is the lone man of this show using all these instruments. There is no bassist, drummer, lead guitar player. Just a man and his music at its gritty best. It was one of those shows that I watched like a like a fascinated little kid. I had seen YouTube videos but to see this guy in person...wow!! There is nothing else like it. I appreciate people that are different and make you stand up to take notice. He is one of those people. It takes gut to say I am doing things this way and you can either listen or leave it. I admire that in musicians.
I saw this photo on twitter. These are two of my favorite Lincoln's. Lincoln Durham and Lincoln Lankford from Folk Family Revival. This would be a cool show with those two on the bill...hmmm, I need to talk to someone about booking that.
This past Thursday I trucked (or carred it...ok I drove) up to New Braunfels. To Gruene Hall to listen to the acoustic show of Courtney Patton, Jamie Wilson, and Brandy Zdan. This week was crazy. I have a lot to still write about...Lincoln Durham, Paul Thorn, interviews to send off...but I wanted to share this little video that my friend Brian who does the Music of New Braunfels website made of the ladies singing the other night. These gals have a lot of fun on stage and know how to keep the crowd entertained. I haven't gotten up to Gruene enough. I need to do that more these next few months. If you haven't checked out the Music of New Braunfels site the link is on the side... He is much better at keeping up with the schedule of who is playing in New Braunfels than I am.
Oh and for those of you who like to do Sunday Funday activities Courtney will be playing at The Vineyard in Gruene (The two story building closer to Tavern) from 3-6 tomorrow. I am going for any of you who care to join me.
Stewart Mann and the Statesboro Revue dropped their new album today. I have had the opportunity to see these guys live a few times in the past month or so. I am convinced Stewart is a combo of Mick Jagger and Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) when he is on stage. I have heard a few of the tracks on the album live, this is going to be a good one to add to your collection. You can get a copy of this album through Lonestar Music, iTunes, and wherever else good music is sold.
Another Album that has been out for a week or so now, is The Great Controversy by Javi Garcia. I wanted to go to his cd release party but this was the same night as grit and groove, so I missed it. Listened to the album last night. From start to finish, this is good. It's rock, bluesy, and captures Javi in his element. I recommend it all the way.
Both of these are great bands to see live. Get their albums, support them out on the road. Happy listening to all!
What a week it has been. Finding my Adam Hood Interview on his website and Paul Thorn tweeting me that I should attend his show Friday...Is this what Cinderella felt like when she went to the ball? I would like to think so..I am finally starting to come out of the coma that has been life. That is why March was so quiet for me. It was a lot to take in, but in a good way.
Spring is among us which means lots of fun shows to attend! Like last night at County Line, got to see The Damn Quails! Such a fun show! I am happy to announce coming soon a full band interview with those guys will be on here. I feel like I am fing Barbara Walters and I love it! Also got to see Six Market Blvd. Those guys put on a bad ass show. I have a new appreciation for Usher's Nice and Slow thanks to them. I will also talk more about that later.
Friday 4/12 there are more than a few shows I wish I could attend, but alas I can't be in four places at once. So here is a little run down of those shows. If I miss anyone I normally talk about on here, sorry. Let me know I will send an update on the twitter and book of faces.
Consider this my own version of the Sound check they have on knbt.
Band of Bandits @ Hooligans Bar and Grill. I have really been wanting to catch this band, and I promise I will make it out to one of their shows soon!
Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers @ The Pheonix Saloon - New Braunfels
I stumbled across this lady when I was listening to the honkytonk station on the tv. When I heard If I Can't Trust You With A Quarter I knew this girl was cool. I think this could be my theme song...Also Do you love the cd cover as much as I do?
The Damn Quails @ Billy's Ice - New Braunfels
Let me tell these guys played acoustic full band and it was a hell of a show. Come out to Billy's to see what they can do with it all on the table. You will have a great time!
Mike McClure Band @ The Palace - Seguin
One of my favorite shows to see. Mike is a genius and he has Tom Skinner in his band. One of the best song writers to come out of Oklahoma. Also inspiration for these stickers that show up in random places in between Texas and Oklahoma.
So, Where will I be you may be asking? If you aren't I am going to tell you anyway. I have the keyboard, I make the rules...Drumroll please.
Paul Thorn and Lincoln Durham @ Floores Country Store
For those of you who don't know who Paul Thorn is, I am sure you have heard Mood Ring by Wade Bowen. Well Paul is the guy who wrote that song. Paul and Lincoln are two guys I have been wanting to see for at least a year now. I couldn't miss this chance. Plus I got this super cool tweet from Paul the other day. I had my mind made up already, but this was too cool. Don't judge me too much. I am a dork.
There are other worthy shows to go see I am sure. Get out there and support live music. If you go to any of these shows listed above, tell me how they were. I could talk music stuff all day long! Have fun and be safe!
The other day it occurred to me that I wanted to do a recap of the quarter. I am not sure who actually reads every post I do or who is an occasional reader. The ACM's or CMA's was on the other day, I didn't watch it. It got me thinking though that maybe I should do an awards ceremony of sorts. I am thinking I will try to do this every quarter to recap some of the golden moments of the blog so far. This will also catch up those of you who don't read it all the time. (I am sure that is only a few of you, right? Right???) So welcome friends, family, frenemies, and who ever else reads this to....
THE QUARTERLY HURRICANE HIGHWAY AWARDS!!!
Kick Ass Musician of the Quarter - Female : Courtney Patton - Look for an album from her to coming in May. Also you can see her with Jamie Wilson and Brandy Zdan at Gruene Hall 4/18.
Kick Ass Musician of the Quarter - Male : Will Arrington - Look for him and his band to be playing in San Marcos and hopefully soon all over. He also will have a new album out soon.
Kick Ass Band of the Quarter - Copper and Glass - This is a band that I found out of Cali. Word on the street is they are coming to Texas soon. Give them a listen, good stuff coming from those guys.
* CD's To Add To Your Collection (Released & available where music is sold)
Chris King - 1983
Southern Strangers - Reckless Ways
Holly Williams - The Highway
James Pardo - Autobiography, Chapter One
*Standouts To See in Action. Check em out, like them on Facebook and such to see where they will be next.
Chad Sullins and Last Call Coalition
Will Owen Gage
James Pardo and The Underestimated
Roadside Libby
Captain Legendary Band
Jason Eady
*Favorite Venues - Support these places that keep the live music going!
Billy's Ice - New Braunfels
Riverroad Icehouse - New Braunfels
Kicaster's Country Store - Adkins
The Palace - Seguin
Special Thanks to my fellow bloggers that keep me inspired and share their love music with me and the web.
Brian Strickland of Music of New Braunfels
Brandon Meyers of Red Dirt Blue Collar
Rita Ballou of Rawhide and Velvet
Also thanks to the Q and A artists Forest Wayne Allen, Adam Hood, and Will Hoge. I am hoping to do more of those in the next few months.
I have lots of ideas and other posts I am working on and thinking about. Thanks to everyone for your support for me and the artists I talk about! See you out on the highway!
Miss Courtney Patton just released a new single from her upcoming album. It looks like this will be out in May. If you have the chance she will be out with Jamie Wilson and Brandy Zdan at Gruene Hall on April 18th. If you are in the area come out and join in on the fun.
Reckless, Roadside, and Arrington - what does a night like that sound like? Lot's of fiddles, harmonies, and a good night of tunes. Once again The Palace delivered a great show. This really is a little gem in the heart of Seguin. Be sure to check out their line up through out the summer. As you can see I added a handy dandy links section. You will not believe the amount of time it took me to figure it out. I will add more to it as I go, but anyway as you can see the link to The Palace is there. Also let me just say that near this theatre there are some really cute shops in Downtown Seguin to check out. I was a little sad though cause they all closed before I got to town. I am going to have to make a trip back for shopping. I have two loves of my life and they are shopping and music. Only I can pick the most expensive hobbies. Oh Well, at least they are the most fun. Back to the task at hand. Telling you about the night below.
I had a group of people telling me Will Arrington was a name I needed to remember. I always take that kind of advice with a we'll see attitude. It is this stubborn thing I do. I went out to open mic at The Palace recently and was pleasantly surprised. When I first hear someone acoustic, there is always a little nervousness for me on how they will sound when you throw in other people to mix. Especially when you don't know much about the band. There are a few things that when it comes to music I go gaga for. They are bluesy guitar solos, fiddles, and harmonies...From the start Will and the band brought those elements on to the stage. Three part harmonies or any kind harmonies are hard to do. You have to make sure the voices go together just right. Otherwise you sound like cats or a pack of dogs howling. I should have known these guys would be good. When you are allowed to play Cheatham Street you can't be mediocre. Kent Finlay didn't build that little empire by letting just anyone play there. Will has a cd that is set to come out soon. Once again like many of my other posts. I will let you know when that is out and where you can get it. I am really looking forward to this one. Among the others coming out this year. If you have the chance to check out this kid it is well worth it.
I have pretty much decided the month of March is dedicated to the Roadside Libby boys. I say this cause I think I saw them at least once a week in that month. It wasn't on purpose, we all just happened to be at the same places. One of the things that I took notice of during the show with Will and Reckless was how these guys have grown. I have seen them play off and on for the last couple of years. They always put on a good show but now I couldn't help but notice there is something different. I am really not sure what it is or how to describe it. The talent is there. The song choices are there. Whatever it is though, these guys are ready to compete with the big dogs of Texas Music. That is a statement I will stand behind with whoever wants to question me or argue about it.
When you have really good opening acts, the headliner situation can go one of two ways. Really great or a complete let down. I have seen many a let down situation. With Reckless Kelly, I didn't expect their acoustic show to be as good as it was. There is something to be said for an acoustic show, I find myself liking a more stripped down show these days. It's rootsy, groovy, and I get to pay attention to the lyrics of the song more. I don't get to see the Reckless guys as much as I would like to. If you were in the audience you got to witness what I consider to be one of the best versions of 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. That is one my favorite story telling songs. I would even say it beats The Road Goes on Forever. At least in my world. One song that I wasn't expecting to hear was Willy Braun's cover of Townes Van Zandt's I'll Be Here in the Morning. It couldn't have been a better acoustic show. Reckless Kelly is coming to County line pretty soon, that is the closest you will get to seeing what we witnessed last weekend. May 1st to be exact. Mr. James Pardo will opening up for them. If you are in the area come out and lend them your ears.
It was a fun night, I am looking forward to this coming Friday. The Palace is hosting the one and only Mike McClure Band!
