The Real Sim

Well that is a little odd. I mean, if it was the fake sim then it would be a sim - ulator....just saying.

Lucky me. I have this music blog which allows me to share my musical journeys and opinions with the world. All with the hopes of someone reading about a band and then going to a show. I have also been running a livestream for a year (as of the writing of this blog). The show is called Three Beers and a Whiskey available on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/threebeersandawhiskey , check it out. Besides the shameless self promotion, it has a point in this blog post about the music and performance of Sim Ross.

Our second episode of the show was with Sim Ross and his band The Laughing Heart. I was introduced to the man, band, and music by then guitarist and friend of mine, Sonny Bihl. Without ever seeing the band perform, and only on the recommendation of my friend and a downloaded copy of the album 'Mothers DayBlues', I enthusiastically had them sit with me and chat. Besides being great, down to earth, and very humble men, their acoustic rendition of several of their songs from the album were stunning. Here is 'Winding Rivers' ( https://youtu.be/ydBlbzBg0Kk ). It was not to long after that where I had the pleasure of catching them twice. Once at a venue that will remain nameless - because of the shitty sound production that evening - and the second time at one of my all time favorites, the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/).


Sim Ross (https://www.simrossmusic.net) is originally from Ohio. Lucky us here in Austin, he made the journey and cut his record, Mothers Day Blues, here. His Americana sound has just enough edge on it to be rock and roll, and enough soul in the music to be blues. Of course I think all great American music is based on the blues, I just think Sim Ross elevates it to another level, and makes it REAL personal. His voice has that great raspy sound. Between gargling with glass and drinking sandpaper, you might be able to imitate Sims unique voice and sound. It is amazing and perfect with the originals he does.



The One2One was really the perfect spot to check out Sim Ross and The Laughing Heart, an intimate setting with a great sound system. The band was fantastic. Kicking off with the first track from the disc, 'At the rate I'm going', it proved to be a nonstop tour of storytelling through music. As much at the title song is my favorite, the live rendition of the song 'Paradise' is killer.





It was a stunning set of music that was non stop, top to bottom. No question and doubt I will go to many more Sim Ross shows. You should too. Check out his website, look him up on FB. It is without question that is a great way to start a high energy evening. An even better way to top off the night. Do the live music scene and yourself a favor, go see Sim Ross and The Laughing Heart. Tell him I sent you, and have a water on me.



















Laters

Who is this guy

is what I heard several times during the evening during the Paul Cauthen performance.

I was at Emos Austin. Located on Riverside Dr, about 3 minutes from downtown Austin. It has been a while since I was last here. Although the room itself hasn't changed, the aesthetics have. A fresh coat of paint, some new decorating around the perimeter of the venue, the addition of another bar, and it is still Emos. Don't take this statement the wrong way. Emos is a great place to go see a show. You walk in the door and only a few feet from the main entrance and you are standing in the giant room that is the venue. The sound has never left me wanting, always fast service at any of the bars, and big stage that can be seen from pretty much any spot inside those four walls.

This night was special for me. On the recommendation of my cousin, and some Divine intervention, I picked up a copy of Paul Cauthens debut CD release "My Gospel". After listening to this disc several times, I grew to really appreciate the song writing, the tunes, and overall vibe of the album. It is definitely a masterful piece of work.

Even better than the CD is finding out Paul Cauthen (http://www.paulcauthenmusic.com/) is coming to town. Without a hesitation I jumped on the chance to shoot photo for this lost sons return to Austin. NO, there was not a large, glamorous stage show. It was 5 guys on stage doing what they love, and doing it very well. It was exceptionally fulfilling for me to enjoy this performance from behind the lens for 3 songs - no flash. It was so much more when I stepped from behind the barricade and melted into the crowd. With Paul Cauthens big, booming voice carrying through the venue and the great time you could see him having on stage, it was glorious to be in the house.

Even more exciting was roaming through the crowd and seeing the faces lit up by the stage lights. The whispers of excitement from here and there in the crowd. I didn't hesitate to interrupt the conversations I overhead. When there was someone who would lean over to their friend, and just above the sound of Paul singing, I could hear them ask "Wow! do you know who this guy is?" I happily jumped on that moment and would exclaim "That's Paul, Paul Cauthen!" It was not sad for me to hear so many voices asking who this Johnny Cash sounding fellow was, it was thrilling to hear Paul Cauthen making fans as I stood there and witnessed.




Thanks to my cousin James Tompkins for anointing me.


Appreciate my photographer friends I rarely see, because my head is jammed up the local scenes ass so much I don't do the touring shows. Scott Moore and Katrina Barber are always two of the three best to bump into, always.



And thanks to the City of Austin for being Austin. I love doing what I do for nothing. I love giving respect and my time to the musicians that give their souls to the city for so little.




Laters

The music world returns to austin

In March the music world returns to Austin. Everyones attempted shot at "making it big" and getting the "record deal of a lifetime". Local bands, national bands, and even bands from around the world, throw the caution to the wind to via for that golden ring. Whether you believe the shot at glory and the record deal is worth it or all that is cracked up to be, the music world will descend on us.

The glory of this, being a music lover and fan of the live music scene here in Austin, is you get to experience so many different types of music and performances from all over. I thrill at this event as you should too. You don't need badges or wristbands to experience all the spring break glory of music in Austin during the second and third weeks in Austin. Downtown, East side, Southside you simply have to take the time and stroll around. Discover something new. This is the point of this post... ways to just go do it.
You can look up events at The Austin Chronicle and Do512. This is how I will primarily find my adventures and journeys. You can also follow some of your favorite local bands, go to their shows and you will invariably find and discover someone new.

Here are a few recommendations for out of town bands. These are bands I have seen in the past that should be making a return to Austin during this illustrious time of year. Bands worthy of your time and attention.

Sarah Shook and The Disarmers (http://www.disarmers.com/) - The female re incarnation of Johnny Cash. All of the attitude, a great voice and an amazing band backing her up. A sound and style that refuses a label. It's not rock, it's not country, it is just simply great. I saw Sarah Shook and the Disarmers at a Rachael Ray event last year, 2017. It was a spectacular performance. I looked them up and coincidentally they will be in Houston during that special time here, so I expect and hope Austin will get the pleasure of there re appearance again this year.

The Revenge Wedding (https://www.facebook.com/therevengewedding/). I will proudly say this was my "Holy Shit" moment of the whole week 2017. This band plays the type of music that would scare the shit outta your grandma. It's not your daddy's type of rock and roll either. For The Revenge Wedding it's not just about the music it is all about the performance also. At the show I experienced, some knucklehead in the crowd thought it would be funny to heckle the band...stupid idea. The lead guitarist wasn't shy and verbally laid into this guy, it was great! Oh, and don't try to defend your idiot friend wearing deck shoes without socks either, just as dumb. I am really happy to say they will be back here in Austin for the week of music 2018. Look them up, figure out where they will be at and go. I will see you there for damn sure.

Funk Shui Planet (https://www.funkshuiplanet.com/) If the previous review was about my Holy shit moment, this was definitely the "What the Fuck!" moment. I was at another event, and took a break to stroll around downtown Austin to see what else I could find, and there they were. Funk Shui Planet just chilling in a parking lot. I do believe they were supporting a skateboard company, Jelly. With their brand of funk and laid back rock, it is just an awesome style of groove and chill type music. This performance is the epitome of what you can find and discover during music week in Austin, Texas. No badges, just a good pair of shoes and the willingness to explore. All the great stuff has always been free.

Last, and certainly not least, was October Roar (https://www.facebook.com/OctoberRoar/). This is a Texas band I experienced on my Birthday right in the middle of it all! A metal band with all the attitude and a sense of humor about themselves to have you raising your beer, shaking your fist, and cheering at the top of your lungs. October Roar was great fun, and because it wasn't an official showcase it was so easy to enjoy their performance and still say 'Hi" after they were done. I suspect they will be here this year so look them up and enjoy.

There were so many more bands I got to see and enjoy. I hope you take the time out to make the most our of this special week yourself. Plenty of local talent to be seen and enjoy, but these are my picks I look forward to returning back to Austin.

If you have some of your favorite discoveries and are expecting them to return this year. Email me and let me know. I would love to start building my itinerary now.

Laters 

Sunrise on the Wake Up Call

The home of great music and amazing good times on South Lamar...One-2-One (http://www.one2onebar.com). Located in a humble little strip center with plenty of free parking and easy quick access to and from downtown, the One2One is home to great music pretty much every night of the week. It's always good, the staff is always friend, and the whole live music vibe is to die for in there!

The "to die for" event this particular evening was for The Michael Dillard Band (https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDillardMusic/) release of their debut, full length CD - "Wake Up Call". I reviewed the disc here (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2016/10/is-this-your-wake-up-call.html) and you can pick it up at their website...or better yet...AT A SHOW! Or here

https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michaeldillardband

Putting on a release party can be anywhere from the same old same old to the full blown cake and balloons. Somewhere in-between you have someone who cares so much  about the live reproduction of the new disc you end up with 13 people on stage! Uber Epic! In addition to the normal players for the Michael Dillard Band, there was added an extra guitarist, two percussionist, 4 strings, and brass. I always thought the One2One had an pretty damn nice sized stage until I saw this...

and this...

As for the performance itself, an undertaking of this size is bound to have some hang ups and hitches. For this show it was a solid 30 minute delay. Dude! You're killing me smalls, you're killing me! With that complaint aside, the band took the stage and proceeded to rock the packed and overflowing house. With people standing shoulder to shoulder inside and waiting outside The Michael Dillard Band reproduced their debut CD in what seemed like effortless and glorious fashion.

It is very difficult to describe how amazing this perform was in whole. The subtleties of the strings and keys with the percussion just rolled together with the stunning vocals of Michael Dillard himself. The crowd was proof of this. Very few words in the house, all eyes up, and mouths open. At the end of the first, song the split second silence was followed with the stunned crowds collective roar and applause. It was over, it was done, the ice was broken. Putting all of that bad ass stage talent to use seemed easy with the great songs behind it. The crowd stayed fixated until the end. I know this because it was a MASSIVE Pain In The Ass trying to move around and take photos. It was a  performance to be proud to say you were there.






The rest of the night just poured out of the speakers, into our ears, and warmed us all at joy for Michael Dillard and his band. The overall, collective effort for the song writing, story telling, and performance will not be reproduced again. If you weren't there take a moment, buy the album, look the band up and make amends.




Laters

no need to start a war

This is part of the thrill I have about the music scene in Austin, sharing it with someone. My wife joined me this evening for a great double bill. After checking out the first band for the evening we took a 45 minute drive and headed BACK into Austin for some super bad ass late night sounds.

The venue is the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/). Built for sound, built for the show. The One2One is the premier small venue in Austin. Located just 3 minutes from the electricity of the downtown entertainment district, The One2One is located on S. Lamar in an unassuming little strip mall. But boy is this place anything BUT unassuming. Owners Gregg and Destinee Ware have built what many local musicians praise as the legacy to The Austin music scene of old (think Steamboat - if you don't know you don't get it don't worry about it). Just pick any night and you are sure to be thrilled by a performance and the great sound.

I didn't just randomly pick this night. Oh No! After seeing two of this bands members do a small acoustic set, I knew I had to check out the whole package. And not only am I happy I had the opportunity, but doubly thrilled my wife could join me. The band…ahhh well they are The Warplanes (http://www.thewarplanes.net/).

Walking in the doors of the One2One at midnight and being happy the band hasn’t started might seem like an oddity to you, but you are just going to have to come to Austin and see what this is about.

The Warplanes dove onto the stage minutes after midnight. The music is ridiculously hard to pigeon hole, much like many other bands in town. If you are not straight up country or rock/metal or rap then you have that “Austin Sound”. The Warplanes embodied this with the group of guys on stage. A lead guitar, an acoustic guitar wielding lead singer, a keyboard/rhythm guitarist, bass, and drums. It wasn’t quite country, it had a kind of rock edge to it, sweet harmonies, and a front man with attitude. Yes Sir! The Warplanes are pure Austin.

They were exciting to watch. They were fun to listen to. The crowd was entertained and fixated, and the crowd stayed for the whole show - a super hard thing to do for a band playing that midnight slot. The Warplanes had all of us dancing at one point. On command the lead singer had us clapping along. The lead singer was playing to the crowd and enjoying it like a little kid on Christmas...all smiles. He was climbing on the drum riser, jumping, and singing. It was amazing fun for a late night out.

With my wife, with some friends, with family, or solo, I will attend a Warplanes show any chance I get. Guess you should too. Look them up.

Laters

The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn

The new full length album from 'The Roosevelts'. This is a Nashville group with their feet firmly planted in that Americana sound. 

On the first track, and throughout the album you hear the amazing harmonies between lead singer/rhythm guitar player, James Mason, and lead guitar/mandolin wizard, Jason Kloess.

'The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn' is a wonderful and fun story telling of love,  love lost,  and whiskey. From the fun, up tempo hit song 'This is Life' to the longing and forlorn track 'Ashes', James and Jason simply weave a tapestry of some truly sing along songs on this 35 minute journey.

'Tell only lies' is it that fearful track of a one night stand? Only to be followed with the spirited and lustful track 'Belly of the beast'. The entire story laid out before your ears is only capped off by the tongue and cheek track 'Peaches'. What a great and danceable track,  begging you to enjoy that fruit everyone always seems captivated by. Just grab your honey,  pull them close and tell them to give it to you...Baby!

'Runaround' has that pop sound you would swear you heard on the radio before. In all, I leave to you several other well written and gracious tracks to explore for yourself.

This album, by The Roosevelts, is that beautiful spring day or fall evening soundtrack to our lives. 'The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn' is the sit around the fire pit with your friends, and toast to the wonderfulness of life type of album.

Available online everywhere April 2016.

Enjoy

Sunday, Bloody....Mary?

Kicking it at The Moontower Saloon (http://www.moontowersaloon.com/) in far, south Austin. For those who don't know it's like this.

First - It is 21 and up.

Second - Moontower Saloon is located just off of Slaughter Ln in south Austin, Texas. I think they even had themselves incorporated and renamed that spot of land Awesome, Texas! Whatever they call it, you should go visit. Visible from the road with a single long driveway leading into the venue/park/facility. There is ridiculously ample parking in several lots behind Moontower. You really never have to worry about parking, or leaving it overnight. The staff and management is very considerate when it comes down to the safety of all.

As for the bar/venue - It is a very small house with a moderate sized bar, restrooms, a few tables, and a pool table. Step out of the bar onto the gorgeous covered deck that has plenty of seating and another bar. Stepping out from the deck into the yard reveals a small, but nice stage, attached to the back of the bar and a HUGE seating area. Rows of tables, fire pits, and a satellite deck with more seating, flow outward. Farther away from the stage, moving away from the bar towards the street, you find a play area with games such as washers, corn hole, and horseshoes. There is also another nice pair of restrooms out there. Off to the side of the bar and behind the facility are a couple of very nice, sand volleyball courts. For all it is worth, this is your day drinking, fun with friends, night time, hang out spot to end them all!



On Sunday the 21 and up is lifted during the early afternoon hours. This is great for those that want to enjoy the company of friends and family in a social environment. Maybe watch some football...and maybe enjoy the amazing Bloody Mary bar! This thing was awesome!
Get your glass of Tito's and scoot up to extavagant, fix it any way you want it-season it-spice it-dress it-load it, Bloody Mary bar that can't be topped this side of Las Vegas! You have to see it to believe it.














Now, even though I was in awe of the Bloody Mary bar and enjoying myself with that, there was also music. Lucky for us the musical portion started around 4pm. Very important as kids are exiled at 6pm.










Carson Alexander (https://www.facebook.com/carson.alexander.16) and Jarrod Johnson (https://www.facebook.com/jarrodjohnsonmusic) provided the musical entertainment on this particularly beautiful Sunday afternoon. Now from what I understand, these two fellows are not actually a duet and they did not play as such, but their individual distinctiveness kept it fresh the whole time we listened.


Each would alternate singing a song and the other would play rhythm or solo. The different voices played well. Jarrod was definitely the more country of the two. Playing and singing more of the country that is loved and not the "Bro/pop" country that is haunting the radio. Carson, on the other hand, sounded like he had the full choir behind him with his harmonizer. Playing tunes that were a little more Americana, Carson had an edgier sound to him.

For everyone gathering around the fire pits, enjoying their drinks, it proved to be the perfect background music to an stellar day. The conversation flowed beautifully among strangers and the music kept everyone smiling.




Cheers to a Bloody Mary the next Sunday, and hope I see you there.


Laters

Take off your boots and stay awhile

... was the call from the crowd as Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes stood there on stage at The Saxon Pub (http://thesaxonpub.com/) Austin would be damn proud for him to call this his second home. If there was anyone that just fits, it is Lachlan.

This singer/songwriter, who hails from Australia, has won awards for his Americana music. Seems odd, but this Australian trio can definitely do it better than some of the so called Americana you hear on the radio today. It seems their next stop on the ladder of success will be on someone's National or World tour, warming the hearts of thousands.

Enough blah blah about what may come, let's talk about what it is. Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes   (http://www.lachlanbryan.com/) made their stop here in Austin, drumming up interest and creating fans for his new album. The very small, intimate crowd at The Saxon Pub was treated to a brilliant singer/songwriter and his performance.

With only enough talk to make all in attendance become part of the stories Lachlan sang about, it was pretty much as straight forward a performance as you could get. With Lachlan's professed admiration of our city.... someone from the audience challenged him to simply "take off your boots and stay awhile!" Austin, Texas would be proud.

Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes is the perfect way to spend an evening drinking beer with friends. Check out his Web page. Look for the album. Be at the next performance.

Laters

Like water

When it's that near perfect mixture of music, crowd, and booze...it flows like water. The music is just right for the crowd. The mixture of rock, country, Americana, and originals just come together perfectly...and the crowd loves it. The drinks flow like water. The social lubricant of our adult lives keeps the good times rolling. Time. The time just moves on with a seamless performance so the next thing you know...3 hours have gone by in a blink. It all flows like water.

 The unexpected Friday night performance is always fun. I wanted to stop by, but didn't know if it would really happen. It did! The stop was in the pouring rain in Pflugerville, Texas. The place was Uncle Gary's Bar. The band was American Gypsy Band.

Uncle Gary's Bar (http://www.unclegarysbar.com) is on the side of the highway at the far back end of a parking lot. I was looking for it while I was in the parking lot and still didn't see it until we walked right up to it...then it was 'Oh! This is it.' Understand it was 8:30 at night and raining like Hell so the description of the outside is definitely tainted. A modest porch out front was crowded as Hell, all the smokers were doing their thing and trying to stay dry.

As you walk in, the venue is the size of a small house. The bar is immediately to your left, the stage is at the back in the right corner. Bathrooms are past the bar on the left and next to the stage. There are some stairs that lead up to a small balcony and seating area above the floor. Apparently there is an area out back too, but it was to wet to go out there and I didn't care 'cause I don't smoke.

The house was jam packed this evening and everyone was having a great time with the American Gypsy Band (http://americangypsyband.com) doing their thing on stage. My title paragraph should really bring home the sentiment and crowd loving fun of this band. A four piece with the lead singer doing some acoustic work occasionally. Their mixture of cover tunes spanned a huge swath of musical genres to the delight of the crowd. There was no dance floor and it was packed with girls and couples dancing to almost every song. The crowd was singing along (appropriately, not annoyingly) and there were not to many moments where folks were just sitting. American Gypsy Band spectacularly wove their originals in with the covers to the point that you couldn't tell and didn't care.

As far as a performance goes and for a crowd pleasing time. You can't go wrong with a night of American Gypsy Band. Check them out, look then up, and plan on it. BTW..here is a cool ass video of them performing some Bob Marley (https://youtu.be/CPDEWBOpLVo).

Laters

say Uncle

Uncle Billy's Brew & Q (http://unclebillys.com/bs-landing/) on Barton Springs road, Austin, Texas. Located right there on restaurant row. 

I have been here for beer - EXCELLENT selection of craft beers. From local breweries and farther away. I don't know if they have your typical mass produced beer here, if that is what you want...go away.

I have been here for the food - Bar B Que. Good stuff. Good Texas BBQ. The prices were very reasonable and there is not some stupid line to wait in, to sit down and eat some good food. I have done a little bit of each flavor and found none of it to be lacking. So pick your all time fav. Be brave, ask your server for a beer recommendation and enjoy the beautiful Texas brew, Que, and Sun.

Now, I can say that I have been here for the music! The KUTX (https://livevibe.ticketbud.com/kutx) Sunday Funday music series. I will make no bones about stopping in for the performance of one of Ms. Cruz and my own all time favorites, The Roosevelts (http://wearetheroosevelts.com)!

We arrived early and settled into our seats just off center stage. The sun was bearing down and Ms Cruz looked lovely in her Derby hat. Unfortunately it didn't do shit for blocking the sun.  With a little bit of a sound check, you could tell the crowd here was ready for some great music from some great guys.

The Roosevelts ARE James Mason and Jason Kloes. From the humble beginnings of one of Austin's hottest party bands to the Americana glory they are now. The band has songs that pull your heart strings. They sing of love and love lost. The hope of love gained again, and sometimes whiskey too. It is music for the whole family. Gather around, gather your friends and listen to the stories that The Roosevelts weave with their guitars and the unmistakable voice of James Mason.


It was like that, this particular afternoon. The silence was only broken by the music and applause. It is definitely music that is difficult to define. What is not difficult is the great feelings you have at a performance by The Roosevelts. It is music that is full of emotion, proof in the emotional response from Ms. Cruz throughout their performance. It is provoking, unique, and completely familiar all at once.





Not only can these guys perform, but they are genuinely nice people. They love to take the time after a performance and thank those few or many who remain to that their talent.


I will happily go see these guys any and every time I can. I want you to do this as well. Something that you can say you felt good doing.










Laters

For whom The Belle Sounds

Love that mid week going out to catch a show thing in Austin. It doesn't have to be the weekend to catch something great. To my point, a miserly $5 gets you some of the DAMN finest Austin has to offer in music, a live music venue, and a fantastic staff. That's right, the One 2 One on S. Lamar.

So, after missing several opportunities to hang it with an old Reagan High School compadre, it finally fell into place. Nothing like hanging out with a friend, among friends, with cold drinks, . And great music.

I have gone on about the wonderfulness of the One 2 One (http://www.one2onebar.com/) many times previously, but you can't wait to get out and see it now. Their new, very bad ass, very comfortable, and very cool furniture is in place. The art is installed on the walls (ask about pricing) and the selection of local brew and custom liquor is sweet (or spicy in the case of the habanero tequila).

First band up for the night was The Belle Sounds (http://www.thebellesounds.com/) A little pop to that Americana sound, made for a wonderful surprise. Better than a happy hour, background music kind of band, The Belle Sounds requested your attention through their whole set. With a couple of catchy tunes and a bubbly, almost most make you blush, personality on the Mic, lead singer Noelle makes the band super easy to enjoy. With her lead guitarist husband just itching to rip it loose, the whole ensemble is another product and source of pride for the Austin music scene.

Oh what a joyous surprise the next band up was. I will back this up a couple of years to start this introduction. Blue Boy Inn charity event included some jaw doing talent, including Derrick Davis (http://derrickdavisband.com/). Performing a pleasant, solo, acoustic set, Mr Davis blew me away with his rendition of 'I wanna be like you' from the Disney classic 'The Jungle Book'. Check out the video here (http://youtu.be/Ka01B6UpfRs)

After spending some time on the upper east coast, we are proud to have Derrick back. With the construction of his version of a super group and a variety of me tunes, he is well on his way.

To my shock and awe, the million dollar man, Matt Slagle, was on bass. I have always said, you never know who you will see when you go out in Austin and catch that live, local, music.

Seeing Derrick Davis with a full band was just phenomenal for me. Should be an astounding performance for you to enjoy as much as it was for my compadre! Sounding more polished and finished then expected or believed by my buddy Paul, it was was nothing short of being a gold LP. The awesome personality of Derrick along with the amazing sync of the band makes this one of the new top picks of who to see in 2014.

Laters