A little goes a long way

This is a special event post. A short movie premiere, penned by Donnell Robinson a.k.a. MC Overlord. The movie short is called 'God Is Talking'. It is a wonderful, thought provoking piece. I was very proud to be part of this packed house to watch this with so many friends. With special support from one of the most amazing, small music venues in Austin, One-2-One Bar, it really was the perfect spot to show this film.

One-2-One (http://www.one2onebar.com) has been a mainstay in Austin, Texas for over a decade. This really says little for the impact this club has on local music and musicians. Gregg and Destinee have made it their calling to provide the premier location and destination for some one to come listen to live, local music. Hosting local music events and bands every night they are open, this venue encompasses everything god about the Austin music scene. 

Although it is not a fancy multi-story venue it packs a punch when it comes to sound and the up close and personal feel for any performance. When you walk in the door you see it is just a rectangle shaped venue. With a beautiful, perfectly sized stage at the far end, opposite the door and a beautiful bar that runs down half the length of the venue on your right. What more could you ask for. There is some booth seating to the back, stage left. The bathrooms are behind the stage on either side. There is some more seating that is along the stage right wall. Everything else is movable, removable, depending on the show.



The show this night featured musical performances by 2 of the bands that had music featured in the video, as well one of the performers who scored the movie.

Michael Dillard (http://www.michaeldillardmusic.com) should not be a new name to anyone who has read this blog before. However, the guy that got onstage and performed for just short of an hour, was something completely different. Michael Dillard has no doubt grown as a performer and a songwriter. This was a stellar presentation of his music. I am pretty sure there was nothing here I had heard before. Although some of the originals are among my favorites, there was no question the fact the crowd was completely in love with this performance. The songs were full and the performance was fun. The crowd cheered and danced and who wouldn't want that in a performance.

Michael Dillard is definitely one of the young talents in this town you have to go catch and enjoy. The band that backs him is stunning. Featuring Ryan Lorenson on keys, Bootsie Collins on drums, and my favorite backing, lead guitarist, Ty Read. This crew is stellar. Michael Dillards performance did end on a throwback note. MC Overlord, himself, joined Michael's alternate personality, Mike Dill, onstage for a spot-on, killer rendition of The Fugees 'Ready or Not' and I recorded it! When the video is done you will be able to check it out here (). The performance wasn't just special for this night, it was the grand entrance something great for all of you to experience.

The Derrick Davis Band (http://derrickdavisband.com) came out to wrap up the live performances before the film. This guy and his band have never failed to impress and with this crowd and this event, they did it again. Derrick isn't really humble so much as he is a smart performer. Coming out onstage wearing cowboy boots and a hat, Derrick Davis knocked the first song out of the park, smiled, and then said "I bet you thought I was gonna play country music?"

Derrick Davis is another one of those Austin musicians that encompasses and embodies what can only be described as that 'Austin Sound'. The singer/songwriter/performer always satisfies the should and the ears. Listening to The Derrick Davis Bands music is really only half of it. Watching them onstage and being a part of the crowd that gets pulled into the show, is a whole different thing. The Derrick Davis Band is great and the live performance is really the only way to experience it. MC Overlord made it onstage to perform a song with Derrick Davis also and the crowd loved it.





















As for the main event of the night, 'God Is Talking' is crowd silencing piece. To sit and watch a good story is, well, what it should be. To have the piece make your thoughts scream out loud is numbing. Not going to see a show that is purely for entertainment value, 'God Is Talking' is a piece that dares you to question not your thoughts and belief, but what you are told, taught, and grow up with. Can't wait to see how this blossoms.







Laters

Flattfest II

I believe that I haven't had the pleasure of stopping by the One2One bar/venue since the 10th anniversary. Not because I haven't wanted to, not because there hasn't been kick ass music, and not because...just because. The beautiful thing about walking into the One2One is the pure home you feel here.

It is the great set up of the stage. The arrangement of the bar, the stage, and the seating. It is all complete. For the start of your night and your musical adventures in Austin. To spend the whole evening here enjoying hours of great music and musicians. Or simply like the way it happened for me this evening, just stopping by at the end of the night to top it off with the best Austin has to offer.


Flattfest is a hella birthday celebration for one of Austins most talented and well rounded young musicians, Kevin Flatt. But it is not just about his birthday, it is the gathering of some of the finest talent in town. Of course we don't need an excuse to have a party, but it sure helps when it is around the talent of someone like this.

He sings, plays, trumpet, guitar, and writes his music. I have been thrilled to have seen Kevin perform  as a piece to many of Austins finest bands. Doing just that, tearing shit up on trumpet with one band, doing lead guitar or rhythm for another, and singing his ass off the whole time.








This particular evening was the first time I experienced Kevin Flatt as the band leader. The front man of his band, but center of attention. He might have been center stage, but his quick to let the talent of those around him shine on and shine through. It was pretty stunning being in a crowd and a room filled with such a mind numbing amount of talent, yet they were all here to celebrate this young mans birthday. And the best thing is that humble or not, Kevin blasted through like the bright light he is. Just an amazing talent.

Pick up his CD, and keep an eye out for him around town. Though it may not be his own solo project, if you are lucky enough to see him onstage with the numerous acts he plays with, it
will be treasure enough.

MC Overlord capped off the evening after Kevin Flatt wrapped it up. It was interesting hearing Overlord moan and lament going onstage. Not because he didn't want to, but because the night and music was flowing so well it seemed like a crime to stop, reset, and start again. He did, and it was killer. With Kevin Flatt joining him onstage, the party just rolled on.

What I don't think Overlord grasped (but probably knows) is no one was really was sad the set changed. It was just an exciting change of gears. And I believe there are more people than one can count on there hands that owe much of their career to MC Overlord. So Flattfest II may have been the celebration of Kevin Flatts birthday, but it was with great pride and joy we get to see Overlord mount the stage and do his award winning performance as part of the whole gig.

MC Overlord is not only the God Father of live hip hop music in Austin, he is the instigator for some many bands and the blueprint for an exciting stage show. Much for people to learn around him all the time. Judging by the showmanship the Kevin Flatt had onstage with Overlord and on his own. It seems fitting the night ended with this performance and the many people that contributed and joined in made it a special way to end a great night.

Flattfest III is now less than a year away. Hope it comes fast. Can't wait to drop in on this one again. No doubt that Gregg and Destinee's kick ass venue One2One will remain the home for this and should be the home for much more.

Laters

Something old, something new,

Something borrowed, something Baloo.

So I got to step foot into The Mohawk (http://mohawkaustin.com) finally.  Talk about an intimate set up, DAMN! As you walk up to the entrance the outside stage is to your left and to enter the club is to your right. The outside area is pretty cool, allowing for quite a few people to enjoy some live music. Big stage, lots of area for bodies to hang in.

Inside is where we were at this evening! When you walk in the door you have a modest size lounge area. The bar is directly in front of you, bathrooms to your left. Directly behind the bar you can see the stage through a large pass through opening. If you walk around the bar to the right you enter the inside part of the venue. The stage is to the left with the sound booth on the wall that is Red River. Again - here is a modest spot that allows for a decent crowd to enjoy the festivities on stage.

Tonight was the triple threat of MC Overlord, Michael Dillard, and Derrick Davis. This will be brief, but informative as I have written about these bands many times previously. I also posted several pics on my FB page that told the story of how much fun it was too be there. Mariza Cruz snapped some pics showing the crowd getting crazy for Derrick Davis.

MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com) was the first up. Not necessarily playing new tracks, but definitely a new set list. This set just shows the big man is still the boss man! Probably one of the most electric personalities to see live in Austin. The man can move like you wouldn't believe and conducts the band like a Maestro! The stable of musicians and talent that perform onstage with Overlord is always revolving and ever impressive. For this reason alone it is always worth catching an MC Overlord performance.

-----------o-----------o---------------o--------------o--------------o------------------o-----------------o-----------

Michael Dillard (http://michaeldillardmusic.com). I have been digging on the sound, voice, and talent of Michael for quite a few years now. His voice is unique and awesome and the song writing skills are astounding. Tonight was special as Michael (along with long time lead guitarist Ty Read) and the band performed all new tracks. Exciting exciting stuff! I happily quote Ms. Cruz when she described the new songs, "He sounds older and the songs and music are more mature." Watching a friend grow up and grow into their own over a few years is wonderful. Sharing those experiences with you and telling you to go see him perform live is my happiness. 

---------------o------------------o--------------------o---------------o--------------------o---------------o--------o

Ahhh Derrick Davis (https://www.facebook.com/DerrickDavisBand). The most wonderful thing about Derricks performance this evening was sharing it with Ms Cruz. After bragging about his show and music, she got to see for herself, and was not disappointed. Here is a musician that uses the whole stage. Derrick moves with his music and enjoys being onstage. His grooves are infectious, his personality is enticing, and his voice is eerily familiar, but all his own. The most wonderful thing I brag about is his rendition of the Jungle Book classic 'I wanna Be Like You'. It is a crowd pleaser and a floor packer. Whether you can dance or not, it is an amazing version of a song that allows you inner child to just let loose on the dance floor. I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy this soon.

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

An evening at the Inn (pt 2)

Ok, part to and now it is starting to drift off into the late afternoon. Up to go we have Aimless Gun, a small dinner break (damn good brisket by the way), then Michael Dillard, Fremen, and MC Overlord. But you know what, it was still hot as hell!

With a short break to set up, we now have Aimless Gun ( http://www.aimlessgun.com/main.php ) onstage. Billy had the raw pleasure of seeing and hearing Aimless Gun perform an acoustic set some days back. Now it was his turn to hear them in their full glory, plugged in and all.  I really like the energy that Aimless gun is starting to show onstage. Musically these guys are there. Lyrically you can start dedicating songs to girlfriends and creating ringtones. They really just have some good sounds that are so easy to just sing along with (very important for bringing in the audience, and making that gold record). The catalog of what Aimless does onstage is so very impressive and I have seen it and experienced it first hand, when are you going to? With the up tempo tunes and the sing-alongs, there isn't much that the audience just simply doesn't dig here and it is somehow breathtaking.

At this point in the evening there was a little dinner break. After a while Billy came back from the lake and to this day he wont stop talking about "swimming with The FreeFlow, diving off the dock with Aimless Gun, and kayaking with Michael Dillard!" Like I have said, Austin musicians are more than songwriters and performers, they are people and they are inspirations for this city!

Michael Dillard ( http://michaeldillardmusic.com/ ) now had his turn to hop up onstage and melt away like everyone else. As the evening hours were creeping on and the sun was setting, Michael was still enjoying the heat. With the crowd actually growing larger, it was yet another set that had the crowd just being able to chill, enjoy some cold refreshments, and drift away with the music. Being joined onstage by William Harris of Fremen, MC Overlord and friend (Billy Tompkins), it was a perfect way to close to this set. I don't think there was really anything else that could have made the setting sun on the lake any more enjoyable than this set (besides some beautiful company I guess - mijita).

Fremen ( http://www.facebook.com/FremenATX?v=wall ) now had a very interesting spot in this day of music, they performed directly ahead of Overlord. What a great spot! Fresh from the studio with Ter'ell Shahid (Overlords amazing and soulful vocalist) these cats have some inspiration behind them to make this night kick off very tight and very right!. With the custom stage lights in place, thanks to Billy and Miles for the tree work, it was gonna be a hot set. The crowd really did swell at this point and it was right on the mark for all that we heard and experienced. To those who have missed out, don't worry, there will be more sightings of the Fremen and for those who haven't heard, the CD wont drop soon enough so go check this set out!

...and then there was one. Not just one, THE one. MC Overlord ( http://www.overlordmusic.com/ ) with all of his imposing stature and presence, completely launched the night into a whole new level. Under the stars and all fired up, this was truly a great way to be a part of that Overlord music. For a day that started out with gunshots (sure ask anyone that was there!) it definitely ended with an explosion. Michael Dillard joined the performance in the end and MC Overlord even had Billy back onstage again. I will tell you when this next album drops the future may not be able to contain him, so go be a part of it now!



Laters