Goodbye Nick

I am pretty sure this is my top place to sneak up to and see local music. One of 3 places in Austin you could catch me at whenever.


One 2 One (http://www.one2onebar.com/) remains my top pick for small venue in Austin. For the sound, stage, and bar service.

Quick rundown of the bar...you walk in to the large rectangle shaped room. Bar to your right running half the length of the club. Stage directly in front of you and impressively large and gorgeous for the small venue. Bathrooms are to the left and right of the stage for men and women....and let me tell you, it is ALWAYS a hoot to watch women constantly trying to go to the mens room cause the cant find the women's room!

This performance review is gonna be really off as it was pretty much a one time performance. Although I hope not, and would expect and believe from the packed house and reaction of the crowd, Jonathan Ellington (http://www.jellyellington.com/) would make this happen again. It was a Led Zeppelin tribute show! And what a tribute it was.

The place was sold out. The players onstage, could not have been any better if Plant and Paige had walked in themselves. The core group was J. Ellington on guitar - paying much respect to Jimmy Paige, by being flawless. Vocals was Josh Ross (https://www.facebook.com/JoshRossLeBlanc)- Robert plant had to be turning over in his grave - and I know the dude ain't dead. Aric Garcia (https://www.facebook.com/TheWarplanes/) just blistered on the drums all night. My friend Nick Casillo was epic with his bass lines and smile all night long.

With special guest Cole Gramling on on the keys to bring in that full Zeppelin sound was superb. Guest vocalist Michael Dillard (https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDillardMusic/) and Curtis Lee (https://www.facebook.com/CurtisLeeMusiq/) both respectively shocked the audience with the renditions of the songs they performed. Michael Dillard being expectedly bad ass for his song and performance and Curtis Lee choking up some in the crowd with his performance. Let me stop and take a moment to say that even though Curtis Lee knew of Led Zeppelin, this is not his bag. TO be on stage at a rock show, outside of his normal, soulful, R&B self and do the job he did, damn!

In all, With everyones participation, it was an event I am super excited to have gone to and proud to have these guys here in Austin and part of the music scene. Please, look ALL of them up. Go see them on any of their respective projects as they are all amazing performers, entertainers, and have great band.

EXCEPT FOR NICK!!!

Goodbye Nick. Congratulations on the Family. I love you sir, will miss your smiling face onstage, your handshakes and the respect you have always given me as a fan of the Austin music scene!

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

Is this your 'Wake Up Call'

I have only done a couple of album reviews. Primarily because I don't do album reviews. But when it is something exciting and the album turns out to be beyond expectations and greater than the sum of all its parts...yes I will tell you about it.

Michael Dillard Band's - Wake Up Call  (https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDillardMusic/) could be referred to as a breakthrough album. It's luscious melodies, powerful riffs, and haunting melodies, make it a beautiful walk on air.

I won't break down the entire album, that is for you to do and enjoy, but there were some things that struck me in which I have to share. My highlights that I want you to know about. Piece together the story and movie in your head when you listen to it, but let some of what I say guide you.

The whole album plays like a movie. Some lost soul little boy, young and trying to find his way. His innocence shattered and the reality of adulthood brings the light. Not necessarily happiness, but enlightenment.



Unexpected! The greatest way to describe the opening track - Blind lead the blind. Never, ever would I have expected the sounds that came from my speakers. The string arrangement was as I described - luscious. Then voice of Michael Dillard has progressed and as you hear it on this first track, it provides just a little growl with his passion. Then the chorus vocals kick in - haunting. Definitely an impressive opening to the album.

This theme and sound runs into the second track - Sunrise. An instrumental of sorts. As interesting as it is, I can see where the band may have had difficulty deciding which track to the open with, Ultimately after listening and re listening, they did good.

By no small margin, the third track (and title track) - Wake up call, is explosive. It is a powerful piece, that ebbs and flows through you mind. Take your your time and ponder what the lyrics of Wake up call means to you.

The fun and technically brilliance continues with the masterful drum tracks, a ukulele, stings, and keyboard arrangements. The next couple of tracks hold their own with unique sounds and catchy riffs. Post productions with the vocals is just mind blowing.

The whole album does move like the tides sweetly from the slower darker tracks in the middle of the album to the bright and shiny Desert Rose and finally ending with the crescendo of The Beast. With its echoing and strange story telling with the lone trumpet....fade to black.

Laters

The Lordship has spoken

One 2 One (http://www.one2onebar.com/) plays host to many fine bands from the Austin area. On any given night go spend a couple of bucks, support live and local and have your mind blown by the selection of bands, the variety of music, and the insane amount of talent under one roof.

This particular night is always the preamble to the South By Southwest festivities. The Lordship Entertainment Showcase. A ridiculous low price, way to many bad ass bands, and the perfect amount of music lovers mashed together.

First up, The Soap Boxers (https://www.reverbnation.com/TheSoapBoxers). These guys prove that in no way is being first in the lineup, a bad position. This started the evening off perfectly. A little bit of soulful rock n roll, mixed with some Americana, and shaken and stirred with who-knows-what-the-fuck. The Soap Boxers are one of those bands that surprise you and then take you by storm. With the mysterious vocals of the keyboard player, to the heartfelt story telling behind the lead guitar, The Soap Boxers are worth every penny at the door or in their tip jar. The theme of women running throughout The Soap Boxers set list was only muted by their rousing final song that had some folks dancing on the floor. No doubt another great Austin band that you could stumble upon and be happy you did.
 

Next was the 80H Project (http://www.80hproject.com/). Here is a band that proves it DOES run in the blood. With guitarist and vocalist Ady Hernandez leading this band of all stars, it is a non stop rhythmic adventure when this troupe is on stage. Special lead vocals by Curtis Lee, puts the shine on the diamond that makes you wonder why you didn't pay more at the door. A fusion of rock, Latin, and rhythm and blues brings the dancers to the floor. The 80H Project is the band you look for on the bill, on any given evening, if you want to get the fun out of the funk!

Making another appearance in the blog within a week is Sundown Revelry (http://www.sundownrevelry.com/). Can't say enough about the rock and roll these guys drop on you. I said it in a photo on Instagram, but will joyously repeat again here for the masses...Robert Plant and Jimmy Paige's love child makes up the front man of Sundown Revelry. The gritty, but shinning vocals and destructive guitar chords, puts J. Ellington right where he belongs...center stage, spot light. Sundown Revelry is the full package for that rock and roll sound that you thought was gone. Edgy, but still beautiful and clean. Polished and stunning. Sundown Revelry, with every component onstage, lit this particular night on fire. Catch them if you can.

I have preached and talked about the joys of the sound of Michael Dillards voice. This is probably on of the most surprising acts you would get to see on any given night in Austin. The Michael Dillard Band (http://michaeldillardmusic.com/) has been hitting the stage for more than a few years in Austin. His songwriting skills and riveting performances are proof of his staying power. It is an electric performance if you ever get to see one. Not really rock and roll, no metal here, and definitely not country, The Michael Dillard Band puts their definitive stamp on Americana. With front man, vocalist Michael Dillard, there is always that hope and expectation that he breaks out into something fun and different. I Hope you make that next show where he surprises us all. Seems like he always does.

Hot on the heels was another Americana style performance from The Derrick Davis Band (http://derrickdavisband.com/). There was nothing surprising here, because it was all good! Derrick Davis's voice is not shocking or stunning, it is just perfect for the music he performs. In such an outstanding performance it is hard to say how great the band was in its entirety. The whole performance just seems to melt together into you and melt away all at once. It is like that perfect piece of cake. You think you can taste everything, but then all of the flavors just mix perfectly to make something outstanding. So there you go...The Derrick Davis Band is like a bad ass, gourmet, cake that you don't seem to get enough of.

And the the sky opened up, and delivered unto our ears, our eyes, and our souls...  BOOMBOX ATX (https://www.facebook.com/Boombox-Atx-134154979952100/timeline) The return of Austins original party band. Getting this giant group of all star players on stage may only happen once a year...and frankly I don't think the city of Austin could handle much more than that. BoomboxATX is loud, they are funky, and they are proud! Carlos Sosa, MC Overlord, Les Fisher are just the small parts of this giant, funk machine. There is no time to slowdown or think with Boombox ATX on stage. There is only time to dance and party and believe that there is nothing wrong in the universe. Because with Boombox ATX onstage...there IS nothing wrong in the universe.





Laters

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