another oldie, but goodie

from April of 2009...

funny thing is I don't see that I have evolved too much...just a little, maybe.

Subject: MC Overlord record release party
Category: None
4/21/2009
Mood: Confident

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WOW, so here I am two days later, lets talk.  The Party for overlord was another awesome show. I had the pleasure of introducing new peoples to Ovey, his music, and his live show. A couple of coworkers had fun (of course) and even my nephew, who drove 3 hrs from Corpus Christi, had to be at the record release party. He has been waiting 2 yrs to get into an Overlord show (since the last time we saw Ovey through the window of another club on 07/04/2007).

DJ Abe the Assassin was in the house and he was very impressive (like anyone who knows him would be surprised at his skills).

Ryan Harkrider was the first musical performance of the evening. Now Ryan even acknowledged that his skills as a rapper were not up to par with Ovey (jk- totally different stylings altogether), but DAMN dude, you definitely have some serious song writing skills. Ryans female vocal accompaniment was also amazing. Her vocal fill was just wonderful and perfect for Ryan's set. I was dissapointed that my daughter was not with me to see Ryan because I have no doubt she would've been busting my chops to meet Ryan and get a CD. Ryan did advise me that he is working on getting a CD out in May, I believe?

OH Wait! MC Overlord performed also. The opening was the presentation of Ovey's new video. Ovey gave a brief explanation and props to the director and Mike Dill (who was also in the house).

-The Video- Yo, I gots to have this for my collection. This was great! It was so efffing hilarious and a great view of 'A day in the life of...'. The actual videography was really good to. Fantastic use of the split screen at the beginning.

-The Show- Well I am soooooo so so pissed off at myself. I don't ever have a problem recording the show with my litlle digital camera (just to document it, that's why!). I didn't think about it this time and didn't bother with it....WHAT A DUMB ASS!! Overlord opened the show with Jay Z "99 Problems". I am a fan of Jay Z, have the song on CD and MP3. Jay Z has never done this song this bad ass! Made the whole damn night worth it! What else can I say about the rest of the show, you should've been there. If you were, you know what I mean.

Thanks for Another great show. Looking forward to regular Thursday gigs at The Dirty Dog!!!

Peace, Love, and all that Overlord music
Spineless Willy  a.k.a. - Big Willy Styles 

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MC Overlord
Glad you were there brother!! Meant the world to me...And special props to your nephew for the 2 yr. wait...Hope it was worth it!

-O

A Sunday cocktail (or two)

A little Sunday evening cocktail at Icenhauers ( http://www.icenhauers.com/ ). Located on Rainey St., in the ever expanding down town entertainment district, sits a row of quiet little bars. A newly revitalized area that stands in stark contrast to itself. The east side of Rainey is predominantly occupied by renovated homes turned into drinking establishments, some with nice little backyards designed to accommodate a stage. The west side of Rainey has a few newly renovated homes but the stark contrast is the homes that still exist and are occupied by the home owners (I think there is a story in that as well and might just explore that in the near future.) Icenhauers has a nifty story on their website and some really great before and after pictures. It does make me smile and feel good that even though life, progress, and developers have encroached upon this little corner of Austin, they are doing well in preserving it also!

The bar has been described previously as a simply gorgeous, small little house. A very nice seating area out front. The entry has two modest sized rooms to the left and right with seating and televisions for watching what sport is on at the moment. A little farther in and you hit the main area with a well stocked bar to the left and access to the back yard. Floor to ceiling windows let you observe the festivities from inside.

The musical flavor for this late afternoon was provided by The Nightowls (http://www.facebook.com/ryan.harkrider?fref=ts ) with Ryan Harkrider sharing the vocal leads with his attractive co-vocalist Autumn ( http://www.facebook.com/autumnsmusic ) The music has that Motown sound with that black tie appeal. No doubt about labeling this band, as they will admit the sound they are going for is in fact Motown. The alternating vocals from male to female are fun and great, and the sound from the band was distinctly better than the last time I saw them at another venue (I will leave unnamed.) This switching keeps it entertaining and allows them a wide variety of tunes they can pull off with great respect.

It was a beautiful evening with perfect weather and a friendly crowd. Everybody definitively had a great time socializing. The Nightowls do it perfectly! With the ability to be great background music to any good conversation as well as performing those favorite tunes that do make you stop talking and listen, they are a great dinner/happy hour/out-for-a-few-cocktails type of band. They do play frequently around Austin so look them up and go.

Laters

just to be Frank, it was Angie's night!

Frank ( http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2012/10/two-for-one2one.html ) is located just in the beating heart of Austins downtown entertainment district. Right there in between 4th and 5th. A restaurant, a hot dog place, a bar, a music venue. Kinda your one stop shop. I have been there a time or two before. Though the sound is not quite on the level as some other venues, it still provides an intimate setting to check out some music.

With one new voice to here and a couple of familiar faces, I was once again happy to be among the heartbeat and soul of Austin, LIVE MUSIC!

Angie and The Night Owls was first up. Not knowing what to expect or having no expectations at all can sometimes serve you well. You show up with a pre conceived notion of who you are gonna see and what you are gonna heat, then BANG! You do the double take. Angie did this to me for sure. Although I will give a brief nod to the other two acts from this particular show, I am gonna talk big love about Angie.

Lets put it this way...SHE STOLE THE SHOW! It was a knock your sock off performance. Soulful, sassy, loud and proud, she had it all. Covering some Motown, doing originals, she mixed it up and threw it down. When asked if I knew about her or had heard her before I proudly said "No!" The joy of discovering something new and enjoying the hell out of it is so great. Angie's voice filled the room and dare I say she probably didn't need a mic. Find her and take a seat (betcha wont be sitting for long) and take a listen.



Ryan Harkrider ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com/ ) after doing some back up duty for Angie and then a quick change of his jacket, Mr Harkrider performed again. I am pretty damn sure this set was all new stuff and I cant wait to get my hands on the new disc. Still keeping with his roots, but having a slightly different sound than from his debut release, it is lively and a hugely unexpected sound altogether. Ryan is a showman no doubt! Performing as if he was onstage at Carnegie Hall, you can be assured if you get the opportunity to see Ryan Harkrider perform, he will be the epitome of classy.

Last up on the list this evening was DaHeBeGeBees ( http://www.reverbnation.com/dahebegebees ). Although the band wasn't with the full ensemble onstage, It was a good shuffling, good music time. I wrote up another review of a performance in which they had they whole band together and in a location that had a sound man and a stage to die for (  ). So I will leave my positive words and excitement for these guys to influence you to go out and support them and live local Austin music.

Laters

Heaven and the Meaning of Dreams

The Parish ( http://www.theparishaustin.com/ )  is nice to check out a show. Although the weird angled 'seating' on one side of the venue is...well...weird. Sure if you go to a show then go and enjoy the band, the performance, the show. Stand and deliver. For some of us old decrepit folks with bad backs and bad knees, sometimes you gotta sit. ANYWAY for just the purpose of seeing a show it is a place to be!

CD release parties are so fun. Not because they are a 'party' (which would actually be a novel idea) but because the artist celebrating the release of their most recent creation is usually in such a festive mood, the show is something above and beyond a normal performance.

With 3 bands on the list it was nice.

Ryan Mars Band ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryan-Mars-Band/124996492050?ref=ts&sk=wall ) was up first. This is the second time I have seen this band since I wrote about their debut live performance some time ago. With an actual stage, sound system, and sound man behind a board...A HUGE WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. They even added a fiddle in the band...(isn't there a song by Alabama that says 'it ain't country music unless you got a fiddle in the band'?). Apparently time, rehearsals, and a few other shows have done them well. The band is clean and tight and they are really having a good time up on the stage. Some polishing on the lead vocals will really have them knocking it home. The front man, Ryan Mars, is doing a great job of interacting with the audience and calling out folks to get out on the floor and dance. If he really wants to make an impression, he should jump off the stage and do it himself. Grab a hottie out of the crowd and two step with her!

With some folks scootin around the floor during his set, you can tell the enjoyment factor is there. No Grammies yet and Nashville will have to wait, but you can see them now. If you like that new country sound you will be happy to kick your heels up with these guys. I would venture to guess that if they are still kickin it in a year the experience and time will have them headline some gigs and packing a few of our local, known the world over, establishments. Country will always be King deep in the heart of Texas.

Aimless Gun ( http://www.aimlessgun.com ) had there turn on stage this evening as well. I have harped and plugged about these guys for quite a while. If you are new to the blog, read past posts, if not GREAT, go to a show and tell them you read about them here...and make them buy you a beer (just kidding). I think these guys have everything in line and are ready to blow up. The music is perfect...the rock mix with a tiny tiny bit of country, the live sound is awesome, and their look is [sigh] good...dammit! 

As for the music, with the blend and style of rock that they can easily meld over to a country twang, they have their bases covered. The live sound is just phenomenal based on the fact that they performed recently on a live radio broadcast and the sound was so seamless, you couldn't tell if it was live or if it was Memorex. And finally about the look, a friend of mine was introduced to theses guys at their CD release party in the recent past. The only thing she could say as she met them one buy one was "OMG! They keep getting prettier and prettier each time I meet a new one!"  I would just like to see a couple of things that, IMHO, would possibly push them up even further or closer to that edge. Get a female lead to share vocals on a couple of songs. Loosen up on stage. I have seen them on a small stage where they are closer together and easier to interact...not! and seen them on a bigger stage and they are all over the place and having a great time. Gentlemen...do that shit all the time... if it's to cramped get off the damn stage and make all the world your stage. Use wireless if ya gotta.

AHHHH Ryan Harkrider ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com ), what a fun fucking guy to go see. He really does do it all. For me this is a great front man to go see. The music and songs blend together, like it or not, he controls the music very tightly. He is all over the stage, having conversations with the audience, jumping off the stage, having special guests. RIGHT, this may not work for everyone and every type of music, but on my side of the fence it is so fun and cool and really does make you smile to see that interaction.

As far as the new disc, BINGO! It is great. No sophomore jinx here. The content is there, the sound is distinctly Harkrider and the Night Owls. A performance worth absorbing and a disc worth owning. Look for Ryan in one of his many incarnations as he has side projects seemingly all over the place. No matter how he is there, whether as Ryan Harkrider or with another band, it will be good music and a good time to go see.

Laters

Soul and Rock n Roll

Live at the Saxon with my mijita! LZ Love has the soul, Ryan Harkrider will bring the rock n roll.

Saxon Pub ( http://www.thesaxonpub.com/ ) is the home of rock, country, and blues in the heart of South Austin. What I really like about this place is that there really isn't a bad seat in the house. If you are sitting in the back room, there are CCTV's. If you are out side there is another CCTV with speakers to listen to the music from inside. Don't miss a beat between the puff puff.

LZ Love ( http://www.lz-love.com/ ) brings them out! Walking through the parking lot and seeing Malford Milligan and Natalie Zoe heading for the door was absolutely stunning. I will never get tired of seeing Austin musicians supporting Austin music. And once again this goes to prove that no matter where you are, or what you are doing...on stage or in the audience...you never really know who is listening and who is watching!

Onto the Love...This was a breathtaking, soul tugging performance. The house of blues must be cryin' without the Love. I do believe the joy of watching LZ perform for her own birthday party was orgasmic enough, but DAMN this was HOT!!! LZ milked every damn moment from her set time, and then some. She poured out her sweat, soul, and love to the audience. Her voice is soulful and full. Her presence is powerful and demanding. Motown has got a sister here in Austin. If you have an absolute affection for the blues and powerful soul music come see Ms LZ Love! After the show Lz was approached by Mariza and complimented on the performance. With the statement "I only wish there was a dance floor or more room to dance." LZ promptly replied "OH NO Darling, You make your dance floor wherever you're at.!" So when the music moves you, then just move to the music!

Ryan Harkrider ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com/ ) very well could have had a tragedy on his hands following up a performance like that, BUT with his own special blend of music, the different vibe and feel made the set all his own. No comparisons necessary. Now this was a little different and special performance by Ryan as it was his fathers birthday AND he was debuting material from his upcoming sophomore album release. The new material is every bit as enchanting as the first album. With a little time and growth under his belt the few songs from the new album we got to hear are deeper without question. The fun and liveliness that the band plays the original hit songs is also wonderful. Ryan even had a special guest come up and join him on stage to perform one of his bigger songs. Although there was not a lot of talk from Ryan on this particular evening, maybe you will get the opportunity to see him soon, as he is an awesome and funny storyteller! I love the conversations he has with himself and the audience, it always makes it special, rare, and unique every single time! Keep up with his site for info and details on the upcoming album. 

Laters

Get off yer High Horse

On a cold COLD ass night at The Saxon Pub ( http://www.thesaxonpub.com/ )I got to witness the birth of something wonderful and amazing.

The High Horses ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com/ ) is a phenomenal incarnation of 5 great Austin musicians (Matt Slagel - Bass, David Fralin - Keys and Vox, Ryan Harkrider - Guitar and Vox, Ryan James - Skins, Guitar and Vox, and Cale Richardson - Guitar and Vox) from several different bands. Now they have combined their strengths and talent and this is the result....Wonder Twins UNITE!!!!

Looks like they are gonna have a residency at Saxon, for now on Wednesday nights, and hopefully will pick up something bigger and longer term than that. I was told by one particular fixture in Austin music that it was 'country'...NOT A CHANCE! No twangy twangy here, nobodys dog died or girlfriend leaving you for your tractor! This is just another opportunity for you to go out and experience more of Austins live music and the great talent that resides here. Sad for the WORLD that this is the heartbeat of Texas and you have to come here to experience it, all of these guys deserve the world to know and hear, but ultimately it is always worth your trip to experience something new, great, wonderful, different and altogether Austin!

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

Blue Boy Inn

It was a very nice day at the lake. The Blue Boy Inn is a very cute, quaint cabin in Spicewood. Lovely accommodations, beautiful access to the lake, and a gorgeous yard and deck to enjoy a cool fall weekend in Texas (unfortunately, it is only in the mid to upper 80's during the fall with about 90% humidity on the lake). In the yard and by the dock it was very nice, but watching the bands on stage with no air circulating around them, they were melting. Nice thing was that the music was just as hot, so it was all good!

The list of bands was so hot and bad ass, I couldn't believe it. This next time this happens, I hope for more press and promotion, and for more folks and bands. It was great. To know what Austin musicians can do this is very inspiring. Wouldn't give credit to any other city in the world to have a musical community with such a powerful, smart, and moving presence than Austin.


The FreeFlow, Ryan Harkrider (acoustic), Derrick Davis (acoustic), Aimless Gun, *dinner break*, Michael Dillard, The Fremen, and MC Overlord.

Now what makes ALL of these performances very special was that my son, Billy, was with me to enjoy. I have only caught one performance of The FreeFlow previously, so this is good.  The acoustic performance by Ryan Harkrider is something that I have never seen before. Derrick Davis is some new sounds that I will relay to you. Aimless Gun, as you know, is a favorite, much like Michael Dillard. The Fremen have new life, as they have finally (with the production of Mr Ter'ell Shahid), put the tracks down for a much anticipated CD. MC Overlord, well this is the man who helped inspire me to start putting the music in print, so he will ALWAYS be my primo.

The social aspect of this day was very importan,t as you get these guys together to make a day out of it, the next thing you know, it's a full on 2 day benefit for whatever you could imagine. The FreeFlow ( http://www.reverbnation.com/thefreeflow#?kick=830335 ) started about 2:30. I really, REALLY love these guys. I think this is just good beer drinking (or maybe even a drink with an umbrella in it would be more appropriate) kind of music. You get to just kick back and listen. Without question they do the BEST Marley mix I have ever heard. To listen and look around at the audience, see and hear everybody singing along, it is nice to know these kids have the audience hooked. In my own humble opinion, I would love to hear that Marley tribute be just a little bit longer. NO! don't change up the songs, but ahhh it is so good to hear the way they lay it down and even better to feel it in the crowd. There is more to come from them and you should keep up via their Reverbnation page. GO! check them out, order something fun to drink and sing along, don't worry, everybody else will be too!

Ryan Harkrider ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com/ ) strolled up onstage with just him and his guitar. Very excited to hear and see this new twist for Ryan. It was great. Ryan has absolutely learned the way to capture the crowd. The music and sound is catchy, fun, and poetic, but to be able to make the audience laugh and laugh at yourself all while bringing an amazing stable of tunes to the table, WOW! Ryan really does have a great rapport with the audience and it makes it so fun to be at one of his performances. As I am sitting there listening, my friend comments on how Ryan, Derrick, and Michael (and even Cody from Aimless Gun) have the potential to be the new, modern day Outlaws. Musically if you don't know what I am talking about that would be Willie, Waylon, Hank Jr, and D.A.C. Look them up! The ability to get up onstage, any of these three or four guys, on any night, in any line up order, as an acoustic set and completely stun the house. That is a good ticket! My smart ass remark to follow was simply this "You know what makes these acoustic performances so fun and special? It's when one of the other artists just jumps up onstage, and fills in a little guitar or vocals...just for the hell of it!" C'mon , if all these guys are good friends, it's never hard feelings or an ego when someone else jumps up onstage with you, it's just good fuckin fun for everyone!

Well lo and behold, with a whisper from Will Harris, Derrick Davis was all of a sudden onstage with Ryan. The chemistry was kick-ass. EVERYONE loved it, it was just really fun. Derrick dropped in for a couple of songs (check out the video from the second song here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzIqAX7TKow ). Ryan finished off the set be leaving the stage and streaking for the lake. OH! did I say streaking, YES! Off with the shirt, down the steps to the dock, off with the shorts, then it was in the air to the water and I do believe that the moon was out that afternoon!!!!

As Derrick Davis ( http://www.reverbnation.com/derrickdavis ) mounted the stage next his comment before beginning his set was "How do I top that?" "Just do you set naked onstage!" LOL! not today thank god! Just another stellar performance, god music and good fun. I loved sitting in my lounge chair, drinking a margarita, and chilling to Derricks jams. NOW what got me up outta my seat and got my blood pumping and had me singing along (rather loudly and probably quite obnoxiously) was his final tune and very nice rendition of "I Wanna Be Like You" from the children's favorite and Disney classic "Jungle Book"! What a GREAT way to end the set. Nope! no nudity or running for the lake, but special in its own way.

This has to be a two-parter. So be prepared!


Laters

MCDougERobKane w/some Salt-n-Pepa

Tons and tons to say about this night, this show, and the performances! Without a doubt I have to thank Rozone Productions ( http://www.rozoneproductions.com/ ) for the opportunity to verbalize this event, So Dave - THANK YOU SIR, Christian - to you as well and I look forward to chillin with you more at other events and out and about (enjoy the coast jerk-off!). To the rest of the Rozone crew, happy to meet you as well.

Salt n Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Rob Base, Doug E Fresh, and the Godfather of Austin Hip Hop- MC Overlord (who kicked this shit off the right way)!

 YES! I will start with MC Overlord's ( http://www.overlordmusic.com/ ) performance...biggest damn crowd of his career and it only took him 22 years to get here! With the audiences eyes wide open in amazement and jaws hitting the floor, Overlord kicked this shit off and kicked it off hard. MC Overlord tore through his set with his band of AMAZING LIVE musicians on the stage and I will tell you this, he schooled the OLD SCHOOL on what it is to be great, be great live, and be great with a LIVE BAND! Knowing how to start it and DAMN WELL knowing how to end the set...the entire crowd was jumpin' and out of breath when he walked off, as the way it should be! No one to do this better, EVER than MC OVERLORD!

"Go Doug E, Go Doug E, Go Doug E" is what it was like, and it was like THAT!  Doug E Fresh ( http://www.myspace.com/originalhumanbeatbox ) came out next and single handedly let us know he was here to run 'The Show' and took way more then '6 minutes'..It was awesome! Doug E's prowess is definitely timeless and the energy and excitement he brought out was only outdone by the energy that the audience was delivering back to the stage, it was fantastic! We all know the chance of seeing any of these performers on a regular (or irregular basis) is pretty much non existent now a days, BUT like I said, this was timeless. The DJ seemed to disappear into the nothingness at the back of the stage as Doug E stood there in front of us all as the original humanbeatbox, and with modern tracks and old school ones alike, made it feel like there was no time that had passed...It was about here and now...and it was fun to be young!

Rob Base ( http://www.robbase.net/ ) ...here is the act that my Friend Diana was soooo dying to see, and I have NO DOUBT that she was not disappointed. The crowd pushed forward, but at the same time spread out because everyone was wanting to dance (even some of the ones who shouldn't be trying to dance -ugh!). Like Doug E before him, Rob just came to party and it showed. Without missing a beat Rob and his accompaniment just jumped into it, used the whole stage, and brought the whole audience in. No gimmicky frills, just non stop rhymes and jams, everybody jumpin and dancing to the beats. They were fresh, they were new, they were old, but they were not tired. It was happiness, it was "Joy and Pain"! LOL!

Big Daddy Kane ( http://www.officialbigdaddykane.com/ ) ...what a damn nice return for the master himself. Walked on the stage like he owned the damn place...and at that point and time he did. Big Daddy Kane slid right into it like it was the 1980's and no time had passed. The audience jumped, cheered, sang along, and hung on his every rhyme and syllable. No need for him to prove what a performer he is and why he is Big Daddy. He kicked it! At one point with a pair of dancers, and in keeping with the rhythm and the rhyme, he knocked that shit down. This is the show that people wanted to experience, the excitement and a performance of  more than words. Big Daddy Kane ended the set just right...always leav'em wanting more!

Yes yes y'all and we don't stop...and neither did Salt n Pepa ( http://www.myspace.com/saltnpepaforever ) when they hit the stage. These two ladies looked amazing and the energy and fun they brought when they hit the stage was so bad ass for the audience. With the dance crew onstage..it really was a great performance, Ala 1986 at the City Coliseum (ahhhhh). The ladies had fun with each other onstage, incorporated the audience, kept it lively, non stop and breathtaking. With their repertoire of music it just cranked. A little DJ action to make it an effin house party was the smartest ass shit to do. I even found myself dancing along like everyone else (see my statement earlier about some people that should not be dancing, HA!). Salt n Pepa closed the second part of their set out like the roof was on fire, the were blazing...it made you not just wanna talk about sex...it was all the good things that may be!!!

Laters

The Doc is IN and Dillard is OUTta sight

Beso Cantina ( http://www.besocantina.com/ ), 07/15, Michael Dillard Cd release party...and yes it was a party! The stars came out tonite for one of the newest, hottest kids to make his mark on the Austin music scene and reach for the world. Reppin all sorts of talent and music genres was Smackola from the Dirty Wormz, Ryan Harkrider, MC Overlord, guys from EPMB, some of the Aimless Gun boys, Will Harris from the Fremen, G Clef, Bobby Bookout, and damn if you were there and I didn't give you props...it's your own damn fault for not letting me know you were in the house HA!

Doc Deuce ( http://www.myspace.com/docdeuce ), well shit this guy is a Brain Ninja. He has crazy, deep, intelligent rhymes like you wouldn't believe or conceive. You can't see Hip Hop/Rap like this anywhere else...the only similarity that I will draw is that Twista used a violin for some of his music. The sound and the uniqueness is pure ATX love! The crowd (and I will say that I was Hella impressed with the size of the crowd this early on a Thurs nite) was totally moving and being moved by the music out of the gate. I mean REALLY, a violin in a LIVE hip hop performance. NO turntables here just pure, unadulterated, rhythmic ecstasy. Everyone was smiling and you will be too! Now we really know who Runs This Town, you gotta see this and be part of it. Doc Deuce went from a quiet start to a roaring finish, so please go out and catch what the Doc is giving...you will be enlightened and have fun!

 and now for the man of the hour Michael Dillard ( http://michaeldillardmusic.com/ ) and this CD release party was definitely a fun time for ALL! Why haven't you seen him perform yet? Okay, there will be a few more chances between now and when the big record labels show up, but dammit you better hurry. The crowd at Beso was just hyped for this performance, you felt it as soon as Michael strummed his guitar the first time. The crowd pushed forward to the stage and sardined in like you wouldn't believe. No Chance of moving so you had to stay there and enjoy, and no doubt everyone did. Still say it's the panty droppin voice, but I really say that it is obvious Dillard has what the crowd wants and gives it freely. Yup, I have seen a few Dillard performances now and he has more fun each time and it translates out into the audience every time. So for those of you who didn't make it (Miguel the cops love ya, sorry you were detained on the way to the show) the end of this performance was a rare and spontaneous treat as Dillard had MC Overlord (whose appearance on stage was awe inspiring), Doc Deuce, and Will Harris to finish out the show. UNBELIEVABLE! I Don't think there will be a next time for that, but you better make it next time to be a part of the ride up.

Laters

Knew there would be Nights Like This

A HOT Thursday night at Momo's ( http://www.momosclub.com/ ) was a really great musical evening in Austin. Would've been hotter to share it with someone, but I'll take this group on any weeknight for the fun and frivolity that they provide. Actually was able to catch 4 acts tonite (that's right, count'em FOUR bands, and 3 of them I haven't reviewed before...so there William Harris, LOL).

Patrick Davis -  ( http://patrickdavismusic.com/bio/ ) Singer and songwriter extrordinare! A man and his guitar (and apparently a huge fan of his right in front, because she sang every damn song as if it was her own, HA!). Patrick was very cool, nice country sound. As a performer he was top notch in talking to the audience and keeping us drawn into the music. As a songwriter he is top notch because he has several notable songs that have ended up on albums and/or radio play. Thanks Patrick for a nice start to a great night.

Meggan Carney - ( http://www.facebook.com/people/Meggan-Carney/600021280 )Well this petite young woman has a hella good voice, plays a great acoustic set, and can mesmerize with some very old, classic music and the two piece behind her. Seemed to be a crowd favorite and had some folks get up and swing to her charms. Her talent and fans have apparently done her well as she will be making regular appearances at Momo's every Thursday in July. Go grab an amazing sandwich Downstairs then go to the top and enjoy a nice evening with some good music and a great voice! Even in the hot July heat, this would be so cool!

Jungleset - ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jungleset/374368256409?v=info ) Hot Damn, this was completely different and amazing, very unexpected treat for the night. These guys (and girl - Meggan Carney pulling double duty and playing keyboard and doing vocals here after her set!) had so much energy it was crazy infectious. Just bad ass! You don't have to like my description, but I do this so you can picture it all in your head. So try this one on size for your noggin...
Remember the band No doubt (nope they don't sound like them)
Remember the song 'Don't Speak' (NO, they did not cover it)
Remember the video for that song (NO! they did not have it showing in the back ground), BUT in video it was a somewhat down tempo song (and a good one too, don't get me wrong). The video has several cut scenes where the band appears to be onstage live, rockin out, and thrashing around in slo-mo. THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOU TO PICTURE. Jungelset had that much energy and vigor on stage, regardless of the tempo of the song, they were having an absolute blast and you could feel it and see it.
Sadly they will be on hiatus for a couple of months as their drummer will be off doing his own thing. When they are back, check them out here, there, or anywhere.

Ryan Harkrider - ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com/ ) one of his last local gigs before he jumps off to a Nor'easter tour supporting "Days Like This" album (much luck and love to ya, brother). Oh! and what fun it was (Dianna, sorry you missed it due to the hour, so I owe you one)! Tonite these guys were so very loose and yet amazingly tight at the same time. Ryan was doing his best at being a VH1 storyteller, Johhny Branch was keeping them in their seats ("Where the hell ya'll going...Katz's never Kloses!"), and Mothra was apparently trying to eat the keyboardist. We all had fun, the band was hot, the music was right on the money...Oh and the Lakers won!
Take the time and enjoy when you get the chance.

Later

Earth Day Burns in Austin Texas

Sooooo, I have been away for a spell, but I managed to creep out and catch some local live music. It's what I do, THAT'S WHY!
I have hung out with Mike Dillard at several other shows, been there when MC Overlord has called him up on stage to spit some fresh rhymes. Loved him in the Video 'The Flow'. I have always thought Dillard had the absolutely most unique voice I have ever heard. If you get a chance to talk to him, you won't believe that's the same voice.
Enough about Dillard, how about his performance at Hudson on 5th. Nice place. The patio bar is very cool, inside is very nice too. Dillard was set up in the corner and I could hear him before I saw him. Now how could I miss the giant teddy bear by the entrance when I walked in. Yes, MC Overlord was in the house reppin his boy Michael Dillard.
It was a very good performance, had his lead guitarist with him and they were rockin it ALL acoustic that night. My compadre, J Gonzalez, was with me. He was so impressed by the sound and stylings, he made my promise to take him to the show on 04/30 show at One to One. Michael Dillard will be with a full band and opening for Aimless Gun.

On to the next episode...with Ryan Harkrider and the boys (how Johnny Branch escaped and made it to the gig is a question yet to be answered).
I haven't seen Harkrider in over a year, yes it is sad...I know, i know. But once again, as I have said before, there is a great joy in seeing Austin talent at a show supporting Austin talent. Micheal Dillard, MC Overlord, and EMPB (who was performing after Ryan) were all hanging out.
Well since this about the performance let me tell you it was stellar. Ryan and his group kept the pace very nicely through their set. Albeit it was an abbreviated set, it was impressive none the less. Ask Dillard when you see him next. WHY? Cause Mike was cutting a mean rug at the end of Harkriders set. Ask him to Jitter Bug with you next time you see him.
I will tell you that in the year it has been since the last time I saw Ryan Harkrider perform to now, what a HUGE impact. His confidence and stage presence has gone through the roof.
Check him out, wether or not you have seen him perform previously, you will notice his confidence on stage is powerful.

Later