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

Soul Giants

Battling it out with friends in Austin, Texas on any night, trying to figure out where to go listen to live music, is the greatest thing. I took my preferred route and Dave TV () took his. Nothing but love in watching, listening, writing about, and supporting live and local!

So off to my happy home away from home which never lets me down, The One2One Bar (). Tonight was a double feature for me. Two great local bands with whom I know the players, I know the game, but have never seen perform. BAM! Doing it right tonight.

But first quick nod of respect to The One2One. This is a GREAT venue for music located in South Austin. It is a brilliant design of a club. 4 walls, a great stage, and a bar. How about that? The thing is you don't get it unless you go experience it. This place was built for the performance! NO apologies here for short words on a great venue, I have written about this location before and will again. Look back at some of my previous posts if you really want to see the great things I have said about The One2One...otherwise read on.

The Jack Burton Trio () is fronted by Jack Burton and his beautiful wife. Jack plays the guitar and his wife does the co vocals duties, but his voice is the "WHOA". For that funky, soul, rock, type of music, Jack's James Brown-esque voice is right on the spot. His lively personality throughout the entire performance only begged for people to be dancing and having a great time. The interactions that Jack Burton has with the rest of the band and the high amount of respect he has for his bandmates just pours out into the crowd. It is a performance which overflows with excitement and enthusiasm.











Oh! "Bandmates?", you ask. There is Jack Burton and his wife...one more would be a trio. NO! This is Texas math and all you have to know is that it sounds great, it feels good, and it is fun! Quit counting members and count on a great time with The Jack Burton Trio. With residencies around town, there seems to be no reason or opportunity for you not to take of piece of this soul mans giant voice and personality home with you, weekday or weekend.

Following up to a performance like was the properly placed Curtis Lee (). The man with the silky smooth voice and the bluesy sounding soul music which just pulls at your heart, your tears, and then makes you smile. His lead guitarist, here, is the talented and every moving Ady Hernandez. This duo is pretty damn potent. Curtis Lee probably doesn't need a PA for his voice as it carries and carries and carries. Curtis Lee music is a little more on the soulful side, but it is bursting with life and pulls your feet ahead of you onto the floor.



This was another performance where the crowd couldn't stand it and danced the night away. As the music of Curtis Lee and his band ebbed and flowed, the crowed moved on his vocal directions and his interpretation of life...through music. This was a seriously powerful and moving performance. Curtis Lee, like Jack Burton, knows his band and knew the crowd. Letting the power of his performers lead the crowd through the solos only left everyone breathless enough for Curtis Lee to wrap up his performance in stellar fashion. An uptempo tune about a girl, love, and the crowd singing along.

For the city of Austin and the music scene as it stands, it is diverse and attractive. It is fun, it is multi cultural, and it is always happening. And these guys are Soul Giants for what they do, how they do it, and what you feel like when they are done.

Laters


p.s. - Thanks Cari Hutson St. Marie for supplying me with the title on this one.

On a blues note

a slight return

One 2 One (http://www.one2onebar.com/) is realistically the home of all that is good in Austin music and the live music scene. Yes! There are many other great venues, older and newer, but for all that is right about the Austin music scene, Gregg and Destinee do it right! With a venue that was designed for sound and stage, if you haven't been there to hear and experience what I am talking about, you can't say you have had the Austin music experience.

When you walk in the door you are faced with a very nice sized, rectangle shaped room. On the far end is a beautiful stage. Just the right height to see from any spot in the room with a full house. The bathrooms are located on either side of the stage. There is also a large bar on the right side, running about halfway down the long side of the room. Service has never been an issue at the bar and they are always friendly and smiling.

It was a spectacular start to the New Year at the One2One. Might not have been their first show if the new year, but it was stunning. Even better is after all the time I have spent sitting at the bar or roaming the crowd, here or at the original location, my dad joined me for this night of great music.

The big voice and personality of Lisa Tingle (http://www.lisatingle.com/) kicked things off in smashing fashion. Lisa started things off fast and only built the show from there. Lisa Tingle is one of the strongest voices, male or female, in the Austin Blues rock scene. With a backing band able to handle the performance, the crowd was on their feet throughout the whole performance. The Lisa Tingle catalog of music encompasses everything you would want to feel in good rocking blues music! Belting out the songs with her voice and the accompaniment it is best described as "being taken to church!"

Van Wilks (http://vanwilks.com/) was up next on stage. Not only did he proceed to slay the audience with his own brand of "21st Century Blues", but I have to say, I have NEVER seen so many camera personnel in the One2One shooting at once. Vans performances are always electric, satisfying, and really leave you wanting more. His sound is familiar and fun, but at the same time clean and providing you those moments of 'WOW'. The best thing about his performance is being in the crowd. By the end of his set everyone was on their feet and and the crowd in front of the stage was proving the thrill of live music transcends ages!

Andy Macintyre (http://www.macintyre.rocks/) came up next. Not knowing what to expect and thinking about the two stellar performances right before him, Andy laid it out in blazing fashion. Another guitar talent on stage before us, would make any one think they grow on trees down in Austin. But we know the truth, it's in the water. Not only was Andy Macintyre's performance ridiculously fun, but his voice in song was just damn spectacular. Paying a little tribute to a local guitar legend we recently lost (JT Coldfire - and if the song wasn't so damn good I would've cried at the tribute) and the music worlds loss of David Bowie, Andy completely owned every note he played. All of those in the house that remained after the previous gig were treated to one the brightest and best new talents - and he's been six stringing it for years!

Having both Van Wilks and Andy Macintyre perform on the same stage in one night was just damn mind blowing. Having Lisa Tingle start the night out made it unbelievable. Having this last band be our night cap was just plain old, toe tapping goodness.

The Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php) was a last minute addition. It is also proof to go out, listen to some live, local, music. Find a great spot to listen to music. pick a night and a band you are interested in. Go, hang out, watch the fun, be a part of something great, and see who else walks in the door.

For the late night folks that just couldn't get enough of a good thing, The Cody Bryan Band did all of us alright! It is fun, toe tapping, sing along, Texas Country, at about it's finest. Seeing this band grow through the years is beyond a great thing. Seeing this band on stage tear it up like there was an audience of 50,000, makes me know these guys are doing it right and doing it well. No doubt you can catch The Cody Bryan Band band near you soon, as they are touring extensively supporting there new EP 'Small Town Noise'. It is a great performance that will have you on your feet and swinging your favorite partner to the beat.

and for all it is worth, the great performances, the amazing music, the fun shows that I talk about....it doesn't mean a damn thing if you don't go out and support the music in our beautiful city.

Laters

They wish

I'll get to that in a minute

Threadgills (http://www.threadgills.com) South is both wonderful outside (weather permitting) and interesting inside. The food is fantastic, and the ambiance is pure Austin,Texas...y'all. It is home to the remnants of the famous Armadillo World Headquarters (look it up) an establishment that helped establish Austin with the title of 'live music capital of the world'.

I will withhold my normal description of the venue as you really have to see it to understand. BUT...the inside stage is in the 'Threadgills Saloon'. You have to walk through the restaurant and smell the good food to get to it. Oh yes, you can order food in the Saloon as well. It seats about 90. Tonight was beyond standing room and it was glorious! The crowd was great and the music...well that's what I want to talk about.

The Cuckoos (https://www.facebook.com/thecuckoosaustin/) are a 3 piece. Vocals do the keys, there is a guitarist, and a drummer. With a packed house, these 3 young men made their way onto the stage and with little warning laid into their first track. It seemed to get oddly quite from the crowd once they started playing. Yes, there was the normal murmur, but it was mostly people saying "WHOA!", "Wait! Who is this again?" and of course the overwhelming tone I heard was "Oh my God!". Yes they weren't just that good. They were stunning. 

Once again I have designs on going to see one particular band and am blown away by something completely unexpected and sensational. The Cuckoos were just that. Everybody loved them. Though the house was packed for the headliner, I saw and heard no one exclaim anything other than joy at the sound of The Cuckoos. I even had a friend task me with hunting them down so that we could go to their next gig with less distraction than this evenings headliner.

Here is the obvious and needed comparison. WHICH I DON'T DO! I have said this before, a lot! I don't compare because what I hear and you hear would not be the same thing. I wouldn't want to jade you from seeing something you think is wonderful. These kids sounded like The Doors. Yes, if Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek had a child it would have been the lead singer and keyboard player of The Cuckoos. The sound, the voice, the keys. It was eerily bad ass! As for the Doors, THEY WISH they had a guitar player like this. I don't care what you say about The Doors guitarist, with The Cuckoos, the guitar was not buried behind they keys and the vocals, he was just as much the star, and damn impressive at that.

Much love, respect, and future/ongoing success to The Cuckoos. Do you part, feel nostalgic for that sound from a by gone time, go see The Cuckoos. Want something that is different from that 'Austin Sound' go see The Cuckoos.

Enough of that! Let me tip my hat in grand respect to the man of the hour. Van Wilks (http://www.vanwilks.com). I can't say I don't like writing about artists over and over again, I love talking about good music. This, though, seems to be different and ever evolving each time I see him. Van Wilks has been doing his thing in Austin for a long time, but just doesn't seem to get the love here as he does in, say,.....FRANCE! 

I am glad Van calls Austin, Texas home and you really should get out and see him if you haven't. On a good night, there may be a stunning list of guests who make it onstage with him or sit with you in the crowd. If not, then you are in for just a bad ass guitarist with some fantastic blues/rock music. 

Not needing to prove himself with a new album, Van Wilks has definitively grabbed a hold of that guitar throne and declared himself King of the "21st Century Blues"(http://www.waterloorecords.com/UPC/678572221743/Van-Wilks_21st-Century-Blues). It is not just the stunning guitar work on the new album, but it's his ability to be more impressive live. Not the familiar sound we know, but the sound we love. It is comforting to know that level of talent and Vans respect for where he came from musically, is for all of us to share on the new album and see in his live performances. 

For the show this evening, it brought special guest guitarist Josh Smith onstage. Beautiful to know Van Wilks, as a guitar man, has no ego about sharing the stage. Oh yes! Legendary vocalist Malford Milligan stepped onstage for two songs. Charming, humble, and still the most notable of blues/rock vocalists and distinctive voices pretty much anywhere.

They wish they had a set list and guest list like this. They wish!

Laters

Happy Birthday to Austin PubCrawl, William Tompkins. Got a photo of him, his daughter, and Malford Milligan.

Open letter to Moontower

Moontower Saloon (https://www.moontowersaloon.com/) stands on the far south edge of Austin. Located in Awesome, Texas, Moontower has become the standard to which any other outdoor venue in Austin should strive to be. Not all can accommodate the sheer amount of acreage this place has, so it would be impossible for everyone to copy the Moontowers winning recipe. They should all try though.

It is a 21 and up venue, but I think there is a money way for them to optimize that crowd slightly, other outdoor venues are doing it with success. Something there for Moontower to learn from. The parking is ridiculously plentiful. There are sand volleyball courts off in the distance, but not to far from the bar. A snazzy little outhouse to keep you close to the action...without having to walk through the crazy packed, small little farmhouse that is the indoor bar. A H U G E covered patio with an outside bar. Food trailers on the perimeter along with some horse shoe and washer pits an the far backside of the seating area for the stage and socializing. 

The stage is a small fare that is attached to the indoor bars building. Big enough for a 4 piece and a tight fit for most anything else. The seating for the crowd out from the stage allows for a small area to dance, if the music moves you, and lots of seating. With picnic benches lined up THE RIGHT WAY to allow folks on both sides of the table to socialize and watch the bands. Fire pits are scattered around with seating around them to keep warm and be social as well. A large deck springs up just off of stage left and is private from the masses, but still right there in the mix. 

In all Moontower Saloon has hit on the formula for out door music, fun, and people!

This particular musical evening was an accidental beauty. I went to see the crowd pleaser Bobby Bookout and was blown away by the phenomenal Robert Johnsons Soul!











Dear Moontower Saloon,

I am sorry that you double booked this particular evening. I know and understand that shit happens. Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com/) is one of Austins young guns that is blowing people away with his song writing and singing ability. Nice to have someone this young be able to respect the blues this well and have a band that bad ass back him. Looking forward to his new album coming out in 2016.

Robert Johnson's Soul (http://www.rjsoul.com/) is the epitome of "WOW!" and "What the hell did I just experience?" His talent with a guitar should not be surprising looking at all. The talent that Austin has had and is still cultivating, shouldn't be surprising, but Robert Johnson is! His mix of the rock covers are electrifying and his talent to pull out that blues rock is inspiring. Can't wait to catch another set from him and his devil be damned band.

But Moontower...you DOUBLE BOOKED! Take it from me and make this a lesson learned...
HOORAY FOR YOU MOONTOWER SALOON! Your accidental eff up was joy to all in attendance. I know this because I listened to all around me. The old and the new.

The fans from far away and close by. Robert Johnson's Fans were thrilled to see him...and when they asked about Bobby Bookout, they stayed, appreciated, and enjoyed. They found something new. The fans of Bobby Bookout asked, "Who the hell is this?" Then they shut up and listened when Robert Johnson's Soul began to play. The found something new!

So how about it Moontower Saloon? The Moontower Music Series sounds like a bad ass deal to me. Maybe you should try this more often...except without pissing off the bands with this type of surprise. Two bands with similar styles. Split the 3 hours...(because if you ask them they will say they can do 3 hrs, they will say they want to, but give them the option of a shared bill with some other amazing talent to showcase themselves and gain a new fan base...now that is very appealing. This is what the fans of the Austin music scene would love! And at a place where it is comfortable and easy to stay for 4 hours or more....

If you listen you can hear us lining up.



Laters

Strange things Brewing

The first blog post and performance review of the year and what an amazing start to 2015.

Strange Brew Coffee House (http://www.strangebrewaustin.com)and Strange Brew Lounge Side (http://www.strangebrewloungeside.com)is located on Manchaca Rd., just off of Stasney Ln., in South Austin, Texas.

Strange Brew is quite an interesting and genius combination. Put a coffee house with lots of great choices on some very good brews and pair it up with a nice little music lounge. The coffee space side is HUGE. Several large rooms to sit and enjoy some friends company, work on your thesis, or do an interview with a Austin guitar legend, you know....stuff like that.

The lounge side is much smaller than the coffee house space. Strange Brew Lounge Side is just a square room. The stage is to the left corner opposite of the door, and there is a beer and wine bar in the far right corner. That's it. Not sure of the room capacity, but this evening with seats and standing room, was about 100. Van Wilks had the house packed. No new video, no new CD, just a packed house for an evening of blistering guitar work and great music.

Van Wilks (http://www.vanwilks.com) is currently in production for his newest CD, which will be released later this year. All in attendance had the joy of some of the new music as well as some of the old. No doubt this was a great way to start the year. Van Wilks music catalog is quite fantastic and his ability to take the crowd on musical journey from Boys Town to all points north, was mind blowing.

The crowd this evening encompassed all ages. From the packed seating area to the standing room only at the back, every person in the house was smiling and grooving to the blazing guitar work of Van Wilks. Some amazing 10 finger work, the ability to make the guitar tweet like a bird, and phenomenal picking skills is just part of the talent Van Wilks has. His voice is smooth and perfect for the mix of rock and blues that Van Wilks is. From some of the more rocking tunes to the bluesier tracks, Van flawlessly traded the licks and lyrics with a pleasant monologue to make the hour and a half performance fly by.

If you fancy yourself a rocker, a lover of the blues, or fan of the Austin music scene, you can't proclaim it anymore than if you attend a Van Wilks performance. There are only a few guitar men around that can hold a candle to, and stand with Van Wilks on that pedestal razor sharp ability. After experiencing this performance I can truly say that Van Wilks is one of the greatest writers and guitarists that you never knew you loved!

Look for the audio interview with Van Wilks here (https://soundcloud.com/livemusicinaustin/van-wilks-kickstarter) and a short video of his guitar work on YouTube can be found here (http://youtu.be/0y56bRCJWyM).


Laters

By the light of the Moontower

A couple blocks on the south side of the Slaughter Ln and Manchaca intersection, in Austin, Texas, there is a little ol' bar called the Moontower Saloon (http://moontowersaloon.com). Nestled among the trees, situated on a couple of acres with PLENTY of room to roam. Bring your dog, bring your friends, and bring on the good times, just don't bring the kids.

There are washer pits (poor mans horseshoes) and I suppose there might be horseshoe pits also, but I haven't paid attention. There is a bar outside, a bar inside, a couple of food trailers and ample amounts of seating in the form of picnic tables and benches. There is also a stage outside for music on any given long weekend. For the most part there is decent parking, but be prepared to pay a couple of bucks in one of the satellite lots behind the Moontower Saloon.

The bar staff is good and attentive and there is ample security for the overindulgent. I will state this in the most simple terms. DO NOT FUCK AROUND and get to soused, they will throw your ass out and I promise you the local law enforcement is and will be waiting. Bring a DD (and I don't mean your girlfriend) have know worries and have a great time.

The stage is just to the right of the bar, a fire pit for those cool Texas nights, and seating all around. This is a great spot to sit down and catch your favorite local band if you are lucky. If you are unlucky then you get to catch some great local talent anyway. It was a lucky night for me and a few friends as we drove up and parked there was a familiar sound rolling through the cool Texas evening air.


The rocking, blues sound of Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com). Whether you like rock, blues, or a hint of that Texas country sound, Bobby Bookout should be an audio destination for you. On this evening it seemed that there were more than a hundred folks hanging out and taking in that Austin sound. Bobby is in the middle of recording his second full length album and is very happy showcasing some of those tunes to an eager crowd. With some folks in the crowd that are military friends of Bobby's it is a wonder that the crowd thoroughly enjoyed songs like 'Guns Drawn' and the Johnny Cash sounding 'Home'. You really need to look up Bobby Bookout's web page, go to a show, and see what you can do to help support the creation of the new album and continue to support live, local Austin music.

Like the crowd on this cool Texas night, I left the Moontower, we all left happy. Bodies warm from the fires burning and our souls warm from some great music. Don't think ANYTHING will ever beat a great Texas night with some great Texas music. Stop into the Moontower and you tell me.

Laters

a slight return

I love my musical home away from home...the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com). It remains at the top of my list for venue, staff, location, and of course... LIVE MUSIC! If you haven't stopped in and checked out the place, you must. Yes! It is not part of the downtown entertainment district, but this should always be your jump off point, end point, or stay and kick the whole evening with great music and talent place. If you take a moment and scan their page for all of the amazing people that are always on stage here, you will definitely make it your place as well.

I dropped in for a special, and now becoming rare, performance form Bobby Bookout (http://www.bobbybookout.com). Currently working on his second studio album and taking a moment to remember his roots, Bobby took to the stage to perform his classic set.  Songs from the first album, some beloved covers, a few very well done new covers, and teasers of his new stuff, it was a great night.

Bobby kicked jumped right into the music and plowed through the set with some neat conversation with the audience here and there. I especially liked one of the new covers Bobby did. It is always a fun show and Mr. Bookout always makes it an amazing evening. I personally was blown away by the cover of Alex Clare's 'Too Close'. Pretty powerful stuff when an artist takes someone else's track, redoes it so that you love it and have that eerie feeling that you know the song, but just cant place it. That is what Bobby did here, if you are gonna cover it, make it your own, don't scareoke that shit!


The new tracks are something altogether different also. To me it seems less of the bluesy rock tracks from the first album and more of the roots rock sound, i.e. - the track 'Home' that seems very Johnny Cash-ish. It will no doubt be another awesome album.


While all in attendance were in receipt of some classic Bobby Bookout, some scorching blues licks and amazing guitar work by the inspirational Blake Atwell (https://www.facebook.com/blake.atwell.5) it is to be noted that Bobby is seeking and soliciting help from us all in trying to get the second album completed. If you feel so inclined to help out and be a part of something pretty damn cool (and maybe get something special from Bobby depending on your level of monetary assistance) jump to his page and email him.



Laters

The Thieves took it!

Central Texas Speedway (http://centexspeedway.com) is just south of Austin, Texas on IH35. Located in Kyle, Texas, the CTS offers NASCAR style racing on the weekends and (during the summer) is the home of the KOKE FM  Free Texas Concert Series (http://kokefm.com/concerts/koke-fm-free-texas-concer-series/).

I have been to the CTS previously for another performance (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2011/10/kyle-fair-and-music-festival-happened.html) and was wildly surprised to see the difference from back then to now! The stage is huge and located just outside of the racetrack. Bleacher style seating to onside, a large building housing the bar, 2 beach style volleyball sand courts, and a very large general admission style seating area in front of the stage. It was really well laid out, plenty of bathrooms and a very friendly staff at the gate and on the grounds.

This particular evening featured Brandon Rhyder with Thieving Birds opening. Here is another situation where those who arrived in time to see Brandon missed out on what I believe was THE performance of the night!

Thieving Birds (http://thievingbirdsmusic.com) put on an absolutely a phenomenal performance. What a great band! This country/roots rock band is stunning, with lead vocals that cut right through the audience and a lead guitar and rhythm section that definitely sealed the deal. It was a crime to see Thieving Birds for free! These guys are from Ft Worth, and lucky are the people there that hopefully have an opportunity to see Thieving Birds often. I have learned to stay away from what or who I think any band sounds like, but what I will say is that I was riveted by their performance, vocals, lyrics, and that bluesy, country/roots rock sound. Congratulations to you if you make it to a performance of theirs. Do it on purpose, DO NOT stumble upon them as I did, and enjoy the sounds!




















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

Brandon Rhyder (http://www.brandonrhyder.com) headlined the night and you knew this is who the crowd came to see. From seemingly nowhere, the crowd just pushed forward to the stage, making it impressive for a free show down in Kyle, Texas. Although I wasn't familiar with Brandon Rhyder's music, it sure didn't matter based on the good time the crowd was having. With Brandon's gravely smooth voice slinging out the country tunes, it was a great evening from some good, Brandon Rhyder country music,


























Laters