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

What's funner than that?

Willie's Joint (http://www.williesjoint.com) in WAY South Austin (okay Buda really). It is a nice little outdoor spot on Main Street under the trees. There are washer pits, horse shoes, a ping pong table, and a jumbo sized Jenga. The bar and restaurant are located in the small building on the property along with the rest rooms.

There is a food selection of BBQ and plenty of good drinks. Sometimes there is staff outside, but not always. Ask about the pork ribs... awesome. The food prices seem a little pricey for the serving size, but it's good. It is family friendly, mainly because it is outside, but it is a drinking establishment.

There is a stage in the corner outside for that touch of live music... And THAT is what I like. The whole set up lends beautifully to the stage and any live performance.  Lucky me, every time I have been there, I have had the pleasure of the sound and talent of Johnny Burke. 

Johnny Burke (http://www.jonnyburke.com) is originally from down the highway in New Braunfels, Texas. He is solo acoustic. Just him and his guitar.  Johnny weaves stories of love and recklessness. Trouble with the law and traveling the land. He sings like he speaks with his quiet and distinct Texas drawl.

No, Johnny Burke's music is not dance music. Not two step or anything else. It is smile inducing stories told in his own unique way that will leave you smiling,  raising your drink and looking forward to seeing him again.

I will.

So see you there.

Laters

Don't play with fire, dance to it!

The White Horse (https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHorseATX) in Austin, Texas is located east of IH35 in between 6th and 5th on Comal. I saw the sign, but drove by it the first time mistaking it for some little bistro with outside dining.  The entrance is located on the south side of the somewhat nondescript building (except for said area out front). Once you enter it is fairly large inside. The typical rectangle shaped bar.

As you step into The White Horse and look down the length of the club the bar is long, to you left, and runs the greater part of the length of the club. Bathrooms are to your immediate right and the stage is in the far right corner on the long side of the wall. There are a couple of doorways that let you walk through a rather large, unassuming empty space of the club to go outside - said bistro area. It is actually a rather large side yard of The White Horse the has a few tables and a food trailer. this is where you can enjoy a bite to eat from their food trailer (and the food was quite good) or have a smoke.

Back the inside. Several bands were performing this particular evening...Liv Mueller, Delaney Davidson, Robert Allan Caldwell's DAD Jim, The Flametrick Subs (why I went!).

Liv Mueller (http://www.livmueller.com) was haunting and beautiful. Her music reminded me of Twin Peaks (the TV show). It just sounds like it should be the sound track life. Her voice is just sweet and singular. They cool thing is what she did on stage by herself. It had me pause my conversation and stand slack jawed watching her perform. It was the sound of her voice, her guitar work, and the working of the loops, to make it all pretty damn close to breathtaking. 

Although the crowd was very light, it seemed the majority in attendance were just as enamored as I. Now I will tell you I have my sour opinion of the single artist that does this thing with the loops to make a performance or a show, but there have been several performances I have seen recently that were done very well. This was one of them. It wasn't cheesy, it wasn't a joke...it was a performance. Not only did Liv do this impressively, but I was then blown away by...

Delaney Davidson (http://www.delaneydavidson.com). Uhhmmm, so this is really weird. I make the Twin Peaks reference about Ms. Liv Mueller and then as I am pulling the web info for Delaney and WTF?! The first thing I see is a reference to Delaney's music and David Lynch. DAMN! It seems like there is some common thread running through this show. Delaney had the same set up as the previous artist. Himself, a guitar, and his loop equipment. Musically done like a genius. Wicked, eerie, and astounding is the best way to describe Delaney's ability and performance on stage. 

There were more people in the crowd now, pushing towards the stage. I did not mind as this just shows his creative genius with his voice, his guitar, and the ability to entertain. Once again, proof to me that talent is only limited by the universe.

Robert Allan Caldwell's DAD Jim (https://www.facebook.com/robertallancaldwellmusic). This was the shock and surprise performance of the night. No Drums. A banjo, a mandolin, a guitar, and a washtub bass. Oh YES! I said a washtub bass. Robert Allan Caldwell's band DAD Jim stepped on stage and immediately you knew this was going to be different. But Different in the most amazing, musically bad ass way. Roberts lyrics and whole performance is just a rowdy middle finger to Nashville, in the most fun way you could imagine that being done. 

The performance of everyone in this band sharing the solos and the spotlight, made for crowd cheering, dance floor packing good time. And yes, the washtub bass was UNDOUBTEDLY the show stopper of the evening.  It was thrilling to watch that young lady tear that shit up. The how and why someone could do something that musically provocative with a washtub, a stick, and a piece of rope...you HAVE GOT TO GO SEE DAD Jim!

The Flametrick Subs (https://www.facebook.com/flametrick.subs)! THIS is a band to see. A performance to experience. Yes the other bands were good this evening, but Hell be damned if the crowd didn't know this was the performance to see and experience. The exciting performance of The Flametrick Subs is knowing Hell chewed up a Rock-A-Billy band and spat out this Psycho Billy 3 piece of divine musical entertainment. The ambiance of the stage presentation, the words, the music, the crowd... It is a sight to behold and an experience you will not soon forget.

The Flametrick Subs just have that devil may care attitude with their performance and it shows up in the crowd. With folks dancing where there is no dance floor and the crowd howling and singing along... It is the premier throwback party that would make devil himself proud.

Laters

It was Rainey for SXSW

That's right, it was Rainey St. to kick off what would be my last day of SXSW.

Rainey St. is the newest edition to the down town entertainment district. Located just on the south end of Red River, but still close enough to walk to several other down town venues. Rainey St. seems to have it all. There are establishments that serve food, some with lots of TV's, some whiskey bars, some beer gartens, and a great time to be had along this small stretch of road. All of the establishments are designed to maintain there original small, older home facade, but then you step in or step out back and you are blown away.

Bungalow (https://www.facebook.com/bungalowatx) was our first stop on our last day and is definitely one of those places. "Bungalow was inviting and is definitely set up for people to stay and have a cocktail (cocktail = beer or whatever else you drink).  It's a nice place to meet people or just hang out. There is a food trailer outback that provides tacos for good eats so they definitely don't want you to go anywhere. You can stay for drinks, a good time, and eat there too!" Mariza Cruz

With performances by The Dunwells (http://thedunwells.com/) and the Roosevelts on tap it would prove to be a great start to a great day. Although we did sit through the sound check for The Dunwells, (which doesn't qualify as a performance) it did keep the audience riveted. As they sound checked on several tunes to make sure everything would be perfect for the evening performance, the audience was definitely drawn in. I can say with the harmonies from the brothers that fronted the band, I look forward for an opportunity to check out a real set, and hopefully soon!

The Roosevelts (http://www.wearetheroosevelts.com) I did catch. Now that I have been privy to several performances already, including a late night fireside acoustic set (DAMN! There should be a BAD ASS video coming from that!!!!!! can you hear me James and Jason, can you hear me?) I am going to turn over the crowd source reaction to Ms Cruz.


I did catch The Roosevelts at a previous show in early February (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/01/no-reservations.html), but there was much conversation, I was seated in the back, and the crowd was front to back and side to side. It was not easy to see the performance and sort of OK hearing it. THIS EVENING on Rainey St., in Bungalow, during SXSW was a whole different beast. Standing quite close to the stage and being able to enjoy the performance and see the crowd was wonderful. The full and true enthusiasm that The Roosevelts bring to the stage is completely telling. It tells of their joy in performing the music they create, it tells of their joy in performing on it stage, and most of all it tells in the audience reaction. The opportunity was definitely not lost with the band. To have many new faces in the crowd it seems that the band embraced it and returned the excitement ten fold. They have a new video they have released and it there was total crowd participation with "Everybody Knows" (http://youtu.be/TYMLzYJ-pt4). I hope 'everybody knows' about the Roosevlets soon because they are a joy to see and hear.


Laters

Written by:
M. Cruz
edited by:
William Tompkins

A very SXSW birthday

So I got out of bed and got ready for the day. It was 03/14/13 and SXSW in Austin, Texas was in full swing. I had no clue as to how this day would unfold until my girlfriends computer took a crap. After some conversation with her IT department and a couple of phone calls later they determined she would have to go into the office....OH the HORROR! She then delivers the most horrible news of all, "Since I have to go in to the office, why don't you just go ahead and go downtown. I'll call or text when you can come get me."

oh yeah, that's alright by me!!!

So this day will cover 5 different bands. From L.A., Colorado (2), Shreveport, and Cleveland. I guess I do have to back up one second and explain this...there were WAY more bands I heard than this. It is just a simple matter of hanging out long enough to appreciate (or hate) what I was hearing, drop a card with the band, and take some photos. There were bands and musicians performing on street corners, in alleys, and on rooftops. You can not help but here and see bands every where you go during SXSW. If you have a love of music and live performances, then you should really get your ass to SXSW next year. Don't worry about those stinking wristbands or badges (HA! We Don't need no stinking BADGErS!) 

My SXSW day three journey took me to Firehouse Lounge (http://www.firehousehostel.com). Located just off of 6th St and in the heart of the music/entertainment district. This little place is the other half of the Firehouse Hostel, right across the street from the famous, historic, and haunted Driskell Hotel. Firehouse Lounge is exactly that, a lounge. It has a tiny little stage in the corner by the bar (which you will definitely see in the photos) and second level seating with booths and tables against the wall opposite and facing the bar. It is a fairly small joint so don't plan having any conversation if there is a band on stage, because that is all you will hear. I particularly thought the bar design was stunning, it was just the look and set up of it. The staff was friendly and attentive enough that I will definitely stop here again, on any random given weekend, just to happily drink a beer there.

Band one; The Epilogues (http://www.theepiloguesband.com) from Denver, Colorado. With a very crisp sound and a great vocal placement, these guys had an edgy sound to their music. Whatever edge you want to label it is your call, but they were edgy. I liked them. The Epilogues blend keyboards well into their songs and music so that it fills just right. The drums and guitars were well balanced, and had a little bit of that rasp and edge, but really clean where it needed to be. For the short sets that every band is relegated to playing during SXSW, The Epilogues did an amazing job of filling every moment. It was not just the performance of their music, but a damn good arrangement of it. So when they walked off the stage it left you feeling as if you had just heard a full set. 

Leftmore (http://www.facebook.com/Leftmore) was right on...sorry I had to! He is also from Colorado. Before he even went onstage for his set, he came up to me (no damn idea who I was) and thanked me for being there. WTF! This dude is uber cool. This long haired guy, sporting the black rimmed specs, an acoustic guitar and some glasses of water on the floor in front of him for his set. This was the epitome of a 'show' and a 'performance'. He entertained those in attendance with his voice, his music, his sharp wit, and his talent. Leftmore pulled the crowd in and spoke to us. Told us about the music and chastised the idiots who spoke out of turn - Let me explain that last part. He elicited a response from the pretty ladies in the back of the lounge for a feeling or emotion that he would use in the next song he played. To our bemusement some chowder head dude down in front spoke up, "I was speaking to the pretty ladies in the back, and you are neither." How fucking awesome is this guy. After his set with the guitar...and I must say that 'Waltz #2' followed up by 'Paint' is just really cool, he did what he referred to as 'Paint pt2' on the floor with the glasses of water and spoons. Different, surprising and very Austin...Keeping it Weird, and it worked. Leftmore's music is very low key and subtle, but somewhere within his voice and the music it warms you.

Changing directions, gears, and speed, the set at Firehouse lounge jumped to Countless Thousands (http://www.facebook.com/countlessthousands). Somewhere out there, the family of Indie/Punk/Rock/Metal music lost their bastard love child called Countless Thousands. Yup! I think I covered my bases there. These guys are from L.A. and although they seem quite young in age (fuck I think all bands are kids at this point in time) they have been kicking it out for a few years. It was raucous, but harmonious at the same time. The co-lead singer appears to be the newest member of the band, but you wouldn't know by how well the whole project just melds together. Definitely hard, loud and what the small crowd was really itching for. I would love to see these guys again, and maybe even on a bigger stage (watch out Texas Rockfest - this one is for you!) I happily passed on a couple of the extra Cd's I got from these guys to some friends of mine. Worthy of a second listen and second look.

Who the hell is this Super Water Sympathy (http://superwatersympathy.com) you keep speaking of? Dude, I swear it won't be long and everyone will know that name and no one will ask that question. I can keep talking all sorts of glory about SWS from Shreveport, La. and posting about them (yeah, I think I will), but you are going to have to get off your asses and go see them. A friend of mine turned to me after a recent performance and said 'What the hell are they doing in Shreveport." Agreed sir, agreed. Their videos do them slight justice for their live presentation. The music sure as hell does not capture the vocal beauty that is Ansley Hughes. Quit being a bitch and just buy the album, and go to a show. SWS is just great music!

Winslow (http://www.winslowsoul.com) was probably the-biggest-surprise-find-of-the-day-by-accident kind of scenario. Just walking down 6th St and stepping into a venue that was all ages (they did not serve alcohol), and here they were. A funk/rock style with the sax and keyboards playing a prominant part against the vocals of the frontman. It was fabulous music. This is the band you get excited to go see on a weekend. You get dressed up and plan to dance to! The music was completely energetic and the small crowd that gathered quickly built up, as Winslow continued to perform. They have some great guitar licks that are placed well within their songs and the band does a great job of keeping their front man (Maurice Martin) just that...Out In Front.

There does not seem to be an age with their music and it is truly an infectious groove. This is one of those bands that does such a wonderful job of having a good time on stage that the audience can't help but be consumed by the energy and vibe. I fear that the next time around I won't get to the opportunity to see these guys for free, I am sure I will buy a ticket and I will be prepared to have a great time.

Laters

No Reservations

I really wanted some BBQ.  I have heard wonderful things about the BBQ at Lamberts (http://www.lambertsaustin.com/) and it smelled fantastic when I walked in. SO...all I wanted were some good appetizers, sit at the bar, and  enjoy some half price apps...blah! No seating at the bar 'cause it is pretty darn small, maybe 10 people. I didn't do my homework, so I didn't realize that you need reservations to sit at a table in the restaurant. My Bad! Guess I will have to try again soon!

The upstairs is where the music happens. Up the stairs from the front door puts you on the second floor at the back of the room. With the stage directly behind the stairs and the bar to the right as you face the stage, it is a very odd layout. Booths at the back and seating along the rail of the stairs leading to the stage it is somewhat of an 'L' shaped room. If it is a packed house, like the SOLD OUT show for The Roosevelts and Quiet Corral, then be prepared to hear a great performance. I managed to be a rebel and stand in the booth seat to be able to see over the crowd and take some photos.


So, for the second live performance of             The Roosevelts (http://wearetheroosevelts.com/), this had to be exciting for them. A packed house, wall to wall people, and chicks making out in the back! WHOOOO HOOOOOO! The music from The Roosevelts is very, very familiar and feels like some tunes currently heard on the radio. It is fun, happy music with melodies and vocal harmonies that blend seamlessly. The sound as a whole doesn't stand out, it just hits that spot somewhere in your brain, makes you smile, and that my friends is good. I look forward to the album that should be dropping at the beginning of March. I want a lyric sheet on the inside because all of these songs are tunes that you just want to sing along with. Front man James with backing vocalist/lead guitar Jason, do a great job of keeping the audience part of their show. The chemistry is visible and it is an all important part of making that a fun night out.


Quiet Corral (http://quietcorral.com/) is this unassuming group of guys from Kansas. With a broad range of ages (early 20's to early 30's) the experience and youthful energy serves them well and makes their performance energetic and smart for a crowd. No egos here for a headliner or touring band, just a band who's sound seemed like it should just be out there on the airwaves for all to hear, like right now! Getting on stage right after The Roosevelts exited and giving the audience very little time to recover was something I really liked. No cool down period, just grab a damn beer or your whiskey and get back into the music. They did a variety of up tempo songs that kept the audiences interest the whole time. For me the most notable and shocking moment of their performance is when one of the front men, Garrett, busted out the little 11 yr old M.J. vocals from The Jackson 5 song 'I want you back!' UNBELIEVABLE! Was absolutely worth it. Go check these guys out when they are in your small town, big city, or neck of the woods....OR when you are in Lawrence, KS.

Laters

P.S. - the making out, hot chick photo is in The Roosevelts photo album on my FB page!

What's new for 2013

DANG!

If your band has a video or an album release that you will be promoting and want some additional traffic then let me know and I will repost it across all of my sites

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Live-Music-In-Austin/239625756088955
Email
livemusicinaustin@gmail.com
                         @hotmail.com
                         @yahoo.com
Twitter
@livemusicATX
Tumblr
http://livemusicinaustin.tumblr.com/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/soundfiend001

New and upcoming for 2013:

January - Drastik IV (http://drastikmusic.com/) 01/18/2013
                                    CD release "Wrath of the Underdog" and video release @ The Dirty Dog

February - Voting for Austin Chronicle music awards ends 02/01/2013
                   (http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/musicpoll/12/)

March - The Roosevelts (https://www.facebook.com/theroosevelts)
                                         CD release for their Debut album

               SXSW

April - Super Water Sympathy (http://superwatersympathy.com/)
                                                   CD release for their sophmore LP "Hydrogen Child"  

as for shows...don't be stupid. Go out see some live local music. Support the live local music scene. check out Austin360.com (http://www.austin360.com/s/music/), Do512 (http://do512.com/events/austin-music) , and AustinAfterDark (http://www.atxafterdark.com/)  




Laters

Caught up in the moment

So it happens, I totally missed a write up of a local performance. More damning is that it was the debut performance of another Austin original.

So here I am again at Stubb's ( http://stubbsaustin.com/ ). I said it in a previous post (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2011/06/ponder-this.html ), I love this inside stage. Takes me back to the garage, basement shows I saw in my late teens, early twenties in New Orleans, La. Very dark inside with the exposed ceiling. Bar to the back and bathrooms tucked away in almost impossible to find locations, BUT understand this is better because it is Stubb's. Access to the outside for you smokers from a door just to the side of the stage, a solo pool table cordoned off in another room and most importantly an A_M_A_Z_I_N_G view from the balcony/restaurant above the stage. The stage is well lit and the sound is great.

The Roosevelts ( http://www.facebook.com/theroosevelts ) had their debut performance at Stubb's inside. The band is fronted and founded by James Mason and Jason Kloess, formerly of EPMB fame (and more recently the cover band The Good Nights.) Well, no more cover songs here. With a whole new set list of originals, this band is ready to break out and breakthrough! The Roosevelts have that definitive "Austin sound". If you are from around here you know the sound can't be described. If you are not from around then do some music searches on the web, you will find those Austin bands and you will hear and feel that Austin sound The Roosevlets most adeptly keep to. The band also employs the standard arrangement of rhythm and lead guitars, bass and drums keeping tempo, but the keys really pull it all together.


The Roosevelts have melodies and lyrics that are both fun and moving. You hear the songs and are instantly drawn into them like you've heard them before. You are singing the hook two bars in. By the end of the night you will have picked out your favorite tune and will look forward to seeing this band again. I managed to be the outlaw, and against the venues 'strict' "NO VIDEO" soup nazi command at the door, I did capture and record the majority of the show. Watching it afterwards, shows the brilliance these two young men posses. Not just in writing the music and weaving the stories, but in the fun they have on stage! My girlfriend has a stupid band/musician crush on the lead singer and managed to sit and watch all of the video clips like she was at the show AND she has already picked out her new favorite misery...a track about a lady in white or a white dress. Very cool story told in song form, listen for it when you go to a show! Nonetheless my point is that she DID NOT attend the performance, but was still captivated by it. My friends, that is some powerful shit for a new band!

All of these things went through my mind as I watched their performance again on video. It was a VERY large crowd draw for a debut performance. James and Jason can say they have a devoted following. This is not bewildering for a new band, but amazing and admirable.



p.s. - because I was so busy bootlegging the show, I didn't take any photos. So I had to pull stills from some of the video.

Laters

Super Water Sympathy - A silent interview