Always fun at One2One

Located on S Lamar just minutes from down town, sits a small strip center in a rapidly developing corner of Austin. Housed right smack in the middle this area is the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/). This hot little place houses one of the best small stages in Austin. The sound in the room is amazing, the stage lighting is fantastic, and the bar staff is on point. The room is a rectangle shape room, as you walk in the bar runs about halfway down the right wall with the stage at the end of the room opposite the door. The bathrooms are on either side of the stage...and yes...the men and women restrooms are on OPPOSITE sides of the stage.

Another night at the One2One brought several different sounds from 3 different acts.

Joe George (http://www.joegeorgemusic.net/) from Chicago was a solo acoustic set. Spinning his tales between him, his guitar, and the crowd. Joe George entertained us and kept the mood warm in the room. I don't have a problem admitting a whole lot of attention was not provided by myself to his set. It was enough and smile inducing enough to give you this description. Joe George did however, provide a surprise just a little later in the evening that wowed us all.

The Reverent Few   (https://thereverentfew.com/) was a smashing combo. The glorious lead singer showered us with her powerful voice from her small frame. The lead guitarist regaled us with his fine work on the fret board as well as his vocals. I was mesmerized by the bassist.  To my surprise, soloist Joe George,  joined them on stage to bring it all to glorious peak -what a musician and entertainer! As a whole ensemble, The Reverent Few surprised the damned many that stood before them this evening. It really was grande performance with vocals in quite a fashion. Hearing one of my peers and long time fixtures in the Austin music scene exclaim 'My God! How are these kids from Austin and I am just now hearing about this!?' Just like the music of The Reverent Few and their performance...just damn fine!

Jelly Ellington (http://www.jellyellington.com/) was whom I came to enjoy. Although the other performances before Jelly were crowd pleasing, it was this man's night and he was fresh from touring for his new release "All In". It takes the causal person in the crowd no time at all to realize it is not just the album title, but his approach to music and performing. With a great line up of musicians behind him, Jonathan Ellington, known to all as 'Jelly' not only can he play guitar at a level that makes you want to burn your guitar (even if you don't own one or play) but can sing with a smooth powerful voice. It is definitely a performance with catching anywhere, anytime, day show, evening show, or late night. During the week or on a weekend you should go "All In!"

I do want to take another moment to talk about the new CD - so let me enlighten you:

"All In" is an amazing piece of work. The opening hand claps of 'Set Me Free' proves to be a roof raising rocking anthem which promises to drive everyone into a frenzy of good times. The strumming guitar work and keys with the vocals and rhythm just makes you keep turning it up - and wait until you hear it live. You are able to drift away with track two 'Sunset'. But then the slow fade in of the keys and that haunting sound on the guitar roll in on track three's 'Let Go'. This is a track that uttelry mesmerizes you as it continues to build. Track four 'Crosstown' comes right back with that funky groove and Jelly's voice that is passion laden and smoldering - vaguely giving you that feel of Jimi taking over. Oh..and then 'Hard Times Coming Down', wraps you up in its warmth. The organ sounds and the keys back fills this track to make the story Jelly tells so much more interesting.

Showing his skill at song writing and musical genius, Jelly give us the track 'Getaway'. A back seat riding song with the windows down, and having that cool country feel, it is whiskey sipping track. We finally roll into a point where it feels as if Jelly is just sitting on the stool singing to you. Just him and the beautiful sound of his guitar playing. As you you wrap yourself in this track you realize and feel the warmth of the strings filling in. All of this culminates in the explosion horns with the funk filled end tack 'New Day'.

An album well worth having, enjoying, and spreading the work about. Grab this from his website here - http://smarturl.it/jellyellington_allin - turn it up load, and find a show to see an album performed better than it sounds!


I am out.



Laters

Happy for the tears

Of most any place for someone to choose to have a show in Austin, the One2One should be top of the list. To have a goodbye show...definitely. Unfortunately I have been to two to many.

As usual I will start with a description of the venue. It is all about the stage and the sound at the One2One (http://www.one2onebar.com/). You walk in the door and BAM there it is...in your face. The sound is amazing, bar service is great, bathrooms, seating, and good times. Look, for sound this is one of only a very few places in Austin that cater to the local musicians and the local crowds with a top of the line sound system.  Go to their page and check it out for yourself. Pick a night and a band and GO!

Although this was a BonVoyage/Farewell show for one Jack Burton Trio (http://www.jackburtonmusic.com/), it is not a pointless review. No, this is to tell you of the joys of good music, and the inevitable return of the white James Brown! Jack and his family are going off on a sabbatical to connect and enjoy his family, experience something new, and see the world. Something we should all look up to and aspire to want to do for ourselves. 

But the music. It is here to stay forever. It lives in our ears, in our souls, our memories, and not soon enough...on DVD. The Jack Burton Trio does funk link few others. Their spin on funk, Motown, and R&B is smile inducing, and feet moving. The band proved it, not just on this evening, but the last time I saw them. The show was changed up a bit and this is what made seeing it again great. Beyond this, I had the pleasure of sharing the event with my daughter, Angelina. We have not shot a show together in way to many years. To see her smiling and grooving to The Jack Burton Trio's music was uplifting. Music does heal the soul!

The crowd was thrilled at the performance, Jack did not ham it up, he played for the crowd, he played for the joy of the music, and  played for the love of it all. THIS is what you can expect and will get at a Jack Burton Trio show. Let the world have him on borrowed time, we know he will come home and he will entertain greater than what I write about now.

In the end, Jack sad his good byes to the crowd and took time for every single person that wanted to say goodbye. He and his wife greated and hugged everyone. It was such a joy to see so many people crying and saying their temporary goodbyes. This simply means that the Jack Burton, his beautiful wife, and amazing family will be missed. They made an impact. 

And that, my friends, is a reason to be happy for the tears.

Jack....we will see you soon.

Laters

No better jams

Than Jelly...at the Moontower in way south Austin, Texas, also known as Awesome, Texas.

A quick note about Moontower (http://www.moontowersaloon.com/).

Located just a block south of Slaughter Ln, on Manchaca Rd. The Moontower Saloon is a small little house with restrooms, a pool table, and a bar. Out back (or front as you come in off the road) is a huge covered deck with another bar. Next to the deck, and attached to the back of the house, is a modest little stage. We will talk about this momentarily. The yard area is ridiculous. Tons of seating, fire pits, horseshoes, corn hole, volleyball courts, and parking for days.

Now the stage...and the performers ... Jelly (http://www.jellyellington.com/). 

What is a conglomerate of amazing talent is stunning. With front man Johnathan Ellington doing things on guitar that is aurally electric and a voice that some how floats threw the air but cuts sweetly into your heart. Be damned if this bunch doesn't have some blistering talent.

The crowd stayed in some sort of daze during the first set. With just Johnathan "Jelly" on stage  doing it as an acoustic set with his percussionist/drummer.  It was subtle, but sweet. The crowd enjoyed it with applause and cheers...but the second set.

Full band, fiesty crowd, and some Sunday Funday rock-n-roll. With the crowd on their feet the mixture of covers done originally (Stone Temple Pilots) and originals done creatively was exactly what the thirsty, hot crowd needed and wanted. 

Listen to me... Go get Jelly and enjoy the jams!

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.

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

SXSW Local at the Lucky Lounge

Like I said in my video post, 'there is music here all the time!' SXSW just brings the musical spotlight and the world to our doorstep. It is our duty to make it fun, worthwhile, and exciting while you are here. With the preponderance of musical venues and an outstanding live music entertainment district, that is usually not difficult. So, here I am with this blog and the impossible quantity of music to write about compacted into one short/long weekend.

"Local at the Lucky Lounge" was simply the pre -SXSW kick off party featuring a few of the best local acts that Lordship Ent (http://www.lordshipentertainment.com) has to offer.

The Moonshiners (http://www.moonshinermusic.com/) kicked things off with a set of bluesy type rock. The singer has a very distinctive, big voice that pushes through you as you listen. Wonderful and passionate story telling interwoven with a lead guitar that seems almost sublime until it is time to solo, then you had better pay close attention because the lead guitarist is 'Wow!.'

I had an opportunity to speak with the lead guitarist for a moment in between sets and learned he is self taught. He seemed genuinely surprised when I told him his sounds and styling were reminiscent of Eric Clapton. The keyboardist and guitarist are the two mainstays in the group. With rotating bass and drums keeping it fresh, you need to check them out when you get a chance. Smooth, mellow, soulful,and rocking (when they want), The Moonshiners are a good bet any night of they week you can catch them in Austin, Texas.

Jess and The Echoes (http://www.jechomusic.com/) are getting some heavy stage time here in Austin, and it is well spent. This young lady has a huge voice. Her vocals grab you by the ears and turn your head towards her. The band is wonderfully level across the stage, no overpowering ensemble here. This unit is designed to support the fabulous singer that Jess Kellner is. Jess and The Echoes has a certain something that can be felt, but is most difficult to describe. The crowd loved there stage time and pushed forward while they had the stage. I kept hearing statements of "They are great", "She is amazing!", and "I really love this band." throughout the crowd as I pushed through here and there to take some photos.

Word on the street is that starting March 25th, 2013, we may all want to watch the new season of The Voice (http://www.nbc.com/the-voice). Sounds special to me!

Michael Dillard (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Dillard) is a little more difficult to catch here in Austin, but if you are lucky you can see one of his performances. Here is an artist whom I have seen and tracked for a few years now. He is another person with the most distinctive vocals you may ever come across. I hate to make comparisons because what I hear and you hear are not going to be the same. Let's just say that he puts so much passion into his singing you would swear his head is going to explode. This young man gives it all when he sings and that is, every bit, worth going out to catch him when a show comes up. The steady in this group is the amazing guitarist Ty Read. Here, again, is another six string talent in Austin that is subtle in the group, but his performance soars when he solos.

Like most bands in Austin, there is a rotating field of musicians that passes through the groups door, but for Michael Dillard and Ty Read, they are the core that makes this performance a pop/rock/hip hop extravaganza! What I have said about live music in Austin and will repeat again here! It is not about going to see a band live, it is about going and experiencing a performance. You never know what will happen and you will always be glad to say you were there. Tonite was no exception with a brilliant cover of Peter Gabriels 'Sledgehammer', just be happy I caught it on video for you to see here (http://youtu.be/6eJogPp1P2Q)

 

MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com/) is he a myth or a legend. Maybe you should check out this Austin music icon for yourself. He seems to be an intimidating hulk of a man, but behind the exterior of the building that he is, lies the genius of hip/hop. MC Overlord has cool , catchy rhymes, an unbelievable live hip/hop presentation that just can not be beat, and the impressive ability to lay out the rhymes. His music is, for the most part clean and positive, but he keeps the party vibe intact with tunes like 'Bartender Keep 'em Coming' and 'I'm in here'.

As iconic as MC Overlord is, as storied as his career is, and as vast as his catalog is, I think it would be amazing to have him perform a fan scripted show. ARE YOU THERE OVEY>>>YOU READING THIS? That's right, do a contest where the fans vote on what songs they would like to hear from the long catalog that is you career. Put on that show, leave the core songs of the show in and play some fan favorites.

For those outside of Austin reading this, for those in Austin who haven't gone, an MC Overlord performance is as much a must see as the Capitol building, Lady Bird Lake, or Mt Bonnell!

here is the photo album from this show https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.517035628347965.1073741825.239625756088955&type=3

Laters