Album Review: Sour Bridges - Entertaining Americana Rock

Austin-based band Sour Bridges proves that Americana-rock bands need not fear the banjo or fiddle. Brothers Bill and Matt Pucci have combined their love of bluegrass with electric guitar and bass and an occasional keyboard to create a funky, vibrant sound. Last month the band releases their self titled album, the third in their portfolio. My favorite songs are those where the fiddle and banjo are prevalent such as Teddy, Cocaine Lorraine, and Workin' Boy.  Kat “Mama Kat” Wilkes (fiddle), Dalton Chamblee (drums), Jack Bridges (vocals, bass guitar) and "hired gun" Ben Morgan (keys) round out the team. The waltzy Meet You There showcases the band's tight harmonies and Bumble Bee their rustic pickin' ability.  This is an impressive release; all songs diverse and entertaining. Pair with Richmond Virginia's Hardywood Park Craft Brewery where the band performs June 28th. Cheers.

Album Review: The Lonesome Band - Running Alone

For the past couple of weeks I've been fixated on the debut album for the Austin based The Lonesome Band. Titled, Running Alone, this all original album sounds a bit like Hank III, a bit like Robert Earl Keen, both backed by a jam band. The Lonesome Band consists of Anthony Lucio (guitar), Sam Whips Allison on lead guitar, Barrett O’Donnell on bass, and Miguel Gilly on drums. On the album, the band is augmented by Alex McMahon (pedal steel), Chojo Jaques (fiddle), and Larry Eisenberg (keyboard).

It was the drum beats (actually Bill Payne on the album) on the opening track - Agree to Disagree - that captured my attention. Then I noticed that the vocals sounded a bit like Hank III, with the storyline reminiscent of REK. But it was their rockin' jam band sound that kept my attention. Check out that lead guitar; Danny Gatton would be proud. Other REK-like tunes are Halfway There (perhaps my favorite track), Love I've Never Known, and Make 'Em Dance. That's Just Me is another great song with excellent instrumentation as is Running Alone, where the jam band really comes alive. And they wouldn't be a Texas band without a waltz - The Lonesome Waltz. These guys need to come to Hill Country BBQ or Gypsy Sally's. Pair with Austin's Uncle Billy's Brew & Que, located just over the river from 6th Street. Cheers.

Update: Forgot to include the release date for "Running Alone": May 12th, 2015.

Album Review: Chubby Knuckle Choir - Reveille

Most music lovers correctly associate Texas music with Americana, but there's also a deep Texas blues tradition. And a new band out of Texas, has merged these two styles into an excellent album. I'm referring to Chubby Knuckle Choir and their upcoming release Reveille. At times it feels like I'm listening to several different bands as the album starts with a fiery Americana then oscillates into a softer Robert Cray styled blues and eventually returns to country and swamp blues. Hungry Hollow Road is the must listen to track, then the next tracks, Black Motel and Trouble, segues into solid Americana songs. The band is composed of Slim Bawb, Perry Lowe, Tres Womack, and Rory Smith with all contributing singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. Some cool instruments too: bass fiddle, frottoir, congas, Brazilian box drum cajón, African drum djembe, mandolin..... You don't see these very often. The album concludes with a live track recorded at the Dosey Doe. This will encourage you to check out their tour schedule. The album will be released April 21st and we will post reminders as that day creeps closer. Pair with hometown brewpub Bastrop Brewhouse. Cheers.

Album Review: Elana James - Black Beauty

Hopefully if you're a fan of Austin based or Texas music you are familiar with the Western Swing and Jazz sound of Hot Club of Cowtown. If not you will.  Last month the band won Western Swing Group 2015 in the Ameripolitan Awards and their front lady, Elana James,  won Western Swing Female 2015.  You can hear these talents firsthand, through her latest solo album: Black Beauty.  And I mean talent. Check out her violin in Ayriliq (an Azerbaijani folk song by Ali Salimi) or Waltz of the Animals and her vocals in Hobo's Lullaby. The arrangement in that Waltz of the Animals outstanding; Who Loves You More and All I Need Is You gives us some sexy jazzy vocals; but my favorite song is High Upon the Mountains which incorporates western swing into a spirited song.  Or perhaps the soft sounds of Ripple. As you can see, there's plenty of good music in this release. There are many players on this album with the major being Dave Biller (guitar), Chris Maresh (bass), Mark Hallman (guitar, percussion), Ryan Gould (bass), and Cindy Cashdollar (steel guitar) among several others. Pair with Aubrey Vineyards from her hometown area of Overland Park - just outside of Kansas City. Cheers.

Album Review: Parker McCollum - The Limestone Kid

For the past few weeks I've kept  Sirius Radio turned off while I've listened to Parker McCollum's upcoming album - The Limestone Kid.  There's something special about this release that I can't really pinpoint. Initially my thoughts were, "yea - pleasant tracks". But something kept inciting me to return again and again. Only in his early twenties, McCollum provides solid vocals and the lyrics are interesting. (He wrote or co-wrote nine of the eleven songs.)  But I think it's the ensemble that makes this release attractive. Producer and multi-instrumentalist Corby Schaub must take a lot of this credit with help from lead guitarist Kurt Grien and bassist Jason Newberry. With McCollum on the acoustic guitar and harmonica - this is a tight outfit.  Look forward to the February 24th release date and pair with Conroe Texas' two breweries: B-52 Brewing or Southern Star Brewing.

• Happy New Year - most pop-ish of the collection
• Lucy - classic rock and roll song - love the electric guitar
• Meet You in the Middle - great rhythm
• All Day - the only mention of The Limestone Kid
• Prohibition Rose - written by brother Tyler McCollum with Lloyd Maines on steel guitar
• The Tune - one intricate tune
• Galveston Bay - penned by cousin Austen Biggers; my favorite with a waltzy feel and a soothing fiddle
• Who's Laughing Now - remove the female harmonies and I hear Sons of Bill; another favorite track
• High Above the Water - more solid electric guitar with repeating melodic vocals (it works for me)
• New Orleans - runs like a fast moving Mississippi River; love the line: "babe, you're the only thing as heartless as me"
• Silhouette - the album concludes with a ballad - tight musicianship

Album Review: Lost & Nameless - When You Walked Into the Room

Not wasting any time Lost & Nameless is out with their second release of the year, this time When You Walked Into the Room (release date September 6th). We reviewed Empty Spaces this Spring and the latest is a continuation of this folk-fiddle-rockn' sound. The six songs feature Patrick Conway on vocals, guitars and banjo; Chris E. Peterson on mandolin, fiddle and vocals; Nathan Quiring on piano, organ, accordion and vocals; and Peterson’s protégé, Kimberly Zielnicki, on vocals, fiddle, bass and piano. The title track attracts your attention as Conway describes love at first sight while the next track (Say Goodbye) juxtaposes that thought by describing a relation's end. She has quite the voice and a way with melodies, doesn't she? Harmonies are the theme in Have We Lost and May I is an interesting track as it is a 2,000-year-old Buddhist prayer set to music. The EP finishes with a rousing instrumental combining “Matthew’s Reel” by Erin Shrader and “Reel a Levis Beaulieu”, a traditional French Canadian fiddle tune. Cheers to good music.

Album Review: The Nightowls - Good As Gold B-Sides

Seems like just a short while ago that I first learned of Austin's favorite soul, funk, Memphis horns, Motown styled The Nightowls through Good As Gold. On September 9th, the band will release a followup EP:  Good As Gold B-Sides, and believe me, it's as enjoyable as its companion. There are just four tracks, and front man Ryan Harkrider and the remaining eight members of The Nightowls make you long for more. Nobody Ever Wants to Leave is my favorite track, Austin's new theme song; but the bluesy soulful Either Way is close behind. The horns are the highlight throughout - I'm mean, what's not to like about that sound. Once again pair with Austin's music friendly brewery, Thirsty Planet Brewing. Cheers.

Album Review: Lost & Nameless - Empty Spaces

Lost & Nameless - basically that was my expression when I first received their Empty Spaces CD. Who are these guys and gal? Well, they are Patrick Conway, Chris Peterson, Nathan Quiring, and Kimberly Zielnicki and they play an interesting style of folk rock bordering on Pop and Americana. Interesting also describes their musical pairings - organ, fiddle, guitars, lap steel, mandolin, accordion, banjo, bass - basically you never know what you will get in any one song.  Little Tornado is a good representation of their sound as is the next track, Proud. They also prove that they can slow it down in Aiden's Lullaby which showcases Zielnicki's vocals and then Coffee/Lime Rock showcases her fiddle. This probably isn't a release that I would seek out; but I'm glad that it landed on my doorstep because it's entertaining - and my son really enjoys it. I'd guess their shows are quite entertaining as well. Here's how you can get to know the band a little more before the March 18th release date. Cheers.

Album Review: Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash - New Old Story

It's been five years of waiting patiently, and I'm excited to announce that the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash have released a new CD - New Old Story. I was informed about the release through early play on Sirius Outlaw Country and once Mark Stuart posted the SoundCloud embed, I've been listening through the BSOJC website almost every day. This is the best country music album I've heard early in this year and seriously competes with my favorites from 2013.  Rootsy or twangy, Stuart delivers through both upbeat honky-tonk, tex-mex, or waltzy ballads. This is real country music - heartfelt songs with a great backing band that plays the instruments in No Honky Tonks: pedal steel, fiddle, mandolin, and plenty of rockn' guitar. We have Alex Watts, David Berzansky, Mark Thomas, and Michael Faughnan to thank for that. The songs sometimes resembles some of the greats, Merle Haggard throughout; Leave the Lights On and Shaver; the title track and Dave Alvin. As the pioneers move on, Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash are there to fill the gap. Now, please just come East for a tour. Pair with Stuart's hometown brewery, Bakersfield's Lengthwise Brewing. Cheers.

 

CD Review: Clay McClinton - Bitin’ at the Bit

I've been listening to Clay McClinton for a few years now enjoying his rootsy-soul vocals that, at times, resemble his father Delbert McClinton - but mostly chart a separate path. And that trend continues with his upcoming release Bitin’ at the Bit - incorporating a style or sound that McClinton calls Texas gumbo. And there's a lot going on in these songs - some rock, alt-country and country ballads, blues, and plenty of Tex Mex.

The CD was reproduced by esteemed producer-songwriter Gary Nicholson who also co-wrote most of the material with McClinton. The exceptions are his father's Victim of Life’s Circumstances in which Delbert shares vocals, the oldie Just Dropped In - to See What Condition My Condition was In, and the bluegrass tune Poison Love. The backing band is worth the price of the CD in itself. McClinton and\or Nicholson have some friends as they acquired the services of guitarists Kenny Vaughan, Dan Dugmore and Colin Linden; percussionists Lynn Williams and Tom Hambridge; and bassist Steve Mackay — along with members of Clay’s touring band Jon Sanchez on guitar and Ed Friedland on bass. Then there's the role played by Joel Guzman on the accordion and organ - adding that Tex-Mex flavor to many of the songs.

The first two tracks Wildflowers and Stories We Can Tell are two upbeat, catchy songs that seem to be tributes to his native Texas and to life as a traveling musician. The next two tracks Beer Joint and Sound of a Small Town reflect simpler times with the former finding a partner in the cleverly written Hydrated: "I'm no nutritionist, but there's corn in alcohol and plenty of water in beer". You may recognize What a Little Bit of Love Can Do which was featured in the film, “Crazy Heart" and sung by Jeff Bridges. And don't miss the last track, Bound For Glory - which McClinton delivers in a powerful and soulful manner. This may be my favorite track - particularly with Guzman's contributions.

Bitin' at the Bit is scheduled for the February 18th 2014 release.  You cab probably grab an early copy at one of McClinton's performances - 'cause its worth getting now. Pair with some good Texas beer from Live Oak Brewing Company.

Austin is Truly Weird and Blessed with The Nightowls - Good As Gold

I've been listening to several bands lately with a might horns section and another one falls in my lap courtesy of Austin based The Nightowls. In early December they are releasing Good As Gold and if you enjoy a mix of Motown and Memphis - this CD is for you. In fact, listening transports one back to the 60's and 70's where The Nightowls could easily assimilate into the great Soul and R&B bands of that time. Frontman Ryan Harkride provides that classic era's vocals along with harmonies from Tara Williamson and Ellie Carroll. But it's the band's vibe that entraps me- the encompassing of keyboards, guitar, bass, and horns that get ya bouncing in your seat - at least in the car. At a club would be much more preferable and the band will celebrate their CD release show December 7th at Stubb's BBQ.  Pair with Austin's music friendly Thirsty Planet Brewing. Cheers.

Austin based Sara Hickman's debut release on Kirtland Records is now available

We received this press release for Austin based Sara Hickman. Looking forward to listening...

One of Performing Songwriter's 100 Most Influential Independent Artists, Sara Hickman releases her Kirtland Records debut album Shine today. The 10-song collection, which blossomed out of simple poems and visions on pieces of paper, is an adventurous effort for the official “State Musician of Texas,” whose songs were brought to life with guidance from Los Angeles-based musician, producer and fellow songwriter Jim Jacobsen.

“Usually, I have a plan, an entire concept for a recording in mind, and I then write the songs to fit into that ideology,” explains Hickman. “However, with Shine, I just had fun. I wanted to take risks and just go with the flow, starting with those scraps of ideas.” After previously recording in Austin, Nashville and New York, Hickman also shifted her creative environment for making the album, relocating to L.A., away from family and friends to experience a different energy. She worked alone in the studio with Jacobsen, whose credits include the Eels, Parthenon Huxley, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and hundreds of TV shows and commercials. Shine was mastered by Dave McNair (Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen).
“Making music is such a weird job because who knows where it comes from?” she says. “There's nothing, then … Bam! A song exists. And if it connects with other people, that weirdness blends into blissful camaraderie. Or it pisses people off. But I guess that's what art/music is supposed to do – cause a reaction. Otherwise, you're just a feral cat, but you aren't aware of the fact.” As Rolling Stone puts it, "Tuneful, clever and carefully observed, Sara Hickman's material has all the strengths expected of a contemporary Texas songwriter, plus one more - whimsy."

Within its certain spontaneity, Shine testifies to Hickman’s diverse and emotional songwriting capabilities that appeal to a wide range of audiences. The title track offers a motivational message that inspires listeners, as Hickman puts it, “to come out of their shell.” Meanwhile, “You Are Not Alone” is also an optimistic, compassionate song that promises hope and encouragement to anyone who may be withdrawn or feeling isolated.

Hickman doesn’t just write and sing about those who face day-to-day challenges, she lives it. She is renowned for civic outreach initiatives, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Dallas Dance for Life, House the Homeless, Bryan’s House, Amnesty International, homeless shelters and Mothers’ Milk Bank. She has visited Romania to deliver clothing, money and supplies to orphans, and personally raised more than $50,000 for the Hill Country Youth Ranch, a safe haven for severely abused children in Ingram, Texas. Austin has twice celebrated “Sara Hickman Day” in 1996 and 2009 to honor not only her musical accomplishments, but also her dedication and community involvement.

Hickman has been lauded by the Dallas Observer and the Austin Music Awards in categories including Best Musician, Best Producer, Best Indie Release, Best Major Label Release and Best Female Vocalist. The Maverick Report proclaimed, "Cut to the chase - Sara Hickman. Genius. Not only is she a singer-songwriter par excellence, but she possesses a self-confidence and empowerment unheard of for a creative artist in this industry."

Coinciding with the release of Shine, Hickman is pleased to have built a promising new relationship with Luna Guitars. The mission of Luna Guitars is to craft fine stringed instruments with artistic sensibility that are comfortable, affordable, and inspirational to people of all ages and walks of life. Hickman found the guitar manufacturer to be an ideal match and will be taking Luna Guitars on the road for her 2013 Shine tour.

CD Review: Phoebe Hunt Live at the Cactus Cafe

For the past couple weeks, I've been listening relentlessly to Phoebe Hunt's Live at the Cactus Cafe. I've been following Ms. Hunt since her days with The Belleville Outfit so I leaped at the chance to hear a preview version of her live CD.  Why, first - I love her voice - sultry and sweet. And her fiddle. And the range of her musical influences. There's blues, gypsy jazz, old time jazz, western swing, country. You name it, it seems like she can sing it - authentically. This release is a little pop-ish then what I'm normally accustomed to, but paired with her pal, Reed Turner, hits home - as in Take Me Home. Hunt also covers former band mate Connor Forsyth in Before I'm Done - with Forsyth on the keyboards - that shows the range of her vocals. Very nice.  As is Walk Away - my favorite track.  This CD is also economical - 16 songs in total - with Turner leading with guitar plus his I Got Love. Still listen to Turner's Ghosts in the Attic on a regular basis and I think Live at the Cactus Cafe will join it in the rotation. Cheers.

Album Review - Austin Produces Another Rockn' Band: Western Youth

This week I was sent the debut EP (Leaving the Station) from the Austin-based roots rock band Western Youth, and after listening to the first track, immediately move it to the front of my listening queue. Why? Because this EP combines my two favorite music styles, classic Rock n' Roll & Alt Country. What's not too like. Plus, after further listening; no two tracks are the same, I can relate to the lyrics, and the music, well, the music rocks - starting with Somewhere, Somehow. A little Mick Jaggar-ish lyrics as well. The alt-country surfaces in the next couple of tracks - particularly when the pedal steel pipes in. And I think everyone who's been to a bar has a Falling Down experience.Then there's Black Freightliner.  An instant classic - some blues, some gospel - more Louisiana than Austin. Awesome. That sums up the EP as well. Cheers.

Jackie Bristow - Freedom

 New Zealand native, and Austin transplant, Jackie Bristow has just released her third CD, Freedom. This self produced album (along with Mark Punch) was recorded at Cedar Creek Studios in Sydney Australia and Church House Studio in Austin and includes backing music from Punch, JJ Johnosn, Chris Merash, Matt Fell, Jeff Young, and Clayton Doley. Ms. Bristow's beautiful vocals kept me attentive throughout the CD. Want an example; listen to the last track, Aotearoa - a tribute to our native New Zealand. What a voice. And the backing musicians provide a rootsy sound that one would expect out of Austin. Combine the two and this is a CD worth spending some cash.

Ms. Bristow took time from her current tour with master guitarist Tommy Emmanuel to answer a few questions.

1) By naming the CD and the title track "Freedom" - is that a metaphor for personal experience?

Yes it was,, the song came to me after living in Austin for several months.. I was very inspired by all the great music and playing a lot myself and also just having fun.. I had been living in LA for 3 years before that, and when I got to Austin I felt free as a bird. I was also coming out of personal relationship and also a business deal and was standing on my own and feel a real sense of freedom and liberation...


2) One of my favorite tracks is "Broken Girl". And with "Running", "Hightail it Outta Here", "Holy Mess", "Warning Signs" - there's a theme developing - am I correct?

IF there is a theme developing,, I not sure I planned that.. Hightail it outta here is actually an OLD song, I wrote about 10 years ago with an old school friend... Holy Mess is a song written about a family i know from my hometown in NZ.. Running is a song about running from your roots..it is bitter sweet.. running but holding onto the small town values and dreams. Warning signs, and Broken Girl are stories of heartache and quite difficult times.

3) How does this CD differ from your previous 2 releases?
This album I really wanted to have a more fun, we recorded the album very quickly.. some of the songs are more rocky.... I think there is a more a folk/rock/alt country vibe in this album.. the other albums were focused at radio and pop.. I wanted to make an album that rocked and was not over produced....so we tried to keep it simple. there are still a few ballads as I still love acoustic ballads...but over all it is a more rockn' album than my first two albums.

4) I understand Aotearoa refers to New Zealand. Tell us how this song relates to your home land?

Aotearoa - is the Native word of "The land of the long white cloud" New Zealand. I really wanted to write a song about my homeland.. and I had tried for many years.. finally after spending time back home before returning to LA where i wrote this song.. After returning home I realized how much I have missed my homeland, missed the countryside, the scenery.. and my own people.. I have traveled for many years and it sneaks up on you.... I wrote the song about the area in NZ where I am from... the deep south of NZ... Talked about the hokouni hills and the lake wakatipu.. some personal special places to me.. at the end of the song there is a maori chant.. and he is calling me back home.. say return return, you are always welcome here.. your ancestor lie here and this is always your home!

5) When coming to the States, why did you select Austin?

I lived in LA for 3 years.. I had visited LA a lot before moving to there.. but living there was not the same and visiting.. I had been to Austin about 6 times over the years for SXSW and touring etc and I always had the sweetest time, I always felt inspired.. so I got this crazy idea to move.. .and as it turned out it wasn't so crazy,, I was brave I think as I moved on my own not knowing to many people but I was made to feel welcome and I just loved my time there.. I am moving back this year after jumping through a couple of hoops to get a new visa.. I thought of living in Nashville but I just don't feel connected to that city.. NCY is just to big for me.. I'm not up for that.. Austin there is culture, great music, great food, sweet people.. musical community.. and a lot of soul... I want to live where I can be inspired to make music and day dream and develop as an artist and Austin allows me to do that!

6) Any favorite Austin-based musicians or local music venues?
Oh I love Gary Clark Jr, Noelle Hampton, Ephraim Owens, Charlie Sexton, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Billy Harvey, and Jimmie Lafave. And there are so many wonderful musicians in this town., to name a few, Dony Wynn, JJ Johnson, George Reiff, Chris Maresh, Chip Dolan, warren hood... . I love going to Tcs on Mondays night, and see Mark Hays and his band.. I love the Gallery.. and the Continental Club.. and momos is a great venue.. , one world theatre.. there are so many places its hard to name them all.

7) Besides the Australian connection, how did you get connected with Tommy Emmanuel and how has the tour been to this point? Any favorite shows?

The reason I landed this awesome tour was Tommy was touring through Austin 2008 with a good friend of mine opening for him.. Rick Price.. Rick had his own gig at the Cactus Cafe and Tommy was sitting in with him.. Rick invited me to sing a song so I sat in with Tommy and Rick,, then Tommy invited me to perform at his show at the one world theatre.. so I sat in on a song.. I was then invited to join Tommy on his tour for 2011.. This tour would have to be one of the most amazing times of my life.. when I moved to the states.. my dream was to play theaters and here I am singing my songs and selling my cds.. its a great feeling!

Remaining tour dates of Tommy Emmanuel and Jackie Bristow:

• Palladium Theater St. Petersburg, FL: Wednesday, February 23
• The Plaza Theatre Orlando, FL: Thursday, February 24,
• Florida Theatre Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL: Friday, February 25
• The Clayton Center Auditorium & Conference Center Clayton, NC: Saturday, February 26
• Newberry Opera House Newberry, SC: Monday, February 27
• Newberry Opera House Newberry, SC: Monday, February 28