Well, I just got most of my pictures back today from this busy weekend, and though most are of my longtime standbys, there are some little bits of fun in there. The weekend was capped off by a surprise visit to the De Sol stage by los hermanos Del Castillo and El Lobo Ruiz for a few tunes. Got some pix of that, though with 10 people on stage at one time, it just looks crowded! I was so tired all day today it was tough to get through a pretty normal Monday at the med clinic. The upside is that I keep replaying of this insanity week in my head and would love to have been able to tape it to watch again.
I am going to back up to my first trip up to Austin, and talk about Mando again- I missed the other gig I had the chance to see, partly because I misread the schedule. Well, if you could see how I wrote it all down, you might understand. I am really not happy about it, because I wanted to hear this guy again. His music was the first of a weekend of discovery for me, and damn it, it may be awhile before I get to hear him, and some others again! But, when he played, I was on the other side of town, at Schultz's Beer Garden for Buttercup's performance, and I have to say I am glad I was there. They were so playful, so funny, I am glad beyond words I didn't miss it. The pictures will show some of it, but I only had one roll with me and missed the final tune, the Kinks' "Demon Alcohol", during which Erik blindfolded Joe, who then staggered, dropped and rolled like, as he put it,Foster Brooks, without missing a note. (ok, that reference will tell you exactly how old you are. Who can tell me what show Foster Brooks was a regular on?) They won over a lot of people with this set, I must say. On after them was the Texas legend Ray Wylie Hubbard, who I haven't seen play in over 20 years. He was good, his band excellent, but the high point was his special guest: a 12 year old blues guitar wiz kid. Sadly, his name didn't make it to my ears, but DAMN! (He reminded me of Kenny Wayne Sheppard back when he was learning and sometimes sitting in with Stevie Ray.) He used a full sized guitar, and had strong enough hands, at that age, that he popped the 'g' string. The guys lent him another guitar and kiddo just kept on flooring me with his playing. I don't think I have tried harder to shake a musician's hand in many a year. I hope he can keep his head on as he gets further out into the music world. Kenny took the hard road and made it out scathed but still going. I would love to see this new one when his Kenny's age now (about 33, I think); he will be a monster.
From there is was back to South austin, to Threadgill's to catch Billy Harvey's band. they were opening for Bob Schnieder(sp?) This was the first place I saw BH with a band, and this night was even better than the first. billy, well, i have raved about his songwriting here before, but he really does do it for me. there is such a sense of humour and yet heart to what he does. The guys did a blistering set, through most of which a few of us danced (Austin can just be so damned stuffy sometimes!)and then billy decided to play his answering machine for us...
In all seriousness I have no idea what the hell the thing he was playing was, but it made an interesting change to his tune "Barnaby Jones." Somebody go frisk him to tell you what it is! Oh hell, nevermind---I'll do it myself! :p He's just too cute.
Ended up calling it a night not long after that, which was just as well. I had been up since 5.30 AM, worked until 1PM, drove straight to Austin, partyed with my friend and biz partner Delphine til after 12AM.....the bed was calling! I slept for about 7, 7 and a half hours, got up and started it all over again.....but that's for another blog!
Pictures will be up as soon as I can. Got the Red Room to get on it's feet, and a job to hold down. Just wish it was something a little closer to the music that makes my long weeks worthwhile. Love you, guys.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
South By So Wet
I steal the title of a new addition to the SXSW madness, partly in irreverence to the actual event, and partly because it bloody well decided to rain on us! South Texas is bone dry, has been for months, and WHEN does it choose to rain?!Well, one has to give the gods a few points for having a sense of humour.
South by So Wet, or in some instances, So What, happens down on S. Congress Ave., the other side of the river from the "other" silliness.Unsigned, or eclectic bands cannot get a break at SXSW, which sucks beyond measure, so some people with more open minds to the possibilities out there started this. For about 5 city blocks, there are bands and food and good times, with next to no hassle like the other side gets. There is music and often beer for free and all these musicians get to be heard without having to kiss the music industry's ass. I think this is what SXSW started off trying to be, lo, those many years ago (an awful lot of the participants this year were very small then, or not even born!) Somewhere, somehow, the business end took over and the music lover end got pushed to the back. Used to be the whole thing was held at the now deceased South Meadows arena, had about 150 bands, and cost a whole $10. My, don't we just love progress. It costs that much just to PARK now.
anyhow. Let me not demean the whole thing, because frankly, I had much fun. I could not work in everyone I wanted to see, missed a few I wanted to see again because I miss read the schedule, and frankly was worn thin just trying to get to the stuff I did! I managed to get Billy Harvey, Buttercup, Salim Nourallah, and Lanky worked into the list, and found a lot of other bands rather unexpectedly. I think that's the part about this that I love- when something musically is of value or unique or really well done, it will catch my ear and turn my head, no matter what else is going on. Even at 1 AM last night, I was finding music that blew my mind. In the utter cacophony of 6th St., I heard a punkish metal band that had the most tremendous drummer. I was listening intently when one guy walked out, saw me (my adopted kids are ALL older than this guys was) and asked me in all seriousness if I really liked that kind of music. I had to be honest and say not really, but I have one mother of a drummer brother in Machine Head and I know what doing it
right sounds like. The drummer in this band, Faux, (mispronounced "fox"....gotta love the education system in this country...) was a really talented guy. I could hear what would sell their CDs....just not to me.
Let me publish this one, and I will continue as fast as I can! Much to report!!
First off- The Flying Club!!! Wow! light jazz from Heaven!
Check them out at www.flyingclubmusic.com
Again, WOW!
more soon!!
South by So Wet, or in some instances, So What, happens down on S. Congress Ave., the other side of the river from the "other" silliness.Unsigned, or eclectic bands cannot get a break at SXSW, which sucks beyond measure, so some people with more open minds to the possibilities out there started this. For about 5 city blocks, there are bands and food and good times, with next to no hassle like the other side gets. There is music and often beer for free and all these musicians get to be heard without having to kiss the music industry's ass. I think this is what SXSW started off trying to be, lo, those many years ago (an awful lot of the participants this year were very small then, or not even born!) Somewhere, somehow, the business end took over and the music lover end got pushed to the back. Used to be the whole thing was held at the now deceased South Meadows arena, had about 150 bands, and cost a whole $10. My, don't we just love progress. It costs that much just to PARK now.
anyhow. Let me not demean the whole thing, because frankly, I had much fun. I could not work in everyone I wanted to see, missed a few I wanted to see again because I miss read the schedule, and frankly was worn thin just trying to get to the stuff I did! I managed to get Billy Harvey, Buttercup, Salim Nourallah, and Lanky worked into the list, and found a lot of other bands rather unexpectedly. I think that's the part about this that I love- when something musically is of value or unique or really well done, it will catch my ear and turn my head, no matter what else is going on. Even at 1 AM last night, I was finding music that blew my mind. In the utter cacophony of 6th St., I heard a punkish metal band that had the most tremendous drummer. I was listening intently when one guy walked out, saw me (my adopted kids are ALL older than this guys was) and asked me in all seriousness if I really liked that kind of music. I had to be honest and say not really, but I have one mother of a drummer brother in Machine Head and I know what doing it
right sounds like. The drummer in this band, Faux, (mispronounced "fox"....gotta love the education system in this country...) was a really talented guy. I could hear what would sell their CDs....just not to me.
Let me publish this one, and I will continue as fast as I can! Much to report!!
First off- The Flying Club!!! Wow! light jazz from Heaven!
Check them out at www.flyingclubmusic.com
Again, WOW!
more soon!!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Little Surprises
Well, the first new event in awhile for this one. I met Mando Saenz about 6 weeks ago, due to Lanky,in part. They had jammed together the week before, and along with friend Chris, were all into watching the guy that came on after Lanky at a Flipnotics gig. Blu Sanders was good, but not really my style. Hey, different strokes. I really didn't know that Mando was a singer-songwriter like the Lankster, but should've guessed. Not always on my toes about some things, but then again, the best in the world don't walk around talking about themselves egotistically. Last evening, I went to a place where Mando was performing, with Chris backing him up on guitar. The music seemed a tad country or maybe country rock, which also really isn't me, but then...Mando started to sing. My god, what a voice. That alone, no matter the music, could get me to go see the guy! And Chris, quite adept on the guitar as is, putting in some tremendous back up vocals, and harmonies! I had another obligation up the street but I stayed for the whole set, just to hear them sing. Wow. When you least expect it, ya know?
Go check him out. www.mandosaenz.com or www.myspace.com/mandosaenz I think you'll be impressed.
Hangface. My friend Anna asked me to come up to see them play; she's a big supporter.
The guys are from Norway, and just a nicer bunch of rockers one couldn't hope to meet.
Very tight band, with all the rock-n-roll moves, BUT the music to back it up. It ain't hype; it's what they do. I can't call it metal, and it sure isn't pop, but I hate putting labels on music anyway. I could near all sorts of influences in the sound, from Robin Trower to Floyd to Soundgarden. Still, they managed to make it all theirs and have a great time putting it out there for the world to experience. Too bad the room was so damned live and the sound guys apparently unconcerned with tryig to balance it. According to Espen, the drummer, they couldn't turn the kick up any louder without blowing breakers. Okay, fine, but overcompensating with the floor tom was too much! Well, during insanity week, the sets tend to run a bit short anyhow, so it never got truly overbearing. I just hate it when a band that actually has some musical worth can't be heard well. Punk%2
Go check him out. www.mandosaenz.com or www.myspace.com/mandosaenz I think you'll be impressed.
Hangface. My friend Anna asked me to come up to see them play; she's a big supporter.
The guys are from Norway, and just a nicer bunch of rockers one couldn't hope to meet.
Very tight band, with all the rock-n-roll moves, BUT the music to back it up. It ain't hype; it's what they do. I can't call it metal, and it sure isn't pop, but I hate putting labels on music anyway. I could near all sorts of influences in the sound, from Robin Trower to Floyd to Soundgarden. Still, they managed to make it all theirs and have a great time putting it out there for the world to experience. Too bad the room was so damned live and the sound guys apparently unconcerned with tryig to balance it. According to Espen, the drummer, they couldn't turn the kick up any louder without blowing breakers. Okay, fine, but overcompensating with the floor tom was too much! Well, during insanity week, the sets tend to run a bit short anyhow, so it never got truly overbearing. I just hate it when a band that actually has some musical worth can't be heard well. Punk%2
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
And They're Off!
Breaking out of the gate at amazing speed is BUTTERCUP! they head for the first turn and pass up much of the rest of the field to play at The Dandelion Cafe! It looks like everyone else on the whole of 6th St. is Standing Still!
Okay, at least from where I am at right now, it may not be quite so bad, but I bet parts of Austin are wishing it would all just go the hell away. SXSW, I mean. Racing around, trying to put together gigs and bands and sleeping arrangements that might actually include some sleep..... and we wanted this lifestyle WHY?!
Ha! I sit down here in SA, calmly getting up and doing my job, wondering what the hell some of my friends are going through up there, and truly, not envying them a wit. I will get a few choice handfulls as I can, and then leave, come back home to my nice "lame" little town (8th largest city in the US- how's that for lame, Austin- you ain't half our size! well, maybe right now, but tourists don't count!) I will sit on my porch, coffee and book in hand,sunday morning, and be able to see straight. and come Monday, when all the mundane world creeps back in your window, it will be like a bad Christmas memory, washing away with the street sweepers......
****************************************************************
The main reason for my jibe at all of this is the pure insanity of trying to plan out just two days worth of this silly thing! I just got ANOTHER notification of someone playing, but he chose to leave off the times. I suppose I am supposed to guess! I'll find you, Mando.....somehow. Right now, I have so much else also going on, that SXSW is just a panicky dream in the future. If I get there, fine; if not, well, so what. Most of these people I am going to see I will see again in a less nutz atmosphere.
**************************************************
Must go throw flyers for Del Castillo. Back in awhile to relate a fun little Lanky story he doesn't know about yet!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
Okay I'm back. throwing flyers ain't hard, but man, it is time consuming!
Anyway, I was doing one of the mundane jobs at work I just happen to have this odd knack for,and was playing Lanky on the PC at my desk, when one of the airmen I work with came into the room. I was behind him and saw his head turn and stop, and he listened very carefully to what was playing. I know that look. I get it myself. I walked passed him, saying as I did, if you like what you hear, come see him at the new club I am part of. I told him about the Red Room, showed him the new website my nephew Aaron made (http://redroomsa.com) and I think I know that the Lanster is going to have a new fan in that audience. (Oh yeah -"what the hell is an airman?!" I hear it now. I work for the Air Force currently, in a medical facility that used to be on Kelly AFB. Kelly is defunct, but for some reason the clinic is still there. I work wiht an interesting mix of air force people, civil circus people like myself, and contract civilians. The kids and I (some are as young as 19) get along, in part due to music. Who knows, Lanky, maybe you can land a world tour for the military.)
ANYway....I am tired, and I have got one heck of a couple of days coming up. TTFN, and I will report after returning from the battlefield. Light a candle for me- i will be going in feet first! and oh hey...it's supposed to rain like all hell this weekend- the first good rain we have had in too many months. Just figures. Better than dying of the heat like last year!
Okay, at least from where I am at right now, it may not be quite so bad, but I bet parts of Austin are wishing it would all just go the hell away. SXSW, I mean. Racing around, trying to put together gigs and bands and sleeping arrangements that might actually include some sleep..... and we wanted this lifestyle WHY?!
Ha! I sit down here in SA, calmly getting up and doing my job, wondering what the hell some of my friends are going through up there, and truly, not envying them a wit. I will get a few choice handfulls as I can, and then leave, come back home to my nice "lame" little town (8th largest city in the US- how's that for lame, Austin- you ain't half our size! well, maybe right now, but tourists don't count!) I will sit on my porch, coffee and book in hand,sunday morning, and be able to see straight. and come Monday, when all the mundane world creeps back in your window, it will be like a bad Christmas memory, washing away with the street sweepers......
****************************************************************
The main reason for my jibe at all of this is the pure insanity of trying to plan out just two days worth of this silly thing! I just got ANOTHER notification of someone playing, but he chose to leave off the times. I suppose I am supposed to guess! I'll find you, Mando.....somehow. Right now, I have so much else also going on, that SXSW is just a panicky dream in the future. If I get there, fine; if not, well, so what. Most of these people I am going to see I will see again in a less nutz atmosphere.
**************************************************
Must go throw flyers for Del Castillo. Back in awhile to relate a fun little Lanky story he doesn't know about yet!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
Okay I'm back. throwing flyers ain't hard, but man, it is time consuming!
Anyway, I was doing one of the mundane jobs at work I just happen to have this odd knack for,and was playing Lanky on the PC at my desk, when one of the airmen I work with came into the room. I was behind him and saw his head turn and stop, and he listened very carefully to what was playing. I know that look. I get it myself. I walked passed him, saying as I did, if you like what you hear, come see him at the new club I am part of. I told him about the Red Room, showed him the new website my nephew Aaron made (http://redroomsa.com) and I think I know that the Lanster is going to have a new fan in that audience. (Oh yeah -"what the hell is an airman?!" I hear it now. I work for the Air Force currently, in a medical facility that used to be on Kelly AFB. Kelly is defunct, but for some reason the clinic is still there. I work wiht an interesting mix of air force people, civil circus people like myself, and contract civilians. The kids and I (some are as young as 19) get along, in part due to music. Who knows, Lanky, maybe you can land a world tour for the military.)
ANYway....I am tired, and I have got one heck of a couple of days coming up. TTFN, and I will report after returning from the battlefield. Light a candle for me- i will be going in feet first! and oh hey...it's supposed to rain like all hell this weekend- the first good rain we have had in too many months. Just figures. Better than dying of the heat like last year!
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