Fine Line: August, 2007

Finally. A party even a loser like me can afford to attend…

Paul Slavens & Ten Hands Live at Club Dada - Filmed by The Fine Line

“Midnight on the M Streets” by Rose County Fair

“Lick” -Remix- Steve Austin

“Hush Puppy” by Johnny Lloyd Rollins

Well hell. I didn’t get the memo. It seems that the darling DuPree’s were on Conan O’Brien last night. Just to drive my lameness straight home, I didn’t even know Conan was still on the air….my gawd, I’m becoming my grandmother…

A little birdie told me that those Eisley kids also grace the cover of Ragged, as well as a feature on Filter TV.

…I just wanna eat’em up…

Austin Sound has always been a good read. Now that I’m closer to sweet sweet Austin, I’ll be over there more often than the past. Speaking of Austin, another one of my favorite Hill Country reads is Ultra8201, who hipped me to this fantabulous lil’ extravaganza…

In celebration of our first anniversary, Austin Sound presents the first annual Austin Sound Off Festival. On Saturday, September 1, some of our favorite local bands (see below for the full 13 band line-up) will take over the two stages of the Scoot Inn for an all day party starting at 3:00pm with free food and some free beer (better get there early!) to benefit the website. In addition to a great day of live music, local music bloggers from Covert Curiosity, Party Ends, Side One: Track One, Cubik Musik, and the Austinist will be spinning tunes between sets on the outside stage! Cover is only $5 for the full day, or you can RSVP with our friends over at Do512 for $3 entry. So come out and help us celebrate the great bands and fans that make Austin the live music capital of the world!

Outside Stage:
11:00pm-12:00am: Golden Bear
10:00-11:00pm: Peel
8:45-9:30pm: Brazos
7:30-8:15pm: Black Before Red
6:15-7:00pm: The Black
5:00-5:45pm: Sunset
4:00-4:45pm: Charles Potts Magic Windmill Band

Inside Stage:
12:00-1:00am: Leatherbag
9:30-10:15pm: Transmography
8:15-9:00pm: Benko
7:00-7:45pm: Virgin of the Birds
5:45-6:30pm: The Narrow Escapes
4:30-5:15pm: Tullie

“Workers Wake Up” by Peel

“Out of Sight” by Hilary York

White Rabbit
Getcher All-Ages On
My American Heart / The Higher / JUNE / The Tale of
Doors at 7 PM - $10 - Young’un’s encouraged

Chris sent the girl-child an invite to this fabby little shindig weeks ago…I guess mine got lost in the mail…yeah…that must be it.

Dell Lounge presents the the Hot Freaks! ACL after-party — which we’ve affectionately dubbed “Hot Freaks 2: Electric Blog-aloo” — at the Mohawk and Club Deville, starring:

Grizzly Bear
Art Brut
The Rosebuds
St. Vincent
AND MORE

The party is totally free (you’ll be able to RSVP starting next Tuesday), and will also feature some of Austin’s finest, including Sparrow House, Yellow Fever, Brazos, and the debut of the amazing Crazy Sexy Rainbow. We’re super excited to be involved with this, along with our friends Brooklyn Vegan, La Blogotheque, Aquarium Drunkard, MOKB, Chromewaves, and YANP. Befriend Hot Freaks! on myspace for updates, and set times…

St. Vincent

I’ve told the story of how my old TexasRadio1 show got its name, and how this site took that name and how it all goes back to a little band called Macon Greyson and a little song called “Fine Line.”

If you are new, or if you even give a flyin’ eff, you can read the rehash here.

“Fine Line” by Macon Greyson

Now go getcherown damn copy.

Macon Greyson has always and will always reside at the top of my all time favorite bands. Plus, I’ve got a huge crush on songster/singer Buddy Huffman, always have, always will. So I was tickled-pink when Kelly aka “The Knob” sent me a link to this divine little blurb in Paste Magazine…

Representing the Son Volt side of the schism we have Dallas’s Macon Greyson, and lead singer/songwriter Buddy Huffman, who has Jay Farrar’s craggy, soulful tenor down to a sadsack science. There are times when it’s impossible to tell them apart. Like the early Son Volt albums, Macon Greyson’s songs alternate between blistering roots rockers and country-inflected ballads. The ballads are just fine, and showcase Huffman’s social conscience and better-than-average lyrical gifts. But this band really shines on the rockers, where they take the no-frills ethos of the best bar bands and kick it right into the back alley. The bluesy Stones swagger of “Black Light” may offer the best Keith Richards guitar lick since “Brown Sugar,” and the sturdy power chords of the title track and “Minnesota Weather Map” will have the air guitarists pumping their fists. It’s straightforward rock ‘n roll for the millionth time, and, as is the case with all such miracles, it sounds utterly fresh and vital. (Out October 9th on Fat Caddy Records)…read it all.

I prolly shouldn’toutta admit this, but one time I was riding shotgun in the girl-child’s car and she popped in a mixed CD that she had made and a Son Volt song came on and I said, “wow, this band sounds just like Macon Greyson.” Of course I was scolded and corrected and reminded of my lameness. Hey look man, that was back in the days that I longed for a Backstreet Boys reunion.

Not to be redundant, but didya read the part about the boys puttin’ out a new album, set to drop on October 9th? The boys are puttin’ out a new album, set to drop on October 9th.

But first lemme hip ya to more on Macon Greyson…

Most of an artists’ best work is created when they are bushed. Whether they are tired of routine or just tired of the banality of existing art, from weariness comes excellence. That line of equilibrium is balanced on Macon Greyson’s newest studio album, 20th Century Accidents. The lyrical content on the album addresses many significant topics and the musical backing provides a breathing force of pure guitar bliss. Steadying away from being pigeon-holed, the album declines participation in the simple categorization of country and instead gives the listener ample opportunity to rock out.

Often confused as a group fronted by an individual singer-songwriter named Macon Greyson, the four-piece actually started as a band with no name but plenty of ideas. Lead singer Buddy Huffman met drummer Badger Vass through mutual friends, and Badger brought in his friends Harley Husbands and Fred Kousal to play lead guitars and bass, respectively. Legendary Texan musician Ray Wylie Hubbard, who served as their inspiration in more ways than one by both thinking up the name “Macon Greyson” and providing his keen ear for their fundamental sound, produced their first studio album, 2000’s Miles From Here. However, as time would roll on, the men of Macon Greyson would discover that they not only had a recognizable talent for producing country-laden roots rock but also defiantly unabashed guitar rock.

This rock-infused sound that blended the talents of the four-piece was presented on their most recent critically acclaimed album, 2006’s Translate. Blending straightforward rock with meaningful lyrics, Buddy Huffman began to incorporate the music he loved to play with the lyrics he had to write. His talent for looking towards the future, but consecutively presenting his thoughts on the world he saw around him, would become part of the band’s trademark sound that launched them out of the stratosphere of mindless rock.

On 20th Century Accidents the band has tightened up, and is now perfectly comfortable to deliver the old school rock that speaks so cleverly to their fellow devotees of jaded and cynical music with an edge. It is for that reason that comparisons simply don’t do Macon Greyson justice. For Buddy Huffman, a lyricist who takes his inspiration from the likes of Kurt Vonnegut and legendary rock heroes, a good old fashioned rock’n'roll album is just another outlet to express his thoughts on the world around him.

Paralleling political rock in the 1970’s very closely in both sound and lyrical content, Macon Greyson is hoping to dispossess prevalent typecasts that call for Americans to ignore what is happening in the world. The theme of some major tracks (including “Minnesota Weatherman,” “Right or Wrong” and “Black Light”) is about embracing individuality as a strength of character, not a personality weakness. As Huffman explains, “The songs are about watching destruction and knowing that it happens, but not trying to fix it. Individuality shouldn’t be an isolationist stance.”

Each track on Accidents attracts the listener with a remarkably important story. “John Q Blues” sounds as though Paul McCartney got trapped in an elevator with Ace Frehley, and the result was a 3 minute opus to catchy hooks. On one of the standouts of the album, “I’m Still Here,” Huffman’s lyrical boldness is incorporated into roots rock stript to its core. Blending lyrics primarily influenced by Huffman’s notable muse, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., into bluegrass-style accompaniment, the track is a simple and delicate illustration of social commentary. Over all the tracks, the combination of cerebral lyrics with expertly executed musical accompaniment makes each member in Macon Greyson vitally important to the unique sound emanating from this rock band out of Dallas, Texas.Macon Greyson has managed to marshal a strong seventies rock sound that has been seldom heard since the end of the Vietnam era. They give up a little country dirt (which can be expected from any band hailing from the fore-regions of Texas), but they mostly rely on the ability to warp their sound into an irrationally abandoned genre that deferred with the advent of computers. Whether you live and breathe garage rock like AC/DC or whether you are more of a subscriber to poignant ballads, Macon Greyson covers it. Quite simply- if all bands had Macon Greyson’s natural ability to combine activist lyrics with catchy melodies, the world would be better for it.

Macon Greyson, along with their label Fat Caddy Records are set to release 20th Century Accidents on October 9th. Oh wait. Did I already mention it?

Loads of dates up and down Texas and Oklahoma can be found here or here.

Meantime here’s a lil’ sumpin’ sumpin’ for your listening pleasure…

“Beams” by Macon Grayson (From the forthcoming album, 20th Century Accidents set to drop on October 9th)

There are 3 very special people who came into my life since entering the wide world of music. Three individuals who I’m not only particularly fond of, but also each of whom inspire me on a daily basis.

However, let me digress for moment.

Today after the gym and a leisurely “Forget the Alamo” adventure, I continued on with my usual Wednesday routine, stopping at Subway for a mini-turkey on wheat. Just as I arrived, about 6 or so women followed in behind me obviously on their lunch break from work. Following them was a man, probably in his mid-50’s in shorts, a pearl-snap shirt and cowboy boots. He went directly to the back of the store and into the men’s restroom. All the while, the surly, rude, jackass behind the counter took a break from gossiping with his co-worker, not to wait on the 7 customers who stood before him, rather to yell at the top of his lungs “NO KENNY!” “KENNY GET OUT!” “NO KENNY, NO DRINK TODAY!”

Kenny, it seems, is homeless. I figured since the Subway dicks knew him by name, he was pretty much a regular fixture. The whole thing was so odd and disgraceful and humiliating that I sort of went brain dead for a few seconds. Wait! What just happened? The guy can’t get a freakin’ drink? Have some compassion man, it’s not like he was panhandling out front or bothering anyone. Kenny was just thirsty and asked for help.

Since meeting Hal Samples, getting to know him and the work he does, I’ve come to understand more about the world of the homeless. Now I’m more aware than ever, and certainly more empathetic. There have been many times that I’ve been a few bucks away from having no money. There was one time in my life that I can admit that I did hit rock bottom. However, no matter what kind of mess I found myself in or what state of finances I endured, I alway had somewhere to go and/or someone to turn to. I had my family. I had my friends. I am lucky. Because if I didn’t have a patient father who was willing to bail me out of trouble a time or 50 or good friends who let me crash at their place on occasion, I could have been just like Kenny.

I found Kenny a ways down the strip center. Thankfully the boy-child had left a cup full of quarters in the car, which I gave to Kenny. I wish I had had some cash on me, but I rarely do, so I gave him what I had. I apologized for the asshole at Subway, gave him the money and wished him luck. He never uttered a word…however…I’ll never get the sound of the only words I heard him speak back at the sandwich shop…”what, no drink?”

I drove home furious at the world. Furious at the supreme assholes at Subway. Furious.

Then God shot me another break. I had an email waiting for me from Bill Holston. Today Bill’s essay was featured on the KERA Segment, “This I Believe.” Today he read it on the air. Today, upon hearing his essay “This I Believe, Servitude“, he made my fury subside and my heart warm. I made a vow to myself after listening to Bill’s essay that I’ll drive past that strip center every day that I can. I’ll look for Kenny and I’ll do for him whatever he needs doin’ or give to him whatever I can. It’s the least I can do, but more importantly it’s my responsibility.

He’s a good man, Bill is (and he’s got that amazing kid)…and I thank him for everything he does and for being my friend.

Please listen to his inspirational words.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I was trying to find some audio that fit the mood on this here post, and came across the Spune Back to School bash promo podcast I put together last year…kinda fits my range of emotions today…don’t mind my blather on it, just click it for the great tuneage.

2006 Back to School Preview Podcast

Playlist:
Glen Farris - “Don’t Fail Me Now”
Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang - “Cluck Ol’ Hen”
Warren Jackson Hearne - “Ain’t You An Evil One”
Blood on the Moors - “Blood on the Moors”
Saboteur - “Bitchin’”
Doug Burr - “Should’ve Known”
Deadman - “Storms”
Sorta - “85 Feet and Falling”
Black Tie Dynasty - “Tender”

Caterpillar: Who are YOU?
Alice: This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. I — I hardly know, sir, just at present — at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.
~Alice in Wonderland~

My new regime since school started is as follows:
1. Get up, stumble about.
2. Fix the boy-child some mornin’ vittles.
3. Drive the freakin’ 20-minutes it takes to get the kid to his learnin’ place.
4. Gym. Good LORD I’ve let myself go, and I’m payin’ for it too.
5. Either work, or house-cleanin’ or what I’ve come to call “Forget the Alamo.”

Now don’t you hardcore Texans getcher spurs in a wad, I’m not dissin’ the Alamo. It’s just that up until about 8 months ago, the only thing I knew about San Antonio was that, growing up, it was our stop (the Alamo tour, year after year after year) on the way to Port Aransas. That’s all I knew.

Since I’m “among the 1/5th of Americans who can’t locate the U.S. on a world map,” you can imagine my difficulty in trying to locate where 281 and 1604 meet here in San Antonio…or do they? So I just get in my car and point it in a direction and drive. I learn by doing. So I do.

Today I headed South and found an urge to exit on the St. Mary’s/Mulberry exit. I sort of remembered that the boy-child’s new favorite live music hang is on St. Mary’s, so what the heck, let’s see what all the fuss is about. I’m so glad I did. What a cool little area, sort of a toss-up mix of Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville. Almost immediately I felt a sense of peace overcome my being just driving around the area. Kinda like I was home.

I found the White Rabbit (my destination next month for Reverend Horton Heat and The Rentals), I found the Limelight (my destination next month for Buttercup, Marcus Rubio, Spoonfed Tribe). I found Krazy Kat Records, recommended to me previously by the fantabulous John Dufilho. I found the area in which I’ll plant my ass a lot in the future.

Upon arrival back home, I noticed a MySpace bulletin from that very White Rabbit, and thought some of you artsy types might take an interest:

We are looking for a logo for the new “White Rabbit Pizzeria” (next door to the WR).

We know y’all are creative – so have fun, think outside the box. Win $250.

We want a logo with PERSONALITY.

Follow this link to find out what we are looking for, contest rules, and to submit entries: http://www.sitepoint.com/marketplace/contest/3062

P.S. Please pass this info on – the contest ends on 9/5/07

Dang I wish I had that artsy gene…

“Say What” by Spoonfed Tribe

Deep Ellum Mural Series Competition

The Deep Ellum Association is sponsoring re •cov •er, a mural competition to enhance the Deep Ellum Neighborhood. The proposed series of murals will be painted on buildings located on Elm, Main and Commerce Street and pay tribute to the area’s many musical artists.

Musicians under consideration for the first phase of the mural series include: Edie Brickell, Reverend Horton Heat, Tim Delaughter, Bobby Soxx, Don ‘Pepe Lopez’ Foote, Peter Schmidt, the Old 97’s, Mark ‘MC 900 Foot Jesus’ Griffin. Norah Jones, Earl Harvin, Dimebag / Pantera, Todd Lewis / The Toadies, Patrice Pike, Jim Suhler, Dave Williams / Drowning Pool, Sarah Hickman, Michelle Shocked, Roy Hargrove, Cottonmouth TX., and Blues legends Leadbelly, John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, Sam Myers and Robert Johnson.

re •cov •er v. 1. to take back again into one’s hands or possession 2. to regain possession of something lost or taken away 3. to regain by conquest or main force 4. to win back ground lost in fighting 5. to regain some non-material thing which may be spoken of as lost or taken away 6. to find again 7. to come upon a second time 8. to reclaim. Theme: Re-cover speaks both to the recent history of the tunnel and how artists might be approached in the design submissions.

Deep Ellum has always prided itself on being an artist community and a collaborative environment. In reclaiming it’s artistic roots, there must exist a strong sense of community and a respect for private property and original works of art. Community leaders and neighborhood activists developed the idea for the mural series competition to assist in attracting artists from the surrounding metro-plex area and engage them in the Deep Ellum community. This competition seeks to regain possession of original works of art which have physically been removed and to recognize the artistic contribution of artists whose original art we have lost in the process of the destruction of tunnel.

The competition is open to all Texas artists.
Cost: There is a $20.00 entry fee. The costs for mural execution will be sponsored by the Deep Ellum Association,The Deep Ellum Foundation, property owners and private donations.

Submissions should not exceed 24” x 36”. Names of designers and contact information should be in a sealed envelope attached to the back of the board. The mural series project has few other restrictions. The design has no material limit, however it must not project more than one inch from the wall.

Judging: The Deep Ellum community along with a panel of judges will select the winners.
The judges will be given latitude in the awarding of additional honors.
Top Prize: $1,000 and of course, having your work on permanent display for a year.
Commission: Upon selection, winning artists will work with a team to execute the design.

Submissions should be sent to:
Frank Campagna
Deep Ellum Mural Competition
2822 Elm Street

Dallas Texas 756226.
For more information please call (214) 939.5255.

Deadline: Noon, September 7, 2007.

Public Exhibition, September 15 - 30

Mural Painting Event
A special ceremony to celebrate and introduce the winning artists will be held on October 13, 2007 in Deep Ellum.

If’n you kiddies thinkin’ about entering wanna real-honest-to-gosh artist to follow footsteps…gander below…and good the hell luck.

Man I miss these guys…they’s the greatest…

Literally just up the road in either direction, less than a mile away, sits places like Old Navy and Chuy’s and Target and Walmart and Academy Sports and…well you get the gist.

So it still baffles (and pleases) me to peek out the window to see families of deer roaming free…

And I dunno what the hell that thing is down there…a turkey? It flew up into a tree. Do turkeys fly up into trees? TFG says it’s a vulture or a turkey buzzard…me thinks I’ll round up Speck from out back just in case…

All this nature in a matter of a 5-minute period…pretty cool…

“Edge of the Earth” by Calhoun

It’s shows like the one above that bum me out about not being in Dallas. HOWEVER, while searching through various San Antonio venue calendars I came across a joint of which I was unaware.

Jack’s.

Jack is promising me Levi Smith on September 15th and Flickerstick on November 7th and Red Monroe along with George Devore and Vallejo on September 21st.

However, that date ain’t on the Red Monroe calendar, nor Levi’s calendar and nuthin’ at all on Flickerstick’s calendar either. Could Jack deceive? Could I be imagining things due to my overwhelming need for all things Red Monroe, Levi Smith and the others?

Sigh…I need to get to the bottom of this…

Red Monroe

Levi Smith

…wicked awesome…

Mission Statement
Utilizing unique and exciting displays, a knowledgeable staff and the power of these Texans and their art, the Texas Musicians Museum will bring attention to and educate people about the history and influences of these artists. We believe their music is a statement of Texas’ character. Through it, we can see where we have been, who we are, and where we hope to be.

“Good Mornin’ Blues by Huddie William Ledbetter “Lead Belly”

Vision
Texas musicians have had a profound effect on American music and culture. Casey Monahan of the Texas Music Office writes, “Americans of all kinds came to Texas and brought with them their music: Polka from the Czechs, Poles and Germans; Conjunto from Northern Mexico; Gospel, R&B, jazz and blues from Africans; classical from throughout the world. Moreover, when these Texans got together, wholly new strains appeared soon thereafter. Electric blues, honky-tonk, Tejano, Down South Hip Hop, and ragtime are all variations of American music that began in Texas through such innovation and melding.”

“Hangman Blues” by Blind Lemon Jefferson

The Texas Musicians Museum will bring their stories to life, weaving their experiences, styles and influences together. Through the quality displays, visitors can trace the thread of Bob Wills’ Texas swing to Buddy Holly’s 50’s rock and its influence on the likes of the Beatles and Eric Clapton. They can pick another thread and follow back to Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan and even further back to the early bluesmen such as T-Bone Walker and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Woven into their histories are the early African-American cowboys and their gospel-like country blues.

“Hellbound on My Trail” by Robert Johnson

The importance of culture and art to society cannot be over-emphasized. In a study titled, “The Arts, Culture and the Texas Economy,” M. Ray Perryman, PhD, President and CEO of the Perryman Group states, “At the most obvious level, the spending on producing and attending performances or organizing and viewing exhibits generates a stimulus to local areas across the globe. This type of effect is frequently measured by traditional economic impact studies of the cultural arts. At the other end of the spectrum, the enthusiastic spark engendered when a young person attends a concert for the first time may manifest itself years later in a medical breakthrough, a new technology, or an innovative corporate enterprise. The mere exposure to a bigger world provided by the arts transforms the perspectives and prospects of many.”

“T-Bone Shuffle” by T-Bone Walker

The Texas Musicians Museum’s Advisory Board is comprised of professionals in business and entertainment. They are our partners in guiding the museum’s expansion, business direction and acquisition of memorabilia.

Clifford Antone
A Port Arthur, Texas native, Mr. Antone opened Austin’s internationally reknowned night club Antone’s in 1975. An avid fan and supporter of music, in 1986 he furthered his ideas of preservation by founding Antone’s Records, home of artist’s including Angela Strehli, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Lou Ann Barton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Marcia Ball, Guy Forsyth and many more. He also teaches Texas music history at Texas State University.

Steven Fromholz
One of the original “Outlaws” and long recognized as a Texas Legend in the entertainment industry, Steven Fromholz brings a wealth of experience to the Texas Musicians Museum from both sides of the footlights. His
40-year-plus career includes singing, songwriting (two Grammys), acting (stage and movies), poet, playwright, white water river guide and comedian extraordinaire.

Cutter Brandenburg
Former road manager for Stevie Ray Vaughan and Texas Musicians Museum board member, Cutter Brandenburg’s website. Information and links about Vaughan and other Texas musicians, as well as information about Brandenburgs upcoming book!

Patti Coghill
Former owner - Southwest Blues Magazine, blues historian & founder of a Texas-based blues foundation, which helps with medical and funeral expenses of blues musicians.

Nancy Coplin
Board of Austin Blues Society, producer of “Live Austin” in the Bergstrom International Airport.

Timothy Duckworth
Austin-based musician & songwriter, co-songwriter and personal assistant to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

George Gimarc
Music historian and expert with 29 years in radio, including “The Rock and Roll Alternative” - the US’s first new wave/punk rock show. Resource with networks and contacts in every genre of Texas music.

Art Greenhaw
Texas Grammy Award winner, Record Producer and member of the world famous Light Crust Doughboys.

Bill Griggs
Historian, archivist and expert on Buddy Holly and early rock and roll and West Texas artists’ recordings.

Leo Hull
Dallas Real Estate Broker, Blues advocate and guitarist with the legendary band “Leo Hull and the Texas Blues Machine”.

Eric Jensen
A Texas musician and enthusisast who produces the Texas Guitar festival in Tyler. Eric’s love for Texas music and his support for the TMM make for a great relationship. He is also a well-know attorney in Tyler and the east Texas area.

Robert Johnson
Reknowned Memphis record producer, guitarist with John Entwistle’s band, Mick Fleetwood’s band, and Issac Hayes band. Collector of music memorabilia.

Doug Norwine
In addition to his own extensive music and entertainment memorabilia collection, Doug also works for Heritage Galleries and Auctioneers. He is also an award winning musician who is probably best known as the music behind four fingered sax playing cartoon character Lisa Simpson and her mentor Bleeding Gums Murphy on the Fox television show The Simpsons.

Spencer Perskin
Spencer is the original and founding member of the legendary Shiva’s Headband. He is a musician and historian of Texas Music and its music legends.

Mark Pollock
Mark spent several years in Freddie King’s band, toured with James Cotton, and was in the popular Dallas band called Cold Blue Steel. He’s the former owner of the world renowned Charley’s Guitar Shop and the co-founder for one of the worlds biggest guitar shows. The DALLAS INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL.

Rick Rosas
Musician, Songwriter & Record Producer, Bass player for Joe Walsh, Neil Young & Waddy Wachtel.

J.P. Richardson Jr.
Texas music history expert. Son of late Texas artist, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson

Tommie Ritter Smith
President and CEO of the Texas Country Music Hall Of Fame & Tex Ritter Museum in Carthage, Texas

Mark Robbins
A resident of North Texas, and multifaceted instrumentalist, Mark is an acclaimed Audio Producer specializing in LIVE performance recording, spanning genres from Classical to Blues and most everything in between. A creative force in many media types, he has worked in key roles doing Special Effects for major motion pictures, as well as remaining on the front lines of WEB development since 1984, before most people even owned a computer. An accomplished cellist, guitarist, bass player, Chapman Stick player, and too many instruments to list here, Mark gives an artist’s ear and technical inventiveness to projects, from web to film and audio recording and mastering. Mark’s web site is www.studiocerebral.com.

Rick Stuart
Live music production, music & theatre design. Assisted in the planning and building of Nextstage (now known as Nokia Live) in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Saturday, September 1st
Texas Music Museum in Hillsboro, Texas
Gates Open at 2 PM - $10.00 in Advance - $15.00 at the DOor
Leo Hull & the Texas Blues Machine / The Big Guns / Shanghai 5 / Westbound and the Barbarians of Sevilla
Purchase Tickets Online

“Better on Fire” by Shanghai 5

Okay, let’s start by saying that the above photo does Robert Wilonsky absolutely no justice. He fine. He so fine. I was just intimidated and a’scared to ask him to pose for us (me’n’Reid upon departure from his kind agreement to let us into his office in the first place…

Thankfully Reid still has an ear to the ground and sent me this lil’ tidbit of info….

Ebert disputes Disney
From the Associated Press
August 27, 2007

Roger Ebert said he never gave a “thumbs down” to the use of thumbs in the film reviews for “At the Movies With Ebert & Roeper” during contract negotiations.

In a statement released Friday, the TV show’s distributor, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, said Ebert had “exercised his right to withhold use of the ‘thumbs’ until a new contract is signed.” Ebert is a copyright holder on the signature “thumbs up, thumbs down” judgment that’s part of each film review.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning critic responded in a statement Saturday on his website, saying he “had made it clear the Thumbs could remain during good-faith negotiations,” contrary to Disney’s press release.

“They made a first offer . . . which I considered offensively low,” he wrote. “I responded with a counteroffer. They did not reply to this and . . . ordered the Thumbs removed from the show. This is not something I expected after an association of over 22 years.”

Health problems have kept Ebert from appearing on the show for more than a year, with guest hosts filling in. In the new season that started this weekend, Richard Roeper was to be joined by movie critic Robert Wilonsky of the Dallas Observer.

Two episodes have been taped without the catchy thumb assessment, a staple of movie marketing and, in turn, a big part of the show’s influence.

Ebert, 65, underwent a series of cancer surgeries, most recently in June 2006 when he had a growth on his salivary gland and part of his jaw removed. Two weeks later, he had surgery after a blood vessel burst near the site of the operation. A tracheostomy, which opens an airway through an incision in the windpipe, left him unable to speak, a condition he has said requires further surgery. But he is cancer-free, he said earlier this month.

Our prayers go out to Mr. Ebert, that’s fer sure. I grew up with Roger Ebert, and fully considered his thumbs-up/thumbs-down suggestions. I like Roger Ebert. I wish like hell that he fully recovers.

But have you seen Wilonsky on camera? It works. He works. Hmmmmmmm….perhaps a “Roger and Robert” show is in the future?

Reid rules….

…Wilonsky may rule a new roost in the near future as well. Let’s hope it ain’t due to the poor health of others, rather a good look at this guy’s potential outside of the above office and inside the eye of a camera….

Upon marrying into TheFatGuy’s world, I inherited some pretty fabby new pals. One such fabby pal is Barney. Barney lawyers by day and Mumbles by night. He’s greatness and I simply adore him.

So trollin’ MySpace bulletins reveals that there are other musical types floatin’ ’round Barney’s family tree, one such kid who happens to be in a band from Austin called Nelo…

nelo (rhymes with “hello”), whose tight songs have been described as joyful and emotional, packs its live shows with a combination of original pop-rock songs and powerful condensed jams.

It was born when Matt Ragland, songwriter and acoustic guitarist, started writing songs in Austin, where he attended The University of Texas at the same time as singer Reid Umstattd. Ragland formed a band, mostly of musician friends from high school, and moved to Athens, Ga.

After playing there for little more than a year and building a devoted fan base, nelo moved back to Austin to play for its growing Texas high-school and college-age audiences and started recording its debut album, slated for release February 2008 on Pedernales Records.

Prior to joining nelo, Chris Hill (drums, percussion), Stephen Goodson (electric guitar), David Long (tenor & soprano sax, flute) and Mike St. Clair (bass, trombone) all attended the University of North Texas, where they studied jazz.

Last time I spoke with Barney in person, I was a blog post away from shutting this baby down. I’m assuming he don’t know I’m a liar and I rarely do what I say…cuz here I is…

So Neno is one of the top 20 finalists to win a slot at this year’s ACL Festival and they would like your votes. I took a listen and I like the band. However, I’m going to really have to mull things over before I cast my vote, as my beloved White Ghost Shivers, along with another FLL-fave Dynah and Golden Bear, all also from Austin.

My stupid Audacity program has been on the fritz, so I ain’t got nuthin’ audio-wise to put up here. But I can give ya some links…

Neno - MySpace - Official Site - as of now they are in 6th place with 1926 votes

White Ghost Shivers - MySpace - Official Site - as of now they are in 10th place with 1346 votes

Golden Bear - MySpace - Official Site - as of now they are in 4th place with 2160 votes

Dynah - MySpace - Official Site - as of now they are in 20th place with 213 votes

Vote for your favorite band.

So I was puttering around the San Antonio Current’s website when I took note that former Dallas Observer music editor, Gilbert Garcia, is now the associate music editor at the Current. Very interesting.

I’m going to pester him daily about doing an “Inside the Mind” podcast until he can take no more and gives me the thumbs-up….I can be evil like that…

The “when I first met him” look

The “hippy-dude” look

Omigawd. My precious Opie has, yet again, re-done himself.

The “crap, I just spewed diet coke all over my computer” look

I was literally halfway out the door of Bill’s Records when he began to perform some 6 or so years back. Stopped me dead in my tracks, he sure did. I fell instantly in love…literally…I’ve been in love with him ever since. Heart-pounding-giggling-like-a-school-girl-takes-my-breath-away-head-over-heels in love.

After his overwhelmingly amazing performance that fated afternoon, I charged the steps (this was back before Bill built the stage and the artists performed on the steps leading up to the vinyl area), introduced myself, and the rest is history.

I spent one of the best nights of my life with Opie a couple of summers ago. He was down at Buck’s on the Brazos to perform at Raz on the Braz — got in late — hopped on my golf cart with his guitar strapped on and I drove him from campsite to campsite where he’d jump off the cart, perform a song or 2 and we’d move on down the road. This cat is one of the greatest performers ever! Rockabilly, twangy Country, rock-n-roll, blues, the boy does it all.

I’ve had the great pleasure of booking Opie a few times over the years, and I’ve been known to follow him around like a puppy-dog on more than one Dallas/Fort Worth tour. From the first album I ever heard, Smashed Hits to his follow-up splendid album, San Jacinto, to his latest release Chupacabra — I’ve yet to hear a song I didn’t love. You can get all three albums if you simply click here.

If you knew the boy like I know the boy….you’d laugh your ass off at that latest photo…oh…that…Opie…

“Dead in a Ditch” Live - Recorded by a drunken FineLiner

Opie’s America:
Wednesday, August 31st
The Armadillo Palace in Houston
8 PM

Friday, August 31st
Meridian Music Festival
10 PM - $20.00
Featuring: The Uncle Bill Roach Band / Shake Russell / Jordan Mycoskie / blacktopGypsy / Brad Hines / Highspeed Hayride / Rusty Wier and more!
Click on the Banner Below for More Information

Saturday, September 1st
Adair’s in Dallas
10 PM - No Cover

On September 4th, Midlake releases a digital EP of rarities for US & Canadian fans. “Oak and Julian” features acoustic versions of the indie hit “Roscoe” and fan favorite “It Covers The Hillside”, both from the critically acclaimed 2006 release on Bella Union, The Trials of Van Occupanther. In addition, the EP collects 2 rare b-sides from vinyl-only releases on foreign shores: “Marion”, a delicate piano-based piece that brings Tim Smith’s vocals to the fore while “Mornings Will Be Kind”, a song featuring the whole band harkens back to the band’s work on their full-length debut, Bamnan and Silvercork. Details below…

This September, Midlake embark on a headline tour that includes performances at Webster Hall, Henry Fonda Theatre, Great American Music Hall, Chicago’s Metro, and Austin City Limits. Tickets are on sale now at
Other recent highlights include:

• Mojo Awards: In May 2007, Midlake was nominated for both the Best Album and Breakthrough Act awards, two of the most prestigious categories of Mojo Magazine’s annual music awards. Other nominees included the likes of Amy Winehouse, Grinderman, The Hold Steady.

• Midlake recently collaborated with Chemical Brothers on their 2007 release “We Are The Night”. Many have spoken out on the track “The Pills Won’t Help You Now” as one of the album’s shining moments.

• In 2006, Midlake’s “Trials of Van Occupanther” earned spots on numerous year-end Best-of lists, such as The Onion (#3), Mojo (#9), Uncut (#9), and NME (#40).

• In 2007, Midlake’s cult following continued to blossom with published kudos from the likes of actress/singer Minnie Driver in the Christian Science Monitor, actor/producer Adam Goldberg in USA Today, Ian MacKaye of Fugazi in Uncut, and Paul Weller in Uncut as well.

Midlake - “Oak and Julian” EP
Bella Union / World’s Fair
Available 9/4/2007 at iTunes
Track Listing:
1. Roscoe (Acoustic Version)
2. It Covers The Hillside (Acoustic Version)
3. Marion
4. Mornings Will Be Kind

Midlake on tour:

Tue - Sep 04 @ The Earl, Atlanta, GA

Wed - Sep 05 @ Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC

Thu - Sep 06 @ Black Cat, Washington, DC

Fri - Sep 07 @ Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Sat - Sep 08 @ Webster Hall, New York, NY

Sun - Sep 09 @ Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA

Tue - Sep 11 @ Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH

Wed - Sep 12 @ Metro, Chicago, IL

Sun - Sep 16 @ Austin City Limits, Austin, TX

Thu - Sep 20 @ Numbers, Houston, TX

Mon - Sep 24 @ Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ

Tue - Sep 25 @ Henry Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

Wed - Sep 26 @ Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach / San Diego, CA

Thu - Sep 27 @ Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA

Sat - Sep 29 @ Doug Fir, Portland, OR

Sun - Sep 30 @ Crocodile Cafe, Seattle, WA

Tue - Oct 02 @ Bluebird Theatre, Denver, CO

Wed - Oct 03 @ Jackpot, Lawrence, KS

“Roscoe” by Midlake