I can't believe you don't own this record!

The best time and place to get it is at Waterloo Records before Wednesday, July 7th, at noon. Why? Alejandro Escovedo will be performing at Waterloo for FREE at noon. Be sure to also catch Escovedo on Wednesday night at 7:30pm at Zilker Park for Blues On The Green. That's also free. Given both events are free, the least you could do is buy the record.

New Interview with Carrie Rodriguez

(photo by Sara Wilson)

I got to finally meet and talk to Carrie Rodriguez last week. I've waited a long time. She lives in Austin now and will be playing with full band this weekend at the soon to be defunct Cactus Cafe. She'll be performing on both Friday and Saturday, April 16th-17th. She is one of the few Americana type artists I actually listen to, other than maybe Band of Heathens. We talked about here move back to Austin, her new covers album, touring with Alejandro Escovedo and growing up in Austin.

Read my full interview on Austin Vida here: http://tinyurl.com/y5xox98

Two Nights With Alejandro Escovedo at The Continental Club

 This weekend in Austin we are blessed with not one, but two back to back nights with Alejandro Escovedo at the legendary Continental Club on South Congress. Escovedo is a music icon and a real genuine dude. I only hope I'm half as cool as he is one day. I admit I didn't much care for his music until Boxing Mirror came out, but wasn't totally won over with his latest album came out, Real Animal.

The first time I got to see Alejandro live in concert was at the legendary Gruene Hall in Gruene (pronounced like "green") right outside New Braunfels in 2008. It was also my first time seeing a show at Gruene Hall. My dad and I went and had a blast. Afterward, Alejandro stayed and signed autographs, took pictures with fans, etc. I bought my vinyl copy of Real Animal that night and had him sign it. I snapped this photo with him for the scrap book.

 Just to briefly touch upon his music for those who don't know, it is very modern rock meets alt-country. It leans a little on the American side at times, but then kicks ass '60s rock style. He is an old school punk rocker, world traveled and made what is being called his "debut to the world" by sharing the stage with Bruce Springsteen. He often gets comparisons to The Boss more than any other known artist.  Although I don't agree with the comparison, I know The Boss's fans will no doubt love Escovedo.

He does draw, and forgive my honesty and age here, an older crowd most of the time. There's always a few of us 20 something, in the know music geeks in the crowd. I am hoping that changes over time and believe it will as more people hear Real Animal and attend his shows. You may even get to hear him cover "All The Young Dudes" or see him share the stage with some talented musician friends of his.

When I was surfing around for a good live clip to embed in this post, I came across some great live footage on Vimeo of Alejandro performing "Always A Friend" live at SXSW this past March. Turn it up and give it a listen, then thank me later. There's some helpful links for the show as well as my interview with Alejandro I did this spring for Austin Vida. It was one of the highlights of my career.

Untitled Alejandro Escovedo Documentary from James Leche on Vimeo.

Friday Night's  with Two Hoots and a Holler! Show info here.

Saturday Night's Show with Amy Cook. Show info here.

Alejandro Escovedo: Life After Real Animal

The Most Important Concert Wednesday Night: Todd Wolfson Benefit at Antone's

Tonight my concert pick was a no brainer for me. Antone's is the place to be, but this time it is not just for the great live music featured. Legendary Austin photographer Todd Wolfson was in an awful motorcycle accident in July. From what I understand, he severely injured his elbow and suffered a head injury that required multiple stitches. He is facing incredibly high hospital bills and his good friends are pitching in to help tonight.

On the bill tonight for the benefit are some of Austin's best musicians and the ever so glam rock, Triple Cobra. I admit I looked twice when I saw them listed next to Alejandro Escovedo and Paula Nelson. I'm glad though, for the cause and the flare they will bring to the bill. Their live show is quite "the show". I won't spoil it for you, but you need to check it out.

For only $25 at the door, you will get to see so many great artists that are worth seeing alone for that cost. Even if you have never seen Todd Wolfson's work or know his name, you'll get more than your money's worth for the show alone. For me personally, the door cost alone is worth seeing Alejandro Escovedo. I just wonder who the "surprise guests" mentioned on the flyer will be. Here's more helpful info for you in case you decide to go, and I hope you do:

Performing artists include: Carolyn Wonderland, Ruby James, Triple Cobra, Alejandro Escovedo, Joe Dee Graham, Skyrocket, Paula Nelson & The Guilty Pleasures, Ian McLagan & The Bump Band, The Trishas, Will Sexton.

Antone's is located on 213th W. 5th Street. Their number is (512) 320-8424You'll see it right on the corner there. For more on Antone's, visit their website at: www.antones.net

Buy advance tickets here: http://antones.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=&eid=42250

Doors at 6:00, Show starts at 7:00

If you are interested in donating anything to help Todd, please contact:

JoRae Di Menno at joerae@hardpressedpublicity.com

or donate through this specially made widget here:

Album Review: Morning Maid by The Satin Peaches

I first discovered The Satin Peaches by the recommendation of Alejandro Escovedo in an interview I did for Austin Vida. I asked him about new bands he liked. Escovedo mentioned three names specifically: Austin’s own The Riverboat Gamblers, At The Drive In, and The Satin Peaches. Having never heard of The Satin Peaches prior to speaking with Alejandro, I immediately got my hands on their latest album, Morning Maid.

Click here to read the full review on Double Stereo

My First Coversation with Alejandro Escovedo..

It was a sunny, balmy afternoon and Alejandro Escovedo and I were sitting at Joe’s Coffee on South Congress. We talked about his latest (2008) album, Real Animal. The album is his ninth solo effort. I wanted to know about his life after Real Animal while also getting to know the man behind the music. Being in my twenties, not too many of my peers know of Alejandro. If they do, it is only by name. He is afterall, a music icon and Austin legend. He has a fascinating life story and we had a great conversation. I just didn't agree with him about MTV, but love his choice of new young bands he likes.

Read the full interview here on Austin Vida