Wednesday Night Show Pick: Stem & Leaf Showcase at Emo's

 

 Tonight at Emo's Stem & Leaf are putting together the "it" indie event of September. Coming through Austin will be a new personal favorite of mine, Dignan. The pride of McAllen (in the Rio Grande Valley or South Texas near the border) Dignan has received local buzz of sorts after SXSW in March and Pachanga Fest in May.

I saw Dignan live for the first time at Pachanga Fest this year. They caught me totally off guard by how great they were. They are very shy indie kids who play very ambient indie with a hint of post rock sensibilities. I dig the indie crooner stylings of their lead singer and the fact that they have an accordion. They are definitely for the Paste Magazine or Under The Radar audience. That day at Pachanga they played an early afternoon set in which not too many people were there to see. Those that did catch Dignan all seemed to enjoy themselves. I blame the Austin heat in May more than anything. Dignan were great. I am so glad they are coming back around to Austin tonight, as I have now had a chance to absorb their new album, Cheaters &Thieves. I highly suggest picking it up on at the show tomorrow.

 

 Cheaters &Thieves Album Cover

Speaking of the show....

Dignan is the headliner, but only the tip of the ice berg. There are four worthy acts in front of them. Here is the rest of the line up with their set times and web links for you to check out. I also provided a ticket link for you which you will need as I anticipate a sell out.

Dignan (photo by David Salinas)

Set Time is 12:15 to 1:00

www.myspace.com/dignan

O' Brother (photo by David Gibbs)

Set Time: 11:15 to 12:00

www.myspace.com/obrothermusic

 

Look Mexico

Set Time: 10:30 to 11:00

www.myspace.com/lookmexico

One Hundred Flowers (photo by Nicholas Christany

Set Time: 9:45 to 10:15

www.myspace.com/onehundredflowers

The Noise Revival Orchestra

Set Time: 9:00 to 9:30

www.myspace.com/thenoiserevival 

Doors open at 8:00, tickets are $8 advance, $10 at the door. Here are some other helpful links for tonight's show:

Emo's Website

Buy Advance Tickets Here

Stem and Leaf Records Myspace

Tuesday Night Show Pick: Charanga Cakewalk (again!)

It's a Tuesday in September, which means you need to get to Momo's around eight o'clock to catch Austin's own, Charanga Cakewalk. Headed by musical genius, Michael Ramos, Charanga Cakewalk is a Latin Fusion band that can play just about anything from Latin jazz, cumbia, norteno, salsa, you name it. Momo's is a great little spot right above Katz's Deli on 618 West 6th Street. Other performers tonight include Federico 7 and The Hashashins at at 10pm and The Reddies at 11pm. It is World Music Night sponsored by KUT and it's only $7 to get in. This show is worthy of a Saturday, so take advantage while there are still some Tuesdays left in September. Bring your dancing shoes as you won't be disappointed.

For more on Charanga Cakewalk visit their Myspace page online at www.myspace.com/charangacakewalk

Need to know more about Momo's? Visit Momo's online at www.momosclub.com

Album Review: One Foot In The Ether by The Band of Heathens

After three albums and an Austin Music Award, The Band of Heathens are finally set to release their second studio release this week. Their new album, One Foot In The Ether, will not only win them more awards but also more fans. Even though you’ll probably find it in the “country” or “Americana” sections of most record stores, it also belongs in music collections of Black Crowes fans, John Mellencamp fans and even Eagles fans. Reason being, there is so many more musical elements in place on One Foot In The Ether; roots rock, gospel, soul, blues, and southern rock even. They are just too talented and musically diverse to be put in a box.

Speaking of diverse, part of that diversity comes from having three talented frontmen: Ed Juri, Gordy Quist and Colin Brooks. On the album’s opener, “L.A. County Blues”, a blues guitar riff and an organ introduce you to Ed Juri. With its country sensibilities and Juri’s vocals, “La County Blues” is one of the album’s many sure fire singles. I am going to go out on a limb early and call it a “beer drinkin’ classic. It also happens to be about journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson. 

After a few beers and the blues country sounds of “L.A. County Blues”, take it to church with the gospel stylings of “Shine A Light”. If that’s not enough for you, then turn the volume up on “What’s This World”. A feel good but reality check on life, “What’s This World” is certainly a spiritual calling in its own right. Someone looking for a campaign song or a song for a campaign commercial needs to give it a listen.

My personal favorite on One Foot In The Ether is easily “Look At Miss Ohio”. This bluesy, country, folk-rock hybrid is about a girl wanting to do right… but just not right now. The soulful rasp of the vocals and blues guitar riffs blend really nicely with the piano. The musical composition outshines the song’s lyrics, as they are rather simple. Sometimes the “KISS” method can be the way to go. I’d love to ask Gilian Welch (the song writer) one day about the story behind “Look At Miss Ohio”.

Overall, One Foot In The Ether is a solid album from beginning to end. Its musical diversity is to be commended and the critical acclaim should be flooding in soon if hasn’t already. Add The Band of Heathens to the list of artists you used to be able to see for around ten bucks. After this album, those days will be long gone. (Review originally published on September 14th on www.doublestereo.com)

One Foot In The Ether is available today nationwide on BOH Records. 

For more on The Band of Heathens, visit their official website at www.bandofheathens.com.

You Must See Mike Herrera'sTumbledown

 

Photo by Allison Narro

This past Saturday I had the privilege of seeing live in concert, MXPX's own Mike Herrera's punk meets western band "Tumbledown". It is not alt-country, but more like a punkish Old 97s. Tumbledown is not a side project, but rather a second band for Herrera. MXPX is recording a new LP and recently released a new album, Covers II.

I absolutely love Tumbledown and seeing them live is a must. Their show at Emo's was great to say the least, with Western Ghost House, Jim Nolan and Ghost Knife. I didn't know this until Saturday, but Ghost Knife is fronted by Riverboat Gambler's lead singer, Mike Wiebe. They were probably the best opening act I have seen all year. In fact, they were too good to be an opener. As for Tumbledown, they are touring only with Jim Nolan. He wasn't bad either actually.

There are still a few dates on the tour. If you didn't make it out this time around, Tumbledown will be back again sometime in the future. Go and pick up their self titled album and have the beer ready when listening, unless of course you're driving. Check out this video for my favorite Tumbledown song, "Ballad of a Factory Man".


Ballad Of A Factory Man/Mike Herrera's Tumbledown from mike herrera on Vimeo.

 

Tumbledown Tour Dates

For more on Tumbledown, check out the following links:

Tumbledown Myspace

Tumbledown on YouTube

Sunday Concert Pick: Music of My Ancestry

 

Sunday night shows are best when they are calm, low key and not too rambunctious. That's what Fridays and Saturdays are for. After sleeping in, watching football and having dinner you should make it a point to go out on Sunday night. My show pick tonight is something different than what I've suggested previously, but something near and dear to my heart. My show pick tonight is Leticia Rodriguez and Azul at Kenny Dorham's Backyard, presented by Bemba Beat.

Being close to Dies y Sies, or Mexican Independence Day, Sunday's show is a great way to get in the spirit. Both Azul and Leticia Rodriguez bring traditional folk sounds of Mexico, a music that has connected the hearts of my family and I. Having danced with the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico for four years in high school, I have an affinity for anything tradicional  Mexicano at a young age.

Azul

www.azulmusica.com

Azul began her professional singing career at the age of 15. Her initial musical influences began with the traditional Mexican folk music passed down to her through her parents. Her career eventually took her to San Antonio where she sang for Son del Sur which focused on traditional Mexican folk, and Jemaya, which mixed a message of racial unity with musical influences from Spain, The Caribbean, United States and Mexico. In 2003 Azul began focusing her career as a solo artist primarily on the conservation and development of Mexican folk roots with influences form a broad range of cultures. Through her soul, guitar and voice, Azul gives life and meaning to the narratives of Mexican history.

 

Leticia Rodriguez

http://www.myspace.com/letmusic

Leticia Rodriguez began her singing career as a backup singer for award winning singer/songwriters and brothers, David Rodriguez and Philip Rodriguez. In 2007 Mrs. Rodriguez began a band to revive the classical bolero compositions and musica tropical from the 1920's -1950's. With band members; guitarist and arranger Eric Calistri, Percussionists Ric Furley and Gerard Villanueva, and Mario Gonzalez for Bass. This popular local band will have you dancing to their traditional Mexican folk tunes.

Bemba Beat encourages you to bring a blanket and your friends. Kenny Dorham's Backyard is located on 1106 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78702. For more info on Bemba Entertainment, visit them online at www.bembaentertainment.com.

Saturday Night Show Pick: Brownout CD Release Show at Mohawk

Austin's Latin funk assassins, Brownout, will be bring the funk live tonight at Mohawk. Known to many as the little brother or side project of Grupo Fantasma, Brownout will be changing that perception after tomorrow. Their new album, Aguilas Y Cobras, is worth all the buzz it has been getting. Just yesterday afternoon I heard them on Horizontes on KUT. They mentioned that they will be going on tour out to the West Coast soon, so if you're in Austin you need to take advantage tonight. As great as their CDs are, the live show is even better.

Brownout

As for the show tonight, Brownout will take the stage around 10:00 PM, with Pong as the opener. The Mohawk is located on 912 Red River, right on the corner of Red River and 10th. You can't miss it. Be sure to bring a little extra cash not only for the bar, but also to pick up your copy of Aguilas y Cobras. It goes on sale to everyone nationwide on September 15th. Go to the show, get it tonight. C'mon...when was the last time your Saturday night was this funky?

Austin Vida Live: Brownout! from Austin Vida on Vimeo.

For More on Brownout, visit the following links:

Brownout Myspace

Aguilas y Cobras Review on Austin Vida

Aguilas y Cobras Review on Double Stereo

Friday Night Show Pick: This Will Destroy You, Quiet Company & The Soldier Thread

Tonight my show pick is technically outside of the Austin City Limits, but close enough to make the trip for a good show. My Friday night pick is in San Marcos, just south of Austin on IH-35. Home to the Texaas State University Bobcats, Aquarena Springs and The Tanger Outlets, San Marcos is quite the college town. Many Bobcats make the venture north to party in downtown Austin, as it only about 20 minutes or so. When they stay in town, they party or hang out at The Square, located in downtown San Marcos.


Bar 141 on The Square, formerly known as Lucy's, is playing host to three great indie bands tonight. Two out of the three playing, I have seen and can attest to their great live sets. The first band is Austin's own Quiet Company. I have their album, Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon, and caught them twice in the past six months. They are indie-piano rock, like if Bens Fold was actually a young hipster(ish) band. When I saw them live, they always sounded pretty good.

The Soldier Thread (photo by Randy Creman)

The second band on the bill is another Austin indie band, The Soldier Thread. I have their album, Shapes, that I picked up at show at Mohawk at The Morakestra's CD release show. I remember being taken away by the violinist and impressed with how beautiful her voice was. They also have a pianist and full backing band. From what I understand, they're pretty new and Shapes is their first full length album that I know of. I can totally see them being an indie blogger band and taking off. If they catch one good break, kiss seeing them for five to ten bucks locally good bye.

This Will Destroy You

The apparent headliner, This Will Destroy You, is a band I just got wind of recently and have yet to check out live. I was talking to a random stranger at the bar one night at Mohawk during a Calm Blue Sea show, and he mentioned This Will Destroy you to me. He was telling me if I liked The Calm Blue Sea, or just really good ambient indie rock, to check these guys out. I wish I knew his name. I'd thank him. After I heard some songs on their Myspace, I put This Will Destroy You on my list of bands to see live. In fact, I will see them live at Fun Fun Fun Fest at Waterloo Park on November 7th. That should be cool.

This is the only clip I found on YouTube that was good sound quality. Their live videos weren't very good, but you get the idea with this vid. Checkout the band's links below and listen for yourself. Bar 141 is the spot tonight.



Links for tonight's bands:

This Will Destroy You

The Soldier Thread

Quiet Company

Album Review: "If You Want It" by Pacha Massive

If You Want It is Pacha Massive’s follow up album to their successful debut, All Good Things. The New York based Latin Fusion group, fronted by Dominican born DJ Nova, was the hottest new band in the Latin Alternative market in 2008 after MTV3 chose them as their first “Duscubre and Download” artist. Their single, “Don’t Let Go”, is a timeless classic that even non-Latinos will be groovin’ to for quite a while. It is because of their early success that my expectations for a second album from them were sky high.

Click here to read the full review on Austin Vida

Thursday Night Show Pick: Kalua with From The Inside Out at Lucky Lounge

Photo by Mari Hernandez

Tonight at Lucky Lounge Austin's own Rock En Espanol rising stars, Kalua, play a free show at Lucky Lounge over on 209-A W. 5th. This year, Kalua, has been one of the hardest working bands I've known. Their album, La Novedad, came out last fall and they have spent all year pushing it. They've opened for some pretty big name acts this year including Monte Negro, Playa Limbo and even Cristian Castro. They also played Pachanga Fest for the second straight year, and at a slightly later time slot this year. They are starting to draw a pretty good crowd of their own now and I don't see them slowing down their work ethic anytime soon. The proof is their repeat victory in Burger King's "Tu Ciudad, Tu Musica" competition.

Tonight, we will get a look at what appears to be a Kalua side project. Side projects or playing in more than one band is the thing to do for musicians here in Austin. Andres Delgado (drums) also plays percussion for popular Austin rock band, Vallejo. Juan Diaz (vocals/guitar) was in the St Edward's University mariachi group, at least he was when we were both there. Diaz and Andres Acevedo (bass) play together in From The Inside Out. I don't know much about them at all, other than what I have seen on their Myspace page. I'm curious to hear what they sound like. What I do know is that Kalua is good and even those who do not speak Spanish can enjoy their music. They are a definite up and comer. Check out their latest video for single and title track, "La Novedad".

La Novedad - Kalua from KALUA on Vimeo.

Here is the flyer for tonight's show,along with some helpful links to get more familiar with Kalua. I'll link you to the interview I did with them back in December for a January Austin Vida feature. That's when I really got to know the guys and really discover their music.


Helpful Links for tonight's show with Kalua:

Kalua Myspace

From: The Inside Out Myspace

Lucky Lounge Website

Austin Vida Interview with Kalua

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: