The 1Uppers, The Rainieros and Deception Past at the Sunset Tavern 3-9-12

It was three songs into the 1Uppers set that I realized how weird I am getting. I know the band sees it, I don't know if anybody else notices.

The band sees it as I am in their face watching every move. I maneuver to catch the killer solos, I walk around the stage taking pics and I am always rocking. Head bobbing, big butt moving, I get lost in every tune. Nobody has called security on me yet so it must not be that bad but understand...these moments are sacred to me.

The wall paper at the Sunset:

I was really looking forward to writing this particular post for a host of reasons. I am finding it really rewarding to pen this. I got an email from Justin Rosner of The D.evolution.Aires. He said he had used one of my posts as a guide for his music plans. So cool! He went to see The Mothers Anger after reading the post from last week. Made my week...Thanks Justin.

I also was excited to write about the bands and a couple new friends.

Things to come:

I let my subscription to Blue Suede News expire. I get so many magazines and books and I just can't find time to read them all. I judge a man's wealth by the amount of time he has to read for pleasure; I am a very poor man. Marc Bristol is the writer, editor, interviewer, scribe, translator and artist behind this great magazine. His wife Gaby is co-conspirator. The latest edition was covered in ink, so much copy jammed into this mag that it came in at an easy 3 pounds, weighed it with my bass scale.

He and I had emailed a bit and I was unaware of his musical background. I had seen him listed in a couple shows, one lately that I wanted to get to but had other plans. Marc as it turns out is a veteran country, bluegrass, rockabilly blues and zydeco legend. He has been around the block and back having spent a couple decades touring with his various bands. I know, many of you are saying where have you been? I was privileged to spend some time with him, he even hand delivered some cds.

I am now listening to one of 13 discs. On some he plays guitar, some with his zydeco he plays washboard. On all of the cuts he sings great vocals. Give him a listen and support our local artists, here is a link to his page: http://www.bluesuedenews.com/bristol.html

I was also lucky to get to meet Liam of the Rainieros. I usually don't approach any of the artist off-stage. I am invasive enough, I don't want to be that fan you know? I feel lucky enough to watch this animal up close in it's natural surroundings, I don't need to poke it. At most I will say good words as they walk by or give them a thumbs up if I catch their eye. Liam introduced himself after his set. He was as friendly in person as he is on stage (more on that below). He wondered if I had been to their shows before (I had, Rockabilly Ball car show at The Shanty, once more at The Shanty later, Liam alone with the Crabs about 2 months ago) and he gave me a cd. I like Liam, he is a happy guy. A quote I know of describes Liam well: Some pursue happiness, other create it.

The sacred time was at hand; the solar storm had passed, the full moon waned and the 1Uppers were on stage. One of my favorite bands, I was up close watching the action. Why sacred? I hadn't been able to see them for at least a month, they were going to be on stage for less than an hour and I was going to enjoy every second of the show.

They didn't disappoint, playing all my favorites and then some. I am not going to slobber all over them like I usually do, if you want to see slobber, read the previous posts. I do want to give a nod to each guy real quick...ok I am going to slobber.

Dave the lead singer has a great voice and stage presence. He is a shy guy off stage, a tour de force on. Jon playing pedal steel is my friend and I am his biggest fan; he is so talented, love his sound. He and Dave write some tunes together, others are all his. Caben has a quiet composure all the while he is laying down his usual killer performance. He rocks back and forth with a slight smile and playing the bass with confidence.

I caught Andy having big fun on the Surf tune the band did at the last part of their set. He was really rocking as he made the most of the minimal drum set he plays. John looks like he is waiting for a bus as he caresses out the most beautiful music from his guitar. He doesn't break a sweat and you would barely notice he was so talented unless you were paying attention. Kris plays a beautiful pinstriped guitar and it is appropriate that he would play some of the most lovely licks a guy can play. His eyes closed, he stokes, strums, plucks and glides over the guitar.

Did I mention that I love this band, ok I'm done, oh, one more pic:

The changeover was fast, Liam and the Rainieros were getting up on stage. The sound tonight was excellent. The sound board was by far nicer than anything I had seen in a small club. I know nothing right? This was an amazing piece of technology and the guy that was running the show was all business. I could hear every instrument in each band this evening. Even the washboard in the final band sounded like was he was standing next to me (more later). He was a pro and I told him I liked the mix as I was getting ready to leave.

Liam and the Rainieros play happy music, a mix of country and rockabilly with some blues tossed in for good measure. I would also add a side of swing. They play mostly original material and they make you move. Liam was talking with all his buds and budettes in the crowd between tunes, he always has a smile on his face. He has a beautiful voice and plays a gorgeous guitar.

His lead guitarist plays a Bigsby Vibrato guitar, customized with his name. A very beautiful instrument; Nicolas played a total different style than John or Kris had done before him. Again I know nothing. I liked his approach; classic and still unique to Nick. He had a stubble of a beard and wore coveralls as he strummed that gorgeous guitar.

The bass guitar went about his business with a determined look. Many times with his eyes closed, he played the doghouse with passion. I have to think Tyler had to have callouses on his fingers a quarter inch deep, a marvelous bass player.

Donnie was playing very creative percussion on a very minimal set. A snare, pedal bass, high hat and a cymbal was all he needed to produce beautiful music. I watched as he played the rim with his stick while the other tapped the skin, all the while mouthing Liam's words. He was having fun.

See Liam and The Rainieros here: http://www.reverbnation.com/therainieros#

I am so looking forward to seeing Liam and his cohorts again, we are already friends on Facebook. He has tagged some of the photos on my home page. I like the Rainieros as much as anything I have seen in the recent past. Here is a dream show; Black Crabs, Rainieros and oh maybe the 1Uppers, or Marc Bristol or Roy Kay, Knut?...shoot so many choices!

The next up was Deception Past; this was not just a band, this was an orchestra. I was amazed as I counted 9, 10, 11 musicians on stage. Whoops, is that someone at the drum set? 12. They were on top of one another as they tried to fit onto Sunset's tiny stage, The squeeze box player had his butt right in the lead guitars face who was sitting, no wonder he grimaced as he played. The lap steel was behind the banjo player, the bass player and the speakers. Like I said, I didn't know there was a drummer until I heard her. I sure couldn't see her and I was right on top of them (and I am 6'-3", I usually tower over the throngs).

I am going to list the band members here but cannot match to instruments; Andrew, Christina, Edan, Nick, Kasi, Tim, Renee, Joey, AJ, Alice and Connor. And here are the instruments: there was a drum set, tambourine, solid body bass player, keyboard, lap steel, squeeze box, mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar and a solid body lead guitar. Oh yeah and a banjo player...lets see that's 11, oh yeah a washboard too.

You would think that with this many musicians on stage they might revert to the laws of the jungle; the loudest gets the biggest share. But quite the opposite here; 12 musicians working in perfect harmony; having great fun and entertaining their fans and first timers alike. And because of the great mix; you could hear every note right down to the washboard.

Check out this photo, see the girl in the center, she smiled like this for the whole set. I love that!

This band had a lot of fun. The mandolin player was yucking it up with the banjo and bass player. The lead vocals and acoustic guitar had great stage presence and banter. He kept us all smiling in between tunes.

The poor lap steel was buried I had to go around the corner to catch a shot of him. It didn't seem to phase him as he produced some killer licks. Here is the bass guitarist and lap steel:

The lead guitar was in the same place, buried behind 11 of his peeps; he was content to quietly sit and make beautiful music. He and I had been standing together on the dance floor watching Liam, nice guy.

Here he is with the Keyboard and washboard players. That is the bass guitar in back.

They played a mix of old timey, and country, dare I say alt. country. I know some may hate that label..progressive country? Ok, no labels, this was high energy fun music. Big sound from a big band, each artist adding to the mix with liberty and justice for all!

I hope you will go to their site and download some of their music. I did this afternoon and love their style. You can find Deception Past here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deception-Past/188688811202869?sk=app_178091127385

The Sunset was a good venue for live music. This was a great bill; three different bands with complimenting sounds. They had the killer sound board, a full bar with good micros and quality booze, Flying Squirrel Pizza (yummy) and a decent stage with good lighting. I hope they continue to have great bills like this.

Off to see White Trash Whiplash at Darrell's tonight, better bring my neck support!

Death Polka, Guardian Alien and Mystery Ship at Darrell's 3-3-12

Imagine the Tiger Lillie's on speed. They are already on acid right? Now add a handful of amphetamine. Ando came on the stage like a tornado; stomping his feet, twitching his face, rolling his eyes, frothing at the mouth and singing like he wants you to understand something really important. This was Death Polka!

He was flashing these menacing grins like he knew something that we didn't; I kept my hand on my jacket just in case I had to make a quick exit.

 
His hands were alternately blazing and caressing. He played a classic style accordion; sometimes slowly and in a standard polka fashion, sometimes blazing fast and manic. All the time he is moving and rocking. He and his drummer are on the same plane, checking in, eyes meeting to confirm the plan; amaze the kiddies and have fun!

This was hard core punk with a slice of polka, just enough to keep you guessing. I had to put in my ear protection for these two guys...two determined guys. They were not leaving anything on the table; they were all in, it was really fun. Death Polka, the name says it all.

Greg had to play to the crazy man up front; he did a great job beating out some creative percussion. There were times when Ando was on the depressive side of his sickness and the tempo slowed to a crawl. He had to be on his toes to stay with Ando.

The Shut Up Polka was memorable, I think they were referring to me: You dropped out of English and learned to type with keys, your sense of grammar is a mockery...

They play locally, go out and see them for the music and especially for the theater. Here is a link to Ando's site: http://deathpolka.com/

Next up was Guardian Alien, banjo driven hard rock and electrica was the description. I found it was that and so much more. Here was a phenomenally original and entertaining band.

Scott the booking agent and sound-man for Darrell's gave me a run-down of tonight's fare. He said that the banjo player was unlike anything I have ever heard; electric and played through twin fender amps. To say that he was creative would not even touch the talent he has; at times I imagined him as the Jimmy Page of the electric banjo.

The most wonderful thing about these guys was the evolving themes running through their tunes. The composition and pace changed as they moved from classic banjo/hillbilly licks to more serious and menacing psychedelia. I knew that when Guy hit the yellow button at his feet, we were in for some heavy guitar right out of that incredible banjo.

Guy also sang most of the vocals, aided by his also very creative drummer. The solos he was playing were magical, I can't give a good enough description. You are going to have to see/listen for yourself, here is a link to their site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Alien/130315417030469?sk=wall

"Get off your butt" was the cry, "get off the couch, take a hot shower and get out"! I could not have said it better. I loved the music, the theater and the message. I am a new fan of Guardian Alien, Happy music from three talented musicians.

Doug Sowers was on drums and vocals; he was having a good time breaking out in big smiles, I love that. Providing great percussion, he was a wonderful compliment to Guy Davis' amazing banjo.

Eric Kubista was playing bass; mouthing the words to Guy's vocals he was a talented craftsman and artist.  These guys were providing some killer, unusual and very original music. I am looking forward to seeing them again.

When I had come in some two and a half hours earlier I had seen the next band sitting in the back corner behind the pool tables. Two guys looked just like Gregg Allman; long stringy hair, one had a fu-manchu style mustache, the other mutton chops. There was a bunch of hanger-oners, and they kept showing up all night long. By the time they came on stage they had a full dance floor; groupies all.

 

One of the best things about Darrell's and their talented crew is that they work hard at putting together a creative and entertaining bill. They have 3-4 bands every weekend night. The mix is always different; last night it was indie grunge, psychedelia, hard rock and punk. This evening it was polka on speed, electric banjo rock and next; 70's rock.

Now having said that, I do not want to limit this band to some retro-tribute band. They are so much more than that. They are a great rock band that could stand on any stage in any rock era.

Mystery Ship came complete with their own audience. Beautiful tall women dressed in wonderfully slutty clothes, young kids bopping their heads lost in the music, others mouthing the words to their favorite tunes. I had to move around the the side of the stage to see them. Their fans were right on top of them, one even had a foot on the stage; knocking heads with the bass/lead vocal. They knew their base and were giving them what they wanted.

I am sorry for the lack of photos on this band, my camera battery died about halfway through their show.

Michael, Josh, Alex and Travis put on a great show playing all original rock and roll with a 60's and 70's influence. I recognized the basis of their approach, I was there in the 60's to see Jimi, Jimmy, Ritchie and Alice. I bought in from the first lick, but they didn't just mock the classic bands, they added a unique twist.

The didn't play any covers but I heard snippets, lines, chords and chorus' that took me back. Each musician added their own special talent. The two Allman Brothers (sorry about the poor pics) shared the lead duties, both great at that. They played both classic and original licks, I loved the juxtaposition of these two accomplished musicians.

The lead vocal was also the bass guitar player, he looked like he belonged in Creedence. He was constantly moving, sometimes on the dance floor in the arms of his adoring fans. Great voice and stage presence; I see why his peeps like him so much.

Travis was keeping beat and adding original percussion to this great mix. He was fun to watch, it is probably a gas to play surrounded by loved ones...
See them here: http://www.facebook.com/mysteryship

One last thing, I saw 6 bands this weekend and the thing that stood out was the percussion. Travis was just one of 6 killer drummers I saw. There were only 2 musicians in 2 of the bands I saw, the drummer carries a heavy burden. 2 other bands had only 3 members, again the drummer has to be a technical expert plus a creative artist. I really appreciate all the effort and talent displayed in the bands this weekend. Thanks to all.

This was a double Darrell's weekend for me. If they keep keep hosting the killer music I will be there. I know I will be attending next Saturday for White Trash Whiplash, I haven't looked to see what the bill is on Friday. Thanks to the whole crew at Darrell's, Dan and Scott especially. Nobody has more fun in your place than me.

Jim Roth, The Brett Netson Band and The Mothers Anger at Darrell's 3-2-12

It was about midnight and I looked over at Scott sitting at the sound board. He had this huge smile; bopping his head and tapping both hands on his board. He was pleased with tonight's recipe; he was the chef and the results were amazing.

The Mother's Anger was blasting it's brand of psychedelic punk with incredible energy. I was just floored from the first licks; this was two guys making a sound like a freaking freight train. A phenomenal drummer who was killing the set; just a blur, and a master guitarist (also a blur) who filled-in every detail you needed to hear, it made for quite the experience.

The first song was just amazing, 15 minutes of very high energy punk. It started as a drum only solo; in what seemed like an American Indian rhythm, Joseph was using his mallets to hit the Tom Tom's in a tribal beat. David came in with his guitar and vocals in a high Native American tribal vocal. Slowly it morphed into a more Middle Eastern sound and damn this was the shit. I was lost in this original and creative song, these two guys sounding like four.

When they finally came up for air there was a group of us up front that were absolutely stammered; speaking in tongues, frothing at the mouth, they appreciated the fact that they had made an impression. Oh yeah, David and Joseph left me shaking; it was alarming and wonderful.

But I am getting ahead of myself, more on this amazing band later.

My Friday night buddy and I arrived at Molly World (inside joke, to protect the identity of the innocent this page will not elaborate) at about 9:15. The music normally starts at 9:30 and there is usually room at the bar; not tonight. The place was jammin', regulars filled the back of the bar, an eclectic crowd of leather, punk and grunge around the pool tables and sitting waiting for the first act out front.

I am a huge fan of Darrell's, my front room on weekend nights nowadays. I am really glad to see the place packed. Yeah it meant that I had to keep my fat ass standing for an hour while we waited for a seat at the bar...small price. If they are crowded they make money and get a great reputation for good music. They have more bands, I couldn't say better bands as they already have great music but you get my point. If you are reading this and haven't been to Darrell's you are really missing a great experience.

Jim Roth was the first act playing solo acoustic and vocals. He was in Built to Spill and The Delusions and is a talented singer/songwriter/guitar player. Playing his original tunes he commanded the attention of the bar; many of the folks were there especially to see him and Brett.

He played some great stuff; strong vocals and excellent guitar. He was wetting our whistle for things to come, warming us up. He was also warming up himself. As it turns out he was in the next band.

After short break The Brett Netson Band came on stage. I had caught the final tune of their last visit to Darrell's. I was blown away at the wall of sound he and his cohorts made. I was impressed enough to make sure if he ever showed again I would come.

Here he was with Jim on rhythm/co-lead guitar, and two other extremely talented musicians. Ian Waters was on bass and Stephen Gere was on drums.

One of the reasons I like Brett and his fellow musicians is that they all have such a major individual impact on the sound. Yes, Brett is the main man, lead guitar and the only vocals but he chose the right guys to play with. Jim's electric guitar work is phenomenal complementing Brett's incredible sound. The bass player is not content to play the usual role and neither is the percussionist/keyboard guy. They both have a unique talent that adds to this amazing sound.

They played songs (I use the word loosely) that moved from freaking hard rock to psychedelic and back with a fluid energy that was killing me. I couldn't understand a thing he was saying but I am old and truly not sure he wanted me to understand. A lot of times I just imagine to vocals to be another instrument; I don't need to understand the words to enjoy the tune.

Later as I was leaving I said to the sometimes drummer-sometimes keyboard player that I loved his stuff especially when it got psychedelic...he said "I don't remember playing any of that". We all have our definitions based on our experience. In these guys I heard The Stones from Beggars Banquet, Ozzy and Black Sabbath, Mountain, Led Zeppelin, and a myriad of other great bands. I saw Ozzy in '72, Brett was channeling Ozzy in the last tune. Freaking great!

I loved Brett's music; I am going to look for some of his stuff from Built to Spill and The Delusions for more of his brand of sound. Here is a link to one of his related sites: http://thisisthenewblack.com/brettnetson.html

The Mother's Anger was on next. I describe their first 15 minutes on stage above; absolutely smashing. I did a little research between the top of the page and here. They are a band formed in Israel and have been around for 5 or 6 years. They play psychedelic punk; dreamlike at times, an acid trip in the making. Other times it is screaming and headed to bust your balls.

I was up and rocking during their whole show. I don't think there was a person in the house that wasn't totally immersed in this experience. The Mother's Anger was the perfect ending to a great night of music. You can find information on them here:http://mothersanger.com/fr_welcome.cfm

Scott did a great job on the band mix tonight; both these bands hit me on many levels; musically, emotionally but especially physically. This was a workout, I was biffed as I drug my butt home. A happy buzz in my head, I laid down to get some rest...Death Polka is playing tonight at Darrell's. Yikes!

Lucky Lawrence and the Souvenirs with The Outlaws at Slim's 2-25-12

I got up this morning pretty late; I couldn't sleep past 8am if I tried. I dragged my butt out of bed as late as possible. I made a pot of coffee, got the paper and went to the iPod. I had to validate a hunch. I found The Souvenirs and pushed play...yep, confirmed. Lucky and his band are still playing my favorite music.

I have a lot of favorites; The Black Crabs, Roy Kay, especially the 1Uppers (if they would only play a gig or two) and of course Blvd. Park and The Barn Door Slammers...but Lucky has a special way with me.

All right, I have a problem that is fast becoming a major obsession. I was at Slim's at 9pm, I left at 12:30, I am here documenting it on a Sunday. I do this every Friday and Saturday night. I am also a man of ritual; I have a route to each venue that I drive every time. I go to the same bars and sit in the same place.

Tonight it was Slim's to see The Souvenirs and The Outlaws; I-5 to Airport Way, south to Georgetown and over to 1st. Park on the side street, pay my dues and make my way to a seat. I always look for a seat I can also stand at; I like to move. At Slim's I sit at the end of the bar, next to the ATM. Slim's is a good place to see live music and this spot is good because I am close to the sound board and the taps. Being a big guy I don't like to block anybody's view so standing back in the corner is the perfect place. If you come to Slim's for a show and see a big guy hugging the cash machine, that's me.

The Outlaws were on when I walked in. The music at Slim's starts promptly at 9, the bands start at Darrell's around 9:30 unless there is a special event; each venue has their own ritual just like me. I do hate missing anything though, I kicked myself for coming in late.

The good news was that this group of artists were the real thing. Right away I noticed that there were several members of the Souvenirs in the Outlaws. Randy who plays pedal-steel was at play on the far left, their drummer (sorry no name at this time) was at working the back and Lucky was playing guitar in the back next to him.

The Outlaws were fronted by a tall gent with a great voice, I couldn't find any info on them as a band, not on Facebook or MySpace. I imagine that they are a collection of friends who love to play. They bill themselves as a Waylon Jennings Tribute band; playing covers of the master. The were great; besides the aforementioned members of the Souvenirs there was a female playing acoustic guitar with beautiful vocals, a young looking dude rocking the bass, and another great musician on keyboards. I really liked the addition of the keyboard to this country band. They made a good mix and the music was the best; sounded just like Waylon to me. I was sad to see them leave after only one hour.

Editors note 6-14-12, Here is the full line-up for the Outlaws: Jeremy Manley, Liz Herrin, Aaron Starkey, Mike Jochum, Jon Hyde, Ty Baille, Terry Mattson, Perry Morgan, Justin Cronk, Jordan Vestal and Kim Field.

I am sorry I don't have any links, maybe I will get one that I can add later...

After a brief break Lucky and The Souvenirs came on stage, well most came back on stage. The basist was all smiles as he mounted up, he always plays with a lot of energy.

I have seen Lucky a few times before, as I said in my opening, I love this band. Since I really just got started seeing live music again after many years of sitting at home, I was not familiar with his history. My friend Leon (Doctor of proctology, KEXP 90.3 FM 6-9pm Fridays) told me he had been around for a while, paid his dues and has reasons to write such tear-jerker tunes.

I saw Lucky and the boys for the first time at The Rockabilly Ball last year, an event organized by Leon. I loved them, bought their CD and have been a big fan since. Leon enlisted Don Slack (Swinging Doors 90.3 KEXP 6-9pm Thursdays) to find the talent for the Friday Country evening (there are 3 nights of music). Don did a great job of lining up the bands. I thought that Nikki Lane, Whitey Morgan and the 78's, Knut Bell and the Blue Collars and then Lucky was an inspired bill. I purchased the CD's from every band and have listened to them ad-nauseum.

Lucky has such a smooth voice, add the killer band and you have magic. Last night he really had the mojo; introducing tunes soon to be on his new cd. I am used to his country and country/rock music, but I thought his new stuff was more rock/country.

Now this may be a function of Randy's guitar. He played the pedal-steel during The Outlaws set and for the first 4 or 5 tunes of The Souvenirs first set. Of course the steely is always going to affect the sound of the band, they produce such a distinctive twang. He switched to his solid body guitar and they played more of a rock set.

Maybe just my ear, but I think they are broadening their musical horizons. I liked everything I heard. I am looking forward to the new release.

The crowd was good, a lot of folks dancing, slurping brew and spooning chile. I saw Roy Kay in the audience along with another local musician. There was a lot of hooting and hollering; a good time was had by all.

The Souvenirs played a good long set mixing the new with some familiar tunes off the first CD. He has a great stage presence; classic good looks and stellar guitar work. He surrounds himself with talented musicians.

The bass guitarist is a gas to watch and hear; he plays a mean guitar and sings vocals. This guy is constantly moving; smiling and mugging with his buds in the crowd. I love to watch artist having fun.

The drummer is steady and creative banging out original beats for this great band. He was back there for 4 hours last night; strong work.

I talked about Randy, I love his steel work but any guitar he touches bends to his will. He calmly produces beautiful music out of his instrument of choice. I will never get sick of watching him perform.

Here is a link to their site: http://www.myspace.com/souvenirstheband

They took a short break and came back with renewed vigor for a second set. I made it past midnight but I was failing; I danced all night and my feet were screaming. I left with them still on stage, that is they way I want to remember them.; rocking. I am looking forward to the new CD.

My advice; see Lucky, Roy or any other band in their natural habitat, at a club. Not only is it inexpensive; but you get to enjoy adult beverages while you listen to live music. You could even, gulp...dance.

If you have any comments or information to help me fill in the blanks I would appreciate it. If there is something inaccurate I would love to correct.