I Will Stand Here and Burn In My Skin

Oh Ray LaMontagne...if Ryan Adams hadn't already stolen my heart last week, you could easily have last night. I caught Ray and his band at the Paramount Theater (8th row!!) for a mostly sparkling, heart wrenching set. Leona Naess opened the night, and though I really admired many of her songs, some really made me a bit sleepy eyed. And, I was only holding on to enough of that to listen to a mellow Ray set!

It was my first time seeing Ray, and from other's accounts, I was expecting a quick song set with little talk from the shy troubadour. What I didn't expect was the "beatlemania" energy of the crowd. At times the idiotic screams cut into his songs, which for me was a shame. I'm all for being a fan, but come on - I came to hear Ray sing, not you scream your undying love for him!

Anyhow, Ray and the band sounded great. There were a good mix of songs from all 3 albums, and my favorite of the night was "Burn" from Trouble - believe me, I was teary-eyed throughout the whole song. At times Ray seemed a bit nervous, but once the songs started, he eased right into them with that sexy growl of his.

Cameras aren't allowed in the Paramount, so this is a shot I took under the radar - apologies for bad quality, but I think you know who it is! Oh, and go get a copy of Gossip in the Grain (the new album) - click here for a video of "Let it Be Me" from the current tour.

Welcome to the Casa

I finally got a new camera last week, so I can post some pics of my new digs in Austin. The place is a wee bit small, so not too many pictures are necessary!

This is the "office"/ "studio" section.

"Living Area" (yes, that is a TV- it keeps me warm at night!)


"Dining Area"

"Little Kitchen"

I am enjoying the new place and am slowly getting used to living by myself. Of course, the squirrel/possum that lives in the walls does NOT help sleep at night!

In other news about me...this past Thursday I was invited to play a few songs at the One-2-One Bar before the evening's headliner, Tanya and the Good Huggers. It was my first quasi-gig in Austin and I had such a fun night- playing my own songs and meeting some great Austin folk. Needless to say, I was flattered and surprised at being asked to play and look forward to many more spur of the moment gigs like this. Next time, I will get some photos!

Friday Night Surprises

Last night I made my way to MoMo's, one of my favorite live music venues in Austin (GREAT roof top deck and laid back atmosphere). I was determined to catch local Amy Cook, but little did I know what else was in store for the evening!

Amy's set was short, but highly enjoyable - her songs were all at once raw and complex. My favorite of the evening was her last song of the set - a funny, lyrically dry number titled "David Cassidy." After her set, we decided to stay and catch a few more bands...why not?



The next act was Sarah Bettens, who made her rise to fame in the mid 90s with K's Choice. Any of you who were in middle school/high school in the 90s will recognize their big hit "I'm Not an Addict." Of course, Sarah isn't an Austin local, but Austin really loves her - the large crowd seemed to know every word to every song. Her band was majorly tight and included 1 killer female drummer. Needless to say, we were impressed. Of course, during her set we kept trying to figure out why she sounded so familiar, until she started "I'm Not an Addict" - bingo.


Local favorites T-Bird and the Breaks were scheduled for the midnight slot. A few more Coronas were ordered as we awaited the band. Talk about SOUL! As soon as the entire band (yeah, all 10 of them) were on stage, we were up front shakin' it. Most of the kids in this band don't even look old enough to be in a bar, but their sound takes you back, way way back, to that old R&B Motown era. Matching black & white attire and choreographed backup singers added to the pizzaz this group has going. It was just another reminder of the totally different genres of music Austin keeps hidden under it's little umbrella. Click here to check out one of their originals.


The weekend has just begun...more music info to come!

The Lost Pines, True Austin Bluegrass

This past Friday I was able to catch The Lost Pines at a Festival at Camp Ben McCulloch. I had met some of the band members my first weekend in town at a jam party and had a great time with these pickers. Finally getting to see the whole band in action was so much fun. Their original songs invoke that "front porch" feeling, in the best old timey way. Sweet harmonies, genuine songs and amazing instrumentation make this band a must see if you are in the Austin area. Plus, these guys couldn't be nicer and that goes a long way in the music world!

Go to their MySpace site to give them a listen - myspace.com/thelostpines.

It Makes Me Cry

In a totally un-Austin related post...and since I have your attention...

Just came across the newly released "Murder in the City" video from the Avett Brothers. Kind of funny because my Austin lady friends and I have been discussing murder in the city for about a week...more specifically our fear of it because at heart we are all small town girls. So, at first it made me chuckle to hear this song again. Then I paused and got a bit teary-eyed. It's the "Avett Brothers' Spell" as I like to call it. Boy, does it ever spellbind me. So, please take a listen to a beautiful song done by 2 of my favorite musicians (and fellow North Carolinians). This is from Gleam II and it's a peak into just how well their penmanship with simple, emotional songs is. Be sure to watch and check out The Avett Brothers - they have much greatness ahead.



Oh yeah, forgot to mention in my Ryan Adams post that he, as well, is from ol' Carolina. Maybe I should just focus on all the great NC musicians this month, I could probably go on and on with my favs....Nina Simone, Doc Watson, Tift Merritt, Ben Folds, James Taylor, Charlie Daniels, Earl Scruggs, John Coltrane, Loudon Wainwright III...okay gotta stop now...

Ryan Adams = My Next Lover

I should probably tell my boyfriend, but seriously, how can I deny it after the show I saw Monday? Of course, I've never even met him. And I think he's a bit quirky....oh wait, that just justifies it even more!

Anyhow, caught Ryan and the rest of the Cardinals at the Paramount on October 13th and the boys did not disappoint. Despite the band being sick just 2 days before, one would never have guessed it with the energy and talent they oozed on Monday night. Tight tight tight....some highlights from the show were Come Pick Me Up (see below, couldn't find a clip from the Austin show), Dear John, Easy Plateau, Two, Stars Go Blue and Cold Roses.



So, not wanting to slow down any this week...on Tuesday I saw the fabulous and hilarious Toni Price at the Continental Club with Rich Brotherton. An amazing raw, bluesy voice matched with Rich's impeccable guitar skills (who is Robert Earl Keen's lead guitarist) - it was such a fun show. Be sure to check them both out....here's a small clip of a show from last year at the same venue.

Austin is fun

Yeah, many of you already knew that. I've been here just over a week and have managed to fit in so much already; enough to know that 6 months here is going to be incredible. I'm somewhat settled in my new digs - this pic is the view of downtown from my place.

So a run down of my first week in Austin: 3 parties and jam sessions, multiple happy hours, multiple trips to target!, a few days of work, a couple local shows (White Ghost Shivers and Dana Falconberry) and a day or so of rest (due to an untimely hangover). Whew....

I have met quite a few local musicians and music lovers and everyone is so eager to hear new people and share their music. It's great and the talent here is endless. A little intimidating if I think about it too long...

I'm headed to Ryan Adams tomorrow night at the Paramount Theatre. Should be a treat and hopefully I will post some pics from the show. Oh, and for you Jackson folk - enjoy the snow! It's a balmy 85 here today and I am loving the sun!

On my way...

Well, I'm about 500 miles away from my new winter destination...Austin, TX! I have enjoyed a few too many happy meals on the way and am already soo over being in the car another 7 hours tomorrow. But, at least I have good company!

Aaron and I just finished watching the VP debate (go Biden! it's my blog so I can plug anyone I choose), and now we are watching highlights from Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Fran. It's definitely making me itch for the live music of the new town I am headed for. Quite exciting...

In fact, we make it to Austin tomorrow and already have 4 or 5 shows that we must catch before Aaron flies East for his Fall Tour. What a change from JHole.

I'm hittin the hay, but will try to write and post some pics once I'm all settled in my new digs. And, recovered from my first few nights in Austin. I can't wait...

Oh yeah, here's my last "family" outing in Jackson with the Harp-dog. Fall colors are endless.