Ah, Yes, Thanks...

Thanksgiving is one of those weird holidays for me. I'm always not quite recovered from the horrors of Halloween, and Christmas is so close you can almost taste snowflakes in your mouth. Oh wait, I live in Texas now...I'm sure it's snowed here before...anyhow...I do love the idea of lots of yummy yummy food and football. It may not be my favorite holiday, but it's quickly growing on the list.

Every Thanksgiving is a bit different for me. For many years I have spent it with an "adopted" family of friends. Last year I was lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with my guy and both our families. This year, no families, but the guy was in Austin to celebrate. We had a great time cooking a wee bit and digesting lots of food with our new "adopted" family in Austin. A few days later I am still in a food coma with a Budha belly, but I just remembered that I forgot to even Thank anyone on Thanksgiving. So, I must make up for that. But, I'll keep this short...

For starters, you, the one reading this blog. It's nice to know someone actually wants to keep up with me. Kudos to you ;).

The fam - mine, Aaron's and anyone who is in the "adopted" network.

The friends - NC, SC, Jackson, Austin and everywhere in between (okay you all live in way too many places for me to post).

And the dog - Harper, you're still in the fam, but you deserve an extra shout out b/c I want you to remember who's your favorite when I get back to Jackson.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving - full of food, family, friends, and don't forget, Thanks!

A Taste of Austin Blues with Seth Walker

About a week ago Aaron and I caught an interesting show at the Parish in downtown Austin. I had discovered that Seth Walker was playing a free show that night and decided that we HAD to go. Seth is a local blues/cajun/soul musician and the buzz has been brewing around him for some time. The event wasn't quite a full-fledged concert, and we found ourselves in the midst of an "awareness" night...very innneresting. When Seth finally hit the stage I thought "this guy better be awesome, because this is the weirdest setting ever and I am ready to bolt for the door." Thank goodness, he was indeed awesome...and more! I was impressed with his soulful voice and his mix of raw blues and Ray Charlesy ballads. That boy knows some blues, that's for sure. And, with the emotion he puts into his performance, I would bet he's lived through some blues as well.

Infuences these days

I started a very lazy Saturday morning by learning a few new tunes and writing some new ones for myself. 6 hours later I decided maybe I should shower, eat, and get myself the hell outta dodge. All in all, it's been a productive day, and probably even more so when I go out on the town tonight. But, at the end of all of this I started to think about what I am writing these days and what my influences are right now. So, I am posting my top ten influences of the month (they could easily change each week, but we don't need to go through that!!). Really, the top 2 in this category are: the city, and home. But, I am limiting this to albums...so in no particular order b/c I can't face trying that...

Jacksonsville City Nights - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
home, longing, love...what more do you need to sustain on? I could probably put ALL of Ryan's albums on this list, but this is my most listened to in recent terms.
Choice Track: "Trains"

Another Country - Tift Merritt
There are many songs on this album that continually break my heart. And not because they're sad, but because Tift has such a way with words. ah...
Choice Track: "My Heart is Free"

Bonnie Raitt - Bonnie Raitt
Bow down to the queen. One day I may attempt to learn her guitar licks on this album...but I need a lot more practice to get there! Her first album, and my personal favorite - always.
Choice Track: "Finest Lovin' Man"

Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs - Derek & The Dominos
Whenever I really need to feel inspired I listen to this album. It has such a power over me. And no, Mr. Clapton is not, in fact, my favorite guitar player on this album (for those of you who know a bit about the Dominos). Even though I do love me some Eric Clapton...
Choice Track: "Bell Bottom Blues"

Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis
I have just delved into this album, and it's so worth it. Jenny Lewis is one of my favorite songwriters right now and I love the honesty, sex and rawness she puts into her work (frontwoman of Rilo Kiley).
Choice Track: "Pretty Bird"

Gleam II - The Avett Brothers
This is a 6 song EP, with just the two Avetts and their stringed instruments. You all know that these boys make me cry, especially this album, so really, there's not much more to say.
Choice Track: "Tear Down the House"

Three More Days - Ray LaMontagne
Ray just put out his 3rd full length album, which is great, but I have been transfixed on this one lately. To listen to it in its entirety is just a bit much (I think it's the "divorce" album), but in parts it's pretty unbelievable.
Choice Track: "You Can Bring Me Flowers"

The West Was Burning - Martha Scanlan
Okay, another one of my favorite songwriters, in a slightly more country direction. Martha's voice is hauntingly good and her songs pull you in every time.
Choice Track: "Walkin"

Post-War - M. Ward
I recently discovered M. Ward and now feel like the biggest idiot at what I have missed the past few years. Great songs, great arrangements and some odds moments - just what I love.
Choice Track: "Right in the Head"

Toby's Song - Nicki Bluhm
I stumbled upon Nicki Bluhm and was really excited at what I found. She shares my love of Bonnie Raitt's first album, so I'm sure we would get along great. This album was released this year with appearances by Jackie Green and her husband, Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips).
Choice Track: "I'm Your Woman"

Check some of these out...I will be sure to post more next month...

Some Rainclouds for a Cloudy Day

I was just discussing the general music scene earlier today and the never-ending over presence of all male bands, songwriters, etc. Especially in the up and coming scene. So, then of course I found myself on a mission to find the hidden female gems that aren't getting the coverage they so deserve. And, being in Austin it's only fitting that one of the gals that crept up to the top of this list is Austinite Suzanna Choffel.

From her own bio, Suzanna describes her sound as "the time right before a storm hits...the smell of rain, pressure in the air, warm breezes, electrical skin tingling...sexy"..and I couldn't agree more. There's a fun bubbly presence in her music, with blends of ambient rawness. I'm a new fan and can't wait to catch a live show in Austin.

It's Peter Pan!

Or Robin Hood or a Fairy. This Halloween no one could quite guess my costume, but I was in fact supposed to be Peter Pan. Last minute costume idea? You betcha. Oh well, I tried.

Halloween was very interesting this year. A birthday bash started the evening and we managed to finally hit up a local karaoke dive bar, Ego's, around 1.30 am. Needless to say, we didn't arrive in time to make the list. Boo.

I hope everyone enjoyed a happy hallow's eve this year. I'm personally glad it's over so we are closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas - my 2 faves (hello pumpkin pie).

Below is a pic from the beginning of the night. I think you'll get all the other outfits.

Yes We Can

Wow. wow wow wow.

I am so very proud of this country right now. Tonight has been a whirlwind of emotions for me watching the results of our Presidential race roll in. Lots of happy tears and many screams of joy. We have a new President Elect and his name is Barack Obama!!!!

This is a day of CHANGE. Change that this nation so desperately needs. I am confident that President Elect Obama will bring this country closer together and take us steps ahead to a New America.

I could go on and on about what this days means to me, but I may cry more in the process, so I will keep that to a minimum. Congratulations America, the choice was yours and you spoke. Loud and Clear. I'll leave you with this tidbit from a song that keeps resonating in my ears today.

"There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will"

The Nocturnals and Theremins??

I know, I know...it's been well over a week since my last post. Which means a- I've been quite lazy, and b- I have a lot to catch everyone up on. This may be the first of many posts today (just a warning).

One more thing before I really dig in here - GO VOTE!!! This election is so important on so many levels, so be a part of that!

Now, onto blogging...

(Grace and Scott, lead guitarist)

Last Thursday a crew of us headed to see my buds Grace Potter & The Nocturnals at the Parish and had a very entertaining evening. The Parish is such a great music venue and has a fun, hip vibe - I will definitely be going back to many many more shows there.

The show was, as usual, filled with high energy, smokin' solos and some intense vocals by Miss Grace. There were some new tunes that really grabbed me, especially "Outta My Tree"- a funky soulful tune that reminds you not to let em' shake those apples right outta your tree. There's a great live recording of this tune from Sun Studios in Memphis - check it out by clicking here.

But, the most memorable part of the evening was watching Bryan, the bassist, play the weirdest looking instrument I've seen in a while...the Theremin! I had NEVER heard of this before and watching someone play one is all at once hilarious and spooky because it looks like they are playing a satellite signal and shaking their hands around like they could have some issues upstairs...too funny. I can't even do justice to try and explain the Theremin - so go look it up!

I know I always go on and on about the bands I think everyone should see, so today's no different. The Nocturnals are killing it right now and they are one of the nicest bands around. Their music instantly turns the worst of dancers into booty shakers! So, check out their schedule and go see them! All you Jackson folk, they will be coming back through in November at the Pink Garter.