Bobby Duncan: Faith, Hope and Everything Else

First of all, please excuse my lack of blogging. The past few weeks have been extremely crazy and it has been very hard to sit down and give you something good.

For two weeks I was at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which was very exciting and eventful but, tiring at the same time. When my roommates and I had some time to get away at night--a very rare occasion--we would to go over to the Armadillo Palace, on Kirby Dr.

One night, as we walked in, I knew it was going to be a good night because I could hear live music in the background! As we passed through the crowd and found an open table I was able to see who was on stage: It was Bobby Duncan and I had been wanting to see him live ever since Brandon Rhyder recommended him. Let me just say, I was BEYOND impressed.

Along with his three band members, Bobby rocked the intimate and snug setting of the Armadillo Palace (which is my new favorite Houston venue/bar) and then took some time to play a a few acoustic songs alone.

Overall, I was highly pleased with the performance and my night. I hope to be able to sit down with Bobby when he comes to College Station in April for a more in depth story. Until then, I recommend picking up his album, Faith, Hope and Everything Else, produced by Walt Wilkins.

This 2009 release is a twelve-song masterpiece in my opinion. I greatly enjoy music I can put in my car, CD player, iPod, what have you, and let it play over and over again. This is exactly what I found when I first listened to this album and I have yet to tire of it.

My favorite track off the record is "Changes" -- something about the way the song is put together just really hits me and the lyrics, well, you'll just have to listen to the song to understand what I mean when i say, WOW!

Bobby writes in his album thank you credits, "this record is about the progression of life for a 22-year-old kid, and a girl who drove me crazy."

At such a young age, Bobby Duncan has a long future ahead of him in the music biz and has already established his name and sound as a force to be reckoned with.

stay tuned for an update on Bobby coming in late April...I hope!

--betsy!

TCM weekend schedule!

Spring Break is here Texas Country fans, and you know what that means--concerts galore! Check out this weekend's TCM line-up and find a show near you!

Friday, March 12
Big River - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park
Micky & The Motorcars - Billy Bob's Texas
Kyle Bennett Band / Brison Bursey - Woody's Tavern
Rich O'Toole - Silver Saloon in Terrell, Texas
Steve Helms - Bonos in Decatur, Tx
Wade Bowen - Hank's in McKinney, Texas
Drew Kennedy - Adair's Saloon in Dallas, Texas
Texas Renegade - Armadillo Palace in Houston, Texas
Mickey & The Motorcars - Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth, Texas
Lost Immigrants - Billy's Ice in New Braunsfels, Texas
Doug Moreland - Blancos in Houston, Texas
No Justice - City Limits in Stephenville, Texas
Stoney Larue - Coupland Dancehall in Coupland, Texas
Kevin Fowler - Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas
CCR - Electric Cowboy in Tyler, Texas
Bobby Duncan - Froggy Bottoms/Beach Club
Mark McKinney - Graham Central Station in Odessa, Texas
Bleu Edmondson - JC's Dance Hall in Sweetwater, Texas
Max Stalling - Love and War in Texas in Grapevine, Texas
Johnny Cooper - Lucky Maggies Music and Diner in Diamond, MO
Aaron Watson - Midnight Rodeo in Amarillo, Texas
Bart Crow Band - Midnight Rodeo in Austin, Texas
Jason Boland and the Stragglers - Muldoons Saloon El Campo, Texas
Whiskey Meyers - Muldoons Saloon in El Campo, Texas
Jackson Taylor- Shooters Sports Bar and Grill in Gainesville, Texas
Rich O'Toole - Silver Saloon in Terrell, Texas
Casey Donahew Band - Southern Junction in Royce City, Texas
Clint Martin Band - Swiss Alp Dance Hall in Schulenburg, Texas
Cory Morrow - Wild West in Waco, Texas
Kyle Bennett Band - Woody's Tavern in Fort Worth, Texas
Charlie Robinson - Wormy Dog Saloon in Oklahoma City, OK
Roger Creager - Graham Central Station - Odessa, Texas
Cody Riley Band - The Bell Opry House in Synder Texas
Shane Rogers Band at Lone Star Saloon in Richmond
Toby Wayne Band at Outskirts in Wichita Falls
Southern Crossing - Ridglea Theatre Fort Worth, TX

Saturday, March 13
Van Darian - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park
Justin Ross - Mule Barn
County Road Zero at Tut's Crawfish Boil w/Josh Ward in Conroe
Jeremy Lynn Woodall at C&R Sports Bar in Waco
Mark Allan Atwood at The Barn in Victoria
Shane Rogers Band at Main St. Bar in Borger
Toby Wayne Band at Lone Star Saloon in Richmond
The Brad Allen Band at The Oasis Club in San Angelo
Southern Crossing - Pioneer Days in Paducah, TX
Kevin Fowler - Armadillo Place in Houston, Texas
Cory Morrow - Schroeder Hall in Goliad, Texas
Bart Crow Band - American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Casey Donahew Band - American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
No Justice - American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas
Josh Grider Band - Back of the Bee in Maypearl, Texas
Stoney Larue - Crosswire in Paris, Texas
Wade Bowen - Dos Amigos in Odessa, Texas
CCR - Floores Country Store - Helotes, Texas
Phil Pritchett - Granada Theater in Dallas, Texas
Johnny Cooper - Hat Tricks Sports Bar and Grill - Lewisville, Texas
Zona Jones - Hideout HLSR in Houston, Texas
Mo Robson - JC's Dance Hall in Sweetwater, Texas
Jackson Taylor - JC's Dance Hall in Sweetwater, Texas
Clint Martin Band - Jerry B's in Kenedy, Texas
Rich O'Toole - Keefers Bar in Mineral Wells, Texas
Deryl Dodd - Love and War in Texas in Grapevine, Texas
Doug Moreland - Luckenbach Texas in Fredericksburg, Texas
Mickey & The Motorcars - Luckenbach Texas in Fredericksburg, Texas
Lost Immigrants - Redbud Festival in Buna, Texas
Slow Rollin Lows - Redbud Festival in Buna, Texas
Jason Boland and the Stragglers - Scooters Dance Hall in Moulton, Texas
Eli Young Band - Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo in Austin, Texas
Josh Ward Band - Tuts Bar in Conroe, Texas
Aaron Watson - Wild Country in Harker Heights, Texas
Kyle Bennett Band - Wormy Dog Saloon in Oklahoma City, OK
Jason Eady - Wormy Dog Saloon in Oklahoma City, OK
Roger Creager - House Pasture Cattle Company - Concan, Texas
Brandon Jenkins - Tequila Nights in Brownwood, Texas

Sunday, March 14

Mark Allan Atwood at Rockett Cafe in Waxahachie
Josh Langston at a SXSW Showcase in Austin
Jon Burklund & The Recycled Rednecks
Texas Renegade - Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood, Texas
Jason Boland and the Stragglers - Granda Theater in Dallas, Texas
Mark McKinney - Krush Lounge in Austin, Texas
Dub Miller - Luckenbach Texas in Fredericksburg, Texas
Jason Eady - White Elephant Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas

so, raise your glass high and toast to Texas Music this weekend!

peace, love & texas music

betsy

p.s. i went and watched Bobby Duncan last night in Houston--been listening to his CD today, good stuff! make sure to check him out and be on the look out for a story coming soon!

WEEKEND madness!!

it's that time again for TEXAS COUNTRY's loyal followers to gain their weekend concert inquiries...find a show near you right here:

Friday, March 5
Smokey Robinson - Winstar World Casino

Chris Young - Billy Bob's Texas

Chase Cundiff And The Co Pilots - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Ryan McBride - Woody's Tavern

Phil Hamilton & The Backroad Drifters - Froggy's Beach Club

Jimmy LaFave & John Fullbright at Poor David’s Pub

Rich O'Toole - Gilley's Dallas

DIRT ROAD GYPSIES at SOUTHERN JUNCTION in Rockwall

Lee County Line - Moon River in Spicewood, Texas

Zack Walther - Armadillo Place in Dallas, Texas

Texas Renegade - Bandera Place in Houston, Texas

Bobby Duncan - City Limits in Stephenville, Texas

Whiskey Myers - Crazy Horse Saloon in Wichita Falls, Texas

Stoney LaRue - Cypress Saloon in Cypress, Texas

Granger Smith - Floores Country Store in Helotes, Texas

Josh Grider - Floores Country Store in Helotes, Texas

Cory Morrow - Hurricane Harry's in College Station

Mike McClure - Iron Horse Pub in Wichita Falls, Texas

Dub Miller - KC's Icehouse in Alvin, Texas

Phil Pritchett - Lakeside Icehouse in Bryan, Texas

No Justice - Lone Star Saloon - Uvalda, Texas

Randy Rogers Band - Longhorn Saloon in Manhattan, Kansas

Kevin Fowler - Lucky Maggies Music & Diner in Diamond, MO

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Midnight Rodeo in Amarillo, Texas

Brandon Rhyder - Midnight Rodeo in Austin, Texas

Kyle Bennett Band - Midnight Rodeo in Austin, Texas

Eli Young Band - Midnight Rodeo in San Angelo, Texas

Brandon Jenkins - West Wild in Lubbock, Texas

Roger Creager - Zydeco in Birmingham, AL

Adam Hood - Zydeco in Birmingham, AL

Lost Immigrants - White Elephant Saloon in Fort Worth, Texas

Jason Eady - Threadgills Resturant Banquet in Austin, Texas

Honeybrowne - Texas Hall of Fame in Bryan, Texas

Johnny Cooper - Shooters Sports Bar and Grill in Gainsville, Texas

Josh Ward Band - Ranch in Midland, Texas

Clint Martin Band - Poodies Bar & Grill in Spicewood, Texas

Scott Wiggins Band - Muldoons Saloon in El Campo, Texas

Bart Crow Band - Muldoon Saloon in El Campo, Texas

Josh Langston at Lone Star Saloon in Richmond

Shane Rogers Band at Red Zone Sports Bar in Lubbock

JD Monson Band at Big Barn BBQ in North Richland Hills, Texas--NO COVER

Saturday, March 6

Bart Crow Band - Woody's Tavern

Snuff Garrett - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Texas Renegade - Mule Barn

George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Winstar World Casino

Randy Travis - Billy Bob's Texas

Cory Morrow - Gilley's Dallas

Jason Boland & The Stragglers w/Dirt Road Gypsies at Southern Junction in Rockwall

Ten Gauge Band w/Steve Ferguson Band at Last Chance Saloon (in downtown Plano, Tx)

Rich O'Toole - Red Moon Café Ennis, Texas

Jeremy Lynn Woodall at Main St. Bar in Borger

Sally Thieves at Junior's Grill and Icehouse in Round Rock

Brenda Kay at Ben Richey Boys Ranch Telethon-Abilene

Shane Rogers Band at Rocky LaRue's in Lubbock

Sunday, March 7

Mark Allan Atwood at Junior's Grill and Icehouse in Round Rock

shine up those ol' dancin' boots & support Texas Country Music this weekend! && remember, if you want to be added to our weekend schedules, send your information to the TCM headquarters!

peace, love & texas music!

betsy

TCM sits down with Brandon Rhyder

This past Friday, Texas artist Brandon Rhyder spent most of his day in College Station promoting his new record, Head Above Water, with an on-air interview at 98.3 KORA and an in-store performance at Hastings. Then he ended the night with a live/full-band performance at Hurricane Harry's.

I had the chance to sit down with Brandon before he played at Harry's to talk about his new album, feelings about the future and more--

(playing songs off the new album in-store at Hastings)

"The thing about Head Above Water is that it's not a book with 13 chapters, it's a collection of 13 completely separate books," Rhyder said. "I try not to write for a specific genre, so you've got songs like 'Rock Angel' and then ones like 'Ultimate Deceiver' put together on one record."

After playing a few off the new album at Hastings, Rhyder told the crowd that growing up his mother would tell him to really listen to what the songs on the radio were saying to him. He said that is how he wants his music to be--not categorized for the way it sounds, but appreciated for what every song specifically says to each listener.

This is the 6th album the singer/songwriter has put out since 2001 and second on the Reserve Records label. While working to put Head Above Water together, Rhyder said there were signs that something was different about this one.

"I've done the order for all six of my records, and I don't know how but, when working on this one, I knew very early on what the order was going to be," he said. "Each song has its own venue, so to speak. I knew 'Rock Angel' was going to be the first off the record and the first single; it just made perfect sense."

After spending a lot of time in Nashville with a publishing deal during 2007 and 2008, Rhyder said he was ready to come home to Texas. He missed his family, but had made a goal at the beginning of 2009 to put out another album.

"I knew I wanted to record another record, I wanted to do it close to home, I wanted to use my band, and I wanted Walt Wilkins to do it--all of these things came together really quickly," he said.

The process of making Head Above Water (which is also documented on a DVD that comes with the record) started in June of 2009 and within three weeks the album was complete. Rhyder said it is by far his favorite one yet, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that he wrote every single song on this album by himself--making it more personal and kind of a "statement record" for him.

He also called it the most up-tempo and upbeat record he has ever put out--especially the hidden track at the end, "Queen of My Roost," which showcases Rhyder's love for the 20s, 30s and 40s big band music.


(Brandon and I after the Hastings performance)

Referring to his own music as "different," Rhyder said it has been interesting to be called a "veteran" of the scene and really wants to try to be more of a voice for the artist as he moves forward in his career.

"I am really upset with music right now and where it's at," he said. "I feel like we're strangling the life out of the creativity of music. And not just country, it's music across the board. Each genre seems to have created a box for music to fit in and if the music doesn't fit in that box then it can't be popular. That's not true at all; there are a ton of really talented artists that have a lot to say, but don't fit in the box. So, I'd really like to be a voice for the artist and help get more of them heard."

Supporting and promoting upcoming Texas talent like Bobby Duncan and Clayton Gardner (who opened for Rhyder at Harry's on Friday) is his hope to help get this music heard--the kind that doesn't fit into a specific box.

"We write with depth, and while that may still have tenacity to it, it's not, for the lack of a better term, a 'beer and titties' setup," Rhyder said. "There's room for it [how we write] and we see that. I mean, we're packing houses every night, getting to do what we do and say what we say. So, all of these guys, the Bobby's and the Clayton's, that's something that is important to them also, and I obviously want to be a part of helping to spread their message."

(Clayton Gardner opening for Brandon at Hurricane Harry's on Friday)

It is evident when listening to Rhyder's albums that he is a huge advocate for the music and quite an amazing and powerful songwriter. After talking with him at Hastings, I was able to go to Harry's and watch the show as well, and let me just say that it was one of the best I've seen from him.

New and old hits, like "Freeze Frame Time," "Before I Knew Your Name" and "Let the Good Times Roll," came blaring out of the speakers for what I personally thought was the largest crowd this band has ever seen at Hurricane Harry's and the most excited. People were singing along, dancing and raising their drinks in the air to salute this musical wonder.

"To all the fans out there, thank you for allowing us to do what we do," Rhyder humbly said at the end of our interview. "That's something I say at the end of every show, because this is a grassroots effort and without the fans going out and telling their friends, neighbors or co-workers, we wouldn't be able to stand on that stage every single night."

Be sure to check out Rhyder's tour schedule to keep up with when he will be coming to a town near you, and pick up a copy of Head Above Water.

For more information on Bobby Duncan and Clayton Gardner fan their Facebook pages to keep track of their latest updates.

Stay tuned next week as I report from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo--

peace, love & texas music!

betsy

TCM weekend schedule!

Bringing you the schedule a day early--everyone knows Thursday should be counted as the WEEKEND anyway!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Reckless Kelly - CD RELEASE Party - Rockin Rodeo in Denton, Texas
Seth James / Backporch Mary - Woody's Tavern

Steve Helms - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Rick Springfield - Wyndham Anatole Hotel

Eddy Raven - Stagecoach Ballroom

Zane Williams-acoustic @ Last Chance Saloon (in downtown Plano, Tx)

Zach Huckabee Band - Executive Surf Club

opening for Phil Pritchett (Acoustic) Corpus Christi, Texas

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cookoff--The Garden Entertainment

___________________________________

Friday, February 26, 2010

Josh Abbott Band w/Charla Corn- Billy Bob's Texas
Charlie Robinson - Silver Saloon in Terrell, Texas (Ladies get in FREE)

Zach Walther & The Cronkites / Ben Danaher - Woody's Tavern

Riverwood - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

County Road Zero at Lone Star Saloon in Richmond

Jeremy Lynn Woodall at Ben Hur Bar in Ben Hur

Brandon Rhyder - Hurricane Harry's in College Station

Scott Wiggins Band at Tumbleweeds in Houston

Amos Moses Band - Caddo St in Cleburne, Tx 9pm

Rich O'Toole - Crosswire 3330 NE Loop 286, Paris, TX

Robert Donahue Band - T-Bones Bar & Grill, 101 E Main St, Denison, TX

Jonathan Garcia Band @ Shiner Saloon (5th and Congress), Austin TX
Whiskey Meyers - Hank's in McKinney, Texas

Trent Willmon - The Mule in Commerce, Texas

Houston Live Stock and Rodeo BBQ Cookoff--The Garden Entertainment

_______________________________________

Saturday, February 27, 2010
Brandon Rhyder - Hank's in McKinney

Dale Watson & His Lone Stars - Stagecoach Ballroom

The Band of Heathens / Bruce Robison / The Trishas - Granada Theater

Jason Eady / Greg Schroeder - Woody's Tavern

Three Fools On Three Stools - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Stephen Pointer Band - Overtime Burleson, Texas

Chris Allbright - Wild Country Granbury, Texas

Tejas Brothers - Swiss Alp Dancehall in Schulenberg, TX

Josh Langston at Brazos Lounge in Mineral Wells

Shane Rogers Band at Rocky LaRue's in Lubbock

Sally Thieves at Old Town Saloon in Wichita Falls

County Road Zero and Mark Allan Atwood at Cypress Saloon in Cypress

Scott Wiggins Band Crazy Horse Saloon in Wichita Falls

Cody Riley Band - Click's in Tyler, Texas
Amos Moses Band - Turkey Creek in Alvarado (9pm)

Rich O'Toole - The Mule Barn 218 S.Hwy 156, Justin, TX

The Robert Donahue Band - Wall St. Duncan, OK
Zach Huckabee Band - Dead Fish Belton, Texas
Houston Live Stock and Rodeo BBQ Cookoff -- The Garden Entertainment

_________________________________

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Scott Wiggins Band Live with 106.9 The Ranch w/Jim Nash at the Rocket Cafe

make sure to get on out and support some Texas Country Music this weekend! raise that glass high in the air and salute these men & women for their hard work and devotion.

God Bless Texas!

peave, love & texas music!

betsy

(p.s. if you are confused as to why i am not Jessica it's because she has asked me to freelance this blog which goes with the Facebook page! I loveeee Texas Country too...so why not team up on promoting it to everyone!)

Oma Gruene's Secret Garten

My weekend in the Hill Country wouldn't have been complete without a trip to the most relaxing and historically rich town of Gruene, Texas! This being a Texas Country Music blog we wanted to showcase a local establishment that has a strong connection to the music and embodies everything Gruene.

I sat down with Paul Davis and Tracy Graves, owners of Oma Gruene's Secret Garten to find out the history of the land, their connection to the Texas music scene and what exactly one can expect from a visit.

"We just blindly stumbled into it," Graves said of the pairs tie to the Texas Music scene. After meeting Davis in Austin and selling light fixtures together, Graves said she thought having Oma Gruene's Secret Garten would be a fun hobby to have on the weekends; it soon became a lifestyle.

The historic patch of land this establishment lies on is the back yard to Oma Gruene's (one of the grandmothers of the founding family) house, which used to be the congregating area for hands who worked in the fields and down by the river, Graves said. The pecan grove was originally built by the Gruene family.

"They [the workers] would have barbeques and camp out, it was like a public park to them," she explained.

For just about two years, Davis and Graves have ran this quaint German-American restaurant/Texas music venue and have come a long way while still keeping the spirit and sameness of the land intact.

Local and devoted customers donated wooden picnic tables to the Garten after the duo was having trouble coming up with the funds to purchase the amount needed themselves, Graves said.

"I found a great deal on the tables and started talking about them one day, and they [the customers] began pulling out their checkbooks left and right to help," she said. "We made a fun thing out of it and said, 'Okay, this is your table. You can call me and I'll save it for you.'"

Each table has a gold plate attached, engraved with the name of the donor and some have saying on them too. The table I sat at said "Texas Music Lives," quite appropriate don't you think.

A few months after getting settled, the music was brought in and the Garten has been showcasing talents of Central Texas and the Hill Country almost daily on their two stages. One outside, built by Graves' father and the Underground--a small intimate stage area in the basement of Oma Gruene's home that seats about 30 people.

"We actually have all kinds of music on stage, though most of it is the Americana type, we've had a Reggae band out here before," Davis said. "Like attracts like and the people kind of come to us."

Davis also pointed out how strong and tight knit the music scene is in the Hill Country; "The artists really support each other and can call one another up if they suddenly become sick to fill in for the night--there is a lot of talent in Central Texas," he said.

Talent interested in playing at Oma Gruene's Secret Garten need to call ahead and book a show or come out on a Wednesday night for the "Songwriter's Showdown." A five dollar entry fee and you're on stage performing your songs for an audience of judges.

An open mic style competition, the "showdown" winner goes home with a cash prize and that week's title. Depending on how many contestants enter, accounts for the number of songs each songwriter plays to the crowd. After the first round the non-participants, or the audience, then votes on the top three who go head-to-head for the win. Eventually those musicians who did not make the finals vote on the winner--another example of the strong and motivating musical community.

"This is a very happy place," Graves said with a smile beaming from ear to ear. "Not even Gruene itself, but this backyard...this little patch of land. We get to see people at their absolute best, not thinking about work, just a snow cone or a cold beer."

Even for the short amount of time I spent in this historical haven, I could tell the amount of passion and hard work that is put into making Oma Gruene's Secret Garten a relaxing, care-free, enjoyable place for everyone involved. I can't wait to get back down to Gruene and spend some quality time in Oma's backyard, listening to great Texas music and taking in the surroundings.

For more information on the Garten, fan their Facebook page and remember, "Oma Loves You!"

peace, love & texas music!

betsy

Josh Abbott @ Midnight Rodeo

This past Friday I ventured to the Hill Country to see one of my favorite Texas artist in one of my favorite Texas towns--Josh Abbott in Austin!

Josh and I after the show with the new album

After their second album, "She's Like Texas" debuted at #3 on the iTunes Country Music Albums chart, just behind Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift, the Josh Abbott Band has been (and will be) celebrating with CD release shows all over the state.

As one of the fastest growing Texas Music stars, Josh has skyrocketed onto the scene and built an adoring and devoted fan base. This show at Midnight Rodeo was one of the best I've seen from him and the crowd was bigger than ever. He and his band mates make a strong connection with their audience by taking the time to say a few words between songs and trying to relate the lyrics to real-life experiences.

"This next song is the first one off the new album and it's all about road trippin' with your friends and drinkin' Boone's Farm Wine," Josh yelled to the crowd as everyone cheered, whistled and raised their drinks in the air.

Speaking of Road Trippin', --which draws you in from the moment the first chord is played--these lyrics talk about taking those long-weekend road trips with your best friends and not having a care in the world. He continued to play new songs from "She's Like Texas" and some more familiar ones like, Taste, Scapegoat and one of my personal favorites, Evil Woman.

Josh Abbott though, wouldn't be complete without his band; and let me just say, this is quite a group of musicians. While Josh introduced his band mates (as he does every show) these four other men rocked out for the crowd and took a bow. Preston Wait on the fiddle and electric guitar, Daniel Almodova on the bass, Gabe Hanson on the electric guitar and Edward Villanueva on the drums.

Check out Josh's tour page to see when he'll be traveling to a venue near you and if you haven't yet, buy "She's Like Texas" and see for yourself what all the excitement is about.

peace, love & texas music!

betsy