DFW Acoustics

The Blog

2010-12-13T15:08:00.003-06:00

I was wondering where this place went. No it's found! No music information right now. I'm wishing that both or either John Cowan or Mando Saenz would come to town, but I see nothing on the tour lists. It's December. Pick on!

and 2 years later...

2009-01-26T14:12:00.002-06:00

I was looking at http://www.dfwlivemusic.com and thinking about my own, long, lost blog created a few years back where I was doing some footwork to find as much bluegrass music type news as possible. I was always searching for news concerning something outside of bluegrass but in DFW there is little. And if there are other events, they seem to be kept close to the promotion vest.

I'm contemplating whether or not it is worth it to restore care to the site. Comments are welcome.

Bluegrass in Blue Ridge, TX

2007-09-25T19:31:00.000-05:00

The Upper Grassmen host "Bluegrass in Blue Ridge" this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Other bands will include Copper Canyon from Argyle, Texas and a new group of 12 and 13 year olds called Back Stage. Tickets are only $4.00 to help pay for facilities.

Come on out to Blue Ridge and join us at the community center this Saturday night.

Gold Tone Banjola

2007-08-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post a picture of my latest musical endeavor, the Gold Tone Banjola. It's a unique instrument with the body of a mandolin and the neck style of a 5 string banjo. It's got a unique sound as well. Not to be played like a traditional banjo, it lends it self to a solo performance.

Support Melody Ranch

2007-06-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

The MR Bluegrass Festival is going on this weekend. Take a short drive and support it. There are some great young bands there, so the music rocks pretty good. It's just up 75, exit Howe and take 902 east towards Tom Bean, TX. It's about 7 miles off of 75. It's goes strong through tomorrow night. Click here for the website.

Learn From the Stars

2007-05-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

A few of acoustic music's best will showcase their talents and teach you how to play better through basic, intermediate or advanced instruction. It's all a part of the Acoustic Music Camp coming to Dallas. Whether you're looking to hone your skills on guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle or songwriting, it seems they may have something for everyone.

My personal excitement about this event comes from the fact that Terry Baucom will be on hand to teach some of his technique. I've been following him since the early days of Ricky Skaggs' Boone Creek band from the 70's. He's got an awesome style, one which I've stolen a couple of riffs from over the years.

Dallas own Brad Davis will be teaching guitar. He's probably one of the biggest secrets in acoustic music today. Brad is an awesome flatpicker with a great voice to boot, plus he's just a good guy.

The only drawback to the camp is the cost. It's $295 for three days. That seems a little expensive, especially for us hillbillies, but if you've got it I would imagine it would be money well spent.

Me? I'd love to go, but probably will be on the road or have other commitment. I'll know more as the date nears. Check out the website, or follow it from the Charley's Guitar Shop link.

Melody Ranch Bluegrass Festival

2007-05-18T12:59:00.001-05:00

The Melody Ranch Bluegrass Festival in Tom Bean, TX kicks off its first year May 31 - June 2nd. A few regional bands carry the lineup. It's located about 45 minutes north of Plano. Take Hwy. 75 to Howe, TX. Exit towards Hwy. 902 and go east about 10 miles. Check out the new website at melodyranchbluegrassfestival.com.

Wildflower Festival

2007-05-06T10:40:00.000-05:00

This years lineup for the Richardson Wildflower Festival includes John Gorka. There is an equally impressive list of other entertainers. Check it out at the website. John will also appear at the Kerrville Folk Festival on May 28th and 29th. That link is also included here.

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

2007-04-28T11:32:00.000-05:00

Bela is back with the Flecktones for a road tour. They perform locally in Grand Prarie at the Nokia Theatre on June 2nd at 8:00 p.m. This is the original group with Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin and Futureman. Tickets are available on the Nokia website.

Maintaining DFW

2007-04-08T17:47:00.000-05:00

I haven't had the time to keep this blog up. My intent and hope was to have some feedback and thus more resources to keep it up to date for acoustic music lovers in the area. If you've read these posts from time to time and have information, I'd love the help. Thanks.

Guthrie

2007-03-26T15:13:00.000-05:00

The lineup is just out for the International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie, Oklahoma this fall. Check out the link at www.oibf.com.

Doc's

2007-02-16T12:39:00.000-06:00

The Upper Grassmen play Docs Bar and Grill in Muenster, TX tomorrow night. We fire it up around 8:30. We're going all acoustic. It's a fun room and we look forward to it.

The Cow Band

2007-02-10T14:37:00.000-06:00

I've been in contact with a booking agent in Nashville concerning the John Cowan band and a venue for them in Dallas. They will be in Austin for the Old Settler's fest on the 20th of April. We were looking for a 21st or 22nd venue.

Our first opp came back unobtainable as the agency is asking for too much. I'm hoping someone in Dallas is a match. He's never played here and the acoustic community is missing out on awesomeness like nothing else.

If you've got an idea, let me know soon. I'll pass it along.

Vern Young

2007-02-05T15:43:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday (I've been tied up and should have posted) Vern Young served up a great solo performance at the Chrystal Opry in Tom Bean, Texas. Vern's brand of music is reminiscent of the sounds of Mac Wiseman, although may would claim differently. It was a very laid back night with about 120 or so in attendance. He's touring Texas and Oklahoma throughout the spring. It's a good catch if you prefer the old time sound.

Eisley

2007-01-13T14:46:00.000-06:00

Information on acoustic venues around Dallas seems to be slow right now. Part of that is the authors fault. But, here's something worth posting. I'm drifting from the acoustic format here, but I feel so strongly about this band that I have to spread the word.

Eisley has recently gotten a lot of my attention. These guys and gals are a family group from Tyler, Texas that exude massive amounts of talent. Most every song on their debut CD from the WB label entitled "Room Noises" is written with the most original melody. And a few seconds in your CD player confirms that this is the kind of harmony that only siblings can produce.

I don't know if this work is "emo" or not, but whatever it is, it's greatness. I received a copy of this CD for Christmas and haven't stopped listening to it! Go to the website and take a listen. Then buy the CD for yourself. It's more of this kind of talent that the record labels need to be publishing.

Big Blue Hearts...I'm There

2006-12-29T22:40:00.000-06:00

The Big Blue Hearts play Poor Davids Pub on the 11th of January. I've been doing alot of listening lately (I've now got an iPod) and am convinced that they belong in my "special" category. It's just every once in a while that a band comes through that sounds this unique. Check them out, Poor Davids in the new location on South Lamar. I...like...it...alot.

Acoustic Alchemy

2006-12-11T09:20:00.000-06:00

The awesomeness of Acoustic Alchemy comes to Texas this April. Here are the dates:
April 1, 2007 Sumbuca Houston
April 2, 2007 Sumbuca Houston
April 4, 2007 Sumbuca Addison
April 5, 2007 Sumbuca Addison
April 7, 2007 One World Theatre Austin
Click on the link to find out more about Sambuca.

But Wait...here is another

2006-12-03T12:10:00.000-06:00

sarah mclachlan, originally uploaded by banj.

Ok, I was all up about the JT effort and let me say that after I bought it, I realized that it was indeed what I claimed it to be. It's the classic James Taylor sound with all of the cadence that makes him so distinguishable from any artist in history. So with that being said, here's my second entry of the season (and the final unless something else peaks my interest). Sarah McLachlans' Wintersong. This CD came out with a hohum review on Amazon.com, but since the October release, fans of Sarah have come back in force with quite a stir over the sounds in this traditional effort. I'm picking it up because I like her. She's one of those few real talents we still have in mainstream music. I'll always support anyone that can play, sing and write like the lovely Sarah.

By the way. DFW Acoustics is about DFW acoustic music or most anything related. Both Sarah and JT have that ability to fit that in to the category of "unplugged" at anytime. And of course, it is Christmas. Thus the posts and recommendations.

James Taylor Christmas

2006-11-25T12:20:00.000-06:00

James Taylor Christmas, originally uploaded by banj.

If you are shopping for a new Christmas CD this year, here's my #1 recommendation. It's got a few classics and a few that are newer. I enjoy hearing songs that are not the same traditional tunes that most every other artist records. James has a couple of those on this disc. A few of the reviews I've read say that this CD is much like the Hallmark release from 2004, which I don't personally own. This recording does feature at least two songs that were not released two years ago. Pick it up. Happy holidays...

alison-krauss

2006-11-15T12:27:00.000-06:00

alison-krauss-picture-4, originally uploaded by banj.

If you read the DFW blog, you already know I don't post here for fluff. My entries usually have information that is of value.

AKUS toured for only two weeks this fall and they were no where near Texas. They were in California, Arizona and Nevada. Hey, I had to have something to add to this photo. Great isn't it? Maybe a spring '07 tour puts them in Dallas. I'll keep an update.

John Gorka Returns

2006-11-13T12:15:00.000-06:00

I got interested in John back in 1990 when I first heard heard the song "The Sentinel." His baritone voice had a cadence I had not heard before, and his acoustic guitar reminded me of some of the things that JT does with his Olsen. He's got out a new cd entitled "Writing in the Margins." It's a collection of folk, country, and pop that explore love, war and hope for the future. It's his first endeavor in over 3 years. John brings his magic to Uncle Calvins Coffee House in Dallas the night of December 1st. Get your tickets on line just as I did because they are bound go fast. More on the album and John available on his website.

Autodesk Road Show

2006-11-08T15:05:00.000-06:00

Kinda music oriented if you are into post production. The folks at Autodesk are conducting a road show tomorrow at the Nash Sculpture Center in Dallas beginning at 5:30 p.m. We've got all the goods...Smoke, Flame, Inferno, all with the worlds best artists at the controls. Sign up on the Autodesk or Cinesys website at Cinesys.com. You'll need to be in the business, but I know many of you are. Food, drink and amazement provided. I promise.

Shawn Mullins Stop in Dallas

2006-10-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

Shawn Mullins known for great music but most especially his hit "Lullaby" from the 1998 cd "Souls Core" makes his stop in Dallas on Election Day 2006. Poor Davids Pub hosts the singer songwriter for one night only on November 7th. Check out Poor Davids and more information at Poor Davids Pub.com, and on Shawns website at www.ShawnMullins.com. See ya there.

Electric Campfire Fun

2006-10-15T16:21:00.000-05:00

The Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum hosts Electric Campfire Fun every Thursday night from 6 p.m. 'til midnight. Bring your acoustic instruments and take part. Beginners to pros fire it up for a night of fun and interaction on guitars, fiddles and more. The Sons of Hermann Hall. Get more information at www.SonsofHermann.com.

Big Blue Hearts

2006-10-10T14:27:00.000-05:00

Their new album "Here Come Those Dreams Again" is very good. I made sure it made the rotation during my stint at KHYI through most of last year. They've got a really great sound, and although I hate to compare bands, especially when they are this good, they do sound very Roy Orbinistic. Hopefully that's a compliment to them. They're web pages reside at www.BigBlueHearts.com. They're at Poor David's Pub near South Lamar in downtown Dallas the night of November 10th.

Band Elects Name...finally

2006-10-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

My traditional bluegrass band has finally taken on the formal name of "The Upper Grassmen." We took this name to kinda reflect that we're not a bunch of young people and a couple of us have actually been "around" the music business. The name works very well for what we are. After months of searching, we hammered on this one for a couple of weeks and finally made it so. It's different and will make us stand out in a sea of "mountains, ridges, creeks and boys."

The Upper Grassmen perform this Saturday night at the Chrystal Opry House in White Mound Texas before a 2 month layoff at that venue. Next Saturday we are in Gainesville, Texas at Depot Days and on Halloween, October 31st we are in downtown Mckinney, Texas for "Scare on the Square."

More dates to follow, complete with a name and everything.

I Will Update Soon

2006-10-01T18:42:00.000-05:00

I was looking over this place and realized I hadn't touched it in such a long time. The Frisco Bluegrass Festival is coming up in only a couple of weeks. Everyone give this thing a chance. If you got the time and the $$ to have a day of it, support Alan and the folks out there. I believe if it works this year, they'll have a good shot at bringing it back in 2007. We need that in north Texas in a bad way.

I'll get some updates here soon. I missed the Nickel Creek thing a couple of weeks ago due to b days and such. I didn't see anyone write it up so I haven't a clue as to how all of that went.

There are some great bands coming to town. I'll pass them along in a day or two.

2006-08-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

John Cowan on Woodsongs

I'm at a loss for new information right now. I need contributions from YOU. Here's JCB's latest release. Enjoy!

Nickel Creek in Dallas

2006-07-27T17:00:00.000-05:00

Nickel Creek returns the Gypsy Tea Room in Dallas on September 13th. The last tour stop there was sold out. You really don't want to miss this one, even if you are not a big fan. It's acoustic music played like very few can. Basically, it rocks! Tickets are on Sale July 29th. More information to be had at nickel creek.com or gypsytearoom.com.

Chris Thile Speaks

2006-07-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

Here is a inspiring quote from Chris Thile regarding his new cd out in September. He's taken the music back to the basics he grew up on. He reflects on a short comparison between the great Nickel Creek and his new endeavor. This is interesting, especially if you are a musician:

“For me, at least, New York demands that you find what it is about you that’s unique. There are so many talented people — exceptional people — that to stand out, you either have to be completely average or really, really different. And having been trained in the ways of bluegrass as a kid, I realized how much that meant to me. I felt, you can’t fight yourself; any time you’re fighting yourself, you might not lose, but you just can’t win. And I realized, I do that well, because that’s what I grew up with. So it signifies a return of sorts; I’m realizing what a meaningful part of my life that music is.”
-Chris Thile

note to readers: I took this from my slice of life site at 5stringking. I normally don't do that, but I thought this is where this posting belonged in the first place.

Bluegrass Chat

2006-07-22T11:09:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in bluegrass music or just learning more about it, you might check out the chat at world wide bluegrass. They get off on plain ole' boring chat style banter from time to time, but some of the visitors talk music in general. They also have "dj's" who are streaming live music and information while you are logged on. It's kind of an interesting setup, it just needs to grow.

NAMM Summer Show

2006-07-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

The NAMM show is going on in Austin, TX through Sunday of this week. Lots of vendors, music and resources for the musician minded retail music merchants. Go to their site at nammsummersession.com and check out the happenings. I don't know how difficult it would be do get inside if you are not associated with the retail world of music, but if you know some one (as I do) you might give it a try. The guys from Blue Moon Music are attending and will and heading back towards Fayetteville on Sunday. That's good for me because they're stopping by on their way home to rehearse a couple of covers we've been working on. "Learning to Fly" works out great with a banjo in double time.

Great New Link Discovery

2006-07-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a quality site filled with new artists and some you already know. It's the ATT Blueroom. Click here to head there. Once you are in, click on the bonnar link in the left nav bar and go to Nickel Creek for some great live concert footage. You can also check out Ben Folds, Bela Fleck in more. I'm lovin' it.

Frisco Response

2006-07-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

Here is a reponse from someone associated with the Frisco Bluegrass Festival (a couple of posts back). I appreciate his feedback.

"Hey Banj – thanks for your blog comments about the Frisco Bluegrass Festival. This is a brand new event, and we really wanted to do something this year, so we had to pull it together very quickly (like in the last couple of months). You mentioned that you don’t know how much of a “festival” atmosphere we will have – well, that depends on how many people show up to jam! We are dedicating the huge Verizon Wireless Club (the air-conditioned stadium club) to jammers for the entire day, so hopefully there will be a lot of fun jamming going on in there all afternoon. Also, we have added local band Cadillac Sky to the lineup. Hopefully that will get us closer to the “festival” atmosphere you desire.

If we have a good turnout, we will be able to make this an annual event. If it succeeds and grows, we would love to have it turn into a two-day format with more local bands, etc. I hope you will plan to come out and jam!"

Support this effort. It's time someone put forth the resources to bring in such great talent to a place as large as the Dallas Metro. They've put their faith out there that people will come. Make your plans now and thanks in advance for supporting bluegrass music!

Andy Owens

2006-07-07T12:02:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember the Andy Owens Project? I recently found both cd's on ebay, new in the the wrapper. I had forgotten how good the second cd was. We used to go to the Ozona Bar and Grill on Greenville Ave. and watch the band as they usually opened for someone else. Andy actually was doing the promoting. His band at the time, which was around 1991 or so was awesome. The track "Blue Letter" with violinist and singer Reggie Ruefer is spectacular. From what I have read, Reggie still lives in Arlington and works off and on in Nashville, sometimes as sideman for Charlie Pride. Andy on the other hand I believe has a family and bought a place somewhere in the mountains of Colorado. The cd is called "Real Music." It's Real good stuff.

Opry Time

2006-07-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

Here's another plug for the Chrystal Opry house. Tonight is bluegrass night just as it is every first Saturday. I'll be sitting in with the odds and ends band. If you like bluegrass and old time country and live in or near the Dallas area, the folks at the Opry should could use patronage. It is a brand new building, very comfortable and air conditioned with a great sound system. Tickets are usually around $5 for a full evening of music. They are looking at expanding the facility there to open up a bluegrass festival grounds complete with rv hookups, pavilion and stage area. Check em out. Take 75 Hwy. to Howe, TX then Hwy 902 east towards Tom Bean, TX. When you get near Tom Bean look for the Chrystal Opry signs. It's just off the Hwy. on White Mound road.

Frisco Bluegrass Festival

2006-06-25T13:50:00.000-05:00

Here's a pretty nice piece of news:

Pizza Hut Park in Frisco is hostng the first annual Frisco Bluegrass Festival on Sunday October 22nd. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Claire Lynch and Rhonda Vincent and Rage will be performing along with the Williams and Clark Expedition. Williams and Clark features Bob Clark who played with the click of OKC musicians that grew up with Vince Gill. I wished I could say that he was a member of Gills' Mountain Smoke, but I need to research that one. Tickets are $29.50 to $50.00 for the day. I really don't know how much of a festival type atmosphere they expect to have there as it sounds rather structured. Not the way bluegrass festivals normally operate. Talent seems good though and they've got some good sponsorships. Note to promoters: need more small time bands. Three pros and one semi up and coming is not what we call a "festival." That's what we call a "concert." Here's the site at www.friscobluegrass.com.

New Bohemians

2006-06-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

Edie Brickell and the guys are on their way back. They are live at Club Dada tonight. This coinsides with their new album due for release on July 25th entitled "Stranger Things." They'll follow the release with a performance in Central Park on July 28th.

Most everyone knows of the Dallas connection with the band. Edie has a great insight to a little Bohemian history on the groups site at www.newbohemians.com. Check out her site still under construction at www.ediebrickell.com, she also has a free clip of a new song thats very nice.

I'm pumped about the new album, tour and overall effort of the group. I've been an admirer since the first vinyl of the early 90's. Check em out.

2006-06-19T12:10:00.000-05:00

Sit Back and Watch

Just because it's cool. And she looks and sounds mmmm great.

Greencards

2006-06-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

The Greencards make their way to the area next week with their first stop after leaving the Telluride Bluegrass Festival to be in Oklahoma City on June 20th at the Blue Door. They then make their way down I-35 to Poor Davids Pub on the 21st. Tickets are available at the door, get info at www.poordavids.com. On the night of the 22nd you folks in Austin can catch them at Threadgill's, the show in Austin starts at 10 p.m.

2006-06-11T12:38:00.000-05:00

Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin - Foggy Mountain Breakdown (Best

I had originally put this up as a test link. But it's so darn good I'm leaving it. This is Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Jerry Douglas, Steve Martin, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and others performing on the David Letterman Show. Watch it through. These guys are so pumped to be on stage with the great Five String King. He's 81 this year. Truly a piece of Americana. He's part of what has made todays American music. I'm so glad we still have him around. Enjoy!

Van Halen!

2006-06-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

Take a look at my other space at 5 String King. I've got a link to the new "Van Halen Southern Style." The CD is really unbelievable. John Cowan Band, Blue Highway, Mountain Heart, Iron Horse doing all Van Halen covers! Incredible songs done on acoustic instruments "newgrass style." You can get a listen at CMH Records. I love it!

Good Link

2006-06-03T10:42:00.000-05:00

I came across a pretty good source for music links for Texas. And although most are Austin based there are some good resources here for any musicians looking deeper into the business. Texas Musicians covers a lot genres (hate that word), but also has great links to stuff like East Texas Music, Dallas Music, Fort Worth, San Antonio and more. Click over.

Fiddler's Green

2006-05-27T12:59:00.000-05:00

Fiddler's Green
Originally uploaded by banj.

Tim O'brien. I've not thought much about his work with the exception of noting that his name has been on a few other favorite recordings and seeing footage of him performing at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I'll just say that this album is one that you'll find very entrancing. It's a great mixture of celtic, bluegrass, country and folk. Tim's vocals are smooth. They wind with the instruments like a mountain highway without the traffic. The liner in the cd reads that a fiddler's green is "the happy land/heaven imagined by sailors where there is perpetual mirth, a fiddle that never stops playing and dancers that never tire." I really like this cd and for that matter am now a new fan of Tims. His same day release "Cornbread Nation" is also a very good work, and although doesn't top Fiddler's Green deserves a review of it's own. He's got my attention.

Alan Jackson Bluegrass Album Coming

2006-05-21T16:35:00.000-05:00

Word is just out the Alan Jackson is working on a bluegrass album produced by Alison Krauss. The last collaboration for these two was in 1993 for "The Angels Cried" a holiday track from Jackson's album. Look for the new untitled album to be on the shelves this September.

New Knopfler/Harris Effort

2006-05-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

New Knopfler/Harris Effort
Originally uploaded by banj.

Here's one from the genius of Mark Knopfler and Emmylou. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 17, that beat Mark's previous high from October of 2002 with "The Ragpicker's Dream." This is the 27th charter for Emmylou with only "Trio" peaking higher at number 6 in 1987.

"6th on the NYC scales...after release 3 weeks ago. Emmylou and Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler. He's one the world's preeminent guitarist, elite, best of the best; as this album shows. Pick it up, it's worth it. Oh yes, it's called "All the Roadrunning."
- R. P. Estes, New Release Editor from Tulsa, Oklahoma

Bluegrass Music Radio

2006-05-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

Here are the latest listings from SWBC (Southwest Bluegrass Club). Check it out in your market.

KTCU 88.7 Fort Worth Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 3-4 p.m.
KETR 88.9 Commerce Sundays 7-9 p.m.
KEOS 89.1 College Station Tuesdays 7-9 p.m.
KNON 89.3 Dallas Monday through Fridays 4-6 p.m.
KMAU 90.9 College Staton Saturdays 7-8 p.m.
KRSC 91.3 Claremore, Oklahoma Sunday 8-10 p.m.
KOOP 91.7 Austin Sundays 9-10:30 p.m.
KVOO 98.5 Tulsa, Oklahoma Sundays 7-9 p.m.
KNES 99.1 Fairfield Sundays 12:30-5 p.m.
KSHN 99.9 Liberty Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m.
KKUS 104.1 Tyler Saturday 9-11 a.m.

New Alison Krauss Video this Week

2006-05-07T12:15:00.000-05:00

AKUS' "If I Didn't Know Any Better" from the latest cd "Lonely Runs Both Ways" debuts on CMT this week. It will be released on the top twenty countdown show. This video work was handled by noted video director Wayne Isham who has also worked with Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, the Rolling Stones and many others. Look for the video to be introduced by Dan Tyminski and Alison on the Top Twenty Countdown this Thursday May 11th at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Also find it Friday May 12th, Satruday May 13th and Sunday May 14th.

Clear Blue

2006-05-01T22:35:00.000-05:00

clear blue
Originally uploaded by banj.

Clear Blue...a great progressive bluegrass band out of Dallas. They seem to be looking for a banjoist as their longtime counterpart has resigned. It was impressive to see them put forth the effort they did at the Chrystal Opry on Saturday night as a three piece. They don't necessarily have the "drive" that most bluegrass bands put forth, but their dedication to perfection is very impressive.

New from Sugar Hill

2006-04-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

casey driessen
Originally uploaded by banj.

Casey Driessen...this cd is packed with inovation. From the first track opening with a synth fiddle tune to the dog howls in harmony with the strike of the bow, it's wierdness that's also creative. Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Mark O'conner, Victor Krauss (Allison's bro), Tim O'brien and more make this one worth having. Pick it up and go 3D.

Chrystal Opry House

2006-04-16T17:49:00.000-05:00

Saturday night April 29th Whitemound, Texas (on Hwy. 902 between Howe and Tom Bean, follow the signs) is bluegrass night. The feature will be Clear Blue (www.clearbluegrass.com). If you haven't seen these guys and you like a little progressive grass with your home grown, you need to make the trip. Ron McClung and the guys have great harmonies and fare very well in the instrumental department. They also seem to be just plain good people with on stage class. I'll be in the microphone that evening as well sitting in with a bunch called the "Can Hardly Playboys." Tickets are $5 and the show starts at 7 p.m. See ya!

Reuters Spotlights Earl Scruggs

2006-04-01T14:56:00.000-06:00

The news source Reuters is featuring a story on Earl Scruggs. Published only yesterday, they bring to light much about Earl and his career. At 82, he's now been in the American music field more than 60 years! The article talks about Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Louise Scruggs, wife and business manager who passed away only a couple of months ago. Take a moment and read... It's great to see this icon and legend get this kind of global attention.

Chris Knight in the Day

2006-03-29T18:47:00.000-06:00

Word was that Chris Knight offered up a great couple of sets at Love and War, Plano over the weekend. I personally was watchin the Stars kick some Calgary rear end, but many that saw him in this acoustic performance were impressed not only with the songster, but his stage presence as well. I saw Chris open for an AKUS concert back in '99 at the Majestic, and although I'm not nearly his biggest fan, It was good stuff. Hey, anyone that can put forth an acoustic set for Shiner drinkin' Love and Wareans and is able to impress them is all right by me. Pick on Chris!

Alison Krauss Honors

2006-03-26T10:22:00.000-06:00

Old news or not it's worth posting.

Alison Krauss and Union stations 48th Annual Grammy Awards -

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for "Restless"
Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Unionhouse Branch" (written by AKUS member Jerry Douglas)
Best Country Album for Lonely Runs Both Ways

She's now 7th on the all time Grammy winners list. She also outdid any other female artist or country performer with the three awards from this year.

I think that the band is taken for granted my most music listeners. I think that they let the "fun" of drinkin, cheatin, pathetic sounding mainstream and in these parts "Texas country" music get in the way of stopping to hear what this particular band is doing. It's so intricate and the harmonies so perfect that it's hard for an untuned ear to hear what is going on. If you ever get the chance to pick up a ticket, you'll want to go back for more. I'm glad the Grammy Committee recognizes this group for one of the greatest acoustic groups who has ever existed.

Joe Ely at Poor Davids

2006-03-25T09:21:00.000-06:00

Joe Ely does an acoustic show at Poor Davids Pub in the heart of downtown on March 31st at 9 p.m. Tickets are $22 and the doors open at 7:30. I haven't had a close listen in many years. I put his efforts on the air at the Range, but nothing on this latest endeavor really picked me up. I'm sure being an acoustic performance, you'll get the classic Joe Ely songs in a more intimate fashion.

TMR Not Bogged Down in Rain

2006-03-22T16:17:00.000-06:00

The Texas Music Revolution went down with a major success despite the soaking rainstorms. Record crowds made their way to J.R.'s homestead this pass Sunday for a full day of music and beer. It looked the way a 10th annual event of it's kind should. Lot's of folks, lot's of tunes and more fun than you can tune a banjo to. The highlight acts of the day were the headliners. Robert Earl brought down the rafters with a great jam of "What I Really Mean Is." Second only to Robert Earl was Radney Foster. This guy seems to have it together more than some of the others with a great persona and a very professional and sober stage act. TMR 10 was a "good ern", rain and all.

Poor Davids

2006-03-20T20:51:00.000-06:00

A couple of great acts that attracted my attention are coming to Poor Davis Pub. Shawn Mullins, this March 25th has his CD release party. Joe Ely on a solo acoustic performance makes his way to the stage on March 31st. I'll add that Hayseed Dixie comes to town on May 19th. Until I worked at KHYI radio, I've gotta admit that I had not heard of them before. Man...they are walkin' on the wild side!

TMR This Weekend

2006-03-19T10:08:00.000-06:00

The Texas Music Revolution is being held at Southfork Ranch this weekend. I've not been before (I just do the radio production) but I think I'm checking it out on Sunday afternoon. Posts of report are coming.

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL

2006-03-08T15:14:00.000-06:00

April 21st, 22nd and 23rd are the dates of the Dallas Guitar show, and this years "Drum World II." According to a couple of vendors, attendance was down for a couple of years until it was returned to Market Hall. Check it out, it's great fun and there is always lots of amazing pieces. The web site is www.guitarshow.com.

Argyle Festival

2006-03-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

This weekend March 4th and 5th Argyle, Texas heads up another weekend of bluegrass music with bands like Hickory Hill, Peter Wernick (Dr. Banjo), Blue Highway, The Grascals, Claire Lynch, J.D. Crowe and Rhonda Vincent. Check it out at the Argyle Bluegrass Festival.

Bluegrass Festival

2006-02-25T13:18:00.000-06:00

It's a bluegrass weekend at Texoma Lodge in Oklahoma. I believe it is the Sanders midwinter show. It will run through Sunday of this weekend. There are no big headliners which I am familiar with, but a host of good regional bands. The only reason to post this one is that the drive is less than 30 minutes from the Oklahoma line right up Central Expressway. Check it out if you're up to that kind of thing.

Last Resort

2006-02-22T22:15:00.000-06:00

I'm really looking for ideas on the Eagles "The Last Resort." The meaning of the song has somewhat stunned me. I do this...I'll listen to a song for quite a while, over and over again. It can be something I've heard for years, but paid no attention to the lyrics. Now I'm on this one and would like to hear some other ideas.

John Cowan Coming to Dallas, Then Not

2006-02-13T11:08:00.000-06:00

Looks like John Cowan (formerly of the New Grass Revival) was booked to play at the Sons of Herman Hall on the 8th of February but it was never promoted. Management pulled the plug on the venue. I spoke with his manager and was told that they will try to rebook somewhere in Dallas soon. It's strange that he didn't get the promotion support. If you haven't seen John and the Cow Band, check them out at www.johncowan.com. They are some of the best driving and soulful acoustics out there, by far.

Texas Music Revolution 2006

2006-02-10T11:24:00.000-06:00

TMR is coming back to Southfork Ranch. I'm writing this because even though they are not all acoustic sets, there are some and so many people in north Texas attend this event that it definately needs a lot of mention. The line up includes Radney Foster and more. They headliner has not been mentioned. I know who it is but I'm not tellin'. I know because the production on the radio was your's truely and I produced a second version that promotes him.

Let's Tune Up!

2006-02-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

"The first post is the weakest." Isn't that a Sheryl Crow song? If you've landed here and you have anything to say concerning acoustic music, venues, recordings, concerts, great guitars or just a comment, don't be shy. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I think we can get this thing to grow, and if so, it'll be a good deal for all of us. Thanks, and oh yea, don't break a string.