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CHARLIE & BRUCE ROBISON
Continental Club/Friday January 9
Those Sexton boys got nothin' on the Robisons, besides maybe an 80's disco hit and their newfound unity with the Sextet. Not in the same band, and in fact playing separate sets on this evening, but I'll be surprised if Country Charlie and Folkie Bruce don't manage to cohabitate on the legendary Continental stage for at least a few numbers. Another favorite Austin son, Jake Andrews, opens the show.
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PATRICE PIKE
La Zona Rosa/Saturday January 10
Ah, Patrice. She's got a smaller 'do but the same big soul comes shining through, even when the Sister 7 fireball is doing a nice mellow acoustic solo gig, which are becoming more popular and therefore more frequent from the cozy, shiny new club stage at La Zona Rosa. Expect a few Sister 7 numbers, as well as a few that are not. Also expect a memorable evening with a true Texas yellow rose. |
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TWO BANDS WITH NAUGHTY NAMES
Emo's/Wednesday January 14
Punk bands of old like the Buzzcocks or the Sex Pistols thought they were real cool giving themselves names that offend older women, and in fact they used them to great success. There are a couple of bands here in Austin, however, both on this bill, that may have taken the philosophy of their naughty-named punk forebears a little far. The headliners have been tearing up the Capitol for some years now, having derived their naughty name from their frustration at getting a gig at this very same Emo's as a baby band. In the opening position are another band enjoying some repute around town lately, as their naughty name suggests (I'm sure it's a nice place, but I wouldn't want to be king). Good down-home punk rock, naughty names or no. I wish the FCC would let me throw a bit more support at both of these bands, but that wouldn't be punk. |
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OLD 97'S
Liberty Lunch/Saturday January 17
Alterna-country? Y'all-ternative? Americana, for Christ's sake? Reckless Kelly may have coined the term hick-rock, but I'd say you could toss the Old 97's of Dallas in that bucket too, if you wanted, which I don't. Listening to their Too Far To Care CD, one detects a distinct punk flavor (hick-punk?), which no doubt will pervade this somewhat large Liberty Lunch gig. Leave your pigeonholes and musical buckets at home. (P.S.: Reckless Kelly are playing as follows: 1/10 at Gruene Hall 1pm to 5pm and later at the Ritz; 1/11 at the Continental Club; 1/12 at Lucy's; 2/14 at Stubb's. Why break tradition?) |
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ANDY SUMMERS
Cactus Café/ Thursday January 22
Behind the massive success of one of rock and roll's most innovative bands, The Police, was the future-worldly guitar work of Andy Summers. He's doing the progressive fusion thing now, touring behind his latest offering Last Dance of Mr. X. Don't come looking for Roxanne, but do come for an intimate evening with a bona fide guitar legend.
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DOUBLE DOYLE
Antone's/Saturday January 24
A gig featuring both Big Doyle and Little Doyle is a rare gig indeed, which is kind of a shame when you think about it. Daddy Doyle Bramhall kicked around Austin way back when it was cool to live here with the likes of one Stevie Ray (he's got two songwriting credits on Soul To Soul including "Change It"). Son Doyle Bramhall II was an Arc Angel, lost his wings, hooked up with Wendy & Lisa and became a damn fine solo performer. I'm sure the two have more in common than their most recent offerings suggest; exactly how much will be evident at the new Antone's, rapidly approaching their first anniversary in their downtown digs.
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VALENTINE'S DAY
Sunday February 14
Love sucks, but your Valentine's evening doesn't have to, as Austin usually boasts a good night of music to snuggle & smooch to. For example: Delbert McClinton has been serenading Texas folks for years, and he'll do it yet again at La Zona Rosa. Reckless Kelly are the hardest working band in Texas (see Old 97's, above) but they'll sure take time out for a little love, which they'll be doing as only they can at Stubb's. More to come, check back as the sentimental eve draws nigh. |
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JONNY LANG
La Zona Rosa/Friday February 20
Ian Moore's ears have got to burn every time a Jonny Lang tune hits the airwaves, and if so, his ears are burning in two or three different formats lately (somebody get Ian some water). Not unlike Ian, young Jonny's been hanging with the Stones, a two- or three-generation gap, so I'll bet he'll be happy to hang with some folks who are only ten years or so older than he is. All joking aside, Jonny sings, which puts him up on Kenny Wayne in my book, and Lie To Me is actually quite a good blues record whatever his age. A promising show in La Zona Rosa's fine new big room, which sounds good wherever you stand.
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Austin's Harder Edge!
