Picture this… a young teenage girl sitting on the floor of her room with headphones
on swaying to the music surrounded by vinyl records, covers, and liners and a bright red record player spinning away. That was the beautiful sight I had last night when I opened my daughter’s door. A sight that took me right back to junior high! Fortunately, she doesn’t have my old player… she has a Rock’N’Rolla Junior Portable Turntable! Rock’N’Rolla Portable Briefcase Turntable was introduced in June at the Summer NAMM 16 retail convention in Nashville TN. The quality, price, and features made it one of the stars in this year’s show. The Rock’N’Rolla is so much more than a record player. The diamond tip provides a clear sound reminding you why vinyl is making a sharp comeback. The speakers will easily fill the room with high quality sound. It’s also a record recorder – yep, you can play your favorite vinyl albums and record them to a memory card or flash drive. It has three input options to connect the Rock’N’Rolla to your computer, mp3 player, and phone! As the name suggests it’s portable with a tight clasp and sturdy handle make it easy to take along! Fun, feature packed and affordable! The Rock ‘n’ Rolla Junior Diamond tipped needle, temperature tested belt drive, superior quality, super durable motor, three speed playback (33 1/3/45/78), highquality speakers, RCA output, USB encoding, mains power, quality custom rubber mat, three input options, 3.5 mm headphone output and available in fun colors. The Rock ‘n’ Rolla Premium Player All the features of the Junior as well as a rechargeable lithium battery and a fourth input option, Bluetooth. Both make the Rock ‘n’ Rolla that much more user friendly. The Rock ‘n’ Rolla XL The XL has all the features of the Junior and Premium players with the addition of a hidden CD player that supports CD/CDR/ CDWR.
STEAM Rating: kkkkl Great for people getting into vinyl and easy to take along.
Price: $69.99 to 139.99 Availability: In stores Fall 2016 Company: Rock n’ Rolla Records Inc Website: www.rocknrolla.net
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AUG 2016
CONTENTS 3 NEW PRODUCT REVIEW 5 QUICK READ 6 COMICS 7 ALBUM COVER OF THE MONTH 8 CD REVIEWS DOLLY SHINE 10 ARTIST MERIT SHOW IN PORT A 11 JOHN CONLEE 12 TRIBAL SEEDS 15 DALE MARTIN’S TROUBADOR INSIGHTS 16 LEE WINRIGHT 18 NEW MOVIES AND TUNES 19 STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ CRUISES THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS COMICS EDITOR ALLENE HICKS STAFF WRITERS DALE MARTIN, STEVE GOLDSTEIN, TAMMA HICKS, WILL MCPHERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J MICHAEL DOLAN, DEREK SIGNORE, ROB DICKENS, DAWN BELOTTI STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLENE HICKS, RUSTY HICKS
AUGUST 2016 VOL. 5 ISS. 5 ON THE COVER...
Max pic 2.09h X 2.2w
COVER DESIGN BY STEAM MAGAZINE
TO ADVERTISE WITH US 361-904-4339 | SALES@STEAMTX.COM SEE US ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC, BOOK, ART, OR SHOW FOR REVIEW! HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SUBMISSIONS@STEAMTX.COM
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STEAM Magazine is published monthly by STEAM Magazine, South Texas Entertainment Art Music, in Corpus Christi, TX. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Views expressed within are solely the authors and not of STEAM Magazine. Typographical, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please direct all inquiries to: submissions@steamtx.com
AUG 2016
Waiting for others to arrive
5
J. Michael Dolan (:15) Why do you continuously put up with the pettiness and incompetence of others at such an emotional, physical and monetary cost to you, and your goals? The truth is, the time we waste procrastinating and waiting for others to improve will continue to keep our projects and goals moving at a snail’s pace—until of course, we take some sort of intelligent action. Important because the goal is to work with the most talented people we can find, who are aligned with our vision and committed to the task at hand, not to babysit
I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet ~ Gandhi
Sailing Solo J. Michael Dolan (:53) As an independent, crazy, creative genius, only you can motivate yourself to get up in the morning and create something that matters. Then, at the end of the day, it’s only you who truly knows what creative angst you’ve been through that day, what “inner” battles you’ve won or lost, who or what has challenged your efforts, and whether or not you surrendered to resistance and procrastination. At the end of the day, you rarely get an “atta boy” or a “you go girl” because when your muse has given everything she’s got, it’s really only you who can acknowledge yourself for not giving up and yielding to the pettiness of others or the pressures of money (whether you have too much or too little). Like it or not, if you’re living the life of an independent artist or entrepreneur, you stand alone at the helm, puffed-up with as much confidence as you can muster. Oh sure, you may have a staff of assistants, band mates, collaborators, partners, a slew of advisors, a career consultant and a great coach, however the truth is, you’re the architect of your enterprise, the CEO of your world, and the captain of your ship. And your personal support team could be terminated at the snap of your finger, because you alone make the big risky choices and uncertain (scary) decisions in your life and career. You think your agent or manager does this? Think again. Important because this independent, entrepreneurial life you’ve chosen is truly all about self-motivation, self-dependence, self-discipline, self-confidence, and selfvalidation. And if you’re like me, you wouldn’t want it any other way.
6 AUG 2016
www.theawkwardyeti.com www.lunarbaboon.com New Books Out Now! Order Yours Today!
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STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
CD
REVIEWS
STEVEN JAMES BABY L.A. (SELF RELEASED)
ANDY FERRELL AT HOME AND IN NASHVILLE
BY STEVE GOLDSTEIN Steven James has been making quite a splash with his debut offering, BABY L.A. and rightly so. Sounding a little like Kings of Leon meets Tom Petty on the beach, Steven made his mark playing in rock based bands and now heads out on his own terms. Based out of Corpus Christi, this singer/songwriter has been staying busy traveling all over Texas and beyond with his skillful band, The Jaded, and successfully demonstrating why he’s at home with Texas Country. We’re introduced to Steven with the leadoff track, “Crawling Back.” Its acoustic guitar intro sets us up for a rockin’ ride to redemption. This is followed by the lively title track about a broken heart calling from a distance, but he’s not answering. “Best of Your Love” is a competition for one’s love and shows that this band really knows how to rock. “Go Down Slow” says that it’s okay to take things slow and easy, even if it’s all just a “beautiful lie.” Steven slows things down with “Lonely City,” a beautiful sentiment of supporting love. “Weak In The Knees” is a very strong rockin’ boogie that rightfully found its way into the top 40 on the Texas Regional Radio charts. “Run With You” is an upbeat, danceable affirmation of love and devotion. It all ends like it started, with an acoustic guitar escorting the listener towards strong feelings about the future on “Over & Over.” Steven James skillfully writes about the highs and lows of love. He knows the happiness and the loneliness and sings about it all with conviction and a style all his own. BABY L.A does not disappoint and leaves you wanting more from this seasoned South Texas troubadour. With a new single and album soon to come, we look forward to Steven James charging ahead with his own high energy brand of rockin’ country . Stevenjamestx.com
(SELF-RELEASED) BY ROB DICKENS
ROBERT ELLIS ROBERT ELLIS
(NEW WEST RECORDS) BY ROB DICKENS
Between Melbourne, San Francisco and Nashville, I have seen Robert Ellis perform a half-dozen times, all since 2013. Just about every time, it has largely been just him and an acoustic or electric guitar, or occasionally a side-kick or two. He has a distinctive and powerful voice, including an impressive range. His songs are full of images and feelings that are tangible and profound - a consummate singer-songwriter-guitarist. With this, his eponymous fourth album (via New West Records), he has turned the tables, good and proper. Listening to this eleven-song set, it's hard to think of him in the persona I mentioned before - a man and his guitar. This album is so well crafted, so delicately layered and full of complex arrangements, that I am reminded of the great Paul Simon's material. That is not to say that the lyrical content is overshadowed - hell no! This is a very personal and reflective statement. Full of melancholy and commentary around the end of Ellis' marriage. Key tracks for me are the ethereal 'Amanda Jane', the strident 'You're Not The One' and the headstrong 'Elephant' - "Oh, my heart / It's torn in two / one half's on the road and other remains with you." My favorite, though is the sweeping 'California'. Robert Ellis by Robert Ellis is one of treasures of the year. The record was self-produced by Ellis at Sugar Hill Studios in his hometown of Houston, TX with engineer Steve Christensen (Steve Earle) and mixed by John Agnello (Kurt Vile, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.). robertellis.com | robdickens101.com
Andy Ferrell was born in Boone, North Carolina and grew up in the heart of the magical Blue Ridge Mountains, the birthplace of Appalachian traditional music and the source of so much inspiration and spirit. A love of the work of Doc Watson, Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt (now there’s a mighty trio!) and the influence of a folk guitarist father has seemingly sealed his fate. At Home and In Nashville is the name of his 2016 album and it is a beautiful fit, as it bridges the quiet homespun lifestyle with the busy bright lights and glamour of Music City. The album was recorded, in fact, between Nashville (Quad Studios with a full band of session players) and Boone (in a house with an adoring live audience) and it contains an intriguing blend of old-time traditional roots songs with a more polished country sound. The album shows how dexterous Ferrell has been in accommodating both styles and places. Importantly, the album oozes fun and a revelry of the music that he loves. His vocal style is joyful and easy, sometimes sounding a little like Justin Townes Earle. The pedal steel augments the sound and the songs are tales of hard work and unpredictable love. Listen to the stories of an outlaw (‘Run Billy Run’), a drifter (‘The Price of Freedom’) and a barroom (‘Photographs and Letters’) and you will be taken with this young man’s songwriting ability and his eye for real human stories. At Home and In Nashville is fresh and respectful. Andy Ferrell is a talent. andyferrellmusic.com | robdickens101.com
314 E AVE. G PORT ARANSAS
361.290.7143 WWW.BRONSBEACHCARTS.COM
By Will McPherson Dolly Shine, that is an interesting name, how did the name come about? Well in South Texas there is an old Spanish term that has been around for ages called “Dale Shine.” Its literal translation means to give it shine but in today’s slang style it simply means give it gas or go for it. further up north, in Stephenville to be exact, hails a band so heavily mired in the that credo that their stages are nearly overrun with fans pressed hard up against the edges, eyes wide, hanging on every word. In the Americanized version they call themselves Dolly Shine. Dolly Shine made their debut in 2010 led by founding members Zack McGinn (lead singer, rhythm guitar) and Wesley Hall (fiddle). I recently talked with Zack regarding all the things Dolly Shine. Originally Zack started out doing rodeo during his days in college, but after an injury he decided that the rodeo wasn't the thing for him. He decided to pick up the guitar and start attending the local open mic nights. That’s when he met Wesley Hall and after playing around they began the process of putting a band together and after a few weeks they started performing some shows in South Texas. it was shortly after that when they relocated to Stephenville and decided to make it a full time effort. The other members of the band include Johnny Goodson on drums, Jerrod Flusche on lead guitar, and Ben Hussey on bass. Their debut album Room To Breathe was released in 2013 with rave reviews. The album included Spinning My Wheels which hit the top 40 on the
Texas Music Charts. Dolly Shine released their second album, Walkabout, on June 17. Rattlesnake is the first single off the album and is climbing up the Texas Regional Radio Charts. At print date Dolly Shine was at #23! When asked his musical influences, Zack can give you a list but most notably are Elvis Presley, Chris LeDoux, who had a huge influence on his music especially being a rodeo guy turned musician, and of course Guy Clark was a huge inspiration and influence with songwriting. Co-
founder Wesley Hall comes from a western swing and bluegrass background, which can be found and his fiddle -playing style. Overall the band has been influenced by a wide variety of genres and artists some you can sense on their disks. Being a fairly new band and sharing the stage with Stoney LaRue, Chris Knight, and Robert Earl Keen has definitely been a thrill for Zack. He states that it is a dream come true and an honor especially since he grew up listening to these gentlemen. When attending a Dolly Shine show fans can expect a fast-paced, high-energy show where you can hear real true lyrics not anything “canned” or “typical.” Dolly Shine can be seen playing all over the state. They love playing venues like the Blue Light in Lubbock because it's a sold-out small venue where people actually listen to the band. Dolly Shine plays a little bit of everything from traditional country, rock, Red Dirt, and more. Just an all-around show that can satisfy fans! The DFW, North Texas, and West Texas areas have been really good to Dolly Shine where the band has gained a large fan base. Dolly shine are ever so thankful for their new fans and appreciate each and every one of them. Visit their website to find out all things about the band and go catch a show! www.dollyshinemusic.com AUG 2016 FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
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The Port Aransas Art Center is holding their First Friday reception on August 5th from 5:30-7:30 the public is invited for art, music & refreshments. This is the Merit Show, with the winners of the March 2016 All Member Show. 1st Place Sally Moore, 2nd Place Nancy Buskey, 3rd Place Barb Robinson, and People’s Choice Thomas Stinson. The show will be on exhibit August 5th through the 26th and this month’s sponsor is Republic Services.
By Mary Rose, Executive Director
Sally Moore states, “My family members are native Texans, my father from Corpus and my Mother from Clifton. My Great grandfather was John McLennan /Bosque John, founder of the Fort Worth Waco area. I grew up visiting Port A and the Padre Island area all my life I was even there during Hurricane Celia. This coastal area has been a great inspiration to me and I feel that it is where my heart is.” Her jewelry designs are all hand crafted using several techniques in Sterling or Gold with an array of exotic semi-precious stones. (left)
Barb Robinson’s love for the impressionists has had a distinct influence on her style of painting. Color, contrast and movement combine to involve the viewer. She uses a direct painting approach using broken color to convey qualities of light and atmosphere. “Figurative work has always interested me. I guess I am still amazed when lines and brushstrokes come together and a person appears. I try to bring that feeling to my work.” Barbara is a graduate of the University of Iowa and lives on the Texas Gulf Coast with her husband Bart. (left)
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FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
The Port Aransas Art Center 323 N. Alister, Port Aransas. 11am-5pm Mon.-Sat. and Closed Sun. 361-749-7334 & artcenter@centurytel.net www.portaransasartcenter.org Nancy Buskey is a watercolorist, medical and scientific illustrator and grew up in Minnesota. After moving to South Texas with her family in 1986, Nancy was inspired by the coastal environment to take classes and learn watercolor painting. Her work is influenced by the beaches and wildlife of South Texas, and she uses her experience in medical and scientific illustration to render the anatomy of the wildlife she paints, especially birds, in vivid detail. She now teaches watercolor class at the Port Aransas Art Center alternating with Kay Barnebey. (below)
Thomas "Bubba" Stinson was born and raised in San Antonio, TX and now resides on N. Padre Island, TX. Many of Bubba's photographic images are taken from his boat either going to or returning from fishing trips in the Laguna Madre. Other images have been captured at birding centers in Port Aransas, in The Aransas Wildlife Refuge and elsewhere nearby. Using photographic processing skills he learned as a defense contractor, Bubba enjoys transforming the basic photographs into artistic renderings using photo enhancement programs. (left)
By Will McPherson
Legendary
singer
John
Conlee
has
amassed several timeless classics over a 30 plus year career including Rose Colored Glasses, Lady Lay Down, and Friday Night Blues. Showing no signs of slowing down Conlee has recently released a brand new album titled Classics 2. The album contains some of his greatest hits including Domestic Life and Mama's Rocking Chair along with several new tunes that have been welcomed by a new generation of traditional country music fans. Proving that true country music is still alive and well.
Musically, Conlee has been influenced by people that sing with a lot of soul, which is R&B music. People like Ray Charles, Etta James, BB King, and Mavis Staples. Merle Haggard, George Jones, Lefty Frizzell Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra have been big influences as well. Conlee listens to a lot of different formats of music including Gospel. Conlee says in order for a particular song to pique his interest it has to have that soul element in the music. Since the release of Rose Colored Glasses in 1978 John Conlee's career has been going at rapid speed with no plans of slowing down in the near future.
Born and raised on a tobacco farm in Versailles Kentucky, Conlee began singing and playing guitar at the age of 10 and later sang tenor in a barbershop quartet. Connelly worked part-time at the Duell-Clark Funeral Chapel for six years when he became a licensed mortician. Although he no longer practices, he still renews his license yearly. After 6 years of working at the funeral home he got the itch to get into broadcasting, so he got a job at a radio
station which allowed him to turn the hobby of music into a career. In 1971 Conlee move to Nashville Tennessee in pursuit of a musical career signing to ABC Records in 1976.
Conlee wrote Backside of 30 and released it as his first single back in 1976 which was a flop having, no commercial success. Conlee released two other singles that also were big flops before finally hitting it big in 1978 with the release of the fourth single Rose Colored Glasses. Many fans consider this to be his signature song which vaulted him to number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart propelling him to Superstar status.
His single Backside of 30 was rereleased in 1978. Conlee said this single would have never been re-released normally, however after Rose Colored Glasses and Lady Lay Down were rereleased folks at the radio stations started paying attention to Backside of 30. The radio stations asked ABC Records to rerelease the single
which they eventually did. Then it then shot up to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Charts.
The newest single from Conlee is titled Bread And Water which was written by Vince Gill and Leslie Satcher. The first exposure John had to the song was when listening to Gill’s Guitar Slinger album. the song hit him right in the heart. After hearing it Conlee went to Vince asking him if he was
going to release it which Gill said, “Probably not.” John then asked permission to record it. The song tells a story of redemption and a reminder that With God all things are possible.
Why did Conlee choose country music? When he sings, that's the way he naturally sounds. According to John there is a lot of good country music that has that soul element to it; making it a natural fit. Country music has meant a lot to him. Not only has it given him a successful career, it's also one of the native genres of music in our country. All music has been influenced by different forms of music around the world, but country is maybe more native to America than any other form of music.
Conlee has not only done several dates in Texas recently but has also released Live At Billy Bob's Texas as well as charted singles on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. He has received great support from the state. Conlee's whole career started in Texas. This is due in large part to Rose Colored Glasses breaking in the Houston market back in 1978. Texas is the state that the band spends the most time in during a given year. This has been the case since day one. If it weren't for the Grand Ole Opry along with his kids being in Tennessee he could easily move to Texas. He loves the people in the state in general.
Find out more about John Conlee by visiting his website. This is where you can view tour dates, discography, purchase merchandise, and hear the latest music “Classics 2.” www.johnconlee.com
11 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
By D.C. Washington, Sound Magazine
Tribal Seeds bring an energetic vibe with groove-laden beats and stomping bass that instantly makes you feel like you’re on the beach. If you've caught any other reggae shows lately than you know how fun a reggae show can be. They've toured with Slightly Stoopid, Rebellution, and SOJA and have a killer authentic sound. Tribal Seeds are inspired by roots-reggae from Jamaica but take a seriously distinct rock cue from Southern California. We had a chance to sit down with the band in advance of their upcoming Texas shows to discuss the genre, the greens and just how they’ve converted so many rock and reggae fans to their unique sound.
Seemingly more than any other genre of music, most bands in the reggaerock community have their own independent labels. Why do you think there has been such an exodus for the genre away from major labels? One reason I believe is to have freedom in our music to make whatever we want, however we want. Another reason is to have full control of the business. It's a great feeling to not have to answer to anyone but ourselves. Does it shock you how much almost every genre of music is now geared towards a violent or sexual level, how is it that reggae has almost always been the opposite, associated with that feel good and positive vibe? Yes indeed it shocks me. I trip out sometimes hearing what young kids sing along to or mimic what’s on radio and TV. And I think because of the foundation of Reggae music coming from a spiritual, conscious, positive place, us bands developed a passion for this message and music. Feels so good and uplifting listening to these vibes and we wanna be a part of spreading that vibe. Songs like Beautiful Mysterious and Dawn of Time stand out to rock fans because we experimented with lead guitar riffs that aren’t usually in traditional reggae music…how have those songs changed over time through being in a live environment heavily based around a pure reggae sound?
Those songs haven't changed. We play them as recorded except for maybe playing extended or shortened versions of them. As the name of the tour is the Spring Harvest are you seeing marijuana use at your shows more prevalent in the states that have legalized it recently? It really doesn't matter which states they are. If the venue is laid back with the usage, peeps spark up. Some venues in states where it is legal won't allow it. Really depends on the venue. Having brothers in a band usually ends poorly for most, how do Steven and Tony keep things civil where other bands (Oasis for example) failed from a result of sibling rivalry? Steve and I are, for the most part, on the same page when it comes to the musical direction of the band. We have the same creative vision for the sound, so it just clicks for us. Guess a lot of other bands might experience challenges when it comes to siblings trying to work together. Do you feel you have converted more rock fans to reggae or more reggae fans to rock? I do feel we've gotten not only rock fans but fans of all genres of music at least curious about Reggae. And I’m sure those new Reggae listeners checked out other bands in the Reggae scene and picked their favs. I'm Just glad a lot of bands in our scene promote a positive message.
SHOWS 8/3 Concrete Street Amphitheater, Corpus Christi 8/5 Austin 360 Amphitheater 8/6 Dallas 8/7 The Woodlands 8/8 Sam’s Burger Joint, San Antonio SOCIAL www.tribalseeds.net tribalseeds
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STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
OWEN SHELLY FUNDRAISER FOR LUNG TRANSPLANT EXPENSES
UPDATE… Owen received double lung transplant surgery at the end of July. The recovery progress is slow, however he is on mend with hopes of being released from the hospital by mid-August. Thank you for your continued support, donations, and prayers! ~ In 2012, Owen was diagnosed with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) which is characterized by an overabundance of capillaries in the lungs and can cause pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart failure. Owen now has both PH and heart failure which makes the simplest tasks of daily living impossible. The only treatment remaining for his worsening condition is lung transplant. Owen and his wife Lindsey have three children, Tiler, Lionel, and Lucy, ages 6, 4, and 2. They relocated to San Antonio, a major transplant center, in June and he has been placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. Owen currently enjoys songwriting, reading, and spending time with his family. In 2004, Owen’s younger brother, Tyler, died from PCH/ PH at age 20. Their grandmother also passed away in 2003 from complications from pulmonary hypertension. Thank you for supporting and donating to Owen Shelly’s fundraiser. Our goal is to raise $100,000. This amount will cover monthly expenditures including housing, food, childcare, transportation, and health care not covered by insurance as well as insurance premiums, transplant aftercare, and medications. To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, please visit
www.phassociation.org Owen, his family and friends appreciate your support! Be sure to check back periodically for updates!
newcovenanturc.org/ fundraiser-owen-shelly-100000-needed-lungtransplant
Check Us Out Online! www.SteamMagazine .Net And You Can Take Us With You!
Troubadour Insights
With Dale Martin
The Americana Music Jam has become an annual fundraising event in New Braunfels for the past 20 years. Recently, Mattson Rainer, General Manager of KNBT 92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels, and Pat Molak and Mary Jane Nalley, owners o f G ru e n e H al l , pr e s e n te d $64,094.30 to two local charities this year using the funds raised at the 20th Annual KNBT Americana Music Jam held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Gruene Hall. The event presenters donated $10,627.60 to the Braunfels Foundation Trust and $53,466.70 to the Crisis Center of Comal County. Over the years, the Americana Music Jam has raised over half a million dollars for various charities in the New Braunfels area. The KNBT Americana Music Jam is an annual celebration of Americana music and is a major attraction every year for the city of New Braunfels.
Jenni Finlay, daughter of the late Kent Finlay, is celebrating her 10th anniversary as a music PR agent with a great showcase featuring James McMurtry, Adam Carroll, Dedringers (special reunion show), Randy Weeks, Curtis McMurtry, Hollin McKay and more on August 11 at Threadgill's World Headquarters in Austin. “I've been fortunate enough to work with the best of the best in Americana music since starting Jenni Finlay Promotions, truly the cream of the crop of the world's singersongwriters,” Finlay says. “I hope to continue shining the light on all we can be.” The Texas native has effortlessly shaped careers and consistently helped Americana's finest acts move to the top of the charts over the past decade. Now, she's turning potential into platinum more than ever: Finlay recently expanded her business from radio promotion into artist management with her first client James McMurtry, record production with four albums under her belt, launched Eight 30 Records with business partner Brian T. Atkinson and taken over co-ownership at the Cheatham Street Woodshed recording studio. “At this point, there wouldn’t be much of a James McMurtry business were it not for Jenni Finlay Promotions,” says McMurtry. “Jenni's now poised to take over the world.” “Jenni's used her talent, intelligence and strong work ethic to reach a coveted level of success while retaining her integrity,” agrees longtime client Noel McKay. “I was lucky to work with her when she was first starting out and I'm exponentially luckier to work with her now. Jenni continues to work her ass off and the success of her artists is the proof.” Tickets are available at threadgills.com and the event will take place at Threadgills in Austin on August 11.
Freiheit Country Store in New Braunfels has started to feature traditional country artists like T.G. Sheppard, who will be performing at the historic old venue on August 20th. He’s currently on tour supporting his latest album, Legendary Friends & Country Duets, which features collaborations with George Jones, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Lorrie Morgan and many more. T.G. Sheppard has always had an unstoppable passion for music. This passion, along with 21 number one hits and being ranked as one of the top artists in all of country music, has made him one of the most popular live performers on tour today. His live shows are full of chart topping hits like "Last Cheaters Waltz", "I Loved 'Em Everyone"," Do You Wanna Go To Heaven", and "Party Time." To get tickets for this show, plus many more great events check out their website at freiheitcountrystore.net.
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AUG 2016
When writer Tamara Saviano began working on ‘Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark’, her no-holds-barred biography of the beloved Americana music icon, she already knew Guy Clark’s peers and fans loved and respected him. She’d also heard that profiling still-living subjects was harder than writing about those who’d passed away. But she was still surprised that every single one of her 200-plus interview subjects checked with Clark before agreeing to talk. He gave them all the same answer: “I’m not out to rewrite the truth. Just tell her everything. Don’t hold back.” And so they talked candidly, during countless hours of conversations she recorded starting in 2008. Saviano’s 406-page book, completed just before Clark passed away on May 17, takes an honest look at one of America’s most revered musical storytellers and his relationships with two key figures: his wife, Susanna, and her soul mate, Townes Van Zandt, who was also Clark’s best friend. Due out in October, it’s a title in the John & Robin Dickson Series in Texas Music, sponsored by Texas State University’s Center for Texas Music History. Clark and Van Zandt, the two most revered writers in a long line of Texas-born songwriters, wrote songs popularized by members of the outlaw country movement as well as more traditional artists. Clark’s contributions included classics such as “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” “The Randall Knife,” “She Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” “L.A. Freeway” and “Texas, 1947.” Though he released only 13 studio albums in his lifetime, his work has been recorded by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Jeff Walker, Emmylou Harris and countless others. His long list of friends and admirers included Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Rosanne Cash, Jack Ingram and others, many of whom shared insights for the book. Saviano also includes 113 photos from all phases of his life and storied career. In Texas and later in Nashville, Guy and Susanna, a talented songwriter herself, attracted a circle of friends who loved nothing more than sharing songs (and substances) together. Clark, also a luthier, and Susanna, a visual artist, met when he was dating Susanna’s sister, Bunny. When she committed suicide, Guy and Susanna bonded over their grief. Saviano delves into details of their relationship, aided by Susanna’s own journals, as well as interviews with family members who also gave her unfettered access to documents, photos and memorabilia. “It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I went back to every part of Guy’s life and found the people who were there at that time,” Saviano says. “I learned details that nobody else knew, including his closest friends.” But the book is far from straight biography; in the third section, Saviano herself becomes part of the narrative. She was managing editor of Country Music magazine when she met Clark in 1998. In 2006, she became his publicist for the album Workbench Songs, a role she repeated for 2009’s Someday the Song Writes You. In 2011, she produced the Grammy-nominated album This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark, which was named the 2012 Americana Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association. “I had no idea that I was going to grow to love the old curmudgeon, but I did,” Saviano says. “I felt I needed to make it very clear that I was not only a reporter. We had become good friends and Guy confided in me about many things. I’m not sure it was a typical relationship for a biographer and subject.” Saviano is also at work on a documentary further exploring the relationship among Guy, Susanna and Townes, whose death in 1997 sent Susanna into a spiral from which she never recovered before passing away in 2012. This is one book I can’t wait to read ~ www.martinsmusic.com
By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine Photos By Richard McDonald
Lee Winright is a musician based out of Bandera Texas. With his roots in Americana his genre seems to encompass a full bodied mix of blues, country, rock, and heroic harmony. Since the young age of 17 Winright has been on the road with national acts such as The Dixie Chicks, Jack Ingram, Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, and more. He also played guitar alongside Charlie Robison for crowds of 50,000 people. As a touring performer he has opened for The McKay Brothers, Stoney La Rue, Charlie Robison, Bruce Robison and Cowboy Mouth nationally. Just out of studio Winright took a few minutes to chat with me about his upcoming album, Time Between Times. I understand you've been in the studio a lot lately and you have finished recording the new album. Do you have a timeline for the release? We've really just finished recording and, since this is going to be such a staple for me, I wanted to make sure everything is perfect, so at this point no date just yet. I used to work with people that would take up to two years to make a record, and although this record hasn’t taken that long and there wasn't really a deadline for us; so we did it slow, we did it right. And just before I called you were doing a photoshoot. Was that for the cover? Yep, cover and good promotional pictures. I've been listening to the first release from this album, She Had To Go, and it's in the Americana genre. Is the album all along those lines? Yes and no, that's why I released this one first. The album is a darker record than my first one, but I’ve got some really good rock and roll songs on there. The whole album is kind of based on the title which Time Between Times. You know that magic hour, as the sun sets and before the stars come out. I have heard that expression, but I didn’t know what “time between times” meant, thanks. So the new album is a little darker than the last one and I'm guessing that, based on the release of She Had To Go, the album is along that theme. Yeah. There are some really good rocking songs and some solo finger-picking songs. I really fine-tuned the instruments and sounds on this recording, so instead of having a full drum-kit bashing and smashing around I used mostly Cajon with some cymbals because I really wanted a more strippeddown feel that accentuates the lyrics more than a big drum or big guitar sound. Even the guitar is stripped back as I
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mostly used an acoustic guitar; which is my livelihood. Did you write all of the songs on this record? There's one co-write with a guy named Corey Winfield who I've known for a really long time. He's written for Robert Earl Keen and a bunch of others. So in the mist of this album he wrote this song that's just a great song. When I told him I was going to put it on the record and needed to know his publishing info he said nope it's yours. Wow! That’s really great. I was reading your bio and it's listed some pretty big names that you have played worked with but I think there's a pretty interesting story on how you got started
with Robert Earl Keen. Yeah, I was 17 and pretty much homeless in Bandera. I saw in the local paper an article that read, “Roadie/Road manager needed for Robert Earl Keen band” so I set up an interview, went in there with my only button up shirt I had and it was purple and I’m sure I looked horrible. But I went in and Robert told me there were 15 other people that had a much better qualifications, then he asked me about playing guitar and sound. At the end he said he’d give me a call, so I left thinking I'll never hear from him but 2 hours later he called and said if the band likes you you're in. I worked with Robert for about five years and ended up on the back cover of his second live album, Number 2 Live
Dinner. That's me sitting on the ground. He said he considered me part of the band so I need to be on it too. I did everything from guitar tech to merch table and more. After I left him I went on the road for 9 months with the Dixie Chicks on what was their first Wide Open Spaces tour. That was such a great experience, I really got to see parts of the United States and Canada that I hadn't seen with Robert, which was a lot, and then I went on to work with Jack Ingram, Billy Joe Shaver, Charlie Robison, and a bunch of other folks too.
AUG 2016 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
just me or just my luck but I wrote a song about it. Thanks for reminding me. I wanted to know about your songwriting habits. Do you have any specific techniques? Two songs a day. They can be really good and they can be really crappy, but I write two songs a day.
So when did you actually begin playing guitar? I started playing when I was 7 years old. My grandmother bought me my first guitar.
Do you write for other people? I write mostly for myself, but I'm under BMI so other artists can definitely check out my catalog.
Then when you went into Robert Earl Keen at 17 you at least had some ideas about being a guitar tech. Oh yeah, but the funny thing is the first time he had me come over to show me how to string his guitars, because he does his little different, I lay one across my lap and he says you know you got that upside down I said yeah I'm left-handed. Then he asked if I could play the guitar like that and I said of course so I showed him. I play guitar upside down, left handed. When I worked with the Dixie Chicks and Charlie Robison I had to do it all upside down as well, because you know it is a right-handed world. when I was little I just didn't want to be influenced by what people were telling me what I had to do so I figured it out the way I had to. Well, that definitely makes you stand out from the rest. Are most of your shows solo or full band? Mostly they’re solo as makes it easier when I'm traveling safe from Bandera to Corpus Christi or somewhere. It really costs so much for a full band to travel. And if something happens where I end up sleeping in the van on the way home, that's okay; but when you’ve got 5 guys trying to sleep in a minivan, it gets a little tight. Really, it just boils down to the financial and fine details of putting a full band on the road. Well while we patiently wait for Time Between Times to be released where can we get your current album, Nobody Saw It Coming? I am sold out of hard copies, however! You can still download it on CD Baby and Amazon. It's a really great record and the cover photo is of the Dairy Queen and the Exon station under water during the Bandera flood of 2002. That reminds me, you know this area is in a 10-year
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What is the best way to follow where you're playing? Well first off Facebook, which I keep it updated constantly. Secondly and maybe more importantly, is ReverbNation.com/leewinright. ReverbNation is wonderful tool for both musicians and fans and it really has everything an artist needs to get the word out. So that's my website and all of my shows are on it except the one I just booked two minutes ago. What kind of touring do you do? Do you mainly play San Antonio and South Texas? I play a lot in the San Antonio and Hill Country areas, but I'm working like crazy right now so who knows where else I'll go! drought and not too long ago it was raining in Fredericksburg and from Bandera I could see the lightening; the next morning I went to Fredericksburg and I could see the lightening and rain hit Bandera. I don't know if it was
Reverbnation.com/leewinright Facebook.com/leewinright
**Release dates & Parental Ratings are subject to change, and often do.**
Release dates are subject to change, and often do.
loop. A single ride is $1.25 while a day pass is just $3 and are good on all buses and streetcars for 24hours. The St Charles Streetcar route has been in operation for 150 years and takes you through the Garden District and all those amazing homes. Honestly, the best part of riding the streetcars is that the drivers know the history their cars and the route and are very willing to share, so sit by a window with your camera ready! (www.norta.com)
Finally, you can’t go all the way to New Orleans and see the Mississippi River without thinking of Mark Twain and his wonderful books, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and steamboats cruising up and down that mighty river. At least we couldn’t and besides… STEAM boat. STEAM Magazine! It was just something we had to do! We took the Canal St Streetcar to Woldenberg Park and went for a cruise on
Steamboat Natchez !
The Natchez is one of only two true steam powered sternwheelers plying the Mississippi today. True to tradition in every detail, boarding the NATCHEZ makes you feel as if you have entered another era. The captain barks his orders through an old-time hand-held megaphone. The calliope trills a melody into the air while the great wheel, 25 tons of white oak, churns the heavy waters of the Mississippi. You soon find yourself slipping into a sense of the old, vast and timeless river. As the NATCHEZ glides past the French Quarter and through one of the world's most active ports, you begin to understand the magic of the experience. For all its history and romance, the excitement of riding a steamboat is as real and rich and genuine now as it was when Mark Twain wrote about it. Tour the engine room and get a real sense of the power as the huge steam
By Tamma Hicks STEAM Magazine
I know what you’re
thinking... Why would you go to New Orleans in August? Heck, just the heat alone is enough to drive you bonkers, but add in the humidity and you’re exhausted and wet the second you step out. Well, there are lots of reasons to go, but I have 3 for you to do that will get you on the road!
The
first really fun reason to be in New Orleans in August… Mid-Summer Mardi Gras! The Krewe of O.A.K. will celebrate its 30th year as it hits the sweltering Uptown streets with its annual parade on August 27. Cara-Mia Noto and Jamie Bernstein will reign as Queen and King of the 30th Krewe of O.A.K. Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade. What began as a modest Carrollton neighborhood bar crawl has mushroomed into a procession of more than 10,000 costumed marchers. This year’s theme is "Get Wet." Two suggestions for attending the MidSummer Mardi Gras. First, the Carrollton neighborhood has lots places to eat and drink before, during and after the parade, so indulge! My favorite is Jacques-Imos on Oak Street and their famous Alligator Sausage Cheesecake; absolutely fabulous! And second, as in most of New Orleans’ neighborhoods parking is somewhat limited so I suggest using the Streetcars! (facebook.com/ mapleal.oak/events)
driven pistons force the wheel to turn. Stepping into the dining hall your sense come alive as the sounds of the ragtime coming from the Steamboat Stompers Jazz Band playing at the stern overlooking the wheel and the smells of Cajun spices fill you. Fresh catfish, jambalaya, red beans and rice, fresh vegetables and fruit, potato salad, Italian pasta salad, and so much more! You can cruise with or without the meal, but whatever you do don’t skip the bread pudding dessert! The Natchez Steamboat’s daily two-hour jazz cruises depart from the Toulouse St. Wharf (behind JAX Brewery in the French Quarter, on the water’s edge in Woldenberg Park) at 11:30 A.M.; 2:30 P.M.; and 7:00 P.M. I can’t tell you if it’s better to cruise in the day or evening, because both are fantastic. If you didn’t know already we are “people” people and meeting people from around the world is so interesting! So while we lounged on the deck taking in the sights we met a couple from Germany who were celebrating their 43rd anniversary and knew so much about the Mississippi’s history. At lunch we met the Weaver -Dawkens family from Los Angeles who decided to take a long weekend and explore the City. We toured the engine room with a class of 3rd graders who were taking the cruise to cap their studies of the Mississippi River. We had such a good time and learned a lot about New Orleans and the Mississippi River. This is definitely a New Orleans must! (www.steamboatnatchez.com)
Brown Coat Brass Band, Mid-Summer Mardi Gras 2015
A Look Down the Deck Steamboat Natchez
Historic St Charles Streetcar
Which
rolls us in to the second thing to do… Ride the streetcars! The historic New Orleans Streetcars are the best way to explore the city. There are four lines that will take you just about everywhere and run 24-hours: the St Charles Streetcar route, the Canal St Streetcar route, the Riverfront Streetcar route and the Loyola Avenue/Union Terminal
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Dining Room Steamboat Natchez
Steamboat Natchez