STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music volume 1 issue 1 April 2012

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South Texas Entertainment Hurricane Alley WaterPark… 9 Things To Do, Places To Go… 7

Art Mary Beach… 18 L. Leon… 20 Winter’s Thoughts… 5

Music Austin Connection… 10 Backstage Legal… 4 CD Reviews… 11 Forrest Lee Jr… 12 Isolation Booth… 3 Neil Austin Imber… 14 Writer’s Block… 15

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STEAM Staff Writers Cale Winter Don Joseph Linda Bendickson Mason Shirley Rusty Hicks Spencer Breunig, Esq. Tamma Hicks

Photographers & Graphic Design Jessica Winter Rusty Hikcs

Web Designer Rusty Hicks

Layout Editor Tamma Hicks

Contact Us Online: www.steamtx.com Facebook/steamtx sales@steamtx.com Phone: (361) 904-4339

Sales TJ Gonzales Rusty Hicks

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The Isolation Booth: Five Tips to Prepare for Recording

by Mason Shirley You’ve spent months writing and practicing new songs, now it’s time to hit the studio, design the album cover, and press copies to sell to your fans. That’s the usual progression of things when making a record, but between jamming with your band and cutting tracks in the studio lies a very important stage that is often overlooked or at least neglected: preparing for recording. If you’re new to the studio, implementing the following tips could save you lots of time, money, frustration and help lead to a great finished product:

is a brief checklist to take into consideration: Does each part of the song contribute to the nature of the song or take away from it? Does everyone know their solos, backup-vocals, drum fills, etc like the back of their hand? Are the lyrics done? Is the song over four minutes, if so can an unnecessary part be removed? You may want to write out the arrangement of each song with notes on what guitar tones, keyboard patches, drum sounds, etc you want on each part just to have a game plan.

Make sure your instruments are in tip -top condition. Guitar/Bass players should restring every instrument they plan on using and make sure their guitars have been checked for intonation issues by a professional guitar tech. This is inexpensive and can save you from frustrating tuning battles in the studio. Drummers should have new drumheads and come in with the kit tuned as best they can. New heads and strings improve the attack, tone, and sustain of the instrument dramatically.

Know the basic recording lingo and be ready to communicate clearly and directly. The key to a session running smoothly is communication. Some basic terms to familiarize yourself with are punch-in, overdub, double track, reverb, delay/echo, cue mix, tempo, time signature, verse, chorus, and bridge. Terminology aside, let the engineer know what you’re thinking about how things are sounding. For example, if you’re recording vocals and the bass is too loud in your cue mix, ask the engineer to turn it down.

If you just laid down a guitar solo but

Choose a producer for the project.

The job of a record producer is multifaceted, but it’s essentially the equivalent of a movie director. The producer should be the one who knows how the end result should sound and makes the major decisions to actualize that sound. Pick someone either from your band, the studio, or an outside producer to direct your project.

It should be a person who has some experience with your particular genre, is somewhat familiar with your music, would be easy for you to work with, and hopefully has done this before (In other words, Harry the Merch Guy is probably not the best choice). There are literally hundreds of decisions that have to be made while recording, each one affecting the final sound, and someone needs to be the designated guide you can trust to make those decisions.

Conduct a final detailed check on each song that will be on the record. Here

know you can do it better, simply say, “redo” or “delete” and the engineer will restart the track. Lots of valuable time can be wasted with poor communication so don’t be afraid to speak up.

Become best friends with the allimportant metronome. There’s no better way to completely botch a recording than to not be able to play along to a click track (metronome). Unless you’ve decided to record the rhythm section live, the engineer is most likely going to find the tempo of the song and start recording the instruments using the click track as the guide.

This assures that the tracks will be tight and in sync, plus it allows the engineer to use utilities like Pro Tool’s “beat detective” to automatically edit and perfect your performance. You can purchase a metronome at your local music store for around $20, or much cheaper as an app for a smart phone.

If you put these suggestions into practice, your next session will not only be fun and exciting, but much more efficient and cost effective. Happy recording!

Photo by Mason Shirley Mason@soundmachinestudio.com; www.soundmachinestudio.com

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Backstage Legal: Why All the Hubbub About Sampling?

By Spencer Breunig, Esq. Attorney at Law I read recently in a blog that the Eagles are contemplating pursuing a lawsuit against rapper Frank Ocean for sampling Hotel California. The article released a flood of thoughts on my part, both in favor of, and against Mr. Ocean's rights, both moral and legal. Objectively, the law is fairly straightforward. The Constitution of the United States gives Congress the power to enact laws providing for the protection of people's intellectual property. Wikipedia describes copyright as "'the right to copy'" (and) "gives the copyright holder the right to be credited for the work, to determine who may adapt the work to other forms, who may perform the work, who may financially benefit from it, and other related rights." Under this theory, it is no stretch to say that the Eagles are well within their legal right to ask Mr. Ocean to cease and desist. Subjectively speaking however, should they? When one looks at the individual members of the Eagles and their track records, one might be less inclined to favor them in an argument. Without getting into too much detail, the Eagles have been very open about their disdain for consumerism, greed, and capitalism in general. There's nothing wrong with them being so vocal about what they claim to believe, but why now all the hubbub about an up-and-coming artist sampling one of their songs? Why should they be so defensive about somebody else using their riff and their melody? If you've ever heard the song, you know that Mr. Ocean did not try to conceal the fact that he was directly using the chord structure and the melody to Hotel California. Couldn't the Eagles just ask him for a cut of the profits? Shouldn't the Eagles be flattered by the fact that a rapper is resurrecting a song they wrote more than thirty years ago?

Now think about the consistency of the Eagles' position on consumerism, greed, capitalism, etc. One does not have to look to hard to find quotes reflecting the individual band members' views on

those topics, and those views regularly are not consistent with their actions. The last time I tried to buy an Eagles song off Rhapsody and iTunes, I was unable to find any. I couldn't even find any studio recordings on YouTube. Go ahead and look for yourself. Mind you, the Eagles, and anybody else out there have the right to "be credited for (his own) work, to determine who may adapt (his own) work to other forms, who may perform (his own) work, who may financially benefit from (his own work), and other related rights....." Yadda yadda yadda. Ok, so the Eagles are within their rights to scour the internet making sure that no unauthorized parties make recordings of Eagles songs available for anybody to purchase or listen to. And they do.

What am I trying to say? Don't get me wrong, I love the Eagles. I mean, they are one of my favorite bands of all time. But all I see here is inconsistency. They talk about freedom, fairness, openness, etc., but they clearly don't follow what they say. Why can't a rapper sample Hotel California? What's so special about it? It's nothing more than a

natural descent through the key of Bm, following the circle of fifths backwards, repeated ad nauseum. Any 14-year-old with an acoustic guitar can tell you that. Even the leads and harmonies do nothing more than follow said progression. Any 14-year-old with an electric guitar can tell you that. Why don't the Eagles send people into Guitar Center on Saturday mornings to stop kids from playing songs they didn't write on guitars they will never be able to afford? Why don't Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and Lynyrd Skynyrd send their people in to stop kids from playing Stairway, Teen Spirit, and Free Bird?

Because that's lame, man.

That's how everybody starts out. Where would Jimmy Page be right now without Willie Dixon? Where would Kurt Cobain have gotten without Led Zeppelin? Where would any of us be without our influences? Cypress Hill sampled a horse for crying out loud. Yes, a

horse. That's what rappers do. They sample sounds and use them to make their own version of art. As musicians, our medium is sound. Notes are our colors and instruments are our brushes. Do painters try to copyright the colors that they use? No. Do they try to limit who can see their art? Of course not. Sure, the originals might be worth some money to own, but certainly not to look at, and not even to view digitally on your computer. Ever hear of or see the painting entitled "A Shot Of Marilyn Monroe" by Andy Warhol?

Look it up if not. Consider it either way. That is what I am equating the sampling of Hotel California to. Somebody took a well-known image and added his own interpretation to it. The Eagles can, should, and will be compensated for this. They should not be able to limit Mr. Ocean's capacity to do so. ~ www.spencerbreunig.com

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Winter’s Thoughts

By Cale Winter Smile today. What happens when you see someone smile? Does it make you smile too? Do you snarl, “What’s he smiling about?” Then storm off and purge for a few moments about, “What the heck was so freakin’ great about his day anyway?”. Do you even notice when you see a real smile? Count today how many smiles you see today. No fakes; just smiling because I have to smiles. The nice old lady, happy to be healthy smiling at the sun, smiles. How does it make you feel at the end of the day? Think about what it was in those lives that might have been the cause for such expression.

I have never met someone that does not like being happy. Believe me, I am not roses all the time either; however, when I am finished pissing and moaning about whatever it was that put a run in my pantyhose, it’s normally a pleasant smile from another that snaps me out of it. So, if I smile in the morning, it just might pay me back that afternoon.

My point is just, that being kind and smiling doesn’t only make you feel better, but it radiates to those around you. If it makes me smile to see someone smile, I think others smile at the sight of one smile too. And how many of those smiles were from another smile. As far as I’m concerned, happiness is contagious. Most everyday can be a great day.

Smile today.

What Makes You Smile?

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Things To Do, Places To Go All Month Long As Compiled by Tamma Hicks

Entertainment Ride on the Wild Side Bike Ride April 21, 2012 King Ranch, Kingsville Proceeds from the Annual Spring Bike Tour in Kingsville will benefit the Texas Lions Camp for Physically Handicapped Children. The camp, located in Kerrville, Texas educates children on how to work with their handicap and assists those stricken with Juvenile Diabetes to take control of their disease and treatment. The camp is 100% supported by the Lions of Texas and is free to all children 18 years of age and under. www.stxmaps.com/go/ride-on-the-wildside-bike-ride.html Freer Rattlesnake Roundup April 27 & 28, 2012 Freer, Texas Get ready to head down to the Freer/Duval Airport Grounds for the biggest snake party in the country featuring concerts with nationally known country western and Tejano artists. It's going to be fun for the whole family including a carnival, parade, arts/crafts exhibit and show, stage shows, a dare devil snake show, fried rattlesnake meat, talent contest & much more. Out on Hwy. 59, it's way out in the middle of nowhere, say locals, but well worth a visit. www.freerrattlesnakeroundup.net Buc Days 2012!

Corpus Christi, Texas Buc Days Miller Lite Pro PRCA Rodeo Presented by the Coastal Bend Chevy Dealers, April 19-22, 2012 at American Bank Center Arena Dunking of the Mayor April 26th, 2012 at 6:00 PM Come see the Mayor walk the plank! In the tradition of Buc Days-the pirate

queens sail into the Yacht Basin and capture the mayor, who surrenders for the fun of it. The pirate proclamation is read and the mayor is made to walk the traditional plank. From that moment on, Buccaneer Days is in full swing in an atmosphere of gaiety that speaks of ships, pirates and buried treasure! Come join the fun!

Celebrate Our Port with Fireworks! Friday, 4/27 at Buc Days!

Courtesy of the Port of Corpus Christi & HDR Engineering Plus: First 3,000 will enjoy a 75th Celebration Cupcake courtesy of H-E-B! Buc Days Stripes Caarrnival April 26 - May 6, 2012 NEW LOCATION! Shoreline Blvd. at Park Ave. Buc Days TOYOTA Illuminated Night Parrrade May 5th, 2012 at 7:00 PM U.S.S. Lexington Travel back in time aboard the famous U.S.S. Lexington. Featuring a flight simulator and on-board movies at the mega theatre, your visit to this World War II naval aircraft carrier will be anything but ordinary. Explore dark corridors and colossal compartments while gathering interesting facts during a self-guided tour. One afternoon will provide a humbling glimpse of what it’s like to live and serve aboard this marvel of the sea. www.visitcorpuschristi.com The Texas State Aquarium Let yourself be carried away into the deep blue water during an enchanting visit to the Texas State Aquarium. Located on Corpus Christi Beach, this stunning complex is home to fascinating sea creatures of all kinds. A day at the aquarium is a surefire way to keep your youngest explorers engaged and excited. Plunge into an ocean adventure you won’t soon forget. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Padre Island National Seashore Behold one of nature’s finest creations during an outing to the Padre Island National Seashore. Covering 130,000 acres, this spectacular expanse remains home to the largest remaining natural barrier island

in the world. The Padre Island National Seashore hosts a variety of wildlife such as birds and sea turtles. Relax along the sparkling shores, hunt for seashells, play in the surf and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful gifts of Corpus Christi. www.visitcorpuschristi.com South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center For a delightful fusion of beauty, nature and art visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Experience a variety of attractive garden creations such as roses, tropical flowers and 2,500 different orchids. Surround yourself with the tranquil and fragrant atmosphere of this unique South Texas garden. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Mustang Island State Park Families enjoy a serene environment at Mustang Island State Park . Fishing, bonfires, building sand castles and birding are popular pastimes at this great spot. Along this 5-mile stretch of Gulf Coast beach just North of Upper Padre Island, visitors can enjoy the outdoors in either an RV or tent, or take it easy at one of the convenient condos or hotels nearby. Pack the kayak or rent one to enjoy the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Whataburger Field The home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, Whataburger Field, tabbed by Minor League News as the best venue in North America over the last two seasons, is located near the Solomon P. Ortiz Center at the Port of Corpus Christi. The stadium features many "family friendly" amenities, including the Driscoll Children's Hospital Kids Zone, an interactive playground, the Stripes Diamond, a magnificent baseball field scaled down to youth baseball standards, a SportCourt basketball playing surface, a rock wall, the APEX Pool and Spa and Kieschnick's Korner, a covered area great for groups and pre-game functions. www.visitcorpuschristi.com

Art First Friday Artwalk Friday, April 06, 2012, 05:30pm - 09:00pm Downtown Corpus Christi ArtWalk is a self-guided tour of galleries, studios and gallery-for-an-evening venues in Downtown Corpus Christi held the first Friday of every month. Come join us for art, music, entertainment, refreshments and lots more. The event begins at 5:30 pm at La Retama Park with artist vendors and live music. Over 50 participating venues. Ride the DTown tram free with on board entertainment and be sure to come to the prize draw held at 8:45pm in La Retama Park at Peoples and Mesquite where first prize is an original piece of art donated by David Phillips and other prizes including valuable gift certificates from Downtown businesses and the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District. www.artwalkcc.com.

Coppelia Corpus Christi Ballet Saturday, April 14, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 15, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.

Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center, Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Ballet will present the full length story ballet, Coppelia on April 14 and 15, 2012 at Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center. This whimsical love story has delighted audiences for over 100 years. The scene is set in a Polish village where an eccentric toy maker creates a life size doll named Coppelia in his magical workshop. This comic tale encompasses love, jealousy, mischief, and mistaken identity. The story unfolds with exuberant dance, lively acting, and an extravaganza of costumes and scenery. Coppelia is a fun, lighthearted comedy that will delight the entire family! corpuschristiballet.com/ The Wedding Singer Apr 13 - May 06, 2012 Harbor Playhouse, Corpus Christi 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart

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is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer.

He's the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. Only trouble is Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. With a brand new score that pays loving homage to the pop songs of the 1980's, Go back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. www.horborplayhouse.com Texas SandFest April 20 - 22, 2012 Port Aransas we are having our Masters contest where Master sculptors from all over come to Port A to make pure magic. Everyone can enter a contest. We have an Amateur Contest for all ages. This is everyone's chance to show that you don't have to be a master sculptor to get your hands dirty and create something wonderful out of sand. Come to watch or come to play.

Either way, you are going to have fun! www.texassandfest.com The Music of Led Zeppelin: A Rock Symphony April 21, 2012 @ 7:30pm The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra Selena Auditorium at the American Bank Center, Corpus Christi Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra performs The Music of Led Zeppelin at American Bank Center Selena Auditorium on Saturday April 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM. Amplified by a full rock band and accompanied by singer Randy Jackson’s screaming vocals, for over a decade creator Brent Havens has conducted the ensemble as they capture Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power,” riff for riff while churning out new musical colors. www.ccsymphony.org Art Museum of South Texas Visit the Art Museum of South Texas, where culture and art merge to form a striking display of creative freedom and beauty. Offering diverse exhibits featuring local and national artists and also a variety of classes, lectures and performances, the

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Art Museum of South Texas is a wonderful place to tour during a leisurely afternoon around downtown Corpus Christi. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History Step aboard an authentic reproduction of Columbus’ ship Pinta at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History . Tour the oldest shipwreck that was found nearby in the Gulf of Mexico and share the adventures of early explorers as you stroll among treasures from word-famous shipwrecks. www.visitcorpuschristi.com

Music Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi www.brewsterstreeticehouse.com Tuesday, April 3rd - Tech N9ne & Machine Gun Kelly Thursday, April 5th - Cody Johnson Band w/ John Slaughter Friday, April 6th - The Spazmatics Saturday, April 7th - Gary P. Nunn Friday, April 13th - Another Level Saturday, April 14th - Second Saturday Sing-Along Piano Show Wednesday, April 18th - James Durbin w/ Witness by Proxy Thursday, April 19th - Cory Morrow w/ Thieving Birds Friday, April 20th - The Klocks Saturday, April 21st - Metal Shop Thursday, April 26th - Bart Crow Band w/ The Pear Ratz Friday, April 27th - Five Card Draw Concrete Street Amphitheater 700 Concrete Street, Corpus Christi www.concretestreet.net The Avalanche Tour: 7 Apr Opeth / Mastodon: 21 Apr Korn: 27 Apr Staind / Godsmack: 1 May Dr Rockit’s Blues Bar 709 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi www.drrockitsbluesbar.com Featuring Live Music Every Night!

Mondays: Open Jam with Antone Perez Tuesdays: Steven James and the Shakedown Wednesdays thru Sundays: You can catch great bands every night. Genres include Texas country, rock, reggae, and of course blues!

Executive Surf Club 309 N. Water Street, Corpus Christi www.executivesurfclub.com April 05 - Reely Rotnz with Cupids Victim and The Most April 06 - Scarecrow People April 07 - Latin Talk April 12 - Flatbroke April 13 - Cruise Control April 14 - Lyrical Bynge April 19 - Forty Pound Dog April 20 - The Bar Nutz April 21 - Flashback April 26 - John Evans Band April 27 - Another Level April 28 - Ben Tapia Backwoods Saloon 1540 Sun Ray Rd, Ingleside, TX Live music every Friday and Saturday.

Garage Bar & Grill 15013 Northwest Blvd, Corpus Christi

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Live music every Friday and Saturday.

Katz 21 and Club 21 317 N Mesquite St, Corpus Christi DJ and live music Fridays and Saturdays.

Los Cabos Flour Bluff Dr, Corpus Christi Live music Fridays and Saturdays.

Outta Bounds Sports Lounge 1402 Rodd Field Rd, Corpus Christi Live music Fridays and Saturdays.

Tarpon Ice House 321 N. Allister, Port Aransas Live music every Friday and Saturday.

Tweety Sports Bar 4710 Kostoryz Rd, Corpus Christi Live music Fridays and Saturdays. *** *** *** *** *** ***

Get Your Club Listed

To get your club listed, please send an email to sales@steamtx.com. Be sure to include club name, address, city, and a calendar of events.

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Family Fun Time: Hurricane Alley Waterpark Opens April 14!

By Ashley Higson Hurricane Alley Waterpark, Corpus Christi’s FIRST family waterpark, will be making landfall Spring 2012!

other attractions that are unique to the park and were custom- designed specifically for it:

The 8 acre waterpark is unique in many ways, with its location being the most unique feature. Hurricane Alley is located directly beside Whataburger Field,

“USS Dusty”: Hurricane Alley’s own replica aircraft carrier; designed to thrill the kiddos with slides, water cannons, replica aircraft and more, will be located in

“Gulf Stream”: Hurricane Alley’s lazy river is unique and unlike other lazy rivers because not only will it offer a cozy ride around the perimeter of the park, but it also boasts one-of-a-kind views of Whataburger Field and the Harbor Bridge, as well as a convenient entrance and exit into Typhoon Lagoon!

“Storm Chaser”: Riders will have a chance to enjoy a little wet ‘n’ wild competition as they race one another to the bottom in our 4-lane racer slides that are fun & speed!

“Wahoo Willie’s Hideaway Bar”: Parents will have a shelter from the storm in this customized swim-up bar where you never have to leave the water; just swim and sip! Child-friendly beverages will be offered, as well.

home of the Corpus Christi Hooks-the AA affiliate for the Houston Astros, and will not only be Corpus Christi’s first family waterpark, but will also be the first waterpark to ever be integrated into a professional baseball stadium! The park will share a common area with the stadium, enabling a waterpark experience unlike any offered at other parks.

the almost 6400 sq. ft. children’s pool!

The “USS Dusty” has been included as a main attraction in the park to honor our local military presence in Corpus Christi.

This common area is a customdesigned, baseball-themed spray deck.

The spray deck will be in the shape of a baseball diamond and will allow children to run all of the bases while water sprays playfully from balls, bats and gloves. This attraction is sure to be a homerun hit with our young guests and Hook’s game-goers!

“Momentum”: Riders will enjoy an exciting trip through twin serpentine flumes on this 3-story slide complex!

Along with its location and spray deck, Hurricane Alley will also boast many

“Cat 5”: A 6-story thrill slide, reaching heights of 65 feet! This complex is the only one of its kind in the state of Texas and is sure to offer an unforgettable ride to the bottom!

“Storm Surge”: This wave pool is sure to offer something for the entire family; an adventurous dip in the water where guests can ride the waves in, or a lounge area to relax and enjoy the gentle splashing of the waves and the warmth of the south Texas sun!

For special events, Hurricane Alley Waterpark will have many spaces available, with our premier event area being the beautiful VIP Deck atop “Kieschnick’s Korner”. The VIP Deck will be built to accommodate up to 200 guests for your special event. Along with the VIP Deck, the park will also have additional outing spaces below the deck inside of “Kieschnick’s Korner”, as well as a fun, grassy area for picnics, birthday parties, etc..

For an exclusive, one of a kind waterpark experience with Hurricane Alley, the park will also be available for buy-outs of up to 4 hours outside of normal, operational hours.

Developers of the project are excited to be able to bring such a wonderful attraction to Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend of Texas, but not nearly as excited as the citizens of Corpus and visitors looking to come to the area! The response from the community and tourists to the southern coast of Texas has been extremely enthusiastic and future guests have already begun booking outings for next season and filling up waiting lists for a trip to the park after its grand opening on April 14, 2012!

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Austin On the Move with Linda Bendickson Chalkline 259’s, serendipitous beginnings originate out of the town of Broken Jaw in Southeastern Oklahoma and joins lovers and friends together. Life partners Matt and Hope Ash share the lead vocalists spot. Matt is also lead guitar/song writer, supported by bass player, Jimmy George and drummer, Jake Wright.

drummer and Jimmy George, on bass guitar. A little known fact is although Jimmy had long dreamt of playing base, he

had never played guitar before jamming with Chalkline. Matt began the task of “teaching” Jimmy to play bass. Turns out,

Matt says his musical influences are expansive and include everything from old style Country, Rockabilly and Blues to Janis Joplin and the Grunge of Nirvana.

While listening to some of their tracks, I thought I noted a similar singing style and voice to that of Shawn Mullins. When I asked Matt if anyone had ever made the comparison, he laughed and said, “Funny you should say that, he’s one of my favorite artists. I like music that tells a story”.

So the story begins...In June of 2011, Matt and Hope began performing together. Shortly thereafter, they fell in love and were married. The two found themselves traveling back and forth on Highway 259 so frequently that a mental “chalk line” formed in their mind’s eye, thus creating a natural evolution for name of the band.

Chalkline 259 was born.

Take a listen to Chalkline on My Space and Reverb Nation and you will hear their tracks are as vast in style as Matt’s influences have been.

Chalkline 259 recorded their first c.d. and began expanding their travel radius to include Indiana and Virginia. Area radio stations became part of their fan base, giving airtime to songs like “I Do,” thereby increasing the local followers.

January of 2011, things began to fall into place and more serendipity played itself out. Matt invited his good friends, Jake Wright, to jam with the band as

Jimmy was a “fast take” and playing like a pro in short order. The band was now official. Soon thereafter, they cut a second c.d., yet this time live and with barely any prior practice.

Chalkline 259 recently signed with the new Dallas Record Label Red I Records so…

Chalkline 259 is on the move to Austin featuring Jimmy George, Jake Wright, Matt Ash and Hope Ash

The next “big stop” for Chalkline 259 is a move to Austin, Texas in search of more exposure and fans.

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CD Reviews

By Rick Bowen

Lydia Loveless Indestructible Machine Bloodshot Records

Jack Wilson Jack Wilson Fluff and Gravy Records Jack Wilson sites his homes as being in Seattle and Austin, which explains the immediate mesh of influence on his selftitled debut and how they are a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Ten of the Eleven songs were in fact recorded in Seattle at Buttermilk Studios with a full back up band Wilson calls “The Wife Stealers.” Kicking off the album is the rolling epic “Valhalla,” that features lap steel, choral backups and a full horn section, immediately drawing comparisons to Neal Young and The Band. From here Wilson takes us on journey through time and space and the rich tradition of Americana songwriting. Presenting sad and lovely ballads like “I’ll Do The Same,” and rousing alt-country kickers like “the Cure,” and “Praying For Misery,” adding camp fire stories like “Dogwood Days,” all held together by his easy conversational vocal style. The Album closes with “The Truth,” recorded in Austin with some fine blues grass pickers, it’s the albums strongest sing along and would make Pete Seeger proud that young songwriters like Jack Wilson are carrying the torch into the next millennium.

Sun Apr 01 3:00 pm Benefit for Austin Mothers Hafner House, Austin Fri Apr 13 Tantra Coffeehouse, San Marcos Sun Apr 15 Thrice Cafe, Austin Www.jack-wilson.com

Newly discovered cow punk diva Lydia Loveless is taking no prisoners on her first release Indestructible Machine on Bloodshot records. The nine song set is equal parts twang and grunge: the opening track “Bad Way To Go,” sets up a template that features fiery banjo picking alongside heavy guitar wail, over a pounding two step rhythm section. When Loveless spits out the line “you can write me a love letter in the gravel with your piss,” in a classic country drawl delivered as Kitty Wells’ power punk granddaughter, you know she means business. The album continues with rugged and witty tales of self-empowerment, heartache, heroes and villains, with stand out tracks being the defiant “Can’t Change Me,” and the tongue in cheek yarn, “Steve Earl.”

Indestructible Machine frames the portrait of a steadfast young woman ready to shake off her demons and take on the world. Mainstream country needs to embrace artists such as Loveless who are delivering a dose of reality to a scene dominated by Idol starlets and dime store cowboys. www.lydialoveless.com

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Forrest Lee Jr. Flying Under the Radar

By Rusty Hicks Forrest Lee Jr. has been flying under the radar for 15 years. Most Telecaster guitar players know who he is. B-Bender players use his technology, and music supervisors have been using his songs for film and TV in thousands of shows. He even has signature guitars named after him; yet, he has eluded the mainstream media somehow.

Though he started playing live music when he was a child, it was his chops as a singer and guitarist in his teenage years that took him to Nashville in 1989, at which time he was not able to pick up and relocate to Nashville. Forrest spent the first three years of the 90s playing six nights a week in Canada with the duo Bobby T and Forrest Lee, and the band Gerry King and Sudden Thunder, the whole time longing to get back to Nashville.

When he was finally able to move to Nashville in the mid 90’s, he was labeled a guitarist immediately. His guitar chops landed him the sub-gig for Redd Volkaert in The Don Kelly Band on the third day he was in town. It was only after 2 months of substituting for Redd that he discovered who he was subbing for. Forrest knew Redd from when he was a kid living in Bellingham, Washington, close to the Canadian border. For the next several years, he was a first call sub for Redd and several other artists’ guitarists in Nashville.

In 1999 Forrest left Nashville and his recording contract dreams to raise his family. He spent the next 6 years working in the IT industry, all the while building his recording studio with the steady paycheck. During this hiatus from live gigs Forrest

scored 100s of film and TV cuts.

Forrest took gigs subbing for local players in the Seattle area, and wrote a catalog of 100’s of songs. He made an honest living, and recorded a massive catalog of music he pitched to the film industry, landing songs in TV shows like NBC’s ‘The Office’.

He started booking a few gigs with his own band because the cubicle was killing him slowly. After several gigs fronting some of the best players in the Northwest and not being artistically satisfied, he decided to move back to Nashville and dedicate 100% of his time to the music industry, and his career. Prior to his move back to Music City, Forrest released the critically acclaimed instrumental CD ‘Telethon’ as well as, ‘Long Way down’, ‘Living My Life’. And in the past 4 years he has released ‘Beer Truck’ and his blues CD ‘Mr. Classified’.

I was able to catch up with Forrest and do a rare interview with him.

Rusty: So what brought you to Texas?

Forrest: Well, my dad was a country artist in the 50s, and he lived in Houston for a few years. He also booked friends of his back in the day in clubs all over Texas. Lefty Frizzel, George Jones, Ray Price… he loved those good old days, talked about ‘em all the time.

And when I was about 15, he decided we needed to be back in Texas. We were living in Washington State at the time, and I got in a bit of trouble with the law… So we moved to Arlington, TX right off S. Center. He booked all the clubs up and down Division, and I would setup the audio gear, and when requests for George Jones or Merle Haggard songs came along (with a generous tip) I would sing them.

Rusty: So you have been playing in Texas clubs since you were 15 years old?

Forrest: Yeah man, I could hang out with my dad all night, have a cold beer, and sing the requests he didn’t know off the top of his head. One night a guy from Dallas dropped several 100 dollar bills in the tip bucket, and I think I sang 15 Haggard songs that night, and then he took us out for Breakfast.

Rusty:So you cut your teeth singing in the Honky Tonks of Arlington?

Forrest: Arlington, and the general vicinity. I can’t remember all the clubs we played. Every place within 20 miles pretty much. I never played in Dallas back then, but did go to Ft. Worth a few times. I got into a lot of trouble back then… I wasn’t a good kid really, but I could sing Mamma Tried and “The Race is On” pretty good.

Rusty: Were you playing guitar as well?

Forrest: Yeah, I played acoustic with my dad. I was picking my Tele most of the time at home, but on those gigs, he was doing a one man show, so I had to play acoustic rhythm to accompany myself. I’d just grab his Martin and do the tunes while he took a break.

Rusty: So do you consider yourself a singer or a guitarist?

Forrest: I consider myself an artist; I write, pick and sing…That’s been the problem with my career so far. All the Nashville cats look at me as a guitar picker, even though on most label artist gigs I’m singing the super high harmonies as well as picking all the lead, and emulating the pedal steel player’s parts with a B bender. But they don’t know I’m a writer.

I get hired as a utility player that plays one instrument, but can cover the steel parts with a Tele, and sing really high harmonies. But I didn’t move here to be a side guy. I planned to get a record deal and take over the music industry. So I’m a singer, guitarist and a writer.

STEAM Magazine

Rusty: Why would you release an instrumental album (Telethon), if you consider yourself a triple threat artist?

Forrest: I guess I felt as a guitarist, I could go balls out on a record, not being judged by lyrics and vocals. So it was self indulgent really. I wanted to showcase my playing, and also have some fun picking with some friends. That whole record was recorded on the road, in hotel rooms while I was backing up other artists. When I was in Austin, I recorded my lead parts on a couple songs in the Austin Airport Hilton hotel. I brought a portable Pro Tools rig, a POD pro rack, and a Korg D1600 with me everywhere. I stopped at Redd’s place, and tracked him through the same gear. Then while I was in Ft. Worth for a couple weeks, I finished the lead parts, and harmony guitar tracks at Lee Andersons’ place.

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use my old pink paisley 80’s Japan Tele for some live gigs. But besides the FCG customs, I use a 1977 Gibson Les Paul Artisan for crunchy stuff, and arena rock leads. And I’ve been using a Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Strat for ‘Vince Gill’ sounding stuff. That’s a friend’s guitar and it’s so damn good. It sounds amazing stock. I have an assortment of others I use but none are print worthy. But anything with

Rusty: No Amps?

Forrest: Nope, it was totally recorded through a POD. Rusty: What do you use now for recording?

Forrest: There’s definitely a feel you get from tubes, it’s the spongy feel in response to pick attack. I also use a Wampler compressor that Brian modded for me a little darker for leads that need to be chicken picked, or soaring. But I’m recording direct through my Bolt BTC100 amp. The amp is killer, loud, and stunning in versatility. But one of the coolest things about it is that I can plug an XLR into the back, and go direct. It has a SM57 emulated direct out like a DI that can be set on or off axis, I like the off axis tone unless I’m doing an arena rock solo. I can also mute the power amp so I can tweak the tone to make it fit in the mix, while sitting in the control booth. It’s the best upgrade I’ve made in 10 years. But the amazing thing is that the amp responds to your pick attack, because it’s a bonafide MADE IN USA Tube amp… on steroids.

Rusty: What about your guitars and mics?

Forrest: Ok, I’ve been using my own guitars for 90% of recordings. And I still

B-bender on it is a Forrest Custom Guitar, either a pine or swamp ash body, with my personally designed 3/2 pickups made by Jeff Callahan. I use ¼” alnico 3 magnets for the E and A strings, and 3/16” alnico 2 magnets for the rest of the strings for a killer twang, and an even response across the strings.

Wilson U47 clone that absolutely kills.

ture for you?

It’s got that amazing upper mid presence of $5000 mics. For acoustic guitar I use an old AT 4033 that just can’t be beat.

It’s the best acoustic mic I’ve ever used.

Forrest: Several things are happening. www.ForrestCustomGuitars.com is getting a makeover. I can’t keep up with all the work. I have a couple new instruction videos coming out this year.

Rusty: Tell me about the guitars you have been building.

Forrest: It started by accident really, I never planned to start a guitar company, and I wouldn’t suggest it. I had a guy contact me to make a Forrest lee Jr. signature guitar, complete with my Frankentele B bender.

Anyway, the guitar never developed, and after doing a lot of work on my own to help the project see light, the deal fell apart. During this time someone wanted a bender installed like mine.

The guys dragged their feet for over a year so I just installed the bender myself. I also used my computer skills to do some paisley designs in various colors, and figure out a couple ways to apply them to guitars.

Basically after all this work, it was taking way too long to complete a single guitar, so I just built them myself. Word spread that I was doing paisley T-style guitars with benders installed and viola…

Rusty: So you build them yourself?

Forrest: Yeah, my wife and I actually machine parts, and when I’m not on the road, and I assemble them. I play the hell out of ‘em, and set them up as well.

Forrest: Well on the amp I’m not using one. The emulator is amazing.

It’s pretty crazy really. But I actually love it. When I’m on the road or in the studio, I’m in artist mode. It’s all about playing and career. But when I’m home, I enjoy my time off working on old Chevy muscle cars, and building hot rod guitars.

On my vocals I’ve been using an LE

Rusty: What is coming up in the fu-

Rusty: What about microphones?

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My gospel tribute to my father Forrest Lee Sr. will be released as well. That’s all of my dad’s gospel songs, picked and sang by some of our best friends and greatest pickin buddies. A couple of the guest players are Johnny Hiland and Albert Lee. When Albert, Johnny, Jay Dee Maness and myself are cutting heads… its pretty inspiring. I know my dad is looking down from heaven with a big ole smile!

I’ll be on tour a lot this coming year.

I’ve been working with a new artist from Florida. But I have a lot of my own dates planned in Texas, and as far off as England and Germany. I’m really looking forward to those gigs. My back up band in the UK, are all amazing players. I may do an early extension to my UK tour with another guy from Longview Texas. He asked me to play the last couple weeks of Sept over there, and my own tour starts the first week of October.

I also just had a song cut by Daniel O’Donnell, the Irish superstar. We cowrote a song called ‘Erin Tennessee’ that’s a biggie. And also my song ‘Why Why Why’ is being released in the new movie ‘The Possession’ with Kyra Sedgwick.

But the coolest thing is that Washburn is releasing the first production acoustic B bender ever – the Forrest Lee Jr. Acoustic Bender. It’s based on a dreadnaught, but with cedar top, rosewood back and sides and Fishman electronics. I asked for a tree of life abalone inlay and they added it, it’s beautiful.

Rusty: Are you doing any guitar clinics?

Forrest: I just did a clinic on B bender guitar in Brandon, Florida a couple weeks ago. When the Washburn is widely available, I imagine that will fill in the rest of my clinic dates. But I’m always open to do a clinic whether it’s a college or a music store. If I’m available I’ll do it!

STEAM Magazine

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Sitting Down With: Neil Austin Imber

By Rusty Hicks Neil Austin Imber, Mathew Stuesser, TJ Gonzales, and I met down at the Executive Surf Club on Thursday night for the Neil Austin Imber interview for STEAM Magazine’s Inaugural issue out April 2, 2012. Hitting the SPID Raceway, as my wife and I call it, here in Corpus Christi; I was helping it live up to its reputation by trying not to be late for the interview.

Three of us converged at Executive Surf Club around the same time, Matt then TJ and yours truly last, while Neil was there already eating dinner.

We sat down by the outside fountain while Mathew and TJ set up the cameras and the audio recorder. You’ve got to love Corpus Christi it’s March 8th and everyone is in summer attire.

STEAM Have you been on any other magazine covers?

Neil: Yes, I’ve been on one. It was a back cover; however, was it more like an advertisement. There was a feature of me in the magazine, it was me and Willie Nelson and I was just 18 years old.

STEAM: I have seen you perform and play guitar. When did you begin playing?

Neil: Oh, yes. I picked it up when I was ten and figured out how to use it to write music.

STEAM: When and how did you get started in performing and songwriting?

Neil: I was brought into the world with a love and passion of music. When I was three years old I fell in love with U2 and to this day am still a huge fan. When I was eight years old I found a U2 “Rattlin’ Home” video. I had my mom rent it every weekend and I would study the moves. So yeah, I fell in love with music when I was three and began performing and writing around the age of eleven.

STEAM: What was the best advice you have been given and by whom?

Neil: Wow, that’s a hard one. I would have to say the best advice I’ve been given, and I can’t remember who said it, “Do

Neil Austin Imber during a recent performance and sing and play what you love. Follow your passion. Don’t do something you’re not in love with.” And I totally agree with that. Being between here and Nashville and writing in Nashville is such a different music scene and I’ve been able to find the sound that is me and I stick to it. And that’s the Texas Music sound. It lets me sing and play whatever I want; I write from the heart and what I feel. That’s the best advice I’ve gotten.

STEAM: Although I am familiar with you, some of our audience might not be. Are you getting much radio air play?

Neil: I’m getting a good amount on the radio, but not as much as I’d like to be.

I’m still new to it. I’ve been playing fulltime for about two and a half years but I’ve been in the music business for quite awhile. Lately I have been in Nashville and writing with Trey Bruce who wrote for Randy Travis and Gary Allen and produces for Carrie Underwood and Tracy Atkins. He’s just been a blessing to work with and now I’m going to start writing with a good friend of mine, George Dukes; who has written for Eli Young, Randy Rogers and Sara Evans. However, before I start that I’m taking the band back into the studio to cut a duet with Bri Bagwell, New Mexico’s next big thing;

she’s hot, talented, and an all around good person. I think our energy will really show through on the radio.

and my ex and the passion you have even though you know it is not going to work out. It’s a very personal song.

STEAM: Any interesting stories from the road?

Neil: The whole reason I sing and write is to move someone and there have been quite a few times when I’ve seen people cry. That is when I realize I am on the right path with my music and I will keep doing it just like that until I die because of those kinds of connections that I am making.

STEAM: I was told you are hosting an open mic night in downtown Corpus Christi. What can you tell me about this?

Neil: I’m really proud of this one. In conjunction with 94.7 Badlands I’m hosting an Open Mic at the Hofbrau Bar and have been going three-months strong. The idea was to get more listeners involved in the station by making this a contest and the prizes are really good. This past Tuesday we had more than 100 people come in.

I’m really enjoying getting this chance to see some of the talent in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas.

STEAM: Before I get too far into this and possibly forget, what are the names of your CDs and where can people buy them?

Neil: The first CD I cut when I was in high school, “Role the Dice”. And the second, “Livin’ on Credit, Workin’ for a Dime,” was cut about two years ago. I just didn’t think time was flying so fast, that’s why we need to get into the studio and cut this new one. You can get those digitally at my website www.neilaustinimber.com), CD Baby, and iTunes and in Corpus Christi at Surf Club Records and Lone Star Music Store in Gruene Texas.

STEAM: I have seen your current video, “It’s Been a Few Years” and it’s was great. How has it helped your career and do you have plans for another video?

Neil: “It’s Been a Few Years” was my first video and of course it helped me in getting a lot of gigs, but it also helped me land a publisher, Sandra Fox. She is the one that hooked me up with Trey Bruce for writing.

He has been a great resource for me and helped get the songs together for the next CD which is some of the best stuff I have ever been a part of. So this next video is going to be the duet I wrote for Bri and me about me

Steam: Do you have any closing comments for us?

Neil: I would like to remind everyone to please checkout my website for our upcoming schedule. I’d also like to thank Rusty Hicks and STEAM Magazine for letting me have a part in the first issue!

STEAM Magazine

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Writer’s Block: The Ash Grove

By Don Joseph The Ash Grove was a folk music club on Melrose Aveenue in Los Angeles California. It was founded in 1958 by Ed Pearl and named after the Welsh folk song, "The Ash Grove."

Ed Pearl’s right hand. I was his left. I had to watch the door, MC, and do a show to fill in every once in a while and generally hang out in between sets in case there was any problem with people sneaking in.

In its short fifteen years, the Ash Grove forever altered the music scene in Los Angeles and helped many artists find a West Coast audience. Bob Dylan recalled that, "I'd seen posters of folk shows at the Ash Grove and used to dream about playing there...." He did.

Hoyt and I were standing outside in the parking lot enjoying some happy smoke when Jack showed up in a Volkswagen Camper. Hoyt and I started to crack up, because every time Jack would arrive somewhere, he was always driving a different car or truck. Tonight it was an older Volkswagen Camper with a ‘pop top’. Jack gets out and we all hug and slap each other on the back with exchanges of; ‘How’s it goin’, what’s happenin’, and, you got any smoke’?

Halloween, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and Jesse Fuller were appearing at the Grove.

Jack was an old friend of mine. I called Hoyt (Axton) up and told him that Jack was playing that night, so Hoyt showed up at the club. My girl friend, Pinky who later on became my wife worked there and was

We shared a lot of smoke in a very short time. I asked jack why he had this

camper? He said that he just bought it that morning so he could get here from Bakersfield. (Smoke) I asked him where his truck was? “Judy, my old’ lady left me and stole it. (Smoke) Hoyt broke up. Didn’t that just happen to you in Oklahoma?

(Smoke) Yeah, that chick Sherrie left with my Camaro and I had to buy that old truck. (Smoke, Smoke). I can’t understand it. Every time a chick leaves me, they take my ride. (Snorts and laughter).

Jack says; “Hey you guys want some wine”? Jack opens the camper and pulls out two bottles of ‘Annie Green springs’.

(Smoke, drink, smoke). At this point Jack decides that it’s time to show off the new camper. You have to get the picture. Here are three totally wasted guys in a parking lot trying to set up a camper on asphalt on Halloween. Jack pulls out an awning and hooks some of it to the camper, and hands us four polls to put together. Hoyt and I fumble with trying to put four poles together, that don’t want to go together and we’re laughing so hard that we have tears in our eyes.

Jack is inside by this time trying to ‘pop’ the top so there is room to stand.

He succeeded in getting one end up and at the same time he was teaching us some new words of failure. We give up on the poles but we do get one set together, enough to hold up one end of the awning.

Jack stepped out of the camper. The top looked cool slanted like that. (Smoke, smoke, drink, drink). Jack pulls out two

lawn chairs so Hoyt and I can sit down, which was great, as it was getting increasingly hard to stand. Jack pulls out a table that hitches to the side of the camper but can’t find the legs, so he gets Hoyt and I to pull our lawn chairs up so that the table, although hooked to the side of the camper, rests on our legs. Jack starts making coffee and is proudly showing us how to get water from the sink by pumping a handle. By this time we have attracted quite a crowd of people. Someone walks up and says “Jack” its show time in ten minutes and you need to see Ed Pearl before you go on... [Freeze frame………

Action….]

The three of us scramble and start tearing down the camper with precision timing and finesse I may add but with help from some of the crowd. We finally opted by throwing everything back inside the camper, except for the awning, which we couldn’t remember how it went together or come apart, so we left it hanging down the side of the camper. (Snort, laugh, laugh, snort, snort) Jack grabs his guitar and the three of us walk into the Ash grove trying to look straight. Hoyt and I were on either side of Jack Elliot.

Jack is only five and a half feet tall. He must have looked like a sandwich.

‘Pinky’ was standing by the showroom door. She told us later that the three of us kept walking slower and slower until we stopped and formed a perfect pyramid without falling. From what I understand, is that Ed and Pinky and someone else from the kitchen helped Hoyt and I into the showroom and Jack to the stage.

(Giggle Snort, giggle, snort).

Hoyt and I used to talk about that night at the Grove. We don’t remember if Elliot ever went on that night but Pinky said that he did, and that he took thirty minutes on stage trying to tune his guitar and when someone in the audience complained, Jack looked up at him and said; “I’m sorry. I just want to be perfect for ya” and then threw himself backwards

STEAM Magazine

Writer’s Block: I’m With the Band into the drum set. All Hoyt and I remember is waving goodbye to his camper going down Melrose Avenue with an awning flapping in the wind and one lawn chair and a table still in the parking lot. But the funniest thing of all, was when Jack came out of the Ash Grove and asked; “Where’s the camper”…?

(Laugh, snort, augh, fall down laughing, snort, snort)… *** *** *** My background in the music business as a songwriter and musician spans many years. I have worked with Harold Battiste and Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe”.

John Gummoe of the Cascades “Listen To The Rhythm of the Falling Rain”, Kent Morrill of the Wailers and The Ventures “The Tall Cool One”, The Association’s “And Then Along Comes Mary, Steve Clark and Randy Sparks Productions and more.

I learned the craft of songwriting while jamming and playing late night sets at Gerde’s Folk City, Figgaros, Café Wha and many other folk clubs in Greenwich Village. I was lucky to write and play music with some of the best performers and writers of the time eg; Joan Baez, Richard and Mimi Farina with Bruce Langhorne guitarist, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Dave Van Ronk and others, too many to name here.

My name is Don Joseph, but my stage name for almost fifty years was ‘Perrin’.

Have you ever heard of me? Probably not. I was never a star but I’ve worked with s lot of them. The fly on the wall so to speak. To sum up my fame; One night as I was walking into Gold Stars’ Recording Studio, Phil Spectors’ “Wall of Sound” in Hollywood behind Sonny Bono, I was stopped and told that I couldn’t come in because the studio was booked for Sonny and Cher. Through gritted teeth I said, “I’m with the band”…

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STEAM Magazine

An Up and Coming Star

By Rick Bowen Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs Alone In This Together Local 638 Records “I’m gonna tear myself open and shine.”

The first line in the chorus of “Shine,” the opening track of the third CD from Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs ”Alone In This Together” due out July 12th on Local 638 Records, are probably the most telling words of the album. On the new album, Star Anna and the band tear themselves open and shine like a sun going supernova. The intensity of riding the edge of near destruction ,while pushing the limits of both physical and emotional boundaries, are reflected in each of these ten supremely crafted songs from Star Anna and guitarist Justin Davis.

“He (Justin) played ‘Shine’ for me sitting on the porch in Ellensburg and I cried,” said Anna of Davis. “It’s his song, but it just fit me. I really need to believe a song whether it’s mine or someone else’s to sing it.”

There are no wasted words here as Anna’s aching raspy alto (imagine Joan Jett singing Patsy Cline) soars above the wide-open rocking Americana sound of The Laughing Dogs. Star Anna admits “we made a concerted effort to move to the city and away from the alt country thing and towards a more rock sound.”

In part, this was accomplished by the fantastic addition of Ty Baillie on organ and piano, who Anna praises as “one of the best players around.”

“He sat in with us many times over the years and kept joking with us, ‘if you ever move to Seattle I’d join the band’, so we did and he had no more excuses,” she said.

Star Anna moved the band to Seattle in the fall of 2010 and entered the studio soon after.

Along with Davis (guitar), and Baillie (keys), the Laughing Dogs include Travis Yost (drums) and Keith Ash (bass) to create a strong and balanced band, reminiscent of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at their muscular best. The album’s mix of four on the floor rock, lonesome blues, country heartache and rolling gospel, play together seamlessly from start to finish as if the album was crafted as one continuous piece.

“We tracked in the studio for about a week, which was the easy part,” said Anna. “The hard part was all the overdubs and double vocal tracks, hours and hours of mixing with (producer) Brad, but now it’s done and we are just waiting for it come out and see what happens.”

Star Anna ,who has been winning a legion of fans while living in the shadow of fellow Northwest chanteuse Brandi Carlile, is bound to get some much deserved attention with the release of the first single and title track anthem “Alone In This Together.” ” I wrote this one for my family, so I am really proud of this song in every way,” Anna said.

On the song’s meaning, she said “It is big enough that people can make what they want of it.”

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready makes a great guest appearance on the track, and two other tunes, after bringing the band to record at Pearl Jam’s Studio Litho, and signing them to a distribution deal with Monkey Wrench Records. “Mike is amazing; we cannot begin to thank him enough, without him, we’d still be spinning our wheels,” Anna said. “We met Mike through mutual friends and did the Hootenanny for the Gulf benefit together, and Mike asked when our next record was coming out, we said well we don’t know, we haven’t

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got a deal or anything, he just said to me ‘let’s get it done, anything you need I’m here to help.’ “ McCready is joined on the Laughing Dogs team by Visqueen Singer and President of Local 638 Records, Rachel Flotard. “What she accomplishes in one day is more than I could do in weeks,” said Anna of Flotard, “she is just so amazing, I am so lucky to have her help.” The team formed a plan to bring Star and her band to a wider audience with more outdoor concerts this summer, the highlight of which will be their appearance at the PJ20 festival in August opening for Pearl Jam. “It is really exciting and should be cooler than anything we’ve ever done before, I had no idea we’d really get in and Rachel set it all up,” explained Anna.

When asked where the background for her intense songs comes from Anna said, “Every song is different and hard to pin point. I heard Tom Petty say once he didn’t know where the ideas for his songs come from, and then he said ‘I hope I don’t find out ‘cause I might lose it’, well me either.”

Discussing other album highlights, including the gut wrenching blues of “For When I Go” which finds Anna channeling Etta James in her Chess Records prime, Anna said, “Justin wrote the chords for that one and I just went for it.”

The timeless songwriting of the duet with Justin Davis “Bird Without Wings,” could have been penned for Sam Cooke or Otis Redding. “Justin was kidding me that I didn’t have any happy songs,” Anna explains of the song’s origin. “No way, I have happy songs, what about Bird Without Wings? It’s a love song I wrote last summer while babysitting, but it’s still sad, really,” she added with a laugh.

On the riff rocker “Time,” Anna defiantly sings: “I can’t stand another minute of this crying,” sounding like a warrior of complicated love, determined to prevail no matter the cost.

The pure poetry of “Gold and Silver,” shines like a long lost gem from the Willie Nelson songbook.

The mournful lament “Just Leave Me There,” shows Anna’s talent for telling a tale of a heart that has been ripped wide open and left for all to see.

The album’s swinging gospel-flavored finale “High Water,” is fueled by the mighty B3 playing from Ty Baillie and revival tent fervor from”Uncle Sigmund’s Fun time Singers,” “that is everyone having a great time singing around one mic and trying not to laugh at Justin and his wacky low harmony,” Anna explained. But as the revelry fades, Anna gets in the last word, as always.

“I am just so excited about this album and what the future holds,” said Anna, who still has a day job for the time being. “I work at a Doggy Daycare, so that and music are all I have time for; oh yeah, and good food, those are my passions, dogs, music, and burgers with bacon.”

On Alone In This Together, producer Brad Zeffren and ace engineer Floyd Reitsma have captured a sound so pure and clear that it will no doubt be on many an audiophiles top ten list for the year. The balance and depth of tones with each instrument allows the listener to be drawn into the center of the group where one finds Star Anna’s voice speaking directly to the heart and soul.

Records and artists such as this come along so rarely in our times and all must fight very hard for exposure; with Mike McCready and Rachel Flotard in their corner, Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs are no longer “alone in this.”

"Star Anna is an American original. I am a huge fan of her music and especially her voice. She sings from a place of beauty that takes me to a higher place. Her Cds rarely leave my player." - Mike McCready, Pearl Jam "She is the real deal. We can all say that we saw her when . . . . Guaranteed." Duff McKagan, Guns 'n' Roses, Velvet Revolver, Loaded www.staranna.com

STEAM Magazine

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For Mary Beach It’s All About the Art

By Tamma Hicks At an early age Mary Beach began painting and sold her first painting at age twelve. After high school she went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina and marry. Later she was a Vietnam widow left with four children to raise and to support her family Mary worked many jobs while painting in the evening and selling her work.

When she was living in Austin she was chosen to be in the Arts American Exhibit in Atlanta during the 1996 Olympics. Chosen as the finalist she was able to study at the Guzman Studio in Paris France and then spent the next few years exhibiting her art throughout Europe and Africa.

Mary returned just before 9/11 to Corpus Christi where she planned to retire and continue to paint.

Mary says the most rewarding work she has ever done began when she “retired”: teaching oil painting techniques. She feels that holding classes at Coastal Crush beach shop, in Flour Bluff, has brought her career full circle. She encourages student to paint what they want by teaching them the techniques and styles they need to do so.

Coastal Crush provides a safe and relaxing place to paint with a positive atmosphere. Mary also works with disadvantages student proving free tuition, paints and canvas.

The proceeds her paintings on sale at Coastal Crush are applied to the costs for the students supplies. In these hard economic times she tries to keep her paintings affordable as she would rather have them with people who enjoy her work.

~ photos by Jessica Winter

Paintings by Mary Beach (clockwise): —, Handsome Toucan, Courage, and Mary Beach with Rusty Hicks in her studio at Coastal Crush.

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STEAM Magazine

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From Chicago to Port Aransas, The View is Spectacular Story and Paintings by L. Leon I had a magnificent studio in Chicago at the historic Thompson & Taylor Spice Factory building on the sixth floor. It had 12 foot ceilings with huge timber beams, fantastic maple floors, and windows— tons of windows that let light pour in which gave me perfect views of downtown Chicago and allowed me to look out on the Chicago River. In the warmth of summer, you would smell nutmeg, cinnamon and caramel wafting through the building. It was a spiritual experience and existential inspiration.

The high ceilings and expansive loading areas allowed me to create and move big canvases. My roll of canvas is 13 feet wide and more than 300 feet long so I am able to stretch canvases of huge proportion. Big canvases made sense in Chicago. The urban Chicago infrastructure is huge and complex. Heavy steel and towering concrete define the massive “el” supports. Bridges built in the late 19th century are everywhere. The infrastructure is decaying and decomposing hurried along by the tons of salt spread on the roads during the long winter period. This decay has found its way into my subject matter and techniques. I decompose my surfaces by using galkyd, neo-migilp, and paint thinner. I degrade the otherwise pristine surface of my images in the same way the corrosion of centuries has eaten away at the massive metal structures.

Now living in Port Aransas with a studio on the island, my subject matter has become lighter with a palette of aqua, blues (cobalt and cerulean), sand, and sun. I still employ the decomposition technique but only on man-made subject matter. I honor natural subjects to their real and perceived state and don’t degrade them as I will man-made surfaces and objects. This defines the world in a natural state and honors the Zen of our existence.

Paintings by L. Leon Chicago in the Nude Burning Portal Blue Agave and Lydia Ann Lighthouse

STEAM Magazine

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 21

STEAM Magazine

Volume 1, Issue 1

Badlands 94.7 Open Mic Winner Announced

By Rusty Hicks Logan James was announced on March 20th as the winner of the Badlands Open Mic contest that was held every Tuesday during January, February and March. Logan was very excited when Neil Austin Imber announced his name and the great prizes at the Hofbrau Bar in downtown Corpus Christi.

As part of the prize package Logan, who plays fiddle and guitar and sings, opened for Cory Morrow at the Firehouse Saloon in Houston on March 24th. He will also be heading to Sound Machine Recording Studio for an interview with the legendary Hank T. Moon. However, the prize that shocked him was the $500.00 cash. Logan later explained, “A friend of mine suggested that I had a good enough voice and some nice lyrics and I liked the idea that I could get to open for Corry Morrow. I just wasn’t aware there was money.”

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Rusty Hicks, Logan James, and a Badlands fan

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