STEAM Magazine July 2021 #102

Museums for All to increase the accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources!

Corpus Christi’s Art Museum of South Texas has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting the Art Museum of South Texas by providing free admission for up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 600 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the Art Museum of South Texas’ broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences. Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also raises public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities.

More than 600 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more.

Participating museums are located nationwide, representing 48 states.

Additional information regarding our new initiative can be found on the AMST website.

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July 2021

VOL.10 # 102 ON THE COVER...

2 ENTERTAINMENT ART MUSIC 4 COMICS 5 QUICK READ 6 ALBUM COVER OF THE MONTH 7 CD REVIEWS 8 MK OLSEN: BASIC TOOLS FOR COMPLEX DESIGNS 10 LI T T LE JOE: WHAT A ST ORY 12 I LL N I N O: I LL FAMI LI A T EX AS TOUR 14 KEVI N KURT Z ( C C T X ) HIS BRAND OF TEXAS MUSIC 15 JI M G I LMORE : AR T JOURN AL

Max pic 2.39h X 2.4w

HEXAGON TUBE ARCH

BY MK OLSEN PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS COMICS EDITOR ALLENE HICKS STAFF WRITERS TAMMA HICKS, RUSTY HICKS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLENE HICKS, RUSTY HICKS, HARRISON FUNK CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J MICHAEL DOLAN, ROB DICKENS, TONY NICKLIN, RICK J BOWEN, KEITH “MUZIKMAN” HANNALECK, STEVE GOLDSTEIN, DEREK SIGNORE DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR TERRY MITCHELL MUSIC CONSULTANT TONY SARACENE

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LIF LUNA RB EI THE SCOF ABOO AW FEE N.C CO O KW MIC M AR DY .CO ET M I.C O

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HOW TO REACH THE NEXT LEVEL

GEPPETTO’S DREAM J. Michael Dolan Geppetto’s impossible dream was that someday, his wooden son, Pinocchio, would become a real boy, and Geppetto would become a real father. And he endured a variety of impossible challenges to finally achieve that dream, including being eaten alive by Monstro the whale!

Our impossible dreams just want to be made real too! And it doesn’t matter if we are skilled artists or seasoned entrepreneurs, we should never pull the plug on an awesome idea just because it’s too hard: “Hard” is a way of telling us it’s got plenty of potential.

We should never slam on the brakes of a praiseworthy project just because it’s too costly: “Costly” is a way of telling us it’s an investment that has value and may be worth considering.

We should never turn out the lights on our brightest vision just because it’s too “timeconsuming.” Plant the seeds, add water, and let the sun shine in. You know how this works, right?

Important because we should never toss in the towel on our biggest goals and dreams just because we don’t know how to proceed. If we can’t figure out the next step, then we should consult a knowledgeable cohort or hire an experienced industry coach to point the way.

Don’t forget, no one has ever made it in showbiz without the help from someone else! Not even Pinocchio, because he had the wisdom of Jiminy Cricket to advise him and point the way!

J. Michael Dolan 1) Conjure up a vision, notion or visual picture of what the next level looks like to you.

2) Recognize the big distinction in who you are now, and who you will become once you arrive at the next level.

3) Be conscious of the quality of work you’ll be doing and the people you’ll be interacting with once you arrive at the next level.

Also, be aware of the difference you’ll be making in the lives of others. Be really clear about this one.

4) Know and accept the fact that no matter how much work and effort you put into it, your head and heart must already be at the next level before you arrive.

Important because there won’t be any big celebrations or fanfare when you arrive at the next level. You will simply be aware that things are much more rewarding and challenging than before, and you will immediately start to think “gee, now that I’m at this level, I wonder how I can reach the next one?”

LET’S GET NAKED! J. Michael Dolan Nothing shuts up a “know-it-all” faster than Barenaked Facts.

Nothing stops procrastination faster than a Barenaked Deadline.

Nothing will take you there quicker than a Barenaked Commitment.

Nothing will keep you there longer than continuous, Barenaked Improvement.

Important because someone was brave enough (or stupid enough) to tell the emperor he had no clothes. And although that person lost his head, the emperor eventually recommitted to his destiny and changed his amateurish, narcissistic, unfocused ways and went on to become the most respected, welldressed man in the kingdom!

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The story of how John Prine went from a Maywood, Illinois mailman singing three nights a week at Chicago's Fifth Peg to ever growing, appreciative crowds, to the songwriting legend he became is well known and the recognition and accolades received along the way were all well deserved. On this, his third album, Prine holds to the high standards of his previous work with a collection of 11 original tunes destined for classic status, plus a good-time nod to Merle Travis with “Nine Pound Hammer” that closes out the record. That high standard was a familiar welcome mat that his listeners came to expect and accept, even as he suffered serious health issues later in his life, and up until his death on March 19, 2020 at age 73 from Covid-19 complications. Always the poignant observationalist, Prine established himself early on as a songwriter able to stand with the best, capable of turning a lyric like very few others. Everything you'd expect from a John Prine album is on full

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display here, all presented with his trademark honest, heartfelt emotion. His music is capable of tugging at the heart, bringing a smile to the face and a tear to the eye, sometimes all in the same song.

There's the biting cynicism of “Sweet Revenge,” the nostalgic imagery of “Grandpa Was A Carpenter,” ironic humor with “Dear Abby,” the confusion and breakup in “Blue Umbrella” and the melancholy holiday cheer of “Christmas In Prison,” which is a recommended track to seek out .

Thankfully, history has given us good music that has forever inspired new generations of musicians and writers. It seems like each era has its own group of go-to writers that rise to the top, and rock and roll has been no exception. John Hiatt stands tall among that group. Covering a John Hiatt song became a musical status symbol in the 1980's. The number of artists interpreting his music is staggering; Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Roseanne Cash, Aaron Neville, Jeff Healey, Willie Nelson, Jewel, Emmylou Harris, Joe Cocker...and on and on. As a recording artist, SLOW TURNING remains

one of Hiatt's crowning achievements. With his stellar band, The Goners (Sonny Landreth on lead guitar, Ken Blevins on percussion and David Ranson playing bass) and 12 compelling tracks, John Hiatt covers all the bases. “Drive South” sets the mood right out of the box with the freedom of the road and a Chevy van. “Trudy And Dave” is a rocking Hollywood love story, while “Tennessee Plates” is as musically exciting as the lyrical cross country chase that plays out.

“Georgia Rae” is a sweet and loving tribute to Hiatt's young daughter. “Ride Along” and “Paper Thin,” put simply, just rock, while “Feels Like Rain” is a ballad of hope and desperation. Personally, if I were stranded on a desert island and could have only 10 albums (and something to play them on), this is one of the first I'd choose. If you only can listen to one track, try the close-to-perfect title tune .

BILLY F GIBBONS HARDWARE (CONCORD RECORDS)

BY KEITH HANNALECK Billy Gibbons has three solo albums out now. I have the feeling he has been warming us up for another ZZ Top album. At least I hope so. In the meantime, Perfectamundo (2015) and Big Bad Blues (2018) held us at bay now we have Hardware.

One look at the cover brings you back to the multi-platinum MTV days of Eliminator (1983). Make no mistake though; this is a Gibbons solo album with instances of course that will make you think of his main gig that made him a worldwide superstar.

Hardware harkens back to the days when you went to the studio to record and entire album of possible singles. All the songs range from just under three minutes to a bit over that that and only one track is over 4 minutes. The sound on the vinyl version is excellent.

Things kick off with the red hot “My Lucky Card.” When Billy makes music it’s all about the high life of liquor, women, fast girls and women to match.

This is a killer opener with patented Gibbons licks to set it on fire. He refers to his object of desire as his “Midnight Ace.” He is in fine form and his distinct growly blues rock vocals ring loud and clear to get you blood pumping and primed and ready for whatever comes next.

“She’s On Fire” and so is Billy. This is fast moving track like the car on the cover with a rhythm section to drive it on home. A good energetic follow up to the opener.

“More-More-More” and yes, we do want more! This is a heavy rockin’ number with some smokin’ hot slide guitar.

The timbre and projection of Billy’s voice always seems to fit every track and this one is no exception.

Do you have on your dancing shoes?

Well go get em’ cause “Shuffle, Step & Slide” implies you may need them and once you start listening you will find out why. Billy’s stinging leads and the locomotive rhythm section keeps that train moving on down the tracks. It is infectious and catchy as it gets.

“Vagabond Man’ tells it like it is, and how his portrayed character cheats and steals to survive in this tough world.

Ironically it is people like him that make life harder but this is all he knows. Billy sings convincingly on this slow burner with truth and sadness. Yes, it is a low down and dirty blues song to fit the profile of the vagabond being discussed.

“Spanish Fly” closes out side one. This is the longest track and it is exceptional.

Billy sings “Spanish Fly, Spanish Fly, you gotta get down if you want to get high.” The guitar effects are uncharacteristic of his playing but very cool. The musicianship is slow, hard, and purposeful, to accentuate the lyrics. Then Billy

DAVE THOMAS ONE MORE MILE (BLONDE ON BLONDE)

BY RICK J BOWEN

lets it fly with a great lead towards the end of the track.

“West Coast Junkie” opens up side two. The surfy reverb guitar effects are a tribute to that coast and the sport of surfing and the music that was born from it. The subject matter is not exactly fun in the sun as Billy sings “I’m just a west coast junkie from a Texas town.” This is very retro but it all works and is very different from the rockin’ blues you heard previously.

“Stackin’ Bones (featuring Larkin Poe)” Has some funky licks with a rhythm section that lays down a steady foundation. Great lead licks are predominant and the female backup singers give it a Motown feel. Another track that is very different however once again showing the diversity of Gibbons and his masterful playing and putting together a track just right so it hits you like it should.

“I Was A Highway” is very ZZ Top like and an excellent summertime crusin’ tune with the top down at full blast, yes sir let’s rock!

“S-G-L-M-B-B-R” tells it like it is when Billy sings “I am what I am it is what is.” How much more straightforward can you be? This track is short and sweet and straight to the point, so hold the chaser and just drink it down because there is no time; a solid track from start to finish.

“Hey Baby, Que Paso” has a very bluesy harmonica to set the atmosphere right. It is a very catchy made for summertime hit track. Gibbons lets it rip with a mad as hell hornet ready to sting bunch of licks that will satisfy any blues-rock fan.

“Desert High” features a tropical surf guitar sound creating the ideal atmosphere to put you right there in the desert to see all the things that Billy is talking about. There is no singing, just Billy saying the words with emphasis to make it that much more real and happening in the moment. It is very effective. Towards the end of this platter spinning, this great blues man cuts loose into some very tasteful licks with a fine rhythm section supporting him towards the finish. It is an interesting way to end a high energy rockin’ blues LP but very good regardless.

Hardware is the best solo album Billy Gibbons has released yet. He just keeps getting better and more diverse with every release. He most certainly got all of that out of his system now throughout the three solo albums. We are ready for more from the little ole band from Texas now Billy!

BILLYGIBBONS.COM KEITH “MUZIKMAN” HANNALECK: THEFINALONVINYL.COM

Upon returning from another successful European tour with his power trio, Los Angeles-based guitarist Dennis Jones dove headlong into songwriting for his 7th album. The stalwart singer songwriter and guitar gunslinger crafted another set of tunes showcasing his musical dexterity and poignant worldview. The title references the dynamic range of the trio who are able to go from a whisper to a scream, so he called the new album Soft, Hard and Loud. The sessions began in February 2020, but met with stoppages and challenges that are facing most artists. Undaunted, Jones used the time to craft thought provoking lyrics and ear grabbing riffs on another energetic set of high-powered blues, funky rock riffs and super charged soul. His muscular rhythm section of Raymond Johnson on drums and Cornelius Memes on bass, who coproduced the album with Jones, blaze on every track showing off their formidable shops earned by countless hours on the road playing shows from small gin joints to Colosseum seating venues. The trio invited special guests Bennett Paysinger to drop tasty Hammond B3 on a few tracks, while blues woman Allison August, added sweet harmonies to the project. Jones’ early aspirations as a drummer who then switched to guitar shine through on the tantalizing rhythms of the opening track “Revolves Around You” along with its precocious word play. The autobiographical “I Love the Blues” speaks openly about his small-town roots and growing up in rural Maryland with a family that supported his musical aspira-

tions. Jones uses an overdriven Les Paul plugged straight into an amp firing a riff over a four on the floor beat to deliver his assessment of the current state of the world on the acerbic rocker “Like Sheep.” Howlin Wolf made the world aware of the southern phraseology of “Back Door Man” in 1960, and here Jones flips that idea around on the fast-moving blues of “Front Door Man” entreating his lady to make him her number one lover. He gets romantic on the classic rhythm and blues sonnet “Nothing on You. The heavy duty bump and grind blues, “When I Wake Up,” is a fiery showstopper full of guitar pyrotechnics, revealing Jones’ influences from Hendrix styled wah-wah and Buddy Guy-inspired bravado. Jones saves the bulk of his angst for the fi ale, a guitar-driven vigorous rebuke of southern culture, “Burn The Plantation Down,” exorcising the demons inside a man in bondage, struggling to set himself and his family free. Another strong effort from a hard-working showman and his team .”

DAVETHOMASBLUES.UK RICK J BOWEN: WABLUES.ORG

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JULY 2021 STEAM MAGAZINE 7

By Tamma Hicks & Rusty Hicks, STEAM Magazine

With a career spanning more than 50 years of performing and recording, Little Joe y La Familia has become one of the top Tejano bands. Over the decades, the group has developed a unique style, infusing its sound with norteño, country, blues, and rock. As with many artists, Little Joe has used the COVID Pandemic as a building time and is coming out with many new projects! We talked to him about his book, touring, and a little bit of politics.

Hi, Joe! I want to apologize to you. We had done your interview originally in September and, thanks to the pandemic and other things that have happened we weren't able to get your interview out, so thank you for talking with us again. I looked over our old interview and most of it was about the election, we know how it turned out, about your book, and that you weren’t doing any shows. Much of that has changed and we wanted to catch up with you.

Well, you know there’s still an orange smudge that just does not seem to go away.

Yes, but you have a shirt that will help remove it. Well, let’s talk about your book. It's been out a year and it won a number of awards from the International Latino Book Awards.

Yes, we actually were awarded 4 awards; 2 Honorable Mentions in the book the depart-

ment and an Honorable Mention and a First Place in the film department. Since then it has been sent to the Library of Congress and has been translated into Spanish and is now has 3 nominations for the Spanish Language Book Awards, so it's just crazy how well it's done and how many people are interested in what I have to say.

I know you’ve been asked for years to write your story and fortunately you and Emma González connected for this book.

Yes, Emma is an International Award Winning Author from Edinburg TX. We connected because our stories matched up and there was a true connection. And she was willing to take all my stories and fill in the blanks with history and facts.

Well, she did a marvelous job! Speaking of awards, I believe you received Honor Honorable Mention for your cover design.

Yes, my granddaughter actually took that picture and developed the concept with the flags. The other was Most Inspirational Nonfiction. You know the whole idea behind me getting this book written was to inspire and motivate others not to give up when they meet up to the obstacles in life. I've gotten a lot of great feedback because this story is so similar to many people; it’s about their greatgrandparents, their grandparents, or their parents.

That's what I really enjoyed about your book is that it doesn't cover just your life

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or your music career it starts with your family coming to America. You are a great motivational speaker and the message that I have picked up from you is to be open to the universe and let the good things come to you and pass on the rest and the way you and Emma push that throughout the book is beautiful.

Thank you those are kind words, because what I've heard in the past is that I'm great at getting people pissed off.

I believe that would more on the political side of things.

Well you know that could be motivational as well!

Is there one section that means the most to you?

What I think makes the book the most interesting, and puts it really on solid ground, is my dad’s story.

We were packing to move offices, and about 90% done with the book, when we found a ledger that my dad had written. I know that there were four or five ledgers and unfortunately I've never showed enough interest to keep them all together, so many have been misplaced or lost, but I happened to have this first one. So that bit of history, when my dad first

arrived, that is reality and we were very fortunate that Emma was able to incorporate that information.

That is a great story and fact-finding. I think that Emma, because like I said the story starts with your grandparents, must have become a great historian by the time she was done with this!

Well, as you read, I became in charge of the family at the age of 14. As I’ve gotten older I always wondered why my dad had such confidence that I could handle it as a kid; of course, I was under the guidance of my uncle, but still I was very young. Dad knew he had to go to prison in 1954 and I think he

was grooming me for what was to come.

Hell, after reading his story I learned he had done so much more and gone through much harder times by the age of 14. As a kid, to me it was just a game, it was no big deal, but he had done it for real and for survival.

I think that's really great insight on yourself; the ability to look into yourself and see that it was a huge step from him in knowing that you had that confidence to be able to take charge.

You know as we become older looking back at certain things becomes clearer; at least

they did for me. So when I'm looking back and wondering “why did this happen” and “how did it happen” there's always a reason and a justification, but we're not always that lucky to find it until much later.

That's why I feel my dad’s story is important in the book. Other really important parts to me include the section on Jesse and when he died and how I turned a promise to him into my career, being able to hold my mom's hand until her last breath because she was my dear friend, not just my mother, and a big supporter. So really all of those experienced have given me fulfillment and made my life so much better than it could have been.

Honestly, I'm just so blessed to dude.

This is a perfect example of what makes you a wonderful motivator. There are so many people that would take these experiences and it would sour them. I think that with you sharing your story with the attitude of being motivated and blessed is what really helps the rest of us.

Well, I have learned to look at both sides of the coin. I know that sometimes it's hard to find that silver lining, that positive side, but there is one I assure you.

Now that things have opened up have you been doing many book signings?

Mostly it's where I'm doing the shows and I'm making up a lot of shows and things, like interviews, that were postponed so I haven't gone to a designated book-signing event yet.

You know COVID just really put such a wrench into things and moved things so far

off track that I'm just getting back on the road.

We’re just happy to hear you’re doing shows again! My opinion is that since the loosening of the pandemic restrictions people are more appreciative of live entertainment and anything to get them away from their front door will get a great turnout.

Yes and I'm really excited to be doing the casino shows that have been sold out for 2 years. We postponed Mother's Day weekend 2020 and 2021 at Harrah's Casino in Laughlin NV, so it was moved to the end of July and incredibly the people that had bought tickets to the original show have just held on to them. Well, you know, I don't believe we are out of the woods yet with COVID and the new variants are extremely dangerous but people who have gotten vaccinated are definitely ready to go out and join the party!

After being cooped up for so long do you have any projects in the works?

Well, actually I’ve been working in the studio recording a new project that is including two of my brothers.

I’m really excited about this and these shows will be called “Little Joe y La Familia featuring The Hernandez Brothers” which is Rocky, Gilbert, and me. I'm in the middle of producing this project and we're having fun; it's going to be something really special!

That is spectacular! How many shows are you going to be doing with the brothers and please tell me you're bringing them to Corpus Christi?

Oh indeed! This project was supposed to have happened the beginning of 2021, but again COVID threw everything off. We've already booked the Hernandez Brothers Show in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve! And we’re working with on an AARP sponsorship of some shows. What we'll do is fundraising for the food banks. I had planned on doing this before COVID happened, and I'm cursing at myself for not pushing it hard enough, but we're going to do it now! Our first show is at the end of June in Maricopa AZ and it’s a warm-up for this big push. It's exciting and ad challenging for sure!

news! I know that Gilbert plays tenor sax in La Familia, so how long has it been since you've performed with both of your brothers?

Oh man, it's been awhile! Rocky has been off the road for about 15 years I believe. You know, people just love Rocky; every time we're out on the road it never fails for someone to ask where is Rocky or how's Rocky doing.

And another project in the making, Emma and I are talking about doing a book about Rocky although we're going to wait until next year. Rocky is an incredible story! This guy has gone through stomach cancer, heart attack, seizures, alcoholism, broken bones, and on and on while having a great musical career.

Wow, I’d say id read up about him, but you haven’t written the book yet. Since you're adding on projects are you going to be doing a month of birthday concerts as you have in the past?

Well, you know they have me slated in Corpus Christi at Whataburger Field again in October I just haven't totally agreed. The show in Corpus Christi in 2019 was so good we recorded it and released it as a live album.

You know Corpus Christi is a great City to visit, so and it's very possible that we will do it.

Good, you need to visit us and I'll make sure we get to attend to this time.

You know I might just come up with something special for Corpus Christi; who knows maybe we can find a way to get Rusty to sit in with us or something.

Oh that would be wonderful! Kind of off the subject, we want to thank you so much for sending us your version of White Christmas for the Steam Magazine Christmas Party 2020; it's just the best!

Well, thank you for including me on it!

Emma González: As a child, she grew up in Ovid, Colorado while her migrant family toiled in the sugar beet fields. As an adult, she was inspired by Saint Mother Teresa into writing and publishing her first book “Field Mice: Memoirs of a Migrant Child” and “Field Mice: Memoirs of a Migrant Child Children’s Edition” in 2015, based on her true-life experiences as a migrant child during ten tumultuous years with her migrant parents in the 1950s and ‘60s.

The result is that book won awards in September 2017 at the International Latino Book Awards (ILBA), known as the Academy Awards of Latino Literature and Culture in Los Angeles, chaired by Edward James Olmos. “Field Mice: Memoirs of a Migrant Child” won Most Inspirational Non-fiction Adult Novel, and the Children’s Edition won Most Inspirational Non-fiction Youth Book.

In her sequel (due out soon) “Paths of Pearls: After the Migrant Years,” Emma writes about her life when her parents finally settle in Edinburg. At the age of 15, her struggles continue after the migrant years have decimated her family and forced her to shoulder the financial burdens after her father’s death; to support her mother and herself and fights to pursue her education and happiness.

BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

LITTLEJOEYFAMILIA.COM

Little Joe ¡No llore, chingón!

By Emma González County Rd 34 Publishings International Latino Book Awards 2020: Best Cover Photo, Honorable Mention Most Inspirational Non-Fiction Book (English), Honorable Mention Latino Books Into Movies Awards 2020: Documentary, First Place Biographic Movie, Honorable Mention LATINOBOOKAWARDS.ORG

That is really exciting STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JULY 2021 STEAM MAGAZINE 11

By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine

Ill Nino is a Latin Metal band formed in 1999 By David Chavarri and best known for their musicality of blending Latin rhythms and metal. They have sold more than 1.5 million records over a 20 year span and are currently working on a new album for release later this year.

Most excitingly for the metal scene, Ill Nino just rebuilt their line-up and features 3 new players from South Texas – Marcos Leal, Jes De Hoyos, and Sal Dominguez.

We caught up with bassist Laz Pina as they were preparing for their Ill Texas Familia tour.

You guys are based out of New Jersey, but I don’t think many of you are from there, at least anymore.

True, we’re originally from New YorkNew Jersey area but I'm the only one left and I am in Hoboken New Jersey, I’m actually sitting in my recording studio working on a few projects. So, yeah, we're spread out everywhere and now we now have some members in Texas.

there and these guys are just good friends, they're great. So when we went through the lineup changes the opportunity was there to do something with a new singer and Marcos Leal (Shattered Sun, Corpus ChristiAlice TX) was one of the first persons that came to mind. We enjoyed him musically, have toured with him, and got along well so there was really no need to audition him and he agreed.

Marcos for a long time wanted to do a project with Jes De Hoyos (Sons of Texas, McAllen TX) who's really just a killer guitar player and already has the ability to do the flamenco stuff that we have incorporated into our sound, so he was a perfect match. The third new person is Sal Dominguez (Upon a Burning Body, San Antonio TX) and we had toured with that band. He was available when we reached out to him. So combined with Dave, Danny, and me we are just on fire! There such a special chemistry that made it feel like we weren’t starting over but building on everything we had done; new ideas, new arrangements. We are really looking forward to our first run!

Exactly, so how did you manage to end up with all 3 new members from South Texas?

Well you know our drummer is out

That is great news for your fans! We are chatting today because of our good friend Tony Saracene.

Oh yes, Tony is a good friend of mine,

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from back in the New York days, who I just love and admire. He's a terrific guitar player and he played in one of my favorite bands from New York called Hell's Kitchen. He is a hit maker and music maker. He understands music and sound and he's so diverse in his styles, plus he has personality. So when he hit me up to talk to you guys, you know I had to deliver.

Well, I’m glad you listened to him and that’s a good description. OK, back to you guys. You’re well-known for featuring artists from other groups and I know that it is continuing on this upcoming album.

Yeah, we've done a lot of collaborations since we began 20 years ago – that’s when our first album dropped!

The first guest we had was Jimmy Johnson of Hatebreed and on our third album we did a cover of Faith No More's Zombie Eaters with Chino Moreno from the Deftones, which was produced by Andy Johns who did Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix records; so that was a magical experience! for this album IllMortals our song All Or Nothing features Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D., who is just a tremendous artist. Really a lot of the people that we have collaborated we've developed like a family relationship and there's a lot of love

and respect among us, so when we call and say “Hey, would like to do this,” people definitely pick up; peers and contemporaries.

So have you ever considered or have you talked to any female artists like Maria Brink or Otep Shamaya?

Oh yeah, for a long time we were trying to get a singer from Evanescence but our schedules never coincided. But absolutely and it may still happen because honestly we're still putting this record together and putting out singles.

Since you brought it up, tell me about this new album and the singles because I know you covered a Selena song?

Yeah, so most recently we dropped this Selena track because whenever we're together with Marcos, who is from Corpus Christi-Alice area, is always singing a Selena song and he's very proud of his heritage and obviously made us listen to a lot of Selena, so we thought Si Una Vez would be a great song for him and we surprised him with it.

Had you or Dave considered doing a cover like this before?

You know I never thought of doing a

Selena song but I figure if anyone was going to be able to pull it off it would be us, because we've been incorporating Latin rhythms since the very beginning. It's part of the root of our band, which we now call Latin Metal.

We were just trying to infuse some culture into metal and make it fun, but, I can tell you this, I never would have imagined Ill Nino would take me on the journey that it has and that it has lasted this long. We are very fortunate, very blessed, and very lucky to still be doing what we're doing at this level.

So this year we've already dropped 3 singles, Si Una Vez, Máscara which features AJ Channer of Fire From the Gods, and All Or Nothing which is still getting plays like crazy.

want to do. We were trying to put light on some of the contributions that our Southern brothers and sisters bring to this land. I believe that as the world turns we will become more of a global Society and the idea is not to change everything but to respect and bring culture to everyone as we continue on through life.

Extremely well put! You sound a lot like another interview in this issue, Little Joe y Famillia and I believe you two would get along well as your thinking is so similar. Let’s talk a little about the upcoming album, IllMortals. How many songs do you have done for this album?

We have most of them done but, since there's still time before the release,

Sonny Sandoval & Marcos Leal

They are all really good songs and All Or Nothing about immigration isn't it?

Well the song is not just about immigration but about going for it; all the sacrifices that we make to achieve the things that we want to accomplish. You know as a voice in our genre, because there aren't many who can, we can actually speak about these topics and throw some light on them. Which is a great opportunity for us, because we aren't very political and don't make statements like this often.

This song is very endearing to us as many of us have family that has come to this country in the some fashion.

Really what we're saying these are the qualities America wants, and not just from Latin America where all the focus is but from all over the world; ambitious, full of new ideas, innovators, and people that are willing to put in the hard work and become a part of America. Honestly, when you’ve sacrificed your loved ones it shouldn't be such a grueling test and by no means does this mean we stand for open borders.

Everyone should have the opportunity to be happy and do the things they

we’re making sure that what we have is all of our best material. Really the process is just grinding constantly and until the clock hits 12 I can't tell you how many songs or when exactly it'll be done.

Well, that sounds like a true producer.

That's funny you say producer because Laz Pina

I do produce bands and I've also really wanted to explore working more in music videos and short films, so I also started a film and photo studio with a couple of friends and we've done a lot of Ill Nino shooting there.

What sparked your interest in music videos?

I've been around them since the early 90s when I was working with a buddy of mine in New York who gave me a job when I was Sonny Sandoval still a teenager working & Laz Pina on videos with Biohazard, Onyx, Type O Negative. This led One is with Judas Priest in Florida, me to working a career in video prowhich is just dynamite! Rob Halford’s motion. I love of the creative aspect of music is part of the soundtrack to my the visuals and the collaboration of working with a band. We’re look for- life and when you get to be around a legend of that caliber it's just such an ward to making more videos; possibly honor to share a stage, so we're really one per song on this album. looking forward to that. After that we'll be at the Blue Ridge Festival in Virginia That’s a lot of shooting to do and you with a lot of great bands there. guys are going out on tour. I believe You know, we have been going to RusTexas, Judas Priest, and Russia all sia for many years now. We were one magically fit together. of the first metal bands to tour there Definitely! I've been on Hiatus for 2 regularly. Some of the main acts that years and haven't played on a stage in go now were not reaching far into Rusfront of people in probably 4 years sia on their tours, so it took our bold which was the arrival of my son, so the “Ill Texas Familia" tour are our first step going repetitively for that market to open and we are very fortunate to shows with the new lineup and we be a part of such a global community. thought this is where they would feel comfortable because we didn’t think it Most importantly music brings us together and it's just wonderful to go to would be fair to just throw them to the these faraway places like China and wolves of our core fans. In September Australia and the Eastern Bloc. And we we are playing a couple of festivals. just signed up for a festival in France next year with Metallica. Really, it's just been an absolutely incredible ride for us Any departing words?

David Chavarri is the reason we have this band; he started it. We were teens when he's put Ill Nino together and I'm thrilled to still be here and going to the places we're going. Danny Couto it's just such a good friend, that unshakable solid. I also want to welcome our new players again, Marcos, Jes, and Sal. I see all the good things about musicians that I love and I am really excited about this new beginning!

IllNino1.com (All photos are from the All Or Nothing Video shoot.)

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JULY 2021 STEAM MAGAZINE 13

By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine Kevin, you're relatively new on the Coastal Bend scene, where are you from?

Well, I'm originally from Tulsa Oklahoma, but I moved to Spring Branch Dripping Springs in July of 07 until 2020 when the pandemic caused the closure of everything. I have a best friend that lives here, so I moved to Port Aransas and I worked at a bar. And when the bar closed down I decided it's time to get back to music.

I understand you were a contractor in your previous life.

Yes, I was a general contractor and home builder for 13 years, where I was building homes in the Hill Country and Canyon Lake area. I did remodels and general contracting rebuilds, mostly custom work, but I am no longer in that business. When my girlfriend, Jamie LaVanway, and I moved into our current place she let our landlord know that I had been in construction and I could do some remodeling if they needed, so I ended up working at the bar and doing a remodel.

Once it was done, that was it; I don't do that anymore.

So you got tired of swinging a hammer and thought you'd swing a guitar?

You know, I had a meltdown one day and I reached out to God, for the first time in probably 15 years, and I said, “God I can't keep doing this. Whatever your plan is, I just am not doing something right here.” He spoke to me and put me on the path of music, which was kind of odd because I hadn't even played my guitar in probably 10 years at that point, but I just shut everything down, grabbed that guitar, and made it work.

That’s a pretty bold step.

You know for the first year I was selling off equipment just to stay alive and then gigs slowly started to pick up. Honestly, just as COVID hit is when I was able to support myself a hundred percent with my music. So then I tried to do a couple of handyman projects, but God was right there telling me this is not what you're supposed to do and I ended up tearing my ACL. Really every time I try to go back to construction I just get signals saying stop what you're doing and get back to the music.

my stuff, they just want to hear stuff they know.

You know the secret to playing your own music is you don’t tell the audience it’s your song until it’s over or introduce it as one that sounds like George Strait.

Chances are people will think it’s a song they don’t know well.

That's funny because half the time I play George Strait songs the audience doesn't even realize it's his and my girlfriend, Jamie, is always telling me that I play too many George Strait songs.

How long ago did you hang up your So you’ve been put on the path to be a hammer? musician and it had been 10 years since Fall of 2017, so it was pretty you’d played guitar. When recent and it took me about I think I'm fortunate that I'm did you begin playing? a year. I met Al “Ace” Price, versatile and can play kid I'm like Waylon Jennings; I a phenomenal keyboard got my first guitar at 14. I friendly crowds and very player, and his wife in San really wasn't much of a guiadult crowds.

Antonio who told me I was tarist in high school, alta little rough around the hough I did sing for a classic edges but took me under their wings and rock band. here I am.

Well, that answers the question of whethDid you just strictly go out and go on er or not you play any rock. your own or did you play with other I do, but really I'm trying to push to where groups?

I'm just playing country because that's where Well, lead guitar was pretty much my my heart is and vocally that's where my crutch. I played for a few bands and then I strong point is. If someone asked for rock I realized I'm tired of learning all these other can play some Steppenwolf and Beatles but people's music when I should be learning again my current goal is country music and and doing my own. to add a new song every week.

Oh, do you write music?

You were saying that you are playing a Yeah I do. I'm currently taking a little break lot and after taking a glance at your from it because I'm just playing so much and schedule; you play nearly every day. it seems that people don't really want to hear Yeah, I had Tuesday this week off and I

14 STEAM MAGAZINE JULY 2021 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

spent the day with a friend of mine on his

boat fishing for 9 hours. You know, I went from having 4 gigs in a month to playing 6 to 8 gigs a week.

We're sitting at Bron’s Backyard in Port Aransas just before your show here and I'm watching these little kids play with all the fun yard games. It's always interesting to play outside with activities and a kid friendly crowd isn't it?

Oh yeah, it can make me nervous. One night I was playing here and this little girl just punted the soccer ball straight at the stage. It hit my speaker and bounced over hitting me right in the groin during a song and I hit the high note. I think I'm fortunate that I'm versatile and can play kid friendly crowds and very adult crowds.

Who are your biggest influences?

Waylon for sure, George Strait most definitely, Chris Young, and Josh Turner because I'm a big, I'm a bass baritone. You know that the funny thing about being a baritone is that it's hard to sing and talk in certain environments because people can't hear my voice over the bass tones so often I have to talk at the top of my voice and really talking in that case strains my voice more than the singing.

Do you only play in the Coastal Bend area and I know you do solos and duos, what about a full band?

Actually since the re-opening of venues I've started booking some shows up in my old neck of the woods. I also do trios but I am pushing to do more full band jobs.

FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM: KEVINKURTZMUSIC

By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine

JIMGILMOREART.COM

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FACEBOOK.COM/JIMGILMOREART

We met Jim Gilmore in 2019 just after he and Vinaya (his wife) made the move to be Winter Texans in Port Aransas. Their home is in the mountains of Colorado on a ranch his parents had purchased and where he has always lived.

After 35 years in the ranching business Jim decided to follow his heart and dream and began sculpting and painting.

Jim is now a well-known bronze sculptor; in fact you’ve probably seen his work at some of the entrances of Cabala’s stores; bigger than life elk, moose, and bison. The sculpting took precedence over his painting, however he never completely stopped. His oil paintings are of

the wildlife and landscapes he has photographed throughout CO. Since being here in South Texas and on the Gulf Coast Jim’s landscapes and wildlife have changed dramatically and for this winter’s season (2020-2021) he decided that instead of keeping a bunch of sketchpads he’d use a journal.

In Jim’s journal he uses pencil, ink, and watercolors. He is currently capturing different aspects of Port Aransas life from the wildlife to flora to everyday living. For the next few issues we will be sharing a few pages from his Journal because his ability to capture what he sees is truly a work of art.

Government, corruption, terrorism, an entire republican white house. These are just a few things you can look forward to in this purely fictional political thriller: The Fundraiser (a Novel) by author Paul C. Strand.

REVIEWED BY Joe Bill STEAM Magazine

book’s events happening as real world events. The plot flows through the entire book with some unexpected turns and twists; including car bombings, assassination and murder, and the president’s son being kidnapped. Don’t worry, those don’t give anything away.

The characters are very well developed and believable. Sol Solomon is the FundThe cliffhanger at the end leaves you raiser whose own greed becomes his with the feeling that you want to know downfall. The book starts slow but what happens next. If a sequel becomes picked up the pace as I continued to read. available I will definitely give it a read.

The deeper into The Fundraiser I was, Available at: PaulCStrand.com, Amathe more trouble I had putting it down zon.com because I just wanted to keep reading and I could imagine the STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JULY 2021 STEAM MAGAZINE 15