Johnny Bertram & The Golden Bicycles make their Stubbs debut this Sunday night. Check their video for “Private Land” shot on location in the Mississippi Delta.

Private Land Official Music Video from Robby Piantanida on Vimeo.

More info at :  http://www.johnnybertram.com/

John Lennon Songwriting Contest Winner and Dr. Phil-endorsed Shawn Pander has got a new project, manager and producer and you get a sneak peak. Stay until the end…there’s a groovy impromptu jam at the Iguana on Lake Travis, the kind that makes you say….”gotta love living in Austin.”

Shawn Pander from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

No Justice—Second Avenue: Since 2005, No Justice has dominated the Oklahoma and Texas music scenes both on the stage and through the radio waves.  The band’s previous album Live at Billy Bob’s Texas allowed them to wander across the U.S. playing more than 200 dates a year.   Read the rest of this entry »

Mainly Lanes—Oomami: Opening track “Nails,” is grounded by the cello and drives unexpectedly into a rock rhythm with accompanying guitars. Toni Zaman’s vocals sting throughout the track pacing with a curious anthem. Read the rest of this entry »

Northern Paradox-Self-Titled EP: Self-described as audio art with a progressive and energetic sound, this Austin quartet captures its audience with influences from ambient punk, folk, blues and dark, indie rock. Beginning in 2005, the band took full shape after moving to Austin and inhabiting its bassist. The new self-titled EP is one that they call a mini album with a release date later in the year. The three dynamic tracks set forth pulsing with odd time signatures, strange changes in rhythm and a vocal hallmark. Emotive sounds accompany lyrics that evoke political and poetic renderings that are often brooding. Pairing the guitar and piano with driving bass and drums rounds out the band’s sound quite nicely.

4.0 McRiprock’s

www.myspace.com/northernparadox

Somebody’s Darling-Self-Titled LP: Dallas, TX is no slouch in producing bands that garner attention. This band is no different. In fact, they’ve put quite a few notches in their proverbial musical belt in the last few years—one of which provided them the opportunity to secure a recording contract with Shiner Records. The four-piece rock band has country sensibilities and a sense of themselves to boot making them a local favorite and gathering a large, diverse fan base in the making. Forming in 2007, they quickly began to make a name for themselves. They have supported artists like Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Lucero, Corb Lund, Stoney LaRue, Walt Wilkins, Same Roberts Band, Sleepercar and more.  Each member is fully capable of holding their own—lyrically, vocally and instrumentally. Their self-title LP is a magical blend of country, roots rock and plain ol’ good times.  They intertwine their musical talents beautifully and without much fodder. They play out authentic effortlessly.

5.0 McRiprock’s

www.somebodysdarling.com

Tennis System—The Future of Our History: To best describe this band it’s important to know just what happened during this year’s SXSW. They were shut down. Twice. Due to noise complaints. Not only do they do loud, they apparently do it quite flawlessly. Even though loud as hell, they manage to tuck in songs that are precious and pop tunes that are catchy throughout. They are able to mix high energy with a chill, ethereal temperament.  Together since 2008, they’ve opened for bands like Japandroids, Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Harlem.  They power the album with their thundering drums, bass, and two guitars full of distortion-like antics that play out well. Exported out of Washington D.C. they are apt to follow well in their predecessors footsteps (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., and My Bloody Valentine) as their sound is both on par with powerful instrumentation and extremism.

4.5 McRiprock’s

www.myspace.com/tennissystem

The Figurados—Lesson Two:  Two men, Timothy Abbott and Gregg Kirk come together again to define their version of alternative classic rock with “Lesson Two” their follow-up to their debut album “Divine Spirits, Holy Smoke.” They pull songs throughout the album that have a broad range which sometimes leaves the listener a bit focusless dabbling in everything from ‘80s power pop, gospel, traditional rock and blues of the Texas persuasion. They came together after various individual efforts with other outfits and use their vast experiences to express angst, urban depravity and pure Texas. They state that their albums are “meant to be played at maximum volume and savored… like a fine figurado… preferably with a glass of absinthe or a choice Belgian beer.”

3.5 McRiprock’s

www.25smokingfigurados.com

Untitled from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

Say what? “Man ay ha bay toe.” Or just pronounce it “Indie Rock in Espanol.” Better catch these guys at the Mohawk July 31st if you want to get one of their new CDs. Limited edition CDs will be available at this show only until the wide release November 10th.

SOME THINGS JUST SLIP THROUGH THE CRACKS.

It happens.    Had this disc in plain site, wrapped for some time. People kept telling me about it. Shit just kept me from opening it, or getting it to HUX (cd reviewer). Today I got to it and gave it a spin. Actually, that was a few hours ago and it is still spinning. God damn yall,  this is the funk! If you dig funk like I do, you gotta pick this up. My experience with this genre of music is that the live shows are always way better than the recorded material. I think it has something to do with the room left for improvisation at live shows and the energy and groove of live expression. Yes, yes I am a spoiled bastard to have the luxory of catching live shows on a nightly basis. That’s why I live in this town. I know many of you agree. That is why the heat  doesn’t bother me that much. Do yall remember GNAPPY? I liked that outfit. Two guys from that band are  behind FLYJACK, Brad and Buck. The players on this cd can be caught in  many different jams on a nightly basis. The drummer here used to be the beats for JAMES BROWN. This cd is damn good. My only complaint is that it is too short. That issue is solved by putting the repeat/shuffle function on. This is a groovy disc. “Ain’t it funky now” is my favorite track.  I wanna catch a live show. The Momo’s stage would be a nice fit. Maybe double billed  with BROWNOUT!, Akina Aderly and the Vintage Playboys, Hector Ward & the big time or Bruce James Soultet. The choices are endless. I just hope  FLYJACK plays more often.

FLYJACK PAGE

Bemba Entertainment introduced me to one of my new favorite things; music on a boat on town lake. How long have I been here that I have not had that experience? Kinda strange. I have been invited to  various boat music parties, something has alwaze come up and the idea is forgotten. NOT GONNA MISS ANOTHER ONE. I have been on a canoe on town lake and been on a music boat halloween thing ON LAKE AUSTIN with The Hairy Apes BMX. That was cool, but this is on town lake.  I  pass over  it many times on  normal day. To cruise up and back listening to live music, JESUS, that Is just awesome.

HERE IS HOW IT WENT DOWN.We arrived before takeoff, made our way( with the help   of  some good folks. Gotta love those spiral staircases) up to the full top deck. We chilled,  mingled and made small talk. I  smiled and took in the sceenery. It was a super  hot day,   really unbearable, but when  we got near the water everything changed, It was cool. There was a breeze. It was nice. The band was warming up. It  was the first  time I’ve gotten it together to  dig HARDPROOF AFROBEAT. They kick ass!
I won’t miss an opportunity again. We began to  move.  Jason  Frey (an old  friend and sax man) took the mic,  greeted us  and said:
” we are on  a boat!”
And with that the sun began  to  set and the music began to flow. The deck became an electric dance floor for the next 2+ hours.  We floated west  under the bridges. with  music blaring.   Joggers and walkers dannced TO  THE  BEATS.   We turned back east and rocked out  the bats. We danced and grooved. Twas much  fun.

Bemba  Entertainment is doing this every last  Thursday’s through  September.  I  will update you  on the  next one. Oh yeah, all the drinks   were complimentary on the boat. SUPPORT THESE EVENTS FOLKS. C U ON THE NEXT ONE!

HERE WE GO AGAIN. This is yet another train that I caught late. Chances are that you have seen them, maybe heard about them. Whatever  the case may be, they are smoking right now. The show I caught on tuesdaze was magic. Everything jelled. These folks need to record this. I am all about the live capture. I know some folks disagree. But gathering these talents on a stage and having them play together and off of one another, well, thats just awesome and I think that this experience should be bottled and shared. Oh  how I miss DAZE ALIVE RECORDS. Anyway, these folks need to record if they have not done so already. This is a musician band. The talent is just overflowing. I guess  or I imagine that everyone came together at a party and hit it off so well that they just decided to make a magic band. However it happened. It did.
I knew of all the players but one and was impressed by her the most. Suzanna Choffel mixed in with great vocals and guitar licks that kept her on stage with the other guys. Her singing is a double edge sword it is smooth and draws you in but it also cuts in deep and you can’t help but to pay attention to her. Mesmerizing. She plays often in town,  I will check her out. On fiddle there is Warren Hood,   what can I say about this guy? He is a master musician for sure.   I have been fortunate to call him a friend and to watch him grow into an unstoppable talent. If  you are reading this, chances are you know of him and share the affinity for his  craft. If not, you  are lucky because he plays often when he is in town (on the road with The Waybacks often) and he will blow you away. Google Warren Hood and The Hoodlems. Jeff Botta on Drums and vocals. Over the years, I have seen the many  faces of Jeff Botta in action. He is all  over the music scene here in  town. I  have become friends with him over the years. He adds the back beats & vocals and a sense of humor  to the players. Then there is Brad Houser on bass. This  guy is everywhere and playing  with everyone. From the Dead Kenny G’s to 7 Walkers, I am sure this guy plays multiple gigs almost every night.  My friend calls him the “secret weapon” and for good reason. Lastly, there was Ed Jurdi  on  keys. He normally plays guitar in  this outfit but he fills out the spot for Dan Dyer when he is awol (i could be wrong).  Awesome. I was  recently (very late)  turned on to The Band Of Heathens, which he is a part of.  I just went back and reread an interview we did with him. The sarcasm is still dripping. This band is chock full of humor. I bet practice is a riot. Ok, Dan Dyer was not  there last week. He is regularly on keys. I asked my photographer, Rockslide, to tell me something cool about Dan Dyer in this band. Rockslide texted back that “Dan has a sexy beard.”  Take that………… Dan Dyer has much god damn soul.

God damn, there is so much happening on stage. Get out and dig these folks. Trust me.
They are playing every tuesdaze after Toni at the continental club. TCE TUESDAZE at the continental club. Toni Price then The Coveters then Ephraim Owens Experience (gallery). C U THERE…………….. Their site: http://thecoveters.com/

CHRIS SIMMONS from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

Christine asks Chris Simmons for his opinion on the “state of the blues,” and what it’s like to play and compose with Leon Russell. For more info on Chris’s new CD “Old News To Me”, including the song “Hallelujah Man” he co-wrote with Leon, please go to www.getchrissimmons.com.

Bomba Estereo from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

Sandra interview Colombian sensations “Bomba Estereo.” The band explains their pathway since their formation in 2005.

Honey Island Swamp Band from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

We catch up with Honey Island Swamp Band munching out at Ruby’s BBQ. Their infectious brand of swamp groove earned them “Best Emerging Artist 2009″ by New Orlean’s OffBeat Magazine. Their new CD “Good To You” is available on their website

Band of Heathens from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

Sandra Dahdah interviews the band before their show at Antone’s. The band, who soared to number one on the Americana airplay charts, will be playing again May 28 in New Braunfels at the Whitewater Amphitheater. More information at their website

Untitled from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

Carlos Sosa, the steam engine behind the wildly successful Grooveline Horns, an in-demand horn section who play with top names such as Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson, Willie Nelson, Blues Traveler and many others, talks to Fabrizio of Austin Daze about behind the scenes work with the National Recording Academy and advocacy work for musicians on the local and national level. This is an eye-opening interview, and Austin Daze wants to be part of getting the word out to our state representatives and you too. Austin Daze loves our musicians, and the more people who know about this, the faster the resolution. Get educated. Go to Grammy.com for more information.

Grupo Fantasma El Existential

In case you lead a sheltered life, Grupo Fantasma is Austin’s premier Latin Orchestra – which puts them high in the running for best in America. Seeing them play live is a magical thing that will keep you moving and sweating and always wanting more. They have been getting lots of well deserved national attention, especially after the release of their last album, the Grammy-nominated Sonidos Gold.
What I like about this band is their amazing ability to blend funk, rock, techno and psychedilia with traditional old school salsa in a completely respectable way. The result is a progressive high-powered soulful sound that has been shaking clubs all over this great land for 10 years now. This is not an easy feat – most often when traditional music is blended with modern sounds the result is a cheapening of both. This does not happen in the masterful hands of Grupo Fantasma. (Tito Puente and Celia Cruz would be very proud…)
El Existential begins with a simple trap set beat playing a funky hip-hop rhythm, then a distorted power chord comes in, then it busts into full on Latin fury that tells you where their hearts really are. The horn section in this band grabs you and never lets go (There is something about the sound of a baritone sax, trumpet and trombone, and the crack of the timbales that lets you know who’s boss.) Guests include Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets and salsa legend Larry Harlow.
Stand out tracks are: Realizando with its funked out intro, El Consejo’s fast tempo and blazing horns, Montañozo with its Spaghetti Western guitar, Calor’s psychedelic feel and once again, those amazing horns, and Araña Cuña’s lose, ambient intro blending into an Afrobeat monster complete with call and response lyrics. The sound is as big in the studio as it is on the stage.
In all honesty, this album may not be as strong as their past releases, not as focused and with a few more mellow interludes than I’m used to from them. But saying that is like saying “Here’s the keys to a Maserati. It only has 700 horsepower, instead of the 725 that you’re used to.” It’s still an amazing piece of work from one of the most powerful musical machines you will ever hear, which means you should buy this CD now.
Grupo Fantasma’s ability to modernize such a traditional style as salsa music makes them one of the few true innovators of the genre today. In a world filled with bland mechanical over-produced pop music, I hope there will be several more decades of Grupo (and their alter-ego “Brownout”) to come.

Maria Mesa

Sandra Dahdah caught up with Del Castillo on Cinco De Mayo and they told her a little bit about their involvement with the new Robert Rodriguez film “Machete.” Remember if this video loads slowly please click on the HD link in the upper right third of the box to make it SD…thanks.

Del Castillo talks about “Machete” from AMFM STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.