Thursday, February 26, 2009

Sessions at OTN #3: Brent Adair

Hi and welcome to Sessions at On That Note. Today, my guest is Brent Adair. He's my neighbor and a fabulous singer-songwriter. You've probably seen some photos and videos of him throughout this site. In this episode, we focus on songwriting. Check out his stuff online on his site or MySpace, see one of his shows and pick up his newest CD Ostrich.

Brent Adair Interview, Part I



Brent Adair Interview, Part II


Brent performs "Elbow Pads"


Enjoy, and as always, your feedback is appreciated. Hope to see you at a show soon.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Sessions at OTN #2: Neal Mehta

Hi and welcome to the newly named "Sessions at On That Note." The old name was "Better Know a Rock Star," but people didn't like it, didn't get the Colbert reference, and the musicians didn't like being referred to as rock stars, although they are ALL rock stars to me. So, that's the new name for now.

My guest this week is Neal Mehta. Neal is an old friend, the first person I knew in Austin. I first saw Neal years ago when I happened upon a Recliners show at the Ritz when I was visiting Austin in 1997 (I lived in Houston then). It was after a Barenaked Ladies show at Steamboat on 6th. Some random guy on the street told the guys in BNL to go across the street to see this band that played "Smith's covers." So, I tagged along. Didn't meet Neal that night, but ended up communicating with his bandmate about getting a CD, and then started going to their shows when they came to Houston. The rest is history. Neal and I bonded on our love of similar music. Plus, he cracks me up. I am lucky to have good friends like him and his wife, Monique, and all the other great people that are associated with them.

Neal Mehta interview, Sessions at On That Note


So, in this episode, Neal talks about his days in The Recliners and the bands he has seen around Austin over the years. He performs his original song "Pendulum." You will notice my cat, Kiley, getting into the act, pacing around in the background and at the end of the song, finally jumping on the back of the chair. That's where she often sits, so I'm sure she was like "Dude, get off my chair."

Neal performs "Pendulum"


Enjoy, and as always, your feedback is appreciated. Hope to see you at a show soon.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Johnny Goudie and the Little Champions at Waterloo, Feb. 10, 2009

Congrats to Johnny Goudie and the Little Champions on the release of the new CD El Payaso. He gave a fun performance at Waterloo on 2/10.











Later Tuesday evening, I dropped by Vino Vino for another set by Miles Zuniga, this time accompanied by Landis Armstrong.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

House Party - Ethan Azarian and Aimee Bobruk, later Mario Matteoli

What fun. A house party with special musical guests. First up was Ethan Azarian, playing with Jeff Johnston. Jeff brought a few odds and ends, like the telephone and saw.






Then Aimee Bobruk played with a few friends, Jon Notarthomas and John Bush. 

JB brought along a few toys of his own...



And Jon N. showed off some colorful pedals...












Then it was off to Continental for Mario Matteoli. Yes, that's Mr. Jeff Johnston again. Seems like he's everywhere!









Friday, February 06, 2009

Ben Kweller at Waterloo, Feb. 4, 2009

Jon, Mairin and I made a little midday road trip from San Marcos to see Ben Kweller's instore at Waterloo Records. It was a packed house, people waited in line to get a chance to see Ben play songs from his new CD Changing Horses. Great acoustic set, lots of fun.











UPDATE: Added some photos that Mairin Heard took. Thanks, Mairin!








Old Hat

Penny on the Train Track

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Miles Zuniga at Vino Vino

Miles Zuniga, one of the Fastball frontmen, has been playing a regular Tuesday night gig at Vino Vino. It's a great neighborhood hang, a wine bar. Miles plays his songs and others, often inviting local musicians to sing with him. This week, I captured Miles doing Bowie, then local Freedy Johnston got up to perform a few songs, including Band on the Run. Sorry it's a little dark and blurry, but the low light makes for a very intimate setting.



Great Line-up at Hole in the Wall

So, a little late with getting my files posted this week. Last Friday, I went to a stellar show at one of my favorite venues Hole in the Wall, featuring some of my favorite bands: Snafu Kitties, Household Names, Real Heroes and Sheboygan. A night of power pop!

Snafu Kitties




Household Names





Real Heroes









Sheboygan