Ben Kweller, Blues on the Green, June 27, 2012

It was another great night at Zilker, with Ben Kweller headlining Blues on the Green. Ben's an Austin resident, lives right in the Zilker neighborhood, so it had to be nice to come down the hill to see thousands of adoring fans. Beautiful night and a great set. He played selections from throughout his 15+ year career (the dude's only 31), including his newest Go Fly a Kite. Kweller's still got that puppy-dog charm and playfulness that he had as a teen, sporting a new green hairdo. But there's no denying this guy's talent is serious. Excellent musicianship and prolific songwriting.

Thanks to KGSR for sponsoring these great evenings!

Wasted and Ready

Run

Jealous Girl

Rhett Miller, Waterloo and Blues on the Green

Well, now that it's July 1st, I thought I should update with the shows I went to in June. Sorry for the delay. Rhett Miller might as well just apply for his TX driver's license, since he's such a frequent visitor to the state. He played a show at Waterloo Records, just before the release of his new solo CD The Dreamer. And, then a short two weeks later, he was back with a full band for a Blues on the Green show at Zilker. And, he'll be back in October with the 97's for ACL Fest.

The new CD is great. Give it a listen. I have a review of it in the forthcoming Texas Music, which should be on shelves soon. In the meantime, enjoy these photos and videos.

And, I'll try to get my Ben Kweller photos up from Blues on the Green last week as soon as possible!

Singular Girl 
Wreck of the Old 97 
Rollerskate Skinny 
Sweet Dreams 
Out of Love

Spoon, Red 7, April 11, 2012

Not quite a month since SXSW, and I am normally still in recovery mode. And a busy day at school. But that didn't stop me from getting out to see Spoon at Red 7. This was a benefit for Chris Gray, former columnist for the Austin Chronicle, now music editor at Houston Press. Gray had a heart attack a few months ago, and many bands and organizations have been pitching in to help him with expenses. Gray seemed to be doing well at the show, and everyone is glad that this passionate music lover is back in the saddle.

Spoon was fantastic. It was a hit parade. They played just about everything you could have wanted to hear (with the exception of Fitted Shirt, which I saw on their Dallas set list for the next night). I Summon You, Small Stakes, Black Like Me, You Got Yr Cherry Bomb, The Underdog, I Turn My Camera On, Jonathan Fisk... you name it. They sounded great and looked like they were having fun, which is just what you need when hometown darlings make their way back. I hope they are working on a new CD and will hit the road again soon, because it has been much too long!

I did not have my regular camera, so apologies that these weren't better photos and video.

Small Stakes
 
Rhythm and Soul

SXSW Music 2012, Saturday

Last day of SXSW is always bittersweet. You're ready for a break, but you don't want to have to wait another year for the madness to begin again. I spent my last day seeing Rhett Miller yet one more time at the Baeble Party. Just before Rhett went on Graffiti6 played. I'd heard them a bit on KGSR, loved the song Free. Thought they were fantastic. They've got a soulful, almost retro, sound. Definitely a new discovery of the fest for me. Worth checking out. I'd love to see them again.

This go 'round for Rhett, he played solo acoustic, and previewed another of the new songs for his forthcoming CD The Dreamer, which I can't wait to hear in finished form. There was a good crowd, people knew the songs and Rhett brought the energy. You'd never guess it was his fifth gig in three days.

 

I love this photo, especially those two girls singing their hearts out in the corner!

 

I had been waiting a long time for the return of Cotton Mather, like a decade. I finally got to see their Saturday showcase at Soho Lounge. It was great to see the original members together again and to hear those songs. And it was great to be in the crowd with other Cotton Mather fans who were just as excited as I was. I am very happy that Robert has re-released Kontiki with a successful Kickstarter, and I hope this is just the beginning of bigger things for him.

 

And I couldn't resist one last chance to see Quiet Company, the darlings of SXSW 2012. They won ALL the Austin Music Awards, played like 10 gigs all week and still brought it for their final show. It was a great way to wrap up a memorable week! That's it for me. Until next year...

Graffiti6 - Free  
Rhett Miller - This is What I Do  
Rhett Miller - a new selection from the forthcoming The Dreamer  
Cotton Mather - My Before and After  
Cotton Mather - AMPs of Sugarland  
Cotton Mather - She's Only Cool   Quiet Company - It's Better To Spend Money Like There's No Tomorrow Than Spend Tonight Like There's No Money