Sunday, September 7, 2008

SSS fun

And again and again we had another delightful show at the tavern on saturday. The weather was probably the nicest it has been in some time for us.. We even had half a dozen dogs or so roaming around with us. I'm going to start bringing my camera one of these days to capture some of these moments. Our lineup was Campfire Stories from Rosharon, Phillip Foshee, and The Small Sounds.

Campfire Stories is a two piece instrumental band from Rosharon, TX. We once knew some folks that "lived" in Rosharon at some point or another... Apparently most of their songs start off as improvisations and work their way into songs which seems like a good process for these guys. They work very well together and have great chemistry.. They also help put on the up and coming shows at the Alvin Bowling Center(300 Motel Drive). Check em out tomorrow, September 9th, with Halffnelson, Lenny Briscoe, and Airon Paul Dugas. 6 bucks for the show or 10 bucks for the show and two hours of bowling! I'm ready to knock down some pins..

I really enjoyed Phillip Foshee's set this weekend. He is another person I've been meaning to check out recently but never got the chance. Acoustic guitar, some harmonica, and a great voice made for a wonderful show(AND a NOFX cover song). Seriously, that was amazing. Go see Phillip at the Mink Backroom on September 12th with our dear friends listenlisten and Buxton.

Phillips Foshee - The Rest of the Time


And finally was The Small Sounds, who had just released their self titled full length album. I had listened to a few of the tracks on myspace and enjoyed them a great deal but the live set was even better. Great songwriting, and beautiful music. They sometimes remind me of Damien Jurado but maybe with a little more rock involved, like his earlier albums. Look out for these guys, they've got a nice thing going for them...

The Small Sounds - Leave Virginia Girl


Up next week is..........

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Pluckluck House Show

Last Sunday was one of the best nights I've partaken in for some time now. House shows are wonderful and all but turn it into a potluck and it's a million times better. Many thank yous to the house of Lenny Briscoe for putting this together. The food was beyond excellent with some mexican cornbread, enchiladas, mango guacamole, seafood gumbo, mac & cheese, red velvet cupcakes, and tons more...

After filling our faces(for the first time) everybody began to settle in to listen to Robert Ellis. He had just gotten back from a short tour with The Lovely Sparrows and mentioned that he hadn't practiced his songs in awhile but I don't believe anybody noticed. His delicate fingerpicking and quiet yet strong voice kept everybody on their toes, intensely watching him play.

Robert Ellis - Changin' Man



Next up was AWAKE, playing their all acoustic set with an upright bass, very very simple drum kit, and two guitars. Theses guys are usually loud and noisy, which I still enjoy, but their acoustic set is amazing. Apparently they are going on an indefinite break and this was their last show. I'd say if you have to go out, this show would be the right time to do it. I hope to see some more stuff these guys in some form or other down the road..



I feel weird writing about myself but I think it went pretty well.. This is what one of the guys from AWAKE said, "Cory Derden. Rules. That's about it. One man. Beautiful sounds built up. Feels like you are being washed by sound." Here's my newest recording..

Cory Derden - In My Heart


The closer for the night was Airon Paul Dugas and he couldn't have done a better job. This is beer drinking, toe tapping, trying to hold back your tears music at it's best. For somebody that hasn't played out until fairly recently he certainly knows how to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. The sincerity in his songs is something I haven't felt in some time. It's a most welcomed thing here in the land of alternative/garage rock also known as Houston..

Airon Paul Dugas - Twilight Hours


I hope these pluckluck shows continue on because it would be a shame to miss out on events like these. They draw people together who are actually willing to listen to the music instead of being in some bar where most people don't even realize something beautiful is happening right behind them. The show was also recorded and if I happen to get ahold of it, I'll post something from AWAKE and maybe the other guys.. Thank you again to JD and Stacey from the house of Lenny Briscoe.

Two Great Secrets Revealed

The past two weekends at our beloved Secret Saturday Shows has given me a chance to hear and meet two wonderful musicians, Tiziano Dominico and georgia's Horse. I had always wanted to see georgia's Horse (Tiziano is/was the bass player) when they used to play out more frequently but somehow I always ended up missing out. I was probably being a flake or forgetting things as usual.

Tiziano played with Female Demand, St.Elias from Colorado, and our favorite co-conspirators Lenny Briscoe. Lenny sounded quite fresh that day, and had an added bonus as Neil from Lazy Horse laid down some smooth bass lines to spice things up. I love these guys and their music is just as swell as the people. Tiziano took the stage afterwards and began to stroll through his songs on electric guitar. His voice is smooth and lovely and seems to rain down softly on all those watching. I'm still trying to place my finger on who he sometimes reminds me of, like a mix of the Blackheart Procession, Patrick Wolf at his good moments, and maybe some Beirut. Definitely worth checking out when you get a chance. Female Demand ended the day with their two piece drum and bass show and I was quite impressed. Drum and bass as in real instruments not some jungle/d&b electronic act. Those guys played fast and loud and sounded great together. I'm sure they will be around again.

Lenny Briscoe - I Am An American


Tiziano Dominico - A Hidden Sun



Georgia's Horse played the next weekend with Wolves at the Door and SSS regulars Lazy Horse. I was very excited for this and I think I still am. Seeing georgia's Horse has been on the top of my to-do list for some time now and I finally got to check it off. Now I only have 21734619 more things to do... She's got such a great vocal range and very entrancing voice, it will leave you wanting more for sure. In fact, I've been listening to the cd-r of her set quite frequently since then and I can't get enough. She told me her label, fire records, will be releasing a few 7"s of hers and a digital download of all 8, yes 8!, of her albums in January I believe. Wolves at the Door played next and I was blown away. These kids have got a great sound going on and I'd like to see/hear more of these guys. They have a wonderful experimental indie rock thing going on with bits of trumpet flailing through the mix and catchy rhythms(though not poppy at all). Lazy Horse finished out the day and killed it as usual. They seem to get better and tighter everytime I see them play. Charles was back for this show to provide some leg kicking and I don't think Neil even broke a string!!

georgia's Horse - Oh Come Hollow Horse


Wolves at the Door - Gray Bears


Lazy Horse - Pimp Bot


These past two weekends have been great for our Secret Saturday Shows at the Shady Tavern, as they are most every week. Come experience it for yourself every Saturday from 2-5PM! 1206 W 20th St. Oh yeah, it's free too..

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

stitched tire!

new label and blog! yup.