During a year in which almost every artist in Texas has released a new album, there was no album I had been anticipating more than Drew Kennedy's Fresh Water In The Salton Sea.  2011 has seen new music from Stoney Larue, Jason Boland, and Cody Canada, among many other Texas Music favorites.  This past Friday, the mailman didn't even get the chance to pull away before I reached in and grabbed the small manilla envelope from our mail box and rushed back inside.  Unlike many of the "insiders" that got their hands on a copy in advance, I waited patiently for my pre-sale order to arrive 5 days before the official release date.  Admittedly, I typically don't take advantage of pre-orders and will wait for a live show merch table to buy an album, but this wasn't your typical pre-order.  No, it didn't come with a USB drive filled with exclusive artist content, a t-shirt or a koozie... It came with a novel.  Yep - you read that correct... a novel.  For those of you drawing a blank, its one of those 200+ page books you were assigned to read back during high school English.  I carefully cut open my freshly delivered mail and there, for the first time in the history of music, an album was accompanied by a full length novel with the same title: Fresh Water In The Salton Sea.  

Album Review...

The Album kicks off with "War With Myself" and immediately I knew I had gotten my money's worth.  Having heard this song live a few months ago at the James Garnet, I mean, Josh Grider: Live at Billy Bobs CD Recording, I couldn't help but be taken back to that great evening of music.  The album is Kennedy's fifth full length recording and it picks up right where An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel left off.  I dare you to show me a better song writer in the Lone Star State.  "Vapor Trails" makes its sophomore appearance on a Drew Kennedy album, as it was the final track on the free release Alone, But Not Lonely.  Kennedy includes three other songs from that live album he released around his 30th birthday in March 2010.  "Stars In California," a co-write with Mississippi native Rob Baird fits in perfectly with the story in which Kennedy tells with his songs.  The similar musical storytelling in "I've Got Some Leaving To Do" can only be truly appreciated after reading Chapter 14 in the novel.  Track number five "We've All Got Our Marks To Make" is arguably my favorite on the album.  Having heard this song countless times live, only with an acoustic guitar, it was a treat to hear the harmony vocals and musical arrangement which includes a saxophone midway through the song.   Another highlight on the record, "Home To Me" is once again proof that Drew Kennedy is a force to be reckoned with.  "AM Radio" takes you on a five minute ride along shotgun in the van to experience the endless miles of highway traveled after a gig. 

Take a look at the video for song number 8 (The Captain and the Highway) from Mt. Vernon Recording Studio in Lubbock.  The feather ring on Drew's picking hand looks a lot like the one Daniel Murphy picked up for $10 nearby the Carson National Forest in Chapter 19.

The final 2 songs of the album are as strong as the first.  Both deliver powerful lyrics and a slow infectious melody.  All 10 songs on Fresh Water In The Salton Sea fit seamlessly together.  While its certainly not your typical "Texas Country" party CD, I would venture to say that it wasn't intended to be.  With a somber yet thoughtful tone, this album is full of songs that are meant to be listened to and not just heard.  As great as this album sounds, it is best appreciated and most thought-provoking after you've finished reading all 221 pages of Drew Kennedy's first ever novel.

Novel Review...

A few things to note before opening this book... It is probably best enjoyed with your iPod nearby, so you can listen along to the songs as they are included between chapters.  Also be prepared to stay up late, because you probably won't want to stop reading until you're completely finished.  It's much like being at a concert where you just can't leave early until you hear the whole set.  The book is written as short stories intertwined to create a longer narrative, but I personally didn't want to stop reading until it was over.

Drew writes this "non-fiction" story in first-person as a 29 (turning 30) year old singer/songwriter named Daniel Murphy.  It is the story of an adventurous, surprising, sometimes funny and sometimes sad road trip across the West.  Having heard a few of the tales included in the book by Drew himself at his shows; it is pretty clear that although Daniel Murphy is fictional - most, if not all of these stories are at least partially true.

Life on the road as a musician seems like a dream to most of us and reading this book makes you feel like you're in the passenger seat along for the ride.  The characters that Dan meets along the way are exceptional and the stories that go along with his travels will leave you thinking about it all days later.  From wise old bartenders and gracious motel owners to a stoned college kid and a mysterious old Indian man, it seems as if Daniel Murphy sees it all on the road. 

If you're one of those that loves hearing the artists' stories between songs at concerts, then this book is a must.  Drew gives us a small glimpse into life on the road and a great reminder of all that can be explored along the American highways.  As the story closes, the message for me was pretty clear.  Life on the road, living free of the "typical American dream" is really a dream of its own... but no dream is complete when you can't share it.

Scot Gray

TXRDR Road Crew

If you have noticed, it has been pretty hot outside. For day seven, we decided to take the Texas Red Dirt Road Trip (TXRDRT) out into the stifling Texas heat. We loaded up the wagon and made our way to Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth to see Six Markets Blvd at 8.0s. On the way, we popped in Running on Seven to get our appetites wet.

No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a stop at the Flying Saucer. In fact, the original TXRDRT actually started at the Flying Saucer. Once again, the Flying Saucer in Sundance Square was a fantastic destination. We drank of the finest beers, had nachos and pretzels for dinner, and enjoyed air-conditioning. At the time, we thought these would be the only beers of the night.

After falling in love with America all over again at Paciugo (they had bacon gelato), we wandered over to 8.0s. The patio was pretty full but we were lucky enough to find a table. Now, the rumor was that the roof of the patio cost a million dollars. If that is the case, some opportunistic contractor is walking around with $950,000 in his pocket. While sitting under our overpriced shelter, it became clear that misting fans should have been in the design plans. The heat was oppressive. When Six Market Blvd took the stage it was barely noticed because the heat was overpowering.

 Unfortunately, Six Market Blvd did nothing to take attention away from the heat. Their live performance on this evening was completely underwhelming. In fact, we decided that the performance was little more than background noise at best. We decided to hang the onus of the disappointing show on the sound system. Six Market Blvd has too good of an album to be as bad as they sounded on this night. Sadly, the most excited and involved the crowd became all night was when the band covered a couple of hip-hop songs and played “Silence in Me”. We are reserving judgment on Six Market Blvd as a live band.

Given the lack of a musical stimulation and the overwhelming heat, the star of the evening became a metal bucket of ice and water. We decided to order a bucket of beer. A decision that was motivated by our need to regulate our body temperature and not (entirely) by our desire to drink more beer. The bucket of ice likely saved our lives but at the least provided some actual entertainment for others at 8.0s. Apparently, there is something funny about watching to grown men cover themselves with ice and euphorically rejoice in the sensation. A tip for those trying this at home, putting the ice on your forehead and behind your ears offers the most chilling effect.

Six Market Blvd brought us to Sundance Square for day seven, but it was the Flying Saucer, bacon gelato, and a bucket of ice that sent us home satisfied.

Scot & Chris

TXRDRT2 Road Crew

We were Glass Cactus bound as the first week of the TXRDRT2 came to a close.  The TXRDR radio broadcast was a great way to wind down the week and get some rest.  This week’s show featured four artists that we hadn’t seen before but had heard on the local radio. Casey Berry, Robert Donahue, Matt Kimbrow, and Ryan McBride brought their acoustic guitars and were ready for an early show from 4-7PM.  Let me begin by saying I love early shows and am in full support of ALL live music venues starting around 7:00 instead of 10:30PM.  Yeah, Im getting too old for this stuff but getting home at 2AM really puts a damper on my next few days...  Anyway, I understand that bars sell more drinks the later the night gets, but when I start my own live music venue it will be the home of the matinee shows!

In case you have never been to the Glass Cactus, its a beautiful venue perched above the shores of Lake Grapevine on the grounds of the Gaylord Texan.  The TXRDR radio show has called this place home for the past several weeks and has a couple more Sunday broadcasts left to go.  First of all it’s tough to get a big local crowd here considering you aren’t able to pick up the 95.9 broadcast from the parking lot.  Therefore, unless folks are driving up from Ft. Worth, they probably won’t get to many attendees from north Texas.  After the Glass Cactus shows are over they are back to the Railhead Smokehouse in Willow Park...

The $12 all you can eat BBQ buffet, free parking, free admission, and $3 cold Bud Light Beer was a perfect combination for day 6 of the TXRDRT2.  Selfishly when the line-up for this week’s show was announced I wasn’t particularly excited.  However that all changed after only a few songs were played.  Casey Berry and Robert Donahue stole the show with a couple songs about forgiveness and the passing of a mother.  Acoustic shows have always been a favorite for me simply because you get to hear the songs at the purest level.  The artists typically talk about what the song means or the story behind it.  Matt Kimbrow sounded the most “polished” of the four and strummed out a few of his tunes that have received spins on Texas Radio.  Ryan McBride impressed the crowd with his new tune co-written Joey Green titled “The Ballad of Roy Gleiter.”  After each artist got to play a handful of songs the clock was at 7:00PM and the radio show was over until next week.

It was a toasty 105 degrees on Sunday afternoon but Glass Cactus was the place to be.  Lake Grapevine provided the backdrop as we relaxed and recharged the batteries after a long 6 days on the road.  We arrived not knowing any of the artists, but left wanting more.  Needless to say it won’t be the last time we hear Casey, Robert, Matt, or Ryan.  Great show!

Scot and Chris

TXRDRT2 Road Crew

The fifth night of the Texas Red Dirt Road Trip (TXRDRT) found us on Greenville Avenue in Dallas at the Granada Theater. The Granada has been regularly voted the best music venue in Dallas, and for good reason. With the right mix of reserved seating and general admission, there is always a good spot to be found at the Granada to catch the show. The icing on the cake is the great bar service and intimate environment with the artist. The Granada has a lot of personality, history, and functionality. It is highly recommended that everyone catch a show at the Granada.

Just beware of being fondled by young co-eds that talk with their hands, and of the occasional “guy” in a tank top.

Cory Morrow was headlining the show this evening, but before he took the stage it was Ryan Beaver’s turn to lay down his talent. Ryan did a great job, infection a sizable portion of the half-filled Granada with Beaver fever. He had strong lyrics, a nice voice, and sang every song with meaning and spirit. We were particularly impressed with his songs “Let Me Be Your Saturday Night” and “Too Tall Jimmy”. Each song had meaning, was fun, and was entertaining. The problem with Ryan Beaver is the lack of musical pop behind him. He needs a fiddle or a mandolin or something to compliment his vocal prowess. Currently, his band is very generic and doesn’t do anything to capture the audience’s attention. For us to catch Beaver fever, the band needs to bring more to the table.

Cory then took the stage and did exactly what you’d expect him to do. He played his hits, he dropped in a couple of covers (his cover of “Beer” for an encore was great), and generally gave the crowd reasons to dance and get rowdy. He had great stage presence and his band did a fantastic job. For new artists trying to make it on the Texas/Red Dirt scene, copy Cory Morrow’s blueprint. When you go to a Cory Morrow show, you always know you will have a good time. He won’t mail in a show. He won’t play all new songs at the expense of the songs the crowd came to here. Cory knows his audience, plays to his audience, and thus has a loyal following. The TXRDRT tips its hat to you, Mr. Cory Morrow.

Night number five was a complete success. It was everything that a concert is supposed to be. The headliner did his job and the opening act showcased an up-and-coming artist. Thanks for a good night of music!

Scot & Chris

TXRDRT2 Road Crew

History was made on Friday night at Billy Bob’s Texas.  For the first time ever music fans were able to vote for whom they wanted to see record a Live at Billy Bob’s Album.  Fortunately for me, I was there to witness Josh Grider put on one heck of a show…

Day 4 of the 2^nd Annual Texas Red Dirt Road Trip was one of my favorite over the past 2 years.  I have seen countless shows at Billy Bob’s and it would be fair to say that Friday night’s was one of the best!  As a result of an unfortunate last minute illness my fellow road trip sidekick was unable to attend and I was left alone in Section A Table 13.  For a moment I debated leaving with the fear of being the “lone ranger,” but I am certainly thankful I stuck around.

The music kicked off in true Josh Grider style with his upbeat tune “Mama”.  While I am used to seeing the Trio, Josh was accompanied by a few extra musicians for the show, including his wife Kristi.  Bass player Chris Grady was the only band member that I recognized, but the other three musicians fit in seamlessly with the performance.  I particularly enjoyed the addition of the fiddle/mandolin player on some of the old classic Grider tunes.  The set-list was assembled to perfection and included a wide mix of new jams, old songs, cover tunes, and co-writes. 

There were several highlights for me during the show.  First let me say that I haven’t seen Josh in concert in a while, but his new songs have not lost the nostalgic Josh Grider sound.  There is no doubt these tunes will be well received by Texas Radio and beyond.  By far my favorite song of the evening was a tune that he wrote for his son.  The band took a break and left Josh alone on the big stage at Billy Bob’s to play a heartwarming song that left few dry eyes sitting at surrounding tables.  Fellow singer/songwriter Drew Kennedy was called up on stage to sing a song they wrote together titled “War with Myself”.  The energy on stage was contagious and the crowd enjoyed every minute of their performance.  Another compliment to the show was the between song banter in which Josh engaged the crowd more that I have seen during previous Billy Bob’s Live recordings.  You could tell he was having the time of his life and was truly thankful for this opportunity.

I could go on and on about how impressed I was with the show, but the beauty of a live recording is that in a few short months fans will be to see and hear it for themselves.  Take a look at the set-list Josh played (Not sure about exact songs titles marked with *):

Mama

Everybody Knows

That’s What She Makes Me (New Song)*

Stumbling On the Edge of Greatness

Slow (New Song)*

Working Man Blues (Merle Haggard Cover)

Love To Be Over You (Adam Hood Co-Write)*

Here with Me (Walt Wilkins Co-Write)

Where Have All the Average People Gone

City Of Crosses

**Acoustic Song** Welcome to Earth It’s a Wild Ride*

If I Were a Carpenter (Johnny/June Cash Cover

War with Myself (Onstage with Drew Kennedy)*

South of the Border

Man on the Mountain*

That’s How Strong My Love Is (Kristi Grider Solo)*

Crazy Like You

**Encore**

Re-Recording: That’s What She Makes Me

Re-Recording: Slow

Re-Recording: Stumbling on the Edge of Greatness

Dollar Tree

As the evening came to a close I think that everyone in attendance would agree that it was worth every penny and then some.  I am really looking forward to the release of this live album, and hopefully the sound/video guys were able to capture just how magic the evening truly was.  

We’re back on the road and headed to the Granada Theater tomorrow night as Week 2 of the TXRDRT comes to a close!

Scot and Chris

TXRDRT2 Road Crew