Unique Fancy Affair t’s Time YOU Got To Know TAMI The Texas Film Commission's Moving Image Archive Program celebrates the history of Texas and its film production heritage by preserving Texas-related moving images and making them available to the public via the Internet. Working in conjunction with Texasbased non-profit Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI), the program consists of four components: Free digitization for Texas-related films and videos A streaming video library of submitted material A film "round-up" tour Educator resources The program, popularly known as the Texas Film Round-Up, was awarded the American Association for State and Local History’s Leadership in History Award of Merit and the prestigious WOW! Award in 2010. Free Film and Video Digitization Individuals and institutions with Texas-related films and videos can receive free digital copies of their materials in exchange for the donation of an electronic copy to the program. Original materials are returned after digitization is complete, and a selection of digital files are featured in the Archive Program Collection of the Texas Archive of the Moving Image. Contributions to the Archive Program must be free from copyright, or the donor must be willing to grant TAMI and the TFC a license for use. Since its inception in 2008, the Archive Program has resulted in the digitization of more than 10,000 moving images of the state including home movies, commercials, local television programs and industrial films. The Texas Film Commission reserves the right to review content before any film's inclusion in the Moving Image Archive Program's collection.
Texas Moving Image Archive Program Collection at the Texas Archive of the Moving Image More than 1,000 films from the Moving Image Archive Program can be viewed at the Texas Archive of the Moving Image. This ever-growing online showcase features projects that represent the breadth of Texas' cultural history and its century of motion picture production. The collection is available free of charge or at no cost to students, teachers, researchers, and the general public in Texas and around the world. Film Round-Up Tour TAMI and the Texas Film Commission host Film Round-Ups across the state, giving Texans an opportunity to submit their films for the free digitization program and learn about Texas media history and preservation. In addition to the free digitization dropoff, events can include screenings of Texas films, the “Preserving Memories” traveling exhibit, and preservation workshops and demonstrations. The Film Round-Up has visited communities with the seven regions of Texas and continues to target new communities with programs. Educator Resources Illustrating the value of film preservation in education is also an important part of the Archive Program. In conjunction with the Archive Program Collection, a series of educator resources are available via Teach Texas. Lesson plans for grades K through 12 feature footage from the Archive Program that address Texas topics including politics, industry, geography and culture. The resources also address Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in social studies, language arts, and career and technology education. Contact Texas Archive of the Moving Image To inquire about hosting a Round-Up in your community or to see if your films and videos qualify for digitization, you may contact the TAMI at the following: 512-485-3073, info@texasarchive.org, and www.texasarchive.org
Benefit For Wounded Female Warriors Corpus Christi, TX – The Chrome Divas of Corpus Christi will host a Charity Biker Ball on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 7 pm until midnight. All proceeds from this event will help wounded female warriors attend a Combat Marine Outdoors fishing trip in Port Isabel, Texas in April. “…I admire these ladies for the courage they had that propelled them to serve our country and for the courage they will need to continue their lives.” Diva Tonya, Director, Chrome Divas of CC The theme for the ball has been defined as “Biker Formal” and encourages a bit of wild creativity! Activities will include a silent auction, fashion show, door prizes, photographer and a wide variety of dance music. The Radisson Inn on North Beach has generously offered their ballroom, so a romantic stroll on the beach with your Valentine could be included! Organizers are working to generate plenty of community support and are including many neighbors, businesses and organizations in the festivities. They are seeking sponsorship, auction items, and door prize donations. Reservations are limited to 200 guests and all proceeds will be donated directly to Combat Marine Outdoors. “When I heard about this event I volunteered to help immediately. We are going to have so much fun and for such a great cause! This will be the event of the season filled with the warmth of charity!” Kim, Entertainment Coordinator CHROME DIVAS, INC. was founded in 2002, as a worldwide organization of women motorcycling enthusiasts who love to ride and enjoy being around motorcycles. Although our main purpose is to RIDE AND HAVE FUN we are also committed to lending a helping hand in our communities! While we do not wear colors and are not a "MC”, our membership is comprised of a diverse group of women who enjoy the camaraderie and sisterhood that is an inherent part of the Chrome Divas. With over 45 chapters worldwide, we are the Ultimate Female Motorcycle Organization. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Chere Laine at 361-215-4661, Email CharityBikerBallCC@yahoo.com, or Visit the Facebook Event: Charity Biker Ball WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 3
CONTENTS SOUTH TEXAS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
WWW STEAMMAGAZINE NET
ENTERTAINMENT
ART
6 COMICS 3 FILM NEWS 12 & 13 THE ENDS 21 NEW MOVIES & MUSIC 25 GROW LOCAL
ORIGINAL COVER ART BY STEAM MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2014 VOL. 2 ISS. 10
9 EVENT CALENDAR 7 SHOWING TALENT 22 JANICE JOPLIN
MUSIC 10 REVEBNATION MYSTERY LOVES COMPANY
PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS
STAFF WRITERS RACHEL MILLS, ERIK HINZ, RICK BOWEN, DALE MARTIN, TAMMA HICKS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BUBBA JONES, J MICHAEL DOLAN, DEREK SIGNORE
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS MISTY NELSON, ALLENE HICKS, ERIK HINZ, MATHEW STUESSER
WEBMASTER AFFORDABLE WEBSITE DESIGN
TO ADVERTISE WITH US 361-904-4339
16 BEX MARSHALL: BAWDY BRITISH BLUES 24 JOSH RITTER
SALES@STEAMTX.COM
SEE US ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
WANT YOUR CD, BOOK, OR SHOW REVIEWED? HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SUBMISSIONS@STEAMTX.COM STEAM Magazine is published monthly by STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music in Corpus Christi, TX. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Views expressed within are solely the authors and not of STEAM Magazine. Typographical, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please direct all inquiries to: submissions@steamtx.com
an intelligent investment of your time. 4. Transform Your Goals from possible to IMPOSSIBLE! Make them outrageously HUGE! In my world, a dream is not worth pursuing unless it’s impossible, because in my world, ANYTHING is possible!
7 ways to make 2014 better J. Michael Dolan Forget New Year’s Resolutions! Instead make intelligent choices. You already have a project, a goal, a mission—commit to that for 2014! That said, here’s 7-things you can do to make 2014 a more prolific year: 1. Upgrade your digital world. It’s a wise investment. Everything is becoming mobile, portable and global. Be sure you have the best techtools you can afford; including phones, pads, laptops, etc. 2. Upgrade your website(s). Don’t risk losing your fans and customers because they’re bored with your store, or they’ve lost interest in your world. Refresh the look, improve the navigation and consistently add new audio, video and content to your site. 3. Grow your following. Content may be king, but community holds the keys to the kingdom. Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur or both, if you want to make a decent living at this you must “consistently” interact and engage with your fans, readers, followers and customers. The world may have shrunk, but choices for entertainment and commerce have expanded to the stratosphere. Maintain a “constant” flow of communication with all your past, present and future followers—it’s
5. Don’t Worry about the economy. It’s out of your control. Just make intelligent choices regarding your money, whether you have a lot or a little. Be smart enough to avoid spontaneous, emotional spending, and courageous enough to jump on wise investment opportunities when they come your way. Don’t forget you’re an artist, an entrepreneur—wherever you go to create a song, write a script or invent an idea, that’s the same place to go to create solutions to financial challenges. 6. Help Others Triumph: Give more of yourself—yes, especially in these tough times. Your time, money, art, contacts, coaching, listening, empathy, etc. could easily change someone’s life forever. Don’t forget that giving & receiving are different aspects of the same energy. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep that energy circulating in our lives. Make sense? 7. Meditate! Learn to tame the beast between your ears. I’ve said it a million times, I began meditating daily in 1985 and the balance I’ve found in my life between the hoopla of rock & roll and the silence of my soul is astounding. I’m not sure who I would be without this one simple practice in my life. I’m currently putting the finishing touches on a book I’ve written about meditating. If you’d like to reserve a copy (free to my subscribers) just drop me a note @ michael@jmichaeldolan.com. Again, you must be a subscriber to my blogs. Happy Happy New Year!
May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. ~ Neil Gaiman .
WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 5
COMICS
KNOCK KNOCK
GENIUS
WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM
WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM THE CHICKEN
6 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
CURRICULUM
WWW.LUNARBABOON.COM
Bridgette Woodward THE FUTURE OF ART
Words by Tamma Hicks, STEAM Mag.
During our Christmas vacation we met a remarkable young lady at a party… Ok, she’s a little girl. And maybe it’s that we haven’t been around little ones for a while, but she just captivated us. Her name is Bridgette Woodward and she is smart and as cute as a button and, at three
and a half – she made sure we knew that half, very entertaining to be around. Anyway, what I think caught us so deeply wasn’t what she was doing – painting – but her concentration and determination in how she
managed the colors. I have always felt a little skeptical when an artist tells me that they have always made art or they were born with a brush or pencil or some tool in their hand. Well, I will never be again. As I watched Bridgette plan out what she was doing I could see the wheels in her head tick until they made a color connect. Then she would very purposely apply the right color to exactly where she wanted on her canvas. Somehow this three and a half year old knew color theory!? To say the least, we were amazed and felt we needed to share her story.
WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 7
JAN CONCERT CALENDAR THURS JAN 2 Granger Smith/Cody Bryan Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Chrsiti Youth Brigade & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi FRI JAN 3 Riverboat Gamblers & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi SAT JAN 4 Quiet Company& Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi Bart Crow High Chaparral Dancehall & Saloon Robstwon Joe Ely Gruene Hall New Braunfels Arson Carter Backwoods Saloon Ingleside Ringo Deathstarr The Belmont Austin Bart Crow High Chaparral Dance Hall & Saloon Robstown THURS JAN 9 CCSO: Music of the Eagles American Bank Center Corpus Christi
FRI JAN 10 Stephen Rushlow/Ty Dietz & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi Rex Robards Band High Chaparral Dancehall & Saloon Robstwon
George Strait & Jason Aldean Frank Erwin Center Austin, TX SAT JAN 11 Rockaholics & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi Bill Haley Jr & the Comets The Brauntex Theater New Braunfels Alejandro Escovedo & Special Guests Austin City Limits Austin Junior Brown Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio Kyle Park Gruene Hall New Braunfels TUES JAN 14 Gunger Emo’s Austin
MUST SEE OPENDAILY
JAN 2014 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET WED JAN 15 AFI The White Rabbit San Antonio THURS JAN 16 Reckless Kelly Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Chrsiti FRI JAN 17 Funeral Cab & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi Carolyn Wunderland Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio Kevin Fowler Kleberg/Kenedy County Jr Livestock Kingsville Savoy Emo’s Austin Max Stalling Gruene Hall New Braunfels SAT JAN 18 Charlie Robison High Chaparral Dancehall & Saloon Robstwon
The Rankin Twins Pelican Lounge Corpus Christi SUN JAN 19 The Beach boys Austin City Limits Austin Chick Corea & Bela Fleck The Paramount Theatre Austin THURS JAN23 Local Licks House of Rock Corpus Christi The Roadshow w/Skillet, 3rd Day, & Guests AT&T Center San Antonio Legion, Kublai Khan, & More The White Rabbit San Antonio FRI JAN 24 Obscured By Echos & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi DJ Blend Laredo Energy Arena Laredo
Bertha House of Rock Corpus Christi
Bleu Edmondson Sam’s Burger Joint San Antonio
Josh Ritter Austin City Limits Austin See Interview Pg 24
SAT JAN 25 Jason Boland & the Stragglers Brewster Street Icehouse Corpus Chrsiti
Wild Party and Driver Friendly & Guests House of Rock Corpus Christi
House of Rock 511 Starr St Corpus Christi Great live music all month long! Howard’s BBQ—Flour Buff 10120 S.P.I.D Corpus Christi Live music Fridays & Saturdays!
Rosie Flores The Continental Club Austin WED JAN 29 Infected Mushroom Emo’s Austin
Sam’s Burger joint 330 E Grayson San Antonio Voted San Antonio’s Best Live Music Venue!
Alton Brown Live! Austin City Limits Austin
7 Brothers Saloon Highway 181, Normanna TX Live music! Don’t want to drive home? Stay in our RV Park!
Shooter Jennings 1/30 Stubb’s Austin
The Phoenix Saloon 193 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels Karaoke, Acoustic Happy Hour, & Live Music!
FRI JAN 31 Darkside Emo’s Austin Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi Throw down Thursday’s!
CLUB LISTINGS Frontier Saloon 9709 Leopard St Corpus Christi Join us for Live Texas Country Music Every Saturday Night! High Chaparral Dancehall & Saloon 1961 N US Hwy 77 Robstown Bringing you great Texas Country!
Theo’s Billiards 5815 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi Free pool every day until 7 pm!! Theo’s Bonshakers 4528 Weber Rd. Corpus Christi South Texas’ Only Rockabilly Club! Zeros Hard Rock Club 6327 McArdle Rd Corpus Christi Like us on facebook and never miss a show! Facebook.com/zerosrockclub ** For information to be listed on our calendar pages please email us: submissions@ steamtx.com
CC Museum of Science & History; Corpus Christi
Mustang Island State Park; Port Aransas
Texas State Aquarium Corpus Christi
Art Museum of South Texas Downtown Corpus Christi
National Seashore North Padre Island
Alamo Mission San Antonio
USS Lexington; North Beach, Corpus Christi
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Corpus Christi
JAN JAN EVENT EVENT CALENDAR CALENDAR
STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 San Antonio
THINGS TO DO WEDNESDAYS Harlem Globetrotters 1/29 American Bank Center Corpus Christi Farmers Market Wednesdays Tango Tea Room Corpus Christi Winter Lecture Series Wednesdays South Texas Botanical Gardens Corpus Christi THURSDAYS First Thursday 1/2 South Congress Austin Billy Collins, Poet 1/23 Paramount Theater Austin KEDT’s Food & Wine Classic 1/30 CC Museum of Science & History Corpus Christi Hal Hollbrook in Mark Twain 1/30 Paramount Theater Austin Harlem Globetrotters 1/30 AT&T Center
FRIDAYS First Friday ArtWalk 1/3 Corpus Christi Guns & Ammo Exhibit Opening 1/10 CC Museum of Science & History Corpus Christi Bill Cosby 1/10 American Bank Center Corpus Christi Shrek the Musical 1/17 The Brauntex Theater New Braunfels SATURDAYS Marina Market Days & MusicWalk 1/4 Corpus Christi South Tx Gamer’s/ Collector’s Expo 1/4 McAllen Convention Center McAllen Surf-N-Turf Race 1/25 Padre Balli Park Corpus Christi UETA Jamboozie 2014 1/25 Historic Downtown Laredo
Homes 1/25 Community Center Port Aransas
Jewelry & Gift Show 1/3-5 American Bank Center Corpus Christi
Farmer’s Market 3rd Saturday Jarvis Plaza Laredo
Saxet Gun Show 1/4-5 San Antonio Events Center San Antonio
Ghost - The Musical 1/21-26 Majestic Theatre San Antonio
26th International travel Show 1/8-9 McAllen Convention Center McAllen
21st Winter Texan Expo/ Health Fair 1/21-22 McAllen Convention Center McAllen
TAMUCC Islanders Basketball 1/9, 11, & 25 American Bank Center Corpus Christi
The Harlem Globetrotters 1/23-24 Frank Erwin Center Austin
Antique Show 1/10-12 Historic Gruene District New Braunfels
International Car Fest 1/24-26 McAllen Convention Center McAllen
Monster Jam 2014 1/10-12 State Farm Arena Hidalgo
RVG Killer Bees Hockey 1/3, 4, 24, 31 State Farm Arena Hidalgo
Nueces County Junior Livestock Show 1/10-19 Richard M Borchard Fairgrounds Robstown
Saxet Gun show 1/25-26 Travis County Expo Center Austin
Grown’ Growers Farmers Market Saturdays Firemen’s Park McAllen Farmers Market Saturdays Market on Everhart Corpus Christi SUNDAYS Wedding Fair 2014 1/12 American Bank Center Corpus Christi CheerStar Alamo National Championship 1/12 Freeman Coliseum San Antonio MULTI-DAY EVENTS San Antonio Spurs 1/2, 4, 8, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 29 AT&T Center San Antonio Rampage Hockey 1/3, 7, 11, 13, 16, 18, 24, 25, 26, 31 AT&T Center San Antonio
IceRays Hockey 1/17, 18, 23, & 31 American Bank Center Corpus Christi
Port Aransas Tour of
MUST DO OPENDAILY
America’s Got Talent Auditions 1/18-19 Reliant Stadium Houston
Austin Regional Golden Gloves 1/28-31 Travis County Expo Center Austin
Historic Gruene New Braunfels
Art Center of Corpus Christi Corpus Christi
The Riverwalk San Antonio
San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium San Antonio
Morgan’s Wonderland San Antonio (F-Su)
Barton Springs Austin
Words by Tamma Hicks, STEAM Mag.
Mystery es Lov
Company rock | cello + clarinet
This past November and December we took part in a promotion with ReverbNation. First, I have to say that
song I would find that I needed another cord or part and have would teach myself; guitar was just about me learning I really didn’t know what to expect; cerand providing me an outlet. About 10 tainly not 3,000 plus submissions! And years later, I realized that I had taught second, there are some amazingly talented myself how to play guitar and I was pretpeople and although for this promotion we ty good but I was alone. I decided to go only choose one group we had a stack of to open mics for the experience and to runner-ups that would fill a page! So how get over the fear of singing in public and did we finally decide on Mystery Loves I found that I liked it the more I played. I Company? Well, quite honestly it was also found that I had a great number of their uniqueness. I mean really… How songs I’d composed, just not written down. After a while I began feeling the often do you go to a club and see a rock/ need to collaborate and I was thinking alt/blues band comprised of a guitar, cello, very specifically that I needed a cello for and clarinet? some songs I was working on and that’s when I ran into Madeline at an open mic. STEAM From what I understand Mystery Loves Company is your brainchild You never see a cello at an open mic so I Carlos, so let’s get some background gave her a card. from each of you – starting with you. ALAUNA I started music at the age of six and in second grade I picked up the CARLOS My family moved to Houston from Venezuela when I was 12. I clarinet. I actually didn’t want to play got my first guitar when I was 18, so I clarinet, I wanted to play drums. For am a late bloomer in that sense, and I music class I had to pick a second instrument and I said drums, drums, drums started playing mostly as another outlet for writing. I was very interested in writand my parents were not thrilled with ing stories, articles, and poems. Picking idea. However, while I was walking up a guitar was just another outlet for through the music store I saw this case that was locked and I said,”Look! It’s a writing poetry and after time it became the only outlet so as I was writing the musket!” and my mom said, “No honey, 10 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX that’s a clarinet.” So that’s
how I chose the clarinet – I thought it was a gun. I started my first band when I was 13 and my first band job was at my bar mitzvah. It was a guitar player, me and a drum machine playing “emo” music to all of my family and friends. I went the whole clarinet classical route throughout school until I became bored with it, so I got into the a group called Nameless Sound, which is an organization helping people get into improv which is based on jazz, but is formless and I really enjoyed that. But after a while I got to where I wanted to get back into that metered music but not back to classical. MADELINE I am a classically trained cellist as well as vocalist; I went to the Lawrence Conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin. I am from Illinois and I went to school in Wisconsin. When I was preparing for graduation my orchestra director suggested that Houston might be a great place for me as both a musician and as a musical educator and I took her advice. I’ve been here for four years and I teach kindergarten through fourth grade orchestra. I played in symphonies, orchestras, quartets, ensembles, so I’ve had a great
deal of performance experience; however, not as a small group in a club. STEAM Alauna, do you play drums? ALAUNA No, not really. I do play guitar, ukulele, some piano, and I’m learning saxophone. STEAM Okay Carlos, going back to where you said you were looking for a cello. I’ve been around music for a long time and I can tell you that I don’t recall ever hearing of anyone who was looking specifically for a cello. That’s a very specific instrument and sound and, besides, a cello at an open mic is pretty rare to find. CARLOS My thought was that the cello provided the exact sound I needed for the songs I was working on, none of which made it on this album, and with of my experience of just a few months of performing, I never saw a cello. I was beginning to consider violin as the instrument to collaborate with when in walked Madeline and I told myself that I had to give it a shot and we were fortunate that it worked out. But what will really surprise you is that as Madeline and I collaborated and developed our duet it became increasingly aware that we needed to be a group and we were both pretty convinced that it needed to be a clarinet. STEAM Umm surprise would be a good term. I have to say again that I have heard
Madeline Herdeman (cello/vocals), Carlos A. Machado (guitar/vocals), Alauna Rubin (clarinet)
a lot of people say they were looking for certain instruments, but not many, especially a duet, say we need more clarinet. CARLOS The way we came to this conclusion is that I am an architect and I would communicate with Madeline in these very architectural terms, and she would have to decode what I was trying to say. So I bought a music theory DVD and began learning the proper musical terms and about music. What we decided was that we were looking for a sound that could be the lead instrument to play rock as well as stay soft for the classical sounds we have. Clarinet just seemed right but we both thought finding a clarinet player wanting to be in a bandgroup and perform live would be very difficult. I said that after going through the experience of thinking cello-finding cello, we should just give it a little time. A few months later I saw Alauna warming up before a show. I told him what we were looking for and gave him a card. STEAM So what made you want to go to an open mic? MADELINE Actually, it was a friend of mine who was visiting from out of town. It was completely her idea; she decided we would learn three songs off the radio, go to an open mic, and see how it goes. She thought it would be a fun thing to do and that people would get a kick out of two girls singing with a cello. She really had to do some prodding
and convincing that it would really be fun. I had had the idea that I wanted to play other genres than just classical, but I didn’t know what I was really looking for and I really didn’t know what to expect by going to an open mic. STEAM I know you are a trio but do you bring in other instruments for shows? CARLOS We do and it really depends upon the stage that we are playing. For example playing on a rock stage we may bring in a percussionist or an extra bass sound, which could be another cello. We also take set lists very seriously. We don’t just do five of our popular songs and throw in a bunch of other stuff, we actually build the sets toward the venue. STEAM One of my favorite things is studio time. I just love that creative feeling that immediately resonates when I walk through the door. Tell me about your album, “A Mystery Yet Unknown” and how did you like recording? CARLOS We recorded at Beebe Gunn Studio in Houston, it’s owned by Paul Beebe, who is an incredible musician and recording engineer. We went it with not a lot of money and two goals. First, we wanted the album to sound like a live performance; not over-processed, but that we were there performing for you. And second, we wanted it to be an experience not just a collection of songs. I’m sure I can say this for all of us... We feel that this album has its
own personality and we are very happy with how it turned out! ALAUNA This was a first for me as I have been a studio musician and recorded, but never had had the experience of recording an album from the beginning and building up . The recording process for me was very interesting as I never recorded with the clarinet. In fact we were all very inexperienced on recording the clarinet. So what we did was put a U-87 under the bell. I started playing and it sounded really good! Then Paul realized that two other mics had been left on in the room so he turned them off and… it sounded really bad, so Carlos said, “Turn them back on!” We ended up using three microphones on the clarinet for the whole album. I think the album is a match to how the band got together; very organic.
Packed and ready for tour! (Alauna)
M
es Lov
C
explanation (a play on another phrase) I was preparing to hear him to say no, so I sent the name and he replied that’s perfect and the search was over. ~
STEAM Tell me about your summer to her plans. CARLOS Actually in March were going out for about a week or so to get our feet wet and then this summer were doing a much larger tour. STEAM One last question, how did you come up with the name? MADELINE Carlos and I were the only members of the group at the time and we were just throwing names around constantly but we just couldn’t agree on one. We would call or text a suggestion, but none really fit. Then one day during the school day I’d come up with Mystery Loves Company. As I was texting him my
Find out where you can see Mystery Loves Company and get their debut album at:
Facebook: Mystery-Loves-Company ReverbNation: mysertylovescompany Bandcanp: mysertylovescompany
WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 11
THE NORTH END CALENDAR STEAM PICKS EVENTS Saxet Gun Show 1/4-5 San Antonio Events Center San Antonio Antique Show 1/10-12 Historic Gruene District New Braunfels
AT&T Center San Antonio CONCERTS Bill Haley Jr & the Comets 1/11 The Brauntex Theater New Braunfels
AFI 1/15 Ghost/The Musi- The White Rabbit San Antonio cal 1/21-26 Max Stalling Majestic Theatre 1/17 San Antonio Gruene Hall Billy Collins, Poet New Braunfels 1/23 Josh Ritter Paramount Thea- 1/18 ter Austin City Limits Austin Austin See Interview Pg 24 Austin Regional Golden Gloves Chick Corea & Bela 1/28-31 Fleck Travis County 1/19 Expo Center The Paramount TheAustin atre Hal Hollbrook in Austin Mark Twain Bleu Edmondson 1/30 1/24 Paramount Thea- Sam’s Burger Joint ter San Antonio Austin Alton Brown Live! Harlem Globe1/29 trotters Austin City Limits 1/30 Austin
FOR MORE IDEAS SEE PAGES 8 & 9
San Antonio/New Braunfels/San Marcos/Austin
We lost another legendary country artist recently with the death of Ray Price. As he battled pancreatic cancer, he chose to live out his final days at home surrounded by his family. Price died at his home in Mount Pleasant, ending an amazing six-decade career. From performances at the rowdy Panther Hall in the 1960s to concerts at wore Bass Performance Hall in the 21st centua hat. with N o t ry, Price and his Cherokee Cowboys band were always at home on any stage. Price m a n y Dale Ma tin was instrumental in giving many musicians country their start, including Johnny Bush, Johnny singers wore a hat back Paycheck, Roger Miller, Roy Clark, Darrell in those days, unless you counted the beat up McCall, Willie Nelson and steel guitar wizard ones worn by those that bought into the Urban Buddy Emmons. Willie and Ray became close Cowboy craze. Not many people predicted friends, even when Nelson’s career began to over- Strait would have a long career; they thought his come his former bosses. Price was 87 at the time brand of traditional country would eventually of his death and his funeral was held in Dallas at lose its charm. Boy, were they wrong. Not only Restland Funeral Home. The memorial service has he lasted, he has become a living legend. He was in his hometown of Mount Pleasant at First has had more number one hits than any artist in Baptist Church. A tribute concert will be planned the history of recorded music. He has set reclater in Nashville. Everyone knew something was ords that will never be broken again, at least not wrong when the Cherokee Cowboy was unable to in our lifetime. Not bad for a soft spoken Texas attend Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic in boy that just stands on-stage and sings. I saw the Stockyards. It was the first picnic he’d missed Strait many times in the 80’s before he became a in four years and the entire day, Willie was hoping superstar. Often the admission price was less he would make it to the show. Price’s friends than $10 and fans still came to his shows to often use two words to explain the singer’s lon- dance. After each show he would hang out with gevity in a cut-throat music business: That Voice. fans and sign autographs. The first time I met Price was one of the pioneers in country music, him, I was surprised at how nice and easy going combining traditional country music with a big he was. I remember thinking that the odds were band sound. There will never be another Ray against him having a long career, but I was sure hoping he did. As he embarks on his final tour, Price. … I remember exactly where I was when I heard it was just announced that tickets to his last my first George Strait song. It was in 1981and I show at AT&T Stadium have already sold out. was living in Victoria, Texas. I had just moved I’m betting it will be many years before another into a new apartment and was driving to the local artist comes along to challenge his accomplishgrocery store to get stocked up for the weekend. ments. In fact, I’m willing to bet it never hap‘Unwound’ came blasting out of the speakers of pens. my 1979 Camaro Z28. The DJ on the local radio … A few weeks ago, Garth Brooks was a guest station made the comment about how ‘country’ on ABC’s top rated TV show ‘Good Morning Strait sounded and mentioned the fact that he America.’ Everyone assumed he was appearing
12 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
Troubadour Insights r
to promote his new box set titled “Blame It All On My Roots.” As Robin Roberts interviewed Brooks, he played snippets of some of his favorite cover tunes and explained how he took these influences and used them to write his hit songs. Then, just as his segment was coming to an end, Roberts asked him about a possible comeback tour. Though hesitant at first, he soon confirmed that he and his band were planning a world tour in 2014. Though no details were given, he indicated it would be a huge tour taking the band all over the globe. Brooks last toured in the late 90’s before retiring to stay home and raise his three daughters. His youngest daughter graduates high school this year, leaving Brooks free to get back on the road. … The Tejas Brothers have a brand new CD out titled ‘Live a Little More’ and are currently on a Texas wide tour to promote it. Founding member and bassist John Garza called recently and said they were looking forward to being back in New Braunfels. “It’s been awhile since we’ve played down there,” he explained. “We started the band in 2006 in the Ft. Worth area. It came together at an open mic night and it evolved into that Texas Tornados sound. We have been very lucky; we met a lot of great musicians along the way that have stuck with us. People like Larry Joe Taylor, Lloyd Maines and Augie Meyers. They have all helped us in a lot of ways. Larry Joe let us play in his festival, Augie joined us onstage and Lloyd Maines produced our albums. A lot of bands break up after a few years but we get along just fine. We realize we are very fortunate to get to play music for a living.” According to their website, tejasbrothers.com, they will be in Plano, Justin, Stephenville and Ft. Worth in January. Make a point to catch one of their shows and don’t forget to pick up a copy of their latest CD, ‘Live a Little More.’ … Randy Rogers and Robert Earl Keen are teaming up for an acoustic tour with several stops around the Lone Star State. The only one they have officially announced is Sunday Feb. 9, 2014 at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels. This marks the first time these two Texas artists have paired up for this type of show. Rogers will soon be releasing a live CD/DVD recorded a few months ago at Floores Country Store in Helotes. Keen is planning a new studio album for 2014 so you can bet you will hear some new songs from both of these Texas singer songwriters. Check out both of their websites for more info on the tour and new CD’. - - www.martinsmusic.com - -
THE SOUTH END
McAllen/Pharr/Hebbronville/Kingsville
The McAllen Heritage Center Showcases The Towns Colorful History The Heritage Center tells the McAllen story — with a special focus on the development of its medical and citrus industries — through a variety of approaches. Visitors can admire historically-significant photographs and documents. Other areas display the works of past and current McAllen artists. Children may attend storytelling sessions. And here you’ll find La Tiendita, a gift shop, where you may purchase McAllen-related T-shirts, books, bookmarks, pins, and many other kinds of products.
The town of McAllen, Texas, certainly enjoys an intriguing and vibrant history. And the nonprofit McAllen Heritage Center (MHC) is just the place to learn about it. La Placita, the beautiful downtown building that houses this museum, is itself an historic treasure: It was formerly the McAllen Post Office. The idea to build the McAllen Heritage Center originated during the town’s centennial celebration in 2004. The festival commemorating that milestone was so successful that its organizers decided it was time to set up permanent historical exhibitions. Thus, they set up MHC’s founding board early in 2006. One of the most dedicated of these founders was Helen Snider, a woman who had long hoped that McAllen would get its own history museum. Sadly, Helen died before MHC opened, but her spirit lives on in the building and in the mission of its staff. Rick DeJulio was likewise an important part of MHC’s creation. Rick was the center’s founding president and one of McAllen’s most fervent history buffs. DeJulio died of cancer on May 24, 2006, at the age of 58. Marilyn DeJulio, his widow, now serves as an MHC board member. Thanks to the hard work of Helen, Rick, and so many others, MHC opened to the public in June 2008.
Admission to MHC is free. The museum is located at 301 South Main Street; it’s across from the J.C. Penney store. It is open Tuesdays through Fridays between 1 and 5 p.m. and on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Free parking is available behind the building. Finally, you may call 956-887-1904 if you have any questions about the museum or if you would like to reserve a tour for your party.
EVENT CALENDAR STEAM PICKS EVENTS South Tx Gamer’s/ Collector’s Expo 1/4 McAllen Convention Center McAllen RVG Killer Bees Hockey 1/3, 4, 24, 31 State Farm Arena Hidalgo 26th International travel Show 1/8-9 McAllen Convention Center McAllen Monster Jam 2014 1/10-12 State Farm Arena Hidalgo 21st Winter Texan Expo/ Health Fair 1/21-22 McAllen Convention Center McAllen International Car Fest 1/24-26 McAllen Convention Center McAllen UETA Jamboozie 2014 1/25 Historic Downtown Laredo Farmer’s Market 3rd Saturday Jarvis Plaza Laredo
Brought to you by Oziel Salinas, Branch Manager www.ozsalinas.com
Grown’ Growers Farmers Market Saturdays Firemen’s Park McAllen CONCERTS Kevin Fowler 1/17 Kleberg/Kenedy County Jr Livestock Kingsville DJ Blend 1/24 Laredo Energy Arena Laredo WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2013 STEAM MAGAZINE 13
BEX MARSHALL - CONTINUED -
finger in to size it up. It’s like agony. Then it fits perfectly. Then you can pick and slide, whatever you need to do, with a lot more versatility. It’s not heavy like a regular slide. That’s my idea. I do invent things. I tried to patent an idea of mine, I invented a stomp boot. Like the stomp box, but inside your boot, and wireless so you can stomp about. People would go nuts for it when I used it. I will manufacture it one day under the House of Mercy Ltd, and if they sue us, bugger em’. STEAM: Who patented it? BEX: Yamaha. They had already patented it back in the seventies. When I submitted the patent they came and said it’s already been done by Yamaha, and they have never done anything with it. I went into the patent office in Adelaide Australia where I was 18 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 .WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX using it and the officer
said “If this isn’t selling millions by Christmas I don’t know why, it is such a simple idea.” Like my wax filled slide just a simple idea. STEAM: You need to go to Dunlop and have them make your Bex Marshall Signature slide. BEX: I’m gonna contact them tomorrow, yeah. STEAM: Everybody calls it G.A.S syndrome or Gear acquisition Syndrome because musicians are always buying more stuff. Do you have that problem? BEX: No. All I’m gonna say is I am very simple. I’m not very technical. I think in colors and patterns not in technical, that’s me I’m a creative on the spot person. STEAM: So you don’t need all the gadgets. BEX: No. I don’t even like pedals. I am using them now because I am using two different resonators and I need to control
the volume and sound because they are different. The action is higher on one for a better slide sound, and lower on the other because I like to play my electric rag time leads. All my lead parts are rag times, so I do two time signatures at once and I love doing that, it’s cool. The bass line is always solid but the style is a slap style, so I’ve got a certain amount of percussion going on. I’ve got percussion and the bass line and then these four fingers, I’ve got four plectrums here, and they all gyrate at the same time and playing. And then I can pull off with the left hand and get those extra notes, you pull it off to get that last impossible note. STEAM: Who taught you this? BEX: Nobody I worked it out. You know what. This is the story a real blues story, about nine years ago, my bass player committed suicide and I found him. Which is you know, uugh. I found him and I was so pissed off that he’d killed himself. He was one of these people that never complained and kept it all in. He was thee most reliable person in the world. He was a lovely giving person and a great bass player, and producer. I was so disappointed and it inspired me to do my own bass lines. I was so defiant and angry with him, I thought “screw you I’ll do my own bass lines then,” so I developed this style of doing a rag time rock. Doing what you would do with one string on a Les Paul, and doing as a rag time. Like when I do covers it’s a rag time, like I do Johnny B Goode and it’s got the lead parts and the rag time underneath. It’s fun. So it’s why I can’t get to technical, and I play in so many different tunings, you know as detune the whole s scale changes, so that’s why I think in patterns. STEAM: That takes us to the next question; what is your amp set up? BEX: You know what, Fender amps for me; they just work with those resonators. They
give a great acoustic electric sound, which is a sexy sound. I don’t like to be too heavy or grungy or overdrivey, I don’t want to sound like too heavy. I like a clean sound for the picking, and then you know a little bit of drive when I go into my rag time and slide. That’s it. That is a Fender 212R solid state. Pretty straight amp really, but it has a lovely metallic sound. You get that nice metallic crunch when you slap it. I don’t like a wooly sound. You know I could go through the best amps in the world but with the resonator it would still sound like rubbish. It has a tendency to sound like rubbish through anything else but a bloody Fender. Just that tiny bit of reverb for sustain. STEAM: You have a couple pedals, what are they? BEX: I’ve got a Route 66, which I play my slide resonator through. And a Blues Breaker which has a different sound for the black guitar. And a boost with an equalizer, cause once again with a resonator you can get these “whaaaa” frequencies. And different venues with odd wiring you get some “zzzz”, but that’s normal and I stopped panicking about that a long time ago. Again with these resonators have just a simple lipstick pickup; you don’t need too much messing about with them to be honest. You know a bad workman blames his tools. (Laugh) STEAM: Do you use the same set up for recording? BEX: I recorded on several guitars, on The House of Mercy, all my goodies. Whatever is hanging around and makes the required sound. I produced this record myself and I’m very proud of that fact. STEAM: You should be it was nominated for a British Blues Music award. BEX: Basically, when I’m in the studio and have the luxury of time, and I did this time, I can be really imaginative on it. I was very aware of not being too sort of precious, not every track needs to be Bohemian Rhapsody. Though The House of Mercy is different because it has this outtro jam, blue grass thing that happens. I wanted to put across what happens in our house; it’s full of musicians and musicians love
to jam. It’s all about the excitement of a jam. That’s what I wanted to capture in that song. That’s what The House of Mercy really represents for me as our company and our radio station and this record. It’s all about the music. I’ve got a lot of wonderful musicians who donated their time because they love what we do at the House of Mercy; keeping it real. Its’ a cottage industry. There are no adverts on it. No sponsorship. We sold the CD through Amazon. And there is a little book store on there. We have a list of what artist are reading on the road and that is our book shop. You can look at the bookshop at www.houseofmercy.tv; it’s quite a great collection of books. If you buy from us through Amazon we get a tiny percentage and it is what is keeping us running. We are very independent. My husband Barry was one of the original pirate DJ’s of Radio Caroline in the seventies. His whole jazz collection is at the bottom of the ocean at the moment, when the main rig sank in the end. He has always been in radio, he worked on a syndicated show called Rock Around the World, where he was meeting people like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters and The Doors back in the sieventes. He was a tour manager for T Rex and booked a top venue in SoHo at one time. He was just awarded a lifetime achievement award in the U.K; he is a tastemaker, subsequently all the bands that come through are top. That’s what we are promoting, real music. We look after them we put bands on the road, put them up, there is always something on the stove, always leftovers in CONTINUED the fridge. PAGE 27 STEAM: A real
WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.COM JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 19
Notes for Animals in Need Dr. Arrington is an emergency and critical care veterinarian here in Corpus Christi who has devoted his life to providing the absolute best medical and surgical care for animals while upholding the compassionate bed side manner that is a key necessity in such situations for both the animal and their "worried parent." His other passion outside the clinic doors is music. He has most recently combined the two passions and formed "Notes for Animals in Need," a nonprofit fund which will provide local musicians the opportunity to be heard and help raise money for animals in need of urgent emergency care. Money raised by “Notes for Animals in Need” will provide ongoing care for animals in genuine need as determined by a veterinarian.
20 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
Dr. Arrington’s group, The Dance Hall Rebels, will be releasing a single entitled "Here's To Country" in January 2014 that will serve as the pilot song for this program. “It definitely isn't your average country tune so be on the watch for this high energy, rocking, Texas fueled, sound!,” says Dr. Arrington. Let's support local music but most of all help save the lives of animals!
For more information, to get involved, and to make donations with Notes for Animals in Need email: drdanarrington@gmail.com
314 E AVENUE G PORT ARANSAS
361.290.7143 WWW.BRONSBEACHCARTS.COM WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 21
Janice Joplin
CHOOSING
Words by Tamma Hicks, STEAM Mag.
Janice is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Texas in 1980 and studied art with a passion taking as many art classes has humanly possible. She discovered that she had a special feeling for clay creations and began working as an apprentice with several different potters while earning her degree in Fine Arts at San Antonio College. Although Janice's first love is clay, she is also a talented painter and in addition, she works with metal and glass. Janice is recognized for her fabulous beach ladies, also known as “the fun seekers”. In the movie “The 40 Year Old Virgin” 60 of Janice’s designs are featured. Her work is commissioned by private collectors worldwide and has been licensed and reproduced by Westland Giftware.
rescued animals. CowParade is the world’s largest public art event having had shows and auctions benefiting charitable organizations in 75 cities around the world since 1999. In 2001 Janice donated "Fun Seeker" was donated to the Houston CowParade for the benefit of M.D. Anderson's Children's Cancer Clinic and raised $20,000. “Mermoo” was donated in 2003 to the San Antonio CowParade benefiting the American Cancer Society. Both cows remind us is to take time to enjoy life, smile and be a "Fun Seeker"! Janice will be the featured artist in an upcoming show at Artist Cove Gallery.
As you drive down the dirt driveway to Janice's studio it’s obvious that she lives her mantra, “Choose To Be Happy”. The studio was once a dairy barn in the 40's and now it is surrounded by her vibrant, whimsical art and former 4-H projects, her menagerie. Janice’s is an avid animal lover and has created the series “Our Lady of the Cactus Tiara” to be the Patron Saint of
22 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
www.janicejoplinartist.com
TO BE
HAP PY
JOSH RITTER a compliment and a shot in the arm STEAM: Over the last decade and a half you’ve released seven studio albums and eight EP’s. The EP’s strike us in terms of their release dates. While other bands are strictly releasing only EP’s, you’ve scattered them throughout your career. Are you releasing them as a point of interest for fans in between albums and do you ever see a time in your career where you will release only EP’s as the industry struggles with falling album sales? JR: For me personally an EP is a palette cleanser. It shows me where an album is going to head next. STEAM: Paste Magazine named you on of the ‘100 Greatest Living Songwriters’. How do you take such an accolade? Do you find yourself being more critical of your work having received such an honor? JR: It’s a compliment and a shot in the arm. I do believe that the only way to judge a career is by a career itself, over time. I certainly don’t believe I’ve been doing it long enough to have received such an accolade but it is an honor and certainly doesn’t hurt the day you are having.
SHOW INFO 1/18/14 austin city limits, austin tx WEBSITE www.joshritter.com SOCIAL joshrittermusic joshritter
STEAM: Beast in its Tracks, released earlier this year, highlights the pain you experienced while going through your divorce. You’re quoted as saying that you did not want to deliver a hate driven work, that being said did you feel you were censoring yourself at times to stay on that path? JR: Initially I started out wanting to expose the source of the pain. After writing those first few songs I realized that they were meant for the moment, that they were not going to last. I think I came to realize that music would not be therapy for me in this instance. Time was the only thing that was going to help.
STEAM: I think the last mixtape I made was during the divorce, an album fueled by 80’s rock breakup songs. Did you have to stray away from such material when writing the new album? JR: I actually stopped listening to music for a while actually, it seemed like every song I would hear became a loaded gun. It’s funny that I tend to listen to those breakup songs now that I am happy and in a stable relationship. STEAM: Was there a thought that you might deliver onto the people the perfect ‘Divorce Album’? JR: (Laughing) If the album helped someone get through a rough spot in their life than that’s awesome. If there was an intention…no, that would be a little too cold I think to be able to play on that stuff really effectively has to be a little more subconscious than what I was tapping into.
STEAM: True, but how much does it suck knowing that putting yourself Words By Derek Signore, Sound Magazine
24 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
out there was only going to embrace the notion that fans and members of the press would continue to question you about the divorce? JR: Yeah it was tough and some nights I went to bed angry. In the end I think that knowing people had it worse than me actually provided me some comfort. Bearing my details and soul out there allowed me to talk about it outside of the music, giving me a voice outside the lyrics which proved to be therapeutic over time.
Promotional Photo by Robyn Von Swank
FYI www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2006/06/pastes-100-best-living-songwriters-the-list.html
Grow Food Anywhere From Mother Earth Living, by Kris Wetherbee
Traditional yards with manicured grass and a smattering of ornamental flowers might look nice, but they don’t give us anything back in the way of food. Rather than dedicating the valuable land around your home (or even your patio or roof space) to ornamentals, consider growing beautiful and functional food plants. Multipurpose edibles bring a fusion of food, usefulness, beauty and dimensional interest that you can personalize to your own tastes. From double-duty trees and shrubs to vines that produce plenty of fruits and veggies, you can spice up your yard with tasty options that are as pretty as they are practical. Plus, you can cash in on a cornucopia of savings that will yield big returns on your investment of time and space.
Herbal Ground Covers Low-maintenance herbal ground covers provide the dual visual interests of color and texture. Not only does this group of problemsolving plants perform a significant role in any landscape, but they are all delicious and healthful additions to the kitchen. The following herbs, whose flowers and foliage are edible, all prefer a sunny area and light garden soil that is well-drained. As ground covers, these perennial performers can also be used on slopes, to cover bare areas, to soften the effects of walkways and stone walls, and sometimes to spill over rocks. Once these lowmaintenance plants are established they will grow quickly to block out weeds and fill in empty spaces. • Oreganos have the most consistent flavor if you grow plants that have been propagated from cuttings, division or layering, rather than from seed. Flavorful types to try, ranging from mild to wild, include ‘Greek’, ‘Golden’, ‘Kaliteri’ and ‘Hot & Spicy’. Oregano livens up the flavor of sauces, salsas, marinades, soups and pizza. • Rosemary’s dwarf and creeping forms — such as ‘Prostratus’, ‘Blue Boy’, ‘Ken Taylor’, ‘Collingwood Ingram’ and ‘Huntington Carpet’ — drape beautifully over low walls, but as a group they are less hardy (Zone 7) than upright forms (Zones 5 to 6). The key to keeping rosemary thriving is to never let the soil dry completely and to provide winter protection if needed. Rosemary enhances lamb, beef, pork and poultry; winter squash, potatoes and beans; soups and stews; marinades and vinai-
grettes. • Sage comes in many varieties, but the greenleafed varieties such as common garden sage, ‘Holt’s Mammoth’ and ‘Berggarten’ are the easiest to grow and the hardiest choice for cold winter weather. ‘Dwarf’ and ‘Berggarten’ work well as ground covers. Sage pairs well with meats and meat pies, egg and cheese dishes, stuffings, breads and anything featuring tomato, rice, beans, potatoes or cabbage. • Thyme is a favorite among chefs and gardeners. Its range of low-growing and creeping edible varieties excel as ground covers. Try ‘German Winter’ or one of the specialty varieties such as ‘Caraway’, ‘Lemon’, ‘Golden Lemon’ or ‘Oregano’. To keep thymes from becoming woody, snip foliage frequently during the growing season, harvesting two-thirds of the foliage in midsummer. Thyme is versatile in the kitchen and on the grill, lending pizzazz to a wide range of foods.
and greenish-yellow. • Hardy kiwis grow fast and furious and therefore need a strong support, as mature plants can produce 100 pounds of fruit or more. Fruit-bearing plants are female and require a male to set fruit. ‘Arctic Beauty’ kiwis are self-fertile. Hardy ‘Issai’ are less vigorous and can be grown up a trellis or fence of moderate support. For best fruit production, grow hardy kiwis in halfday to full sun; ‘Arctic Beauty’ prefers some shade.
Edible Vines
MAYPOP Trees are prominent Passiflora incarnate L., features in yards that Passion Flower Family provide the landscape with its basic structure. Shrubs deciduous shrub or tree that reaches make their contribution by 6 to 20 feet tall, depending on the serving as effective backdrops cultivar. All types prefer full sun to light and foundation plantings. By growing varieties shade but are not fussy about soil type. Frathat are both edible and ornamental you multigrant spring flowers and delicious fall fruits are ply their value and double the attraction. edible, with ‘Adams’, ‘Johns’, ‘York’ and ‘Nova’ among the best for fruit. Use the aro• Jostaberry is a unique cross between black matic flowers in pancakes and fritters, or dry currant and gooseberry. The ornamental disthem for tea. The blue or purple berries can be ease-resistant bush grows 4 to 6 feet tall, is made into pies, jams, syrup, wine and desserts. thornless and is hardy down to 40 degrees below zero. The real treasure is the shimmer• Pawpaw is a small tree that grows slowly ing purple-black berries, combining the sweetand reaches 10 to 30 feet tall. The fruit is rich er notes of gooseberries with the richer notes and creamy, combining the flavors of banana, of black currant. The berries are great for mango and pineapple in a custard like texture. fresh eating and excellent in preserves, sauces, They produce best in full sun and rich, wellpies, puddings, juice, jelly and wine. drained soil. (Give these high-nitrogen feeders a dose of aged manure in spring.) Some of the • Pineapple guava is a beautiful evergreen best varieties for fruit are ‘Mango’, ‘Overleese’, shrub growing from 6 to 15 feet tall. It can be ‘Shenandoah’, ‘Susquehanna’, ‘Potomac’ and pruned to shape as espalier, screen or hedge, ‘Sunflower’. Enjoy the fruit fresh, or use it in or left to grow naturally. Showy flowers bloom pies, custards, cookies, cakes, muffins and in spring and the guavalike fruit ripens in fall. smoothies. Flower petals or fruit can be added to fruit salads or in jams and chutneys; and the fruit’s fleshy interior can be eaten with a spoon, added to smoothies or made into a sauce for desserts. Particularly tasty varieties include Excerpted from Mother Earth Living. To read more articles from Mother Earth Living, please visit ‘Apollo’, ‘Coolidge’, ‘Mammoth’ and www.MotherEarthLiving.com or call (800) 340-5846 to ‘Nazemetz’. subscribe. Copyright 2013 by Ogden Publications Inc. • Elderberry is a quick-growing WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 25
Vines maximize growing space by climbing vertically up structures such as trellises, arbors, archways or fences. Any vining or sprawling plant with fruits smaller than a bowling ball can be trellised as long as there is a sturdy, tall structure that is strong enough to support the weight of the mature plant and resulting fruits. • Pole beans only need lightweight support. They are easy to grow in full sun and moderately fertile soil. Many have attractive and edible spring flowers. Great-tasting varieties include ‘Musica’, ‘Kentucky Wonder’, ‘Scarlet Runner’, ‘Red Noodle’ and ‘Blue Lake’. Harvest frequently for perpetual production. • Squash prefers fertile soil and plenty of sunshine. Summer squash requires a sturdier support than beans, and a heavy-duty trellis is essential for heavy winter squash. Trellisworthy summer squash varieties include ‘Partenon’ and ‘Tromboncino’. Delicious winter squash varieties include ‘Spaghetti’, ‘Sweet Dumpling’, ‘Waltham Butternut’, ‘Buttercup’ and ‘Fairy’. • Passionflowers climb quickly from 20 to 30 feet and have breathtakingly complex and beautiful flowers. The hardiest of the group that bears an edible fruit is ‘Maypop’, a vigorous deciduous vine that freezes to the ground in autumn and comes back in late spring. The incredibly tasty 2-inch fruits are egg-shaped
Fruit-Bearing Trees & Bountiful Shrubs
Henrietta Records ~ Recorded on a whim at a benefit show for the Delta Blues Museum at the infamous Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale Mississippi, ‘Juke Joint Chapel,’ from living legend Charlie Musselwhite truly captured lightning in a bottle. The twelve song set is full of joy, fire and finesse, showcasing not only
Musselwhite’s famed melodic harmonica playing and gravely everyman blues vocals but the crisp playing of his seasoned road band. Guitarist Matt Stubbs shines throughout, giving us just enough grit and twang on these classic riffs to keep them fresh and lively and master drummer June Core injects each tune with spice, his snare drum snapping and popping with youthful energy while bass man Mike Philips holds it all together with an understated foundation. The Eddie Taylor shuffle “Bad Boy” kicks off the album setting the stage for things to come, the band quickly gets the house involved for “Roll Your Money Maker.” The edgy riff based “Gone Too Long,” rips on a muscular groove akin to the Butterfield Blues band, and the ensemble pays tribute to Little Walter blazing through “It Aint Right,” for nine plus minutes, tossing out show stopping licks like play toys. Musselwhite gives us some insight to his life through the autobiographical tracks “Strange Land,” and “Blues Over-
took Me.” The set takes a break from the swinging shuffles and ventures into samba with “Feel It In Your Heart,” which Musselwhite wrote about the joyous Forro music of Brazil. Musselwhite closes the festivities with his signature reading of the minor key ballad “Cristo Redentor,” bringing the room to a standstill with his mournful harmonica tones before thanking everyone and declaring “it’s been a pleasure to play the blues for you.” Mr. Musselwhite the pleasure is all ours.
CD Reviews By Rick J Bowen: twitter.com/RickJBowen; www.nodepression.com/profile/RickJBowen; www.facebook.com/stacyjonesband; www.stacyjonesband.com
Deb Ryder has certainly studied the masters growing up in the Chicago area and being mentored by Etta James and Big Joe Turner, so it’s no surprise her debut album ‘Might Just Get Lucky,’ is such a strong collection, the real question is why it took so long. Along with her husband and bass player Ric Ryder she has been leading the Southern California band The Bluesryders for over twenty years. The ten song set of all original material showcases Ryder’s huge vocals and skilled songwriting as well as this seasoned band. With lyrics that sting with rapier wit from a woman who has been done wrong perspective Ryder draws instant comparisons to Etta, Ruth Brown and Shemekia Copeland, with her fiery delivery. The tunes cover the full spectrum of blues, swing, funk, soul and gospel demonstrating Vision her full talent as a songwriter. Just Entertainment to add even more spice to the mix Ryder invited legendary guitarist Albert Lee to sit in on two tracks, adding his signature speed of light finger picking to the jumpin’ “Blue Collar Blues,” and the 2nd line Zydeco “Ce Soir Ce Soir.” The title track finds Ryder soaring on the slinky jazz ballad anchored by the fine piano work of Greg Hilfman. Other standout tracks are the straight up shuffle “Get A Grip,” with its horn infused tenacity and the snaky rocker “Love Stealin’ Liar.” The album hits its emotional climax on the final track “These Hands,” fueled by the mighty Dobro playing from James McVay, foot stomping, handclaps and Ryder blossoming into a full gospel choir. www.debryder.com 26 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
Purgatory Road is the third album to be released by Flagstaff, Arizona natives, Whiskey Rodeo. The band includes Greg Francescon (lead vocals, rhythm, harmonica), Chase Carpini (lead guitar, vocals), Andrae Blissett (drums, vocals), and Patrick Smith (bass). Since releasing their first album in 2008, “100 Miles & Meant To Be,” the country-blues band has been thrilling fans with their unique sound, combining blues and rock n’ roll, with a smoky twist. They have even been called, “the soundtrack to the American Buzz,” by previous reviewers. Their latest album was recorded in their new home in New Braunfels, Texas. It has an edgy sound with throaty vocals and strong electric guitar, but, somehow, is just chill enough that you could leave the entire album on while driving down the road and you would never have to touch a knob. The first two tracks, Blind Willie Johnson’s John the Revelator and Purgatory Road, show off lead singer, Greg Francescon’s grizzled, blues voice, reminiscent of Joe Cocker. The fourth track, Low Down Filthy Man” is nothing but blues at its finest, abounding with organ and guitar solos so sultry you can almost smell the smoky bar and glass of whiskey while you listen to it. The sixth track, Another Day in the Life, gets things moving with its craggy sound that toes the line between country and rock. Then, just when you think you have Whiskey Rodeo figured out, they throw in the beautiful track, Save Me, reminiscent of Dave Mathew’s mid-tenor ballads. Unfortunately, the vocal range that gives Save Me its mellifluous sound is the reason why their cover of Queen’s, Fat Bottom Girls, falls flat. The country take on the classic song is too fast and the high-range vocals are lost in the speed. The album ends on a high note with the fastpaced instrumental track, Alcohol Rodeo, highlighting organ and harmonica solos and leaving the listener tapping their toes long after the song is finished. Make sure to visit www.whiskeyrodeo.com for updated tour information and more.
By Rachel Mills STEAM Magazine
BEX MARSHALL - CONTINUED PAGE 19
natural evolution. BEX: Well, I’m Irish so that’s kind of an open door policy that we have anyway. So I am on the road promoting what we do in London. That’s what a cottage industry is; it’s a brand, we’ve got The House of Mercy record label, studio and an album. Everything promotes everything. STEAM: Music Biz is a do it yourself industry now. BEX: That’s right, it’s not easy and you have to trade. When I come to America and I’ve needed to be put up for five days like I have been here, and with my whole band, people help out. I call whoever has done that, The House of Mercy Seattle Branch, or Denver branch or Memphis branch. We have branches all over the world. That’s the network. When people come to London they come and stay with us. It’s important because it is expensive to tour and it’s getting harder and harder for independent artist. I am lucky with Facebook, with all the help I can get just putting it out there. STEAM: Another guitar question. Do you feel like you’re playing hard ball in a man’s world? BEX: No. I don’t feel like it’s a man vs. woman anything. All the men guitar players I know are respectful of what I do. They don’t do what I do, it would baffle them to try, you know I do my thing and they do their thing. I enjoy jamming with guys. I am a different sound but I fit to what the category is. STEAM: Do you run into the “oh you play pretty good for girl” thing? BEX: No I don’t cause they just look and go
”how the hell do you do that?” (laugh) and we leave it at that. (laugh) You keep to your one string I’ll keep to my five. There is an incredible amount of great guitarists out there, and I think people excel at different things. I don’t think too much about it and I don’t study too much, and try to be particularly anything, I like to soak things up when they feel right for me. That’s pretty much the way to go for me. I’m always learning, I pick up stuff all the time and put them in there, that’s the way you get better and better. Playing every night is just wonderful. It’s the best thing about doing what I do. The live in the moment thing is the best job on the planet. STEAM: Studio vs. live what is better? BEX: I’d much rather be out playing, but there is something about it. It’s just as good to record when you’ve got good production. I was weary of it. I could not trust anyone else to do this record. I had so many ideas, and I knew they would work. Putting them in the hands of somebody with a fresh outlook on it I knew I would be disappointed. I had the help of the most incredible engineer; we spent hours and hours on the mix. It is all in the mix. STEAM: You received nomination as a producer that is a big achievement. BEX: I am very, very happy about that, more than being nominated as a singer; which I am over the moon about. But the album for me is such a big achievement because I’ve never done it before. Certainly a huge honor, one up for the girls as well. It put it forward that you can produce something yourself. You don’t need be too scared. STEAM: What are your thoughts of being a
TOUR INFO: USA TOUR APRIL-MAY WEBSITES: WWW.BEXMARSHALL.CO.UK WWW.HOUSEOFMERCY.TV SOCIAL: THEBEXMARSHALL BEXMARSHALL
woman in the music industry? BEX: I am practically my own manager, so I have to put on hats. I look at my image ya know, you have to make sacrifices. I am not a size eight by any means, so I manipulate my image to be the way I want it to be and the way I feel comfortable. It’s always a battle as a women, you’re never happy, but I am very aware of how I look. You have to be as good as you can be. I work so hard on the music and production, and the image wasn’t an issue when I was in the studio. You have to use everything you can to your advantage in this game and it’s not easy. Yes doors will open if you’re looking good and you walk in with a wink and smile. That is not a difficult thing to nail if you put your mind to it; the hard part is the music, and getting that right. Nobody presses me to do anything, and that is the beauty if being an independent. I think these days you just got to go for it, it’s always going to be tough but go for it.
WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET JAN 2014 STEAM MAGAZINE 27
T H I S S PA C E FO R RE N T! REASONABLE RATES
HUGE DISTRIBUTION AREA
REACH 50,000 WITH ONE AD! Contact Us Today!
SUBMISSIONS@STEAMTX.COM
28 STEAM MAGAZINE JAN 2014 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX