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3 NEW MOVIES & MUSIC 5 QUICK READ 6 COMICS 7 CD REVIEWS 8 ALBUM COVER OF THE MONTH 9 CHARLEY PRIDE 10 SUM MER NAMM ON DISPLAY 14 JIMMY SMITHWI CK 16 MILLIGAN VAUGHAN PROJECT 17 JOE TALOR 18 JUN E EVEN T S 19 JU ST ALICE
PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS COMICS EDITOR ALLENE HICKS STAFF WRITERS STEVE GOLDSTEIN, TAMMA HICKS, RUSTY HICKS, MARK YOUNG CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J MICHAEL DOLAN, DEREK SIGNORE, ROB DICKENS, RICK J BOWEN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLENE HICKS, RUSTY HICKS
July 2017 #64 VOL.6 ISS.4
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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
THAT AIN’T WORKIN’ J. Michael Dolan (:23) Doing your job is expected. It’s a day after day process. It’s pre-
dictable, anticipated and ordinary. You get to say things like “I’m so busy working!” and people believe you. Do it well enough and you’ll get an “atta boy” or a “you go girl!” Doing the work is different. It’s a moment-by-moment process. It’s confronting, loaded with resistance, and mostly a time-sucking pain in the ass. There’s no fanfare or glory when you’re doing the work and no one will pat you on the back. It’s a ruthless, challenging solo effort, the purpose of which is to get closer and closer to achieving your essential goals, biggest dreams and deepest prayer. Important because we need to be careful that doing the job doesn’t get in the way of doing the work.
ROSEBUD J. Michael Dolan (:19) The reason we crazy, genius artists & treps resist change, is because we want to avoid the unknown responsibilities we would surely be accountable for, the unknown difficulties and failures we would certainly experience, and the unknown person we may have to become in the process. Important because I guess the battle between our apprehensive self that holds us back and our ambitious self that pushes us forward is too much to bare. It's probably better to remain safe in a bud then to risk becoming a rose.
STIFLED & STUCK J. Michael Dolan (:13) I’ve met so many talented artists and smart CEO’s who remain stifled and stuck in their own crummy circumstances. They refuse to change with the changing industry, insisting that it’s really not their fault. That their struggle to advance and continuous decline is obviously due to “the way things are today.” Important because nothing is more damaging to a career, destructive to a business, and catastrophic to a creative spirit than an unwillingness to change.
FIX THE FAIL J. Michael Dolan (:15 An amateur takes failure personally and often builds it into a case for why he’s not a success. A professional sees failure as an idea that didn’t work and she builds it into a case for further research and ultimately another attempt.
Important because the fact that our attempt failed is not a reflection of our worth as an artist or entrepreneur...or a human being. Just because you haven’t figured out a successful way of doing something (yet) doesn’t mean you are a failure. The idea just didn’t work. It’s a failure—and failures can be fixed.
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CHARLEY PRIDE MUSIC IN MY HEART (MUSIC CITY RECORDS) BY STEVE GOLDSTEIN
With a career spanning six decades and worldwide record sales exceeding 70 million, County Music superstar Charley Pride certainly has nothing to prove. No one could blame this legendary 83 year old Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Old Opry member if he just wanted to rest easy. With his countless awards, 36 number one Country hits, and numerous Platinum and Gold albums, Charley Pride could just feast on burgers and fries from now on if he wanted to. But MUSIC IN MY HEART, Pride’s first release in six years, shows that this trailblazer can still deliver the goods when it comes to spot on, traditional Country. With Billy Yates at his side as collaborator and producer, the pair offers “an unapologetically traditional Country album.” The first track, “New Patches,” lays the groundwork for the whole album with a familiar country fiddle and steel guitar bringing in the band that sets the stage for that classic voice that can belong to no one else. The songs are not just throwbacks to classic Country. “Natural Feeling For You,” and “Standing In My Way” are fresh songs that stand up strongly along side of the other tunes of love and heartbreak; “Make Me One More Memory,” “It Wasn’t Funny,” “I Just Can’t Stop Missing You” and “I Learned A Lot.” Pride takes us back to the honky-tonk with a few bona-fide, tear-in-yourbeer two steppers, “All By My Lonesome,” “The Same Eyes That Always Drove Me Crazy” and “You Lied To Me.” Pride sings “You’re Still In These Crazy Arms of Mine” with an amiable nod to Ray Price. “The Way It Was In ‘51” takes a nostalgic look back to the time of Truman, Korea, and Hank and Lefty on the jukebox. The last track, “Music In My Heart,” is a nice close that is just pure Pride. The 13 new songs are the real thing and Charley Pride sounds as vibrant and country cool as ever . CHARLEYPRIDE.COM STEVE GOLDSTEIN: STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
AMY BLACK MEMPHIS (REUBEN RECORDS) BY RICK J BOWEN Concept albums have been a staple of the recording industry for some time now, with the format of a theme or story line that binds all the music together allowing and artist to dig deeper into the songs and sometime deeper into themselves. Amy Black left behind her Boston stronghold and relocated to Tennessee to find her roots, and for her fifth release, she focused her creativity on the city she was conceived in, Memphis and the namesake album is slated for release this month on her own Reuben Records label. Black teamed up with the Grammy-nominated, Emmy-winning producer and leader of the Bo-Keys, Scott Bomar. Together, they recorded seven originals and three well-chosen covers. Black is an accomplished singer, but on Memphis her songwriting skills take center stage. The album opens with her smoldering R&B tale dedicated to Bobby Bland, “It’s So Hard To Love An Angry Man,” setting the stage for the Memphis revue with smoking horn blasts, tasty Hammond B3, gritty leads and dramatic vocals. Black sings of her heartache while the band bumps to the rhythm of “The Blackest Cloud,” then downshifts into the sweet introspective gentle sway of “Without You.” The first cover song of the album is the poignant plea for world peace “If I Could Reach Out and Help Somebody.” Black stretches her vocal muscle on the slow gospel blues “Let The Light In,” then pays tribute to Anne Peebles with “What Makes A Man.” Black closes the show with the oft recorded dramatic slow blues “I Need Your Love So Bad,” AMYBLACK.com Rick J Bowen: WABlues.org
CHRIS MILAM KIDS THESE DAYS (NAMESAKE RECORDS) BY ROB DICKENS
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Chris Milam had a torrid lead-up to the recording and release of Kids These Days. A broken engagement caused him to lose everything but what he could fit in his car. Then, on tour with all his possessions...until the car and its contents were stolen. Staring life with not much but his health and trying to consider the future were formative for Milam and his songwriting as he went into the studio. Behold what has emerged from those dark days! A dynamic and beautifully layered sound. For Kids These Days (out last April on Namesake Records), Milam teamed up with Memphis producer Toby Vest (High/ Low Recording). To fund the recording, Milam spent a year without a home, using itinerant lodgings whereever they presented themselves, saving for studio time rather than paying out for rent. He called in Memphis musicians Greg Faison (drums), Pete Matthews (bass), Luke White (guitar), Jana Misener (cello) Krista Wroten (violin), and Vest (keyboards, effects) to vividly portray the dramatic emotions of uncertainty and loneliness that went into the songs. “We wanted the record to feel atmospheric, dynamic, and unpredictable,” Milam says. “It was important to me that these songs were built around live takes. Memphis musicians have a way of filling a song with life—beautiful, weird life.” Copy that! The track 'Kids These Days' has an epic, multi-tiered sound while 'Autumn' contains an infectious sweep, soaring pop vocals and a driving, escalating melody. 'Tell Me Something I Don't Know' features the much-repeated plea in a distorted, unsettling way. All three are break-up songs from someone that tells it like it was. 'Coldweather Girls' is irresistible while 'Prayer #4' showcases Milam's searing vocals (a little John Denver-esque here). Embrace the fuzzed, swirling guitar of 'New Drug' and the nostalgic sentiment of 'When I Was Young' and 'Hey, Hollywood'. Kids These Days is an atmospheric, dark and thoughtful collection. Highly recommended. ChrisMilam.com Rob Dickens: LlisteningTthroughTheLens.com
This third and final album by the folk/rocking Buffalo Springfield came out as the band was falling apart. The whole band (Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin and Jim Messina) does not appear together on one song. Even the cover photo is a pasted together montage. In a very short time, Stills would begin the collaboration of a lifetime with David Crosby and Graham Nash. Young would embark on a solo career that is still going strong. Furay and Messina joined together to form the pioneering country/rock band Poco. After his arrest for possession, Bruce Palmer was deported to Canada and Jim Messina, who engineered their previous record, was invited to play bass and oversee production. In spite of all the turmoil surrounding this contractually obligated album, they still managed to make some shining, vibrant music. Neil Young’s “I Am A Child” is considered one of his finest compositions and pointed towards one aspect his future sound. Stephen Stills’ songwriting is in full bloom with the Latin tinged “Uno Mundo” and “Pretty Girl Why.” Poco co-founder Rusty Young (no relation to Neil) added his steel guitar virtuosity to Richie Furay’s “Kind Woman,” a regular feature in Poco’s live set. Even Jim Messina got one of his tunes rec-
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orded here, “Carefree Country Day,” three years before Loggins & Messina’s 1971 debut. Richie Furay, now a fulltime pastor, talked about attempts at a Springfield reunion. A rehearsal was scheduled, but Neil Young didn’t show up. A second try had a similar outcome. The third time was supposed to be the charm. They all met at Neil’s home, but he once again failed to show. The original surviving members of the band (Bruce Palmer died in 2004, Dewey Martin in 2009) did eventually reunite in 2010, but a planned tour was cut short by, you guessed it; Neil Young. A worthy cut on “Last Time Around” is Stills’ “Questions” which would eventually develop into “Carry On” from the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young album “Déjà Vu,” and that is the recommended track.
Both Johnny and Edgar Winter found the blues at a very young age in Beaumont, Texas. Their musical family had a big influence on the paths their lives would take. Johnny recorded his first record at age 15. By age 24 he signed with Columbia Records and released his first album. Although they’d work together a lot over the years, Johnny and Edgar parted ways to chart their own courses. The McCoys were an Indiana band that found enormous success with “Hang On Sloopy” in 1965. They released a few more records, but never were able to follow that mega -hit up with anything that came close. When it came time for Johnny to find a new band in 1970, he recruited what was left of the McCoys; Randy Jo Hobbs on bass, Randy Z (Zehringer) on
drums, and his brother Rick Derringer (Zehringer) on guitar. They were originally called Johnny Winter and the McCoys, but soon shortened the name to just Johnny Winter And. Randy Z left after their first album and was replaced by drummer Bobby Caldwell. Their sound was pure, hard rocking blues. Johnny Winter died in 2014 from emphysema and pneumonia at age 70, just two days after his last concert. Randy Jo Hobbs died of heart failure in 1993 at age 45. Randy Z retired from music after contracting encephalitis. Both Rick Derringer and Bobby Caldwell are still active in music. This album was culled from two concerts from their first tour. Johnny takes no prisoners on this mix of rock and roll classics and blues covers. It does have one Johnny Winter original, the bluesy “Mean Town Blues.” Johnny stretches out the blues some more on B.B. King’s “It’s My Own Fault.” But the band is on fire on Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Good Morning Little School Girl,” the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and a “Rock and Roll Medley” of 1950’s classics by Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. There is no other version of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” that rocks as hard as the recommended track that closes this album.
Port Aransas resident Ron Baker played lead guitar and toured with Charley for 11 years. According to Ron Carley ran a tight ship when it came to his band, the Pridesmen. Wear a suit, no long hair, and no fraternizing between the guys and the girls. During Ron’s tenure he only broke a few rules as they traveled the world with six trips to Australia, six to Europe, and once to Japan. Charley has a new album releasing on the 7th of July, Music in My Heart. We thought it would be fun for the two to catch up a bit. R: I wanted to ask you about your new CD, “Music in my Heart”. C: It’s good, it’s a good CD. R: I’ll bet it is. Are they all new songs and your traditional country style? C: Yeah, that’s what they are and all brand new. R: Don’t hear too much of that anymore on the radio. C: Ain’t my fault. [laughs] R: Don’t I know that! So you’ve been out touring for the new record. I saw that you’ll be going to New York this month. C: Yeah, I’ve already done some shows. I’m getting a Lifetime Achievement Award in New York on the 11th. And I’ll be at the NAMM Show in Nashville on the 15th. I’ve got some others dates coming up to.
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Words by Tamma hicks, STEAM Magazine
R: Is Australia in your future? C: Well not right at the moment but I do want to go back as soon as I can. R: That was always great and always quite fun. C: I remember that’s where I gave all of my orders of don’t be messing around in the house and the next thing you know everybody is mad. I thought it was Preston (Buchanan, bass player). I thought he was covering for you and you were covering him. Do you remember what happened in Atlanta? R: In Atlanta? C: Yeah, we were in to catch a train and I remember telling you all that you don’t mess around and you’d be gone if you did. Then all of the sudden you're looking with your eyes all wide open and I found out it was you and Vicki. She said “oh well go ahead and get mad now.” You don’t remember that now, do you?
THE PRIDESMEN (UNDATED)
R: I do remember that. Believe me; I was pretty scared there for a while. C: I remember what you were looking like and that was Gene O’Neils (steel guitar) idea. that wasn’t mine, I was aware that something was going on, but I thought it was Preston. R: Oh, okay. I think it was also Gene’s idea to take my luggage in Tasmania. You remember that? My first trip there and I go to my room to find all my luggage is gone. C: I don’t remember that. R: I remember that and what happened was I accidentally left my door unlocked and Gene went in and took all my stuff and I was freaking out. C: I do remember that. Hey, I'm gonna have to go, but it’s great talking with you. R: It’s been good talking with you too.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 look. Many of the Trussart models feature patterns either engraved or literally imprinted into the metal bodies or on the pickguard or headstock. Engraved skulls, roses, and tribal art are some of the more common themes, while others feature textures of alligator skin or plant materials. He literally 'sandwiches' the metal with the alligator skin and lets it sit in water for several days. What led you to building steel body guitars? It was in the early 1970s that I bought a National Resonator with a broken neck and missing headstock, so I rebuilt a neck from scratch. That was my first inspiration and first discovery of the unique tonal and response of a steel- bodied guitar. Can you tell me what the difference between playing a steel-bodied instrument vs a wood body? Are the tones similar or does the resonator’s effect come through? Tthe resonance and feel of my steelbodied is, according to my guitarist friends and customers, one of the most responsive things they have ever experienced in a guitar . The fast response and sustained and unique tone, which is different from a resonator guitar, is one of the main qualities of my instruments. As an extension and addition to my production, my other trademark consists of a steel top and steel headcap recessed on my wood-body guitars ‌. The Steelmaster, Steeltopcaster, Steelomatic, and Steeltop Do you still build violins? I haven`t in the last few years but would love to make time for research & development, building prototypes, and playing some Cajun blues tunes. What possessed you to sandwich alligator skin and soak them in water? That just sounds like a happy accident to me. In the Louisiana swamps is where I thought of the recipe!
www.jamestrussart.com facebook .com/ James Trussart Guitars Instagram.com/ trussartguitars youtube.com/user/ TrussartGuitars
Advanced Audio Microphones is a family-run company out of British Columbia Canada. The CEO and designer, Dave Thomas, has more than 45 years of experience of sound engineering expertise. Dave is an important member of the group of experimentalelectronics irregulars whose work in the formative years underpins the entire pro audio technology phenomenon. A circuit man from the beginning, David’s profound understanding of the behavior of electronic circuits is the bedrock upon which his reputation stands. When it comes to microphones and signal processing, there is practically no technology in the business that David hasn’t seen, repaired, improved, modified, developed or invented.
Now with the audio industry surging,
and thousands of amateur and professional enthusiasts clamoring for quality, and that desirable vintage feel, David has discovered that his hard-won microphone and preamp circuit expertise is very much in demand. He has crafted and assembled a suite of microphones tailored to the needs of the serious recordist and will soon offer the perfect companion Class A preamp to match. His creations are fast becoming the top of the class at each price point.
Advanced Audio Microphones is growing, and plans for expansion into signal processing, live recording, and acoustics consultation are in the near future. Advancedaudio.ca Summer NAMM 2017 Booth 531 July 13-15, Nashville TN
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By Steve Goldstein, STEAM Magazine hen you think of high pressure jobs, several come to mind; surgeon, police officer, fire fighter, air traffic controller, guitar technician. What? Yes, guitar technician! Just ask Jimmy Smithwick of Corpus Christi, Texas and he’ll tell you stories about sensitive repairs to classic instruments worth thousands of dollars. “I’ve worked on very old Fenders, very old Les Pauls, and those are about as nerve wracking as those old Burns guitars. Anything vintage, or anything that has sentimental value. Two months ago, I was doing a private collection. I don’t think there was a guitar in the room less than $7000, and he had about 31 guitars.” ince 2001, musicians all over south Texas have entrusted their precious instruments to Jimmy, first as a tech with local music stores, and then with his own Jimmy Smithwick’s Guitar Repair
for the past 3 ½ years. In that time, he has gained knowledge and experience in all aspects of guitar repair; from restringing and set ups to fret dressing, pickup installations and re-gluing headstocks and bridges. He has also managed to build a loyal clientele that appreciates the loving care and attention to detail given to each and every instrument. “When people bring their guitar, there’s an introduction. They tell you why it’s their guitar. ‘My dad gave it to me; it’s my dead brother’s guitar…’ They’re letting you know how much care you should be putting into this.” In fact, Jimmy feels strongly that all guitars are created equal. “A $99 guitar, a $5000 guitar, I treat them all the same because I know how important they are to the owner.” ne of the aspects of being a guitar tech that Jimmy thrives on is the ongoing learning experience. After the rewarding, but stifling experience of working in a guitar store, Jimmy opened his own storefront in Corpus Christi. Aside from the day to day responsibilities of operating a successful business, he was also able to augment his growing bag of repair techniques. In November of 2016, he moved the operation to his home and soon found out that musicians would still turn up at his door in need of help for their ailing axe. “I just did one recently…a classical guitar with the head snapped off in a very weird way.
When I was done, it actually looked like nothing happened to it. That one surprised me.” immy’s laid back nature and friendly voice don’t hide his knowledge and passion for the guitar. That passion was ignited at a young age. Born in Alice, Texas and growing up in Kingsville, his first exposure to the sound of music was through his uncle who was a drummer in a popular Tejano band. Then, with guidance from his musician step-father, 8 year old Jimmy discovered the guitar. Jimmy’s affable sense of humor takes over as he looks back. “He turned my teen angst, when I was looking for an outlet. I discovered rock and roll and the guitar. It was all kind of up or down hill, whichever way you look at it.” Jimmy credits The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Knack, KISS and Eric Clapton as his earliest inspirations. His friends would eventually turn him on to the likes of AC/DC and Peter Frampton. But Jimmy admits that he was more taken with the pop sounds of Def Leppard, Michael Jackson, and even that proprietor of the strange and unusual, Dr. Demento. But songwriting soon became the main focus. “That’s the formula I wanted to figure out. The guitar helped me do that.” y 1996, Jimmy got involved in his punk rock band, The Reely Rotnz. They still are out there doing shows all over Corpus Christi, including Executive Surf Club, House of Rock and Brewster Street Ice House. San Antonio has also been
a welcoming source of gigs. Although the lineup has changed several times over the years, Jimmy has been the only original member who’s continuous efforts over the past 21 years still keeps the momentum going strong. Today, The Reely Rotnz consists of Eli Pena on lead guitar, Michael Cadena on drums, newest member Derek Burgess on bass, and Jimmy handling rhythm guitar and vocals. An upcoming show on July 15th to celebrate the band’s anniversary will be held at the House of Rock in Corpus Christi following the first ever Musical Gear Trade Show. immy Smithwick’s Guitar Repair is excited to be hosting the event. The main reason Jimmy is putting on this guitar show is because he’s always being asked if he knows of anyone looking for, or selling a certain guitar. He always tries to accommodate his clients, but by having everything in one location like this, buyers, sellers and traders can meet each other face to face. Being able to provide a venue for this to happen brings a genuine sense of gratification to Jimmy. “The one thing about musicians is that they never really get to really hang out because they’re always playing. Musicians only know musicians. Unless they have a weekend off, I doubt that they want to spend it in a bar watching
bands,” he adds with a chuckle. endors signed up so far include Killer B Kustoms, Space Tone Vintage, Phoenix Custom Cabs and Pristine Vintage. Several individual sellers will also have tables set up. “Guitar Center has donated an Awesome Grand Prize for the raffle and I would like to mention them for doing that!” People will also be able to bring in their own gear to try to sell or trade. $20 gets a table to sell your guitars, amps, parts, accessories and “all the stuff their wives want them to get rid of.” immy’s goal is for this event to happen twice a year. “We’ll see how this one goes. You know, I have to start somewhere. I want to get all these little custom guitar builders or amp builders… there’s a lot of them.” Jimmy is hoping musicians will share his enthusiasm. After talking to him, it’s hard not to. he Musical Gear Trade Show will take place on Saturday, July 15th at House of Rock, 511 Starr St. in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas from 12-6 pm. Admission is $2. The Reely Rotnz will host their 21st Birthday Bash with guests Distorted Distraction, Given A Chance, and When Autumn Turns to Grey at the same location starting at 9:30 pm. Admission for that is $5.
A b d b a Jimmy Smithwick’s Guitar Repair @ (361) 765-7335 facebook.com/ jimmysmithwicksguitarrepair & email jimmyrotn@yahoo.com
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When are you planning to release the album? We are shooting for August, so I have the mastering and the producing of the CDs to be done during July, because we are running on schedule to be honest with you know. So we can definitely take it to post and get it out by August. So do you have any plans for tour? It depends, you know we have been playing Austin and working on getting our thing going on here and we have been playing Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. We have been playing the regional stuff more right now. But it would be great if we could get on tour, I mean the ideal thing would be to work with Tedeschi Trucks. I’d love opening for them, they're a great band. They're a great band! I was hoping you were going to say you were headed to South Texas, specifically Corpus Christi! I’d love to, as long as we get people in clubs.
By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine
After an inaugural performance for Austin’s SUN Radio, followed by their first public show at the One 2 One Club during the 2017 South by Southwest, the two musicians are well on the way to establishing their own exciting musical identity with the upcoming Texas tour and first album. The Milligan Vaughan Project (or MVP) is a musical partnership between Austin’s highly acclaimed vocalist Malford Milligan and guitar slinger Tyrone Vaughan (son of the legendary Jimmie Vaughan), both of whom have a rich musical history steeped in blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Both Malford and Tyrone have a deep love for the blues, along with a strong mutual respect for each other, and both share a part in Austin’s rich musical history. At the time when each were looking to see what the future held and what musical path they might take - one phone call followed by a short meeting brought the two together - and The Milligan Vaughan Project was launched. JUL 2017
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There is a feeling of family here. Though not technically related, the bond between them is still strong. The stage is where they are both most comfortable and the synergy between these two musicians will bring audiences to their feet. I was lucky enough to catch up with Malford and Tyrone as they were headed into the 512 Studios in Austin.
Are you in the studio today? I know you were yesterday. I'm in the studio today as well, singing right after you and I get through. Cool! I love watching you, you are awesome. That’s scary [laughs] No no no. You know, listening to you and watching your emotions, you're incredible. So it’s quite the honor for me to talk with you. So, how did you hook up with Tyrone? Uh, we met in prison. Really? I didn’t see that in your bio. [laughs] No, I’ve met Tyrone off and on over the years, through Breedlove, and I think that he did a show with Storyville. He’d been
out with the Royal Southern Brotherhood for 2 years and it was winding down and he gave me a call and said, “Hey man, you wanna put some stuff together and make some great music?” and I said, “Yeah! I really do.” My longtime friend and manager, Mark Pucci, and I had been thinking about doing a solo album for me and I thought that Tyrone and I together would be much more appealing. Well, I just think that you guys are great on your own, so I can't wait to see and hear you together. You know it’s going to be some good music, David Grissom produced 4 tracks so it’s definitely going to have that Storyville feel to it; that kind’a rocking blues stuff. We’ve got to do some more traditional stuff for the album and that’s what we are doing today. You know more straight ahead, traditional blues stuff. We’re definitely looking forward to this album! Is it going to be an ep or full length album It’s going to be a full length album. Right now we are looking at 8-9 songs in the studio and at least 2 more live. Great! Where are you recording? Well, right now I'm at 512 Studios up here in Austin with Omar Vallejo. The live tracks have already been recorded at One 2 One on S Lamar Blvd in Austin. That’s where I’ve seen you. That’s a great room! Oh, okay. Was I any good? I don’t think you do bad music, I don’t think you could. Oh no, oh no; when I die, it’s bad. There's some good music and there's some music I did for rent money and some of it was junk. [laughs]
I’ve only seen you sing, so do you play an instrument? That would bring about the end of the world; that would bring about Armageddon! Could you imagine me with a guitar in my hand? If you see me with one in my hand you should run. I'm not playing it I'm usually swinging it at someone. [laughs] Ok, I got it [laughs]. Storyville was a great group, absolute monster! Do you guys ever get together for shows? Yeah, a total machine. You know, every once in a while me and David Grissom will play together, but that’s about it. I mean we are all good friends but we don’t usually do a lot together and I don’t think that’s ever going to happen again to be honest with you. If you could jam with anyone besides Tyrone, who would it be? That’s a good question. I’d probably play with Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I heard you got stuck in some Austin traffic, but you made it to the studio. How are you? Yeah, that’s Austin. We‘ve got studio yesterday and today that we are finishing up. Things are going good. Where you calling from? Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi. Oh yeah, that’s where you want to be! Exactly! Life should be spent at either the beach or the studio! I'm really excited about the album you two have coming out. Was there a lot of collaboration on the songwriting? Yeah, it was a collaborated mixture with
David Grissom co-writing some songs with a fella, me and Malford wrote a few songs together, I wrote a couple of the songs, and we have a few covers. Malford was saying it’s going to be 1012 songs and that it’ll be out in August. I think so, we are hoping for it, things get pushed back but we are on schedule for an August release. But we need it out like yesterday, so we are hustling. What kind of songs did you write for this album? Are they traditional blues or more funky? Yeah there's a couple funky rocking ones and then some traditional blues on there. I’d say the whole album really has a Texas kind of vibe to it. Storyville meets the Vaughan Brothers kind of thing. I know there’s a story about you and a harmonica from Muddy Waters, so do you play harp too? No Muddy Waters gave me one as a kid, but I lost it in the dirt in our backyard. Well, I imagine some people in Austin will be out looking for it now. Besides guitar, do you play anything else? No, guitar is the main thing. I have written a few things on keyboards, but typically it’s the guitar. I would think it be harder on guitar than on keys.
Yeah, I think it’s a different mindset that’s why people go back and forth, but for me it starts with guitar. If I can find a good guitar lick that I like, that I really enjoy, then I can build around that. Are you a writer that has to have a lick or hook in mind before you can start writing something? Yeah, what I do is mess around with the guitar and I know if I’ve already written a lick or if someone else has. I play around with the guitar until I find something that I think is interesting and a little different; maybe it’s putting something together in a fresh way. As soon as I get a nice guitar lick depending on the mood of it, whether it is darker or happy, is what type of song it’ll be. It just depends on a lick that makes me think, “Man this is really good, let me just work with it.” So the lyrics come after the melody, right? Usually so; I mean if you have a good line, the title or something else to start with, then it usually helps. There's a lot of clichés out there, and sometimes it does start with a cliché. It helps to have a recorder or notepad, because you'll have ideas all day long and it’s good to write them down. Sure enough if you don’t write them down you'll lose them.
and it’s going to take a while to develop. You have to put so many hours in before it really looks like you're doing something. Also, you have to find people that are like you, that are really passionate, that are taking time to learn the craft and taking it seriously, because you know music is for everything. It’s for fun, it’s for relaxation, and you don’t have to take it seriously all the time. If you want to be the professional you do, do it for fun and the next thing you know it’ll turn into a professional thing. You know you have to have a good time and have fun while trying to get it off the ground, because music is a tough business.
CONTACT: MilliganVaughanProject.com Facebook.com/MVPAustin
It’s a very tough business and it’s good to hear someone like you say that. And by that I mean someone whose family is so ingrained in the music business and still had to work your way up.
SHOWS: 7/14 Anton’s - Austin 7/15 Cactus Music – Houston 7/15 Fitzgerald’s – Houston 7/21 One 2 One Bar – Austin
That’s cool, do you have any suggestions or advice Yeah, I would say you’ve got to give it a good try, don’t get discouraged too soon
By Tamma Hicks STEAM Magazine
THEJOETAYLORGROUP.COM FACEBOOK.COM/JOE.TAYLOR.10441
Joe Taylor is an acclaimed performer and ace studio guitarist who continues to delight audiences across the country with his fiery, groove-laden shows. When we talked with him in May about his June Texas shows, I figured he was a great player and would put on a good show. Well, I was wrong… He is a FANTASTIC guitarist with two extremely talented guys forming his rhythm section, Josh Birmingham on drums and Mike Frost on bass, who puts on a show that you really shouldn’t miss. Joe has been called the “Redneck Jeff Beck” by The Village Voice, a “funky mix of Jeff Beck and Chet Atkins” by Rust Magazine, and “Claptonesque” by The San Diego Troubadour, and personally I couldn’t come up with a comparison that can fit any better than those! In fact all three are incredible musicians! Josh is a very capable session drummer out of Atlanta where he also teaches and is in a number of local bands. As for Mike, well Joe told me that he thinks of music like painting a picture. “I have my palette of colors I use and favorite ones at that,” explained Joe, “but Mike's pallet is crazy! He has so many colors and variations of colors and he just throws them around so it's very exciting to play with someone like him.” With an explanation like that, I can say that it’s very exciting to watch him play! I don’t know if it was the first time I’d seen a six-string bass played, but I do know I’ve never seen a bass played
like that… Absolutely jaw dropping!
I have been trying to find the best words to describe the Joe Taylor Group’s show and a “musical joyride” is what I’ve come up with. Joe takes the wheel and cruises you around from Jimi Hendrix to James Bond to songs off his latest album, Sugardust InThe Devil Wind. His ability to take you through rolling hills of highs and lows, around sharp windy roads with drama and thrills, and through dark tunnels with bright happy endings is a pleasure ride that everyone should be standing in line for. If you happened to have missed the Joe Taylor Group‘s tour through Texas don’t fret too much. One, you can always buy the album and pretend you were there and two, they will be back!
JUL 2017 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
JUL 2017
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FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
COASTAL BEND
Colour You Like, 7/20 Another Level, 7/27 Splendiferous Thursdays, 6/1–8/17 @ 7:30pm
Corpus Christi Food Truck Summerfest Water Edge Park, Corpus Christi 7/22 @ 12pm
food trucks, family games and happy hour specials! Fridays through 9/1 @ 6pm
Concrete Street Amphitheater 700 Concrete St, Corpus Christi 7/ 8 Reel Big Fish w/ The Expendables 7/ 20 Turnpike Troubadours w/ Stoney LaRue 7/ 21 In This Moment w/ Motionless in White
On the Hour Gallery Walks The Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi On the Second Saturday of the month, your friendly and knowledgeable docent will provide free guided tours of the current exhibitions to museum attendees. 7/8 @ 1-4pm
DOGA - Yoga with Dogs! Gulf Coast Humane Society 3118 Cabaniss Rd, Corpus Christi 7/29 @ 11am
Treble Soul Luckenbach Dance Hall 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Luckenbach 7/1 @ 1pm
Borderline Band See our ad for full listing!
Frontier Saloon 9709 Leopard St, Corpus Christi Live Music Every Saturday Night! See our ad for full listing! Giggity’s 722 Tarpon St, Port Aransas Live Music Every Night! See our ad for full listing! Island Bar & Grill Holiday Inn North Padre Island 15202 Windward Dr, Corpus Christi Live Music Thursday through Sunday! See our ad for full listing! It’ll Do Saloon 4125 Gollihar, Corpus Christi Live Music Every Friday & Saturday Nights! See our ad for full listing! Shorty’s 823 Tarpon St, Port Aransas Live Music Every Friday & Saturday Nights! See our ad for full listing! Vino Mio 4102 S Staples St, Corpus Christi Live Music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Nights! See our ad for full listing! Walking Tour Perserve at Charlie’s 1300 Port St, Port Aransas Fridays in July 3pm The Bay Jammin’ Concert Series Cole Park Amphitheater, Corpus Christi 7/6 Aloha Dave & the Tourists, 7/13 Any
4th of July Big Bang Celebration Downtown, Corpus Christi For full schedule and map visit: bigbangcorpuschristi.com 7/4 All Day Educational Workshop-GROWing Healthy Shoppers HEB Plus! 5313 Saratoga, Corpus Christi Free kids grocery store scavenger hunt and nutrition seminar. 7/8 @ 2pm Municipal Band Del Mar College, Retama Room 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi 7/9 & 7/16 @ 8:30pm Corpus Christi Comic Con RMB Fairgrounds 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd, Robstown There are plenty of things to do at Corpus Christi Comic Con for the whole family! Take professional pictures with your favorite celebrities, enjoy fun panels, costume contests and buy some great art, toys and collectibles from all of our exhibitors. 7/22-23 Mandela Day Heritage Park 1581 N. Chaparral , Corpus Christi The Mandela Day Corpus Christi Celebration is a FREE one-day multicultural celebration designed to bring our diverse communities together in this time of political discord. 7/22 @ All Day
NORTH END
Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughn Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin The quintessential, one-and-only exhibition on blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now through 7/31 Whales: Giants of the Deep Witte Museum 3801 Broadway, San Antonio Explore the latest research about the marine animals, including their evolution and biology, and the important role they have played in human cultures. Now through 9/4 4th of July Jazz Jazz, TX 312 Pearl Pkwy, Ste 6, Austin Restaurant founder and jazz legend Doc Watkins joins some friends for a night of swinging music at Jazz, TX to celebrate American Independence Day in South Texas fashion! 7/4 #Queergrito Esperanza Peace & Justice Center 922 San Pedro, San Antonio The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center has a history of bringing together and celebrating diverse communities, be it through art, educational programs, or events. 7/1-8/31 Jungle Boogie Nights San Antonio Zoo 3903 N. St. Mary's St. San Antonio Friday nights the San Antonio Zoo transforms into a family-friendly fiesta featuring live music,
Balcones Heights Jazz Festival Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheatre 4522 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio Live jazz concerts twice a day at Wonderland of the Americas with free outdoor seating! Fridays in July @ 7:30 and 9pm
SOUTH END
ZiCon 2017 Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, 118 Paseo Drive, Edinburg ZiCon is an event created by Fans for Fans that celebrates Geek Culture worldwide, providing the premier venue for lovers of Video Games, Western/Japanese Animation, and Comic Culture. 7/7 @ 10am FridaFest Edinburg City Auditorium 415 W. University Drive, Edinburg The city festival will provide a showcase of local and visiting talents including art, live music, dance, and poetry to celebrate and explore the cultured artwork that Frida Kahlo established throughout her lifetime. 7/8 @ 4pm Martin Valverde McAllen Convention Center 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen 7/18 @ 6pm Neon Indian Ambiente 613 South Seventeenth, McAllen A unique blend of electronic, shoegaze, and psychedelic dream-funk. 7/21 @ 8pm
HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? submissions@steamtx.com
M By Mark Young, STEAM Magazine
FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX
For Just Alice, the songs they leave behind
paint a story of three friends growing up in a hot and stuffy garage, surrounded by amps and records.
While numerous people have come and
gone through the band's history, it’s composed of Portland trio Colby Farr, Tyler Niemeier and Brayden Davis, who are planning a last hurrah before they disband at the end of the summer. “When we were 13 or 14 we talked about starting a band,” says Farr, who plays guitar, “then we ended up in Tyler’s room with our friend Jarrett Labonne on bass, then Brayden came in a couple practices later.”
They began practicing shortly as a group at first usually covers of other bands like “Holiday” by Green Day, which Davis says was the first song they did all together.
They came up with the name a couple years later when Farr and Niemeier were at Disneyworld for a marching band trip.
“I had a thing for Alice from Alice in Wonderland,” said Farr, “We were in front of the castle and the next thing I knew we had a band name.”
Reminiscing about their past, they laugh
about some of the memories they’ve had in their 6 year history. While the band has seen people come and go, the three have been constants, maintaining a solid friendship and having fun making music.
Inspired by bands like Green Day, Blink-
182 and Sum 41, as well as “music that has sick riffs,” the group recorded and released an EP in 2015, and plan on releasing a farewell album that they said will be done by July.
As Farr will be leaving for the University of
Texas at Arlington in the fall, they decided to end things on their own terms, instead of letting their work fade out. “We are going to play a show with every song that we have ever written or covered,” said Farr, “It’ll be at least two hours and we don’t know if anyone would go, but who cares.”
In terms of a reunion in the future, Niemei-
er said “If anything we will probably play Windfest [in Portland] again next year. It’s sort of become a tradition for us.”
While they probably wouldn’t have minded
becoming famous, they kept playing because of their love for music. This love translated into their motto: “If we’ve written a song and it doesn’t give us a b----, we trash it and try again.”
While it may be mostly figurative, their passion for music is not and never will be. Iii
iii
Just Alice will be performing at various
venues in the Coastal Bend in July and August. For more info on their upcoming shows you can visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/JAofficialband/ and on Twitter: @JAofficialband or email them at jaofficialband@gmail.com.