Jan uar y
201 3
Vol 1
Issu e1 0
FRE E!F REE !FR EE! FRE E!F
steam Magazine
TM
South Texas Entertainment Art Music
Atelier International Dave Moore Being Self Contained 3rd Coast Foodie STAIP March
Neal Edwards & Reckless Abandon
Happy New Years from 2 of Corpus’ Best Sports Bars! Jan 4th
Daily Drink Specials!
Pool Tournaments Mon & Tues iLLectronic Thurs. Live Entertainment Every Fri & Sat (361)334-6135 5815-B Weber Rd Sun. 12pm-2am Mon-Sat 11am-2am facebook.com/TheosBilliards
Karoake Every Thurs-Sat
Dart League (361)334-5585 4522 4528 Weber Rd Open Everyday Noon-2am facebook.com/Jamisons.bar
steamtx.com
ENTERTAINMENT
3
> Port A Ingleside Austin
New Braunfels Rockport Beeville
San Antonio
Orange Grove
Sinton Mustang Island
Corpus Christi
Alice Kingsville Calallen Aransas Pass Robstown
Quick Read 13 3rd Coast Ride In 15 Foodie 22
Friends 29-31
Publisher—Rusty Hicks Editor—Tamma Hicks Writers — Mason Shirley, Forrest Lee Jr., Erik Hinz, J Michael Dolan, Rusty Hicks, Tamma Hicks, & Rick Bowen Photographers— Allene Hicks, Misty Nelson
Atelier International Art Gallery 16 CD & Book Review 26
CALENDAR 8
Isolation Booth 6 Writer’s Block 11
Neal Edwards 14 Dave Moore 18
For Advertising Rates, Specs, And Information : sales steamtx.com Or 361-904-4339
For CD, Book, or Show Reviews : submissions steamtx.com
Steamtx.com Facebook.com/steamtx 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: submissions@steamtx.com
steamtx.com MUSIC 5
See Page 16 for more Art from AIAG!
ISOLATION b o o t h By Mason Shirley Producer & Recording Engineer
Tips to Prepare for Recording Make sure your instruments are in tip-top condition. Guitar/Bass players should restring every instrument they plan on using and make sure their guitars have been checked for intonation issues by a professional guitar tech. This is inexpensive and can save you from frustrating tuning battles in the studio. Drummers should have new drumheads and come in with the kit tuned as best they can. New heads and strings improve the attack, tone, and sustain of the instrument dramatically. Choose a producer for the project. The job of a record producer is multifaceted, but it's essentially the equivalent of a movie director. A good producer has a vision for how the end product should sound and how to work with the band. There are literally hundreds of decisions that have to be made while recording, each one affecting the final sound, and someone needs to be the designated guide you can trust to make those decisions. Conduct a final detailed check on each song that will be on the record. Here is a brief checklist to take into consideration: Does each part of the song contribute to the nature of the song or take away from it? Does everyone know their solos, backup-vocals, drum fills, etc like the back of their hand? Are the lyrics done? Is the song over four minutes, if so can an unnecessary part be removed? You may want to write out the arrangement of each song with notes on what guitar tones, keyboard patches, drum sounds, etc you want on each part just to have a game plan. Know the basic recording lingo and be ready to communicate clearly and directly. The key to a session running smoothly is communication. Some basic terms to familiarize yourself with are punch-in, overdub, double track, reverb, delay/echo, cue mix, tempo, time signature, verse, chorus, and bridge. Terminology aside, let the engineer know what you're thinking about how things are sounding. For example, if you're recording vocals and the bass is too loud in your cue mix, ask the engineer to turn it down. If you just laid down a guitar solo but know you can do it better, simply say, “redo” or “delete” and the engineer will restart the track. Lots of valuable time can be wasted with poor communication so don't be afraid to speak up. Become best friends with the metronome. There's no better way to completely botch a recording than to not be able to play along to a click track (metronome). Unless you've decided to record the rhythm section live, the engineer is most likely going to find the tempo of the song and start recording the instruments using the click track as the guide. This assures that the tracks will be tight and in sync, plus it allows the engineer to use utilities like Pro Tool's “beat detective” to automatically edit and perfect your performance. You can purchase a metronome at your local music store for around $20, or much cheaper as an app for a smart phone. If you put these suggestions into practice, your next session will not only be fun and exciting, but much more efficient and cost effective.
www.soundmachinestudio.com 361.813.9002
6
MUSIC
steamtx.com
Things To Do, Places To Go Entertainment
Fairy Tale Ball January 19 American Bank Center, Corpus Christi Join the ladies of the Junior League of Corpus Christi for a magical night when fairy tales do come true!! Our annual black tie ball is sure to be a night to remember. Highlights of the 2013 Fairy Tale Ball will include a robust silent auction, casino tables for the gentlemen, and a musical show by your favorites...The Spazmatics!! Each ticket includes valet parking, entrance to the event, hosted beer and wine from 7pm-9pm, and heavy hors d'oeuvres- for $100, it's definitely the best fundraiser ticket in town! Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival January 5 3401 Santa Fe, Corpus Christi The Boar’s Head tradition began in Oxford, England, during the 14th century when a young man in college overcame a boar’s attack by stuffing a book by Aristotle in the boar’s mouth. He was on his way to Christmas Mass and this victory was celebrated at the feast by presenting the boar as the main course. Free. information: 854-3044 or www.firstchristiancc.org/home . Free Bird Walks Saturday Mornings, January-March Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, Corpus Christi Meet at the kiosk at 9 a.m. Bring binoculars and birding field guide if you have them. Information: 361-443-0744 or www.VisitCorpusChristiTx.org!
The Lady with All the Answers January 19 The Rialto Theater, 327 S. Commercial St., Aransas Pass Ann Landers provided wise and witty advice to her readers on topics as trivial as the correct way to hang toilet paper and as racy as housekeeping in the nude. “The Lady with All the Answers” transports audiences to Landers’ Chicago apartment as she grapples with a pressing deadline. Prepare to laugh (and cry a little) with the Rialto’s Ann as she revisits memorable letters and strives to answer her most heartbreaking dilemma yet: her own. Tickets available at the door or online at rialtotheater.tix.com Corpus Christi Wedding Fair 2013 January 13 American Bank Center I nfor m ati on: 88 8 - 8 2 8- 1 314 or www.weddingfairevents.com
Comics Live! Comedy Club 1214 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi Corpus Christi's only home for live national touring comedians Thursday – Sunday!
Nueces County Jr Livestock Show January 11-19 Richard M Borchard Fairgrounds, Robstown Don’t miss the fun!
steamtx.com
v is it
ENTERTAINMENT
U.S.S. Lexington Travel back in time aboard the famous U.S.S. Lexington. One afternoon will provide a humbling glimpse of what it’s like to live and serve aboard this marvel of the sea. www.visitcorpuschristi.com The Texas State Aquarium A day at the aquarium is a surefire way to keep your youngest explorers engaged and excited. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Padre Island National Seashore Be Covering 130,000 acres, this spectacular expanse remains home to the largest remaining natural barrier island in the world. www.visitcorpuschristi.com South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center This 180-acre showcase on Oso Creek offers a unique and varied take on botanical gardens. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information: 361-852-2100, www.stxbot.org Mustang Island State Park Families enjoy a serene environment at Mustang Island State Park. Fishing, bonfires, building sand castles and birding are popular pastimes at this great spot. Pack the kayak or rent one to enjoy the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. www.visitcorpuschristi.com
7
Things To Do, Places To Go art First Friday ArtWalk Friday, January 4 2013, 05:30pm - 09:00pm Downtown Corpus Christi ArtWalk is a self-guided tour of galleries, studios and gallery-for-an-evening venues in Downtown Corpus Christi held the first Friday of every month. Come join us for art, music, entertainment, refreshments and lots more. The event begins at 5:30 pm at La Retama Park with artist vendors and live music. Over 50 participating venues! www.artwalkcc.com. TREEHOUSE Art Collective 309 N Water Street, Ste D, Corpus Christi For information, www.treehouseartcc.com The Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N Shorline Blvd, Corpus Christi Contemporary Studio Glass from the Haverty Collection of the Mobile Museum of Art January 25—May 5 Lunch Amongst the Masters, A Collector’s View January 25 Elice Haverty and Dr. Rhodes Haverty will discuss their collection of contemporary studio glass, which was acquired during many buying trips abroad. Many of the pieces are currently on exhibition Art Center of Corpus Christi State of the Show—CCISD Student Show January 2-20 The opening reception for these shows will be on January 4 from 5-7pm at The Art Center. 100 Shoreline Dr, Corpus Christi For more information, call 884-6406 or www.artcentercc.org
8
K Space Contemporary Prophecy by Jimmy Pena & Day Wheeler January 4—February 22 Transcending the Landscape by Sarah Fedak January 4-25 415 D Starr Street, Corpus Christi Prophecy” is a collaborative effort by Corpus Christi artists Day Wheeler and Jimmy Peña who have shared studio space for the past 14 years and have collaborated on many projects including installations and murals. While coming from different backgrounds, these artists work well together, bringing about collaborations that read as one voice Working with the translucency of Mylar, images within these landscapes can be seen on the other side or beyond. Translucent trees reveal landscape beyond. Translucent grave stones reveal beyond (this universe?). Translucent walls in the sculpture garden communicate yet another vista.For more information, kspacecontemporary.org/ Aurora Arts Theatre Into The Woods January 11 - February 16 5635 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. www.auroraartstheatre.com
Children's author and illustrator Don Tate will read from his book, "It Jes' Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw" Books will be available for sale and signing. Information: 826-2356. Harbor Playhouse Godspell January 4—February 10 1 Bayfront Park, Corpus Christi Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, GODSPELL boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day." As the cast performs "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side," the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life. Art Museum of South Texas The Art Museum of South Texas is a wonderful place to tour during a leisurely afternoon around downtown Corpus Christi. www.visitcorpuschristi.com Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History Tour the oldest shipwreck that was found nearby in the Gulf of Mexico and share the adventures of early explorers as you stroll among treasures from word-famous shipwrecks. www.visitcorpuschristi.com
Don Tate, Reading and Signing January 12 Ben F. McDonald Public Library, 4044 Greenwood Drive.
ART
steamtx.com
Things To Do, Places To Go Backwoods Saloon 1540 Sun Ray Rd, Ingleside, TX Live music every weekend! Blue Marlin Saloon 3006 E Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi Live music every weekend! Brewster Street Ice House 1724 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi Throw down Thursday’s with Badlands FM! Cowgirls Saloon 1701 S Brahma Blvd, Kingsville The place to be in Kingsville! Dr Rockit’s Blues Bar 709 N Chaparral, Corpus Christi Featuring Live Music Every Night! Genres include Texas country, rock, reggae, and of course blues! drrockitsbluesbar.com Elements Lounge & Nightclub 4223 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi Come experience an upscale dual venue that will leave you speechless!!! Executive Surf Club 309 N. Water Street, Corpus Christi Live music and great food, what more could you ask for?! Frontier Saloon 9709 Leopard Street Corpus Christi Live Texas Country Every Saturday Night! Come watch your favorite NFL teams and NASCAR on our big screens! Garage Bar & Grill 15013 Northwest Blvd, Corpus Christi Thursday night poker; Country and Southern Rock on the weekends! Happy Daze Hookah Lounge 201 N Woodlawn, Alice TX Entertainment on the weekends! Harrison's Landing 108 Peoples St T Head, Corpus Christi Where Corpus Christi Goes to Unwind! House of Rock 511 Starr Street, Corpus Christi Great shows all month long!
As compiled by Tamma Hicks
Jamison’s Sports Pub 4528 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi Come watch the Cowboys and the Texans on our big screen TVs! Jack Ash’s Drinkery 4334 S Staples, Corpus Christi Live music every weekend! Come check us out! Los Cabos 9601 South Padre Island Dr. in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi Live music every weekend! Molly McArdle's Irish Sports Bar 4201 McArdle Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Karaoke Bar, Sports Bar, Bar ! The Mug Room 5114 Carroll Lane, Corpus Christi We feature live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!
Roper’s 4653 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi DJs spinnin’ your favorite tunes all night long! 7 Brothers Saloon Highway 181, Normanna TX Live music! Don’t want to drive home? Stay in our RV Park! South Texas Ice House 6601 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi We now have live music on Fridays and Saturdays! Best burgers in town – Try one and you’ll see! Sugar Shack 106 N Fulton Beach Rd, Fulton DJ/Karaoke on Thursdays and Live music on Fridays & Saturdays!
The Texan 3625 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi Live music is always free to bar patrons and the range of music is diverse, everything from punk to honky-tonk. Theo’s Billiards 5815 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi Free pool every day until 7 pm!! Don’t miss DJ Dus on Illectronic Thursdays! VFW Post 3837 12030 Leopard St in Northwest Corpus Christi Are you looking for a great room for your next event? Give us a call! Vick’s Place 7136 FM 666, Mathis Ice cold beer, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and Jam sessions on Sundays!
Outta Bounds Sports Lounge 1402 Rodd Field Rd, Corpus Christi Texas Music Mondays and Fridays Rockin’ Locals! Football Season! This is the place to go to see your team play!
Whiskey River Nightclub At the corner of Staples and Holly, Corpus Christi The party never ends at Whiskey River. Free dance lessons every Tuesday!
The Office 1210 South 6th St., Kingsville, TX Live Music, pool, darts, and big screen TVs! Politics Bar 7426 S. Staples, Suite 215, Corpus Christi We're only hard to find the first time! Located behind the Whataburger and CVS near Yorktown and Staple.
Zeros Hard Rock Club 6327 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi Like us on facebook and never miss a show! Facebook.com/ zeroshardrockclub
REVO Bar & Grill 3739 E Hwy 44, Alice Brand new and open 4pm to 2am!
Revolution Bar & Grill It’ll Do Saloon 2306 Airline Rd, Corpus Christi 4125 Gollihar Rd, Corpus Christi Featuring Clarissa Serna on TuesLive music every weekend! Come check us out! days!
steamtx.com
Tarpon Ice House 321 N. Alister, Port Aransas Live Music, 2 bars, pool, darts, big screen TVs, WIFI, and a beer garden!
MUSIC
9
g n i s s e l B Re- acred S e h t s d n u o r G South Texas Alliance of Indigenous People is inviting the public to come and participate with them as they re-bless the sacred grounds of their-our ancestors on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 12:00 PM. This is STAIP’s 9th annual march of blessing in conjunction with their efforts for the repatriations of their ancestor’s bones buried along Ennis Joslin Road. The first year there were four people and every year since participation has grown. Last year there were 150 participants and more are expected this year. Which has brought STAIP a new dilemma with the City; STAIP has always gotten a parade permit, however this year the City and State have new requirements… with fees attached. Fortunately the march is along the sidewalks, so there isn’t a street closure; however, because of the Veterans Day train accident this past November, all parades are required to carry insurance – even on the sidewalk. STAIP will also pay for two police officers to patrol the march, because in the past people have thrown bottles and cans as well as yelled at participants. Registration begins at 12:00 pm on Ennis Joslin Road @ South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, Texas. Individual smudging begins immediately afterwards, and is strongly suggested. Blessing of the grounds will begin about 1:00 Indian time, with the 2.5 miles procession shortly afterwards. Larry Running Turtle begins the march with a brief history of the area and reminds participants that this is not a demonstration or a parade, but a somber walk, a re-blessing of the grounds. As Larry explained, “We are there in mourning, so we concentrate on the drum, the tobacco that is spread over ground so that we walk on prayers, and the person leading the march that is smudging the ground. We also concentrate on the prayer ties in our hands. It is a true re-blessing of the area where the desecration has been done. There is a lot of focus on the people that are participating and you can see how it affects the individuals and how they are connecting for their reasons.” This year STAIP is including a separate site on Wooldridge Road, where the ceremonies will conclude. At this year's blessing STAIP would like to honor all of our Native American veterans by having them lead the procession. All people with a love of Native culture are encouraged to participate in this wonderful opportunity to be a part of Corpus Christi’s forgotten history. Group banners and/or flags are encouraged to represent your nation or group. Regalia is encouraged, but not necessary for participation. STAIP is offering a commemorative coin with the silhouette of the monument that will be built on these sacred grounds. If you would like to order a coin, please email the below address and we will be happy to accommodate you. This commemorative coin will also be available the day of the march. All proceeds go towards the monument fund. For more information contact Larry Running Turtle Salazar at lrunningturtles@aol.com or (361) 563-6702. And visit their websites: www.staip.webs.com and www.ISHKAmonument.webs.com (Pictures above from STAIP of 2012’s Re-Blessing March.)
10
ENTERTAINMENT
steamtx.com
Writer’s Block By Forrest Lee Jr.
Love... Or the lack thereof
Welcome to another Writers Block, Let’s tackle an interesting subject... Love. Or the lack thereof. We all write about it, cry about it, laugh about it... some of us even die about it. Hmmn... that sounds like a familiar song... But I think that was a song about spoons or something. Anyway, we can take a subject like 'Love' and utilize the same concepts as another subject. Not trying to plagiarize the other song, but rather to use the concept, with a different catch phrase or outcome, or "hook". Or just remove the word altogether and dance around it lyrically. try to replace it with the opposite word. So let's delve into this thing called love. Are you ready for it? ha ha... another song... reverse those lines and it's a Bonnie Raitt tune... but the way I just typed them... hasn't been written yet... until now. (Well it probably has been written at some point, but I've never heard it.) Do you see where I'm going with this? Take the line 'All That Glitters, is not gold'. Or 'All that glitters is gold'. Both are from extremely successful songs, the end line is the opposite. But one of the meanings is referring directly to love. So Love... how can we write about this subject without sounding cliché? or even saying the word at all. I'm pretty sure every possible way to write about love has been done. But I see a trend in the current commercial songs on the radio, specifically country songs. The subject of love is at the heart of most of the songs. But it's not always said, the word itself doesn't have to be used, but implied. I wanna wrap you up, I wanna make you feel wanted, I wanna hold your hand... anything that will get the point across without actually saying I LOVE YOU. So using a phrase like 'I wanna', you can imply all the things you want to do for the person you love, or want to love you, without saying directly, I wanna love you, or I want you to love me. I want you to want me, is another great example. He really wants to make love... but it's not directly said. So its works on another level, and leaves the mind to interpretation. Ok let's try an exercise. Take the word love, and think of a few different ways to describe it, without saying it. EX 1. I have a deep feeling for you, a four letter word, one that needs to be felt, and not just heard. EX 2. I'll always hold it in my heart, and you're the only one who knows, baby how you make me feel it, because of you it grows. (you can take this line in several different directions as well, imply what you will) EX 3. Give me an L... give me an O, give me a V... give me an E... What’s that spell? Girl you and Me. (sneaky way to say it, without actually saying it). EX 4. Give me what I want, you know what it is, its deeper than the ocean, and started with a kiss. I like to dance around the actual word I would normally use, to find another way of saying the same thing. I've written about this Continued in a previous article, but without examples. The actual word love on page 27 can be replaced by another word, another emotion, and physical
steamtx.com
MUSIC
11
See page 16 for more Art By Santiago Www.reynaldoism.com Www.aiag.com
12
MUSIC
steamtx.com
Quick Quick Read Read
7 ways to make 2013 better / J. Michael Dolan 1. Forget New Years Resolutions! Instead make intelligent choices. You already have a mission, your impossible dream, commit to that for 2013.
from fromJJMichael MichaelDolan Dolan
2. 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 or invent an idea that’s the same place to go to create solutions to financial challenges. 3. Upgrade your digital world—it’s a wise investment. All knowledge known to man is now in the palm of your hand. Be sure you have the best “mobile” connection you can afford; including phones, pads, laptops, etc.
STEAM Magazine is proud to have J Michael Dolan as guest feature columnist. He will inspire as well as give you something to think about. His stories maybe short, but we have always found them to be deep. This month’s focus is on working together - as they say work smarter, not harder!
4. 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’re going to need a tribe, a fangroup, a customer base and a following. Read this article “1000 True Fans." Also watch this Seth Godin video on “Tribes”. (http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/ archives/2008/03/1000_true_fans.php) (http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6vpBDFoMqc)
Unseen Unsold (Read time 0:49) / J. Michael Dolan
The Internet provides us with an opportunity to do it all ourselves. However, there’s a downside: unless you’re an expert, whole-brained “multi-tasker,” you run the risk of completing production on your record, book, painting, script, video or big project, then failing to market it effectively, pitch it properly or “get it out t h e r e . ” One of the most common frustrations I hear from clients: “I’m an artist not a salesman. I can easily produce creative ideas, I’m just not good at Internet marketing, social networking, or manifesting my work in the world.” Truth is, somebody’s gotta do the “left-brain” work that you’re not doing, otherwise you’ll be sitting alone in your castle with a stack of unseen, un-pitched, un-distributed, unsold, genius works of art and worthwhile ideas! If you’re really serious about moving your career/project forward, then you must overcome “resisting” this critical part of the process. Either hire someone to do it, find a partner, or hire a coach/ consultant to help you hash out an intelligent plan. It’s time to start “thinking smart” about your pitch process and marketing strategy. Because if you don’t get your extraordinary art, jaw-dropping idea or worthwhile project in front of the people that matter, the part that you’re not doing will continue to haunt you.
steamtx.com
5. Prepare For Battle! The 3-heartless enemies of every artist and entrepreneur are waiting to take you on every day: Procrastination, Distraction and Doubt. When you hear the bell, come out swinging! 6. 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. If you’re a subscriber to my blogs I’ll be glad to send you my personal guide to a simple meditation practice. Just drop me a note: michael@jmichaeldolan.com. Again, you must be a subscriber of my blogs. 7. Don’t Do Anything Stupid! You’re an artist, an entrepreneur—a crazy, creative, genius! Although it’s a tough row to hoe, it’s nevertheless a GREAT life, and the only life for you. Don’t screw it up! Happy New Year! Looking for more information and words of wisdom? look no further than…
ENTERTAINMENT
Www.jmichaeldolan.com
13
We Just Want To Play... So Grab The Kool Aid And lets go
By Rusty Hicks
Neal Edwards and Reckless Abandon has become a staple on the CC area music scene. We caught up with them on a Sunday afternoon and as Neal put it – they’d had a long week the night before. Hmm, sounds to me like a song in the works. Neal Edwards, vocals rhythm (N), Woody Gordon, drums (W), Chris nelson, lead guitar (C), and Harley Pruett, bass guitar (not there to defend himself). We’ve been in CC for 2 years so I know you’ve been together for at least that long. N Chris and I started playing together about 3 years ago. C I think it was at the last Party in the Pasture in Cuero. N. Woody’s been with us for about 2 years now. Then we went through a few bass players W Yeah, but I took a hiatus when my daughter was born, but this is our 3rd bass player. N That’s right, we had Glen Howard, Jason Beers, now Harley. But it’s been the four of us for the last year, year and half. You mean Jason from Switchblade Jesus? N Yeah, and then the drummer from Switchblade Jesus (Jon Elizondo) did a show with us too, but I think he realized our music wasn’t his cup of tea. I saw Harley in another band. I think they’re punk? N Yeah, it’s called Dark Passenger. C They’re a metal band, hard core. N Metalpunk? Who knows. It’s a weirdness. So where are you with the CD? N Right now we’re pushing for March, but it would be great if we can be done by February. We’ve only got a few gigs in January so we can devote more time to completing it. We have 12 songs – 1 cover (Fire on the Mountain), 1 of Harley’s, and the rest I wrote. Actually, I’m looking forward to seeing the video that was done at House of Rock last week, when we played with Buster Jiggs. Are you looking to tour once the CD is done? N We just want to play. Did you just say you won’t play? N We just WANT to play. Naw, we just won’t play; like that Schneider song – We refuse to play the songs, we refused to write. Silence: The alternative to music. But seriously, we’ve all done some touring either on our own or in other groups. I’ve been rolling around solo for a long time. The first time I played at Cheatham Street Warehouse, in San Marcos, was at one Kent Finley’s songwriters groups with Ty Dietz and
14
MUSIC
Pake Rossi. And I don’t know if everyone else that night was that bad or if we were just that good, but Kent got up, shook our hands and thanked us for coming up. W I ran around a little with Cody and the Departed and the Motorcars. N But as for getting out, I think we all have a bag packed and our gear ready. We even have a menagerie of guys to run sounds for us. We just need the CD. Woody, every time we’ve seen you play – the clothes come off. Why? W Because I get hot. And for the ladies. N I didn’t hire him for his drumming. I hired him because I wanted to be the only country band with a drummer that plays in his underwear. W Actually, I’ve been known to end a night in just my boxers and boots. There have been few clubs that have asked me not to take my clothes off. You guys are a very original and Reckless Abandon is one of the coolest band names I’ve heard in a while, how did you come up with it? C I was telling Neal a story about someone asking me how I played and I described it as reckless abandon. Neal said, “That’s the name of the band!” N It was Jamie Cortinas, from San Marcos. He told Chris that he is a badass guitar player and Chris replied with, “I just play with a reckless abandon.” As for our originality? We aren’t a band that like to practice a lot, so our style is, “Grab the kool aid and let’s go!” I think if we ever get too serious, it’ll piss us off and we’ll quit. Like I said, I’ve been following you guys and I’ve noticed that in the last year you’ve really been coming on strong. What kind of shows have you been doing? Last year we opened at the House of Rock for Two Tons of Steel. During the summer we opened for Scooter Brown at the amphitheater on the waterfront - that was a kick! In November we did a toy drive for Toys for Tots at Concrete Street. We play at lot of places around town and at least once a week. We’re always willing to play. Ok, so you’ve said that you only have a few gigs in January so you can focus on the CD. Where can we find your schedule? N We try to maintain the Reverbnation and Facebook accounts but honestly we really suck at computer stuff. So for January we’ve got a gig on the 12th at Frontier Saloon and one on 16th we’re at Dr Rockit’s. www.reverbnation.com/nealedwardsrecklessabandon & www.facebook.com/nealeddwardsandrecklessabandon
steamtx.com
Pump up your Tires! By Rachel Mills Baby it was cold outside. Roughly 100 Corpus Christians braved the 50 degree evening temperatures to attend Corpus Christi Ride in Theatre’s Friday, December 21 showing of “Mixed Nuts.” The 1994 film, following the holiday antics at a crisis call center on Christmas Eve, was the latest selection in the outdoor movie series. Corpus Christi Ride in Theatre is a collaboration of the “not so serious bike gang,” The Spokespeople, and the Corpus Christi Film Society. Founding members include: D’Anne Buquet, Joe Hilliard, Stephen Rybak, and Lexi Buquet. Since November 2011, the CCRT has screened films at the Corpus Christi Watergardens, in downtown Corpus Christi to audiences averaging 500 people. “We wanted to reach out to a different generation…showing films that aren’t on TV or in the movie theatres,” said cofounder, D. Buquet. Although drive-in movies were widely popular in the 1950’s, with almost 5,000 theatres nationwide, they quickly disappeared with the emergence of air conditioned theatres and later, VCRs. Today, a renaissance in outdoor movies can be attributed to portable projectors and DVD players, transforming parking lots and parks into pantheons of the American drive-in. “I love coming here, it’s so much more fun to watch movies outside with friends and you can’t beat the price,” said movie attendee, Danielle DeVacque. Cost of attendance is free, but the CCRT highlights a different charity or non-profit organization each month and asks participants to make donations before or after the showing. “We pick the movies [that tie into] the season and then try to pair them with a non-profit,” D. Buquet said. For the holiday season, Toys for Tots was on site accepting monetary donations, as well as presents for children. Although participants are allowed to bring snacks from home, on-site concessions are provided by Orlando’s Catering. Items range from $5-8 and include burgers, fries, and funnel cakes. Outside alcoholic
steamtx.com
MUSIC
drinks aren’t allowed in city parks, but Corpus Christi Liquor and Catering provides an on-site full bar, including top shelf liquor, domestic and imported beers, and a featured movie-themed mixed drink. Prices range from $3-6. Movie start times fluctuate depending on the time of nightfall, but early arrivals can enjoy movie trivia and soundtracks created by CCRT. Movie showings also vary based on the park’s availability and the CCRT founder’s schedules. Generally, movies are announced three weeks in advance on the CCRT Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/ccrideintheater). For those movie goers not ready to head home after the film ends, there is a monthly after-party held at Cassidy’s Irish Pub. On average, over 100 people RSVP on Facebook for the event. Texas was once home to 400 drive-in theatres, but by 2003 the numbers had dropped to 16 still in operation. With attendance reaching 3,500 individuals at the May 2012 screening of “The Legend of Billie Jean,” CCRT has established itself as a premiere outdoor film venue for South Texas. Now is the time to grease up the spokes, put air in the tires, dust off that helmet, and get ready to ride in January!
15
Dave Moore Being self-contained
I stopped to see the newly remodeled Sound Machine Studio the other day and to meet Dave Moore at Mason Shirley’s suggestion. After talking with Dave for a few minutes I realized this is someone everyone needs to know. R I know everyone has a story on how/why they became a musician, but I understand yours is a little different. D I grew up playing music in church but I’ve also always had a heart for entertainment as well. I started playing guitar at 11 and when I was 14, my freshman year of high school, I was playing for a guy at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Flour Bluff. He had some life changes and moved on and they needed a music minister. So at 14 I was the only guy in the church that could pick up that spot. They asked me to just hold it down for a month until a replacement was found. Well, that month turned into 7 years. My mom had to drive me out there all the time from the Cole Park area. R You have DM Entertainment. How did you come to own a sound company? D When I was 17 I knew that I was going to be playing at a conference at America Bank Center, so I put in a bid to run the sound for it. The catch is that I didn’t have any sound equipment. We were running 7 different rooms with sound, lighting, filming, and recording of all the talks. This was a huge deal! So I fiddled my way into getting the job. My dad and grandfather had a college fund for me and I won’t tell you how, but I got my hands on that money. I was working at Sound Vibrations downtown and Robert DeGraaf, who has been a father figure to me, gave me a lot of the equipment at cost and I had that college fund spent in less than a month,
18
but I wanted to start out self-contained with an LLC company. I signed a contract with my father that said he couldn’t be mad at me and if I didn’t have him paid back by my senior year he could kick me out. Well, I paid him back before my senior year was up. R How did you hear about this conference? D It was the Fullness of Truth Christian Conference and my band was asked to open for Tony Melendez, who is a Latin Christian artist that was born without arms and he plays guitar with his feet. He is just so inspirational and talented. His band is great; the drummer played for Ray Charles and his guitar play was with the Doobie Brothers. Anyway I knew the conference was going to need sound and we weren’t getting paid to open, so my thought was, “how am I going to pay the band for this job”. I ended up subcontracting a lot of the work because even though I’d used my college fund and gotten so much equipment it still wasn’t enough, but it got my foot in the door. I’ve done this conference for years and it’s gotten me into conferences all over Texas. R Are you still running sound? D Now, I’m collaborating with Mason and the company is changing to Sound Machine Live, it’s really kicking off this month. I hired an intern, Victoria Juillerat, who’s a graduate of the associates program at Del Mar for audio engineering. She will be running Sound Machine Live, a backline company. We’ll be renting gear for bands and PA systems. R You just opened at the Spirit Fest at Whataburger Field last November, right?
MUSIC
Continued
steamtx.com
D There was a music video contest. You know the “vote for my video” kind of contest, but what’s funny is that I entered and then I didn’t promote it, didn’t tell anyone to vote for me. I just figured I wasn’t going to win so I booked another job for the same day, to sing at a wedding and reception. Sure enough, I get this call from KBNJ telling me that my video was picked by the judges as a wildcard and I’ve been given this great slot opening for Spirit Fest. (My Own Little World, by Dave Moore on youtube.com). Fortunately, my time slot was early enough that I was able to do the Fest and the wedding. R So tell me about your band. D Right now we’re a four piece with Mason Shirley on guitar, Andrew Benys playing bass, and Colton Gatlin, a drummer out of Houston who used to play for Matt Maher (one of my favorite artists). I think I’m most successful when I’m doing my solo acoustic, singer/songwriter shows. This last summer I toured a lot of the Midwest and even did a show in China Michigan, overlooking Canada. When I played with my old band I found that a lot of churches and groups couldn’t hire us because of the cost; they just couldn’t afford a band. So one of the things I’ve tried to do with my music recently because of my heart and belief in relationships, and I don’t mean just the horizontal (people to people) but the vertical (between God and man), so I don’t put a price on my acoustic travels. I travel for gas money and a love offering and this has made me the most successful I’ve ever been. One of my goals is to just be a self-contained artist, where I don’t have to hire out much. I’ve got a storage unit in Nashville so that when I go on tour in that area, I already have all the equipment I need. R Tell me a little about your songwriting. D Recently I’ve really laid down the entertainment aspect of things. I’ve really tried to focus on writing songs that directly affect people’s hearts and cause them to think about their lives. I’ve focused on writing so these songs so can be sung in the church for warship. This year alone I have written close to a hundred songs. And you know, although I don’t refer to myself as contemporary Christian artist, I do like that style of music. I have 5 records out, one about to be released, and we’re going to start recording another very shortly. The first two The Glory Estate records, I think the
steamtx.com
Dave and Colton, rocking out last one was in 2010 and we sold 5000 copies. The Return: Dave Moore and the band, 10/12, and we’ve already sold 3000 in the first three months. Two Christmas records: Child of the Poor, 2011 and Winter Wonderland, 2012, and my acoustic record will be out this month, 2013. Starting the middle of January, we’re taking two-weeks to record an acoustic album that should be released in early summer 2013. I’m teaming up with my fiancée, Lauren who is a great singer and very talented musician in her own right, to do some duets. I’ll be playing guitar and I use an old Samsonite suitcase as my kick drum. Lauren plays an old Fender-Rhodes electronic piano. Andrew, my bass player, will be playing the saw. He has his own technique using a violin bow and he just gets this really great sound. And of course we’ll have Mason throwing in some parts here and there, so this will be a real earthy record. R So where can people get your records besides at your shows? D Right now they are available on iTunes and my website, davemooremusic.com. I also have videos out on youtube.com. Oh, I’ve got a great story for you to end with: Mason and I went to New York last summer to have The Return record mastered by engineer Ted Jensen, he remastered the Beatles White Album and he’s done Coldplay and just, he’s great. This trip was during the Occupancy of Wall Street, so there were lots of people just kind of wandering around. Anyway this one afternoon Mason and I are at a Subway in Brooklyn eating when this woman walks up out of nowhere and says, “Have you written the song yet?” I say what are you talking about and she says, “I know who you are.” At this time we’re getting kind of weirded out and I say, “No you don’t.” Then she says, “I know you are a man of God and you will write the song that tells our story and the injustice that has happened.” Then she turned around and left… and I’m still working on the song.
MUSIC
19
Can you tell us more about the international Continued from page 1 7 aspect of your name? S Originally it’s because we played with the idea AIAG of print makers international. It’s easier to transport a print that it is a painting or sculpture. The cost of sending and the red tape associated with a piece of art is horrific. But with a print it’s either flat or can be rolled, which is very inexpensive to send. Each piece is original. We had a couple of International shows at AHS and they went very well; these shows give artists good exposure. At that time Print Makers International had about 1200 artists, now we have closer to 1900 members. And these artists are from all over the world – China, Indonesia, Australia, Ukraine, and so on. We aren’t limited to print makers as you can see. Do you offer classes? E I have children’s painting classes. And we are developing workshops but we are currently working on moving. You’re moving? Are you changing the name? E We will be moving late February/early March to a much larger location on Alameda and Texan Trail! It will be Atelier International Art Gallery and Café! We are merging with a café, a gallery, and a framing shop. Sandy Clark is going to have the café, so we’ll have the smell of fresh baked bread and other yummies all the time. So, we’re going to be in a bigger place, with plenty of parking, and in-house catering for gallery and show openings. S And we’ll have room for a small print press shop, so we can have workshops on woodblock printing and other etchings. We’re hoping that in the future we can add a clay shop to the new building, but we’ll see. Wow, that is really great news! Congratulations! S Thank you, but you know we are like the postmen – rain, sleet, or snow will not stop us from an opening! One opening, not too long ago, it rained. We’re in south Texas where it never rains, but this evening it rained. It didn’t just rain it poured, and poured, and poured! And we treat our openings much like the city’s Art Walks – lots of artisans along with food and drink, but the streets and the walkways were flooding; everything was soaked. So we moved all the artisans into the gallery and we were packed! So many people came to see the opening! What types of mediums do you work in? E We try to do everything and we have taught just about everything, but we work mainly in painting and print making. In the gallery we show everything. So you graduated from UT Pan American (Edinburg, TX)? E Yep, I graduated in 2011with a Master’s of Fine Art. S Which is a terminal degree, not a regular Master’s; it’s double the credits of a Master’s degree. Elizabeth, you developed a whole new technique of painting for your Master’s. Can you briefly explain what “phosphormorphosis” is?
20
AIAG Curator Santiago explaining the symbolism and his techniques used in Fallen (Left and Below) and Pasaporte de Tubo Negro 4 (right)
4-Legged Rooster (Right); Boot Table (Below Right) Crabs (Below)
ART
steamtx.com
E I researched and developed a new phosphorescent painting technique for my thesis and I named it "phosphormorphosis." The technique changes the form of a two-dimensional image or three-dimensional surface, distorts the image and reveals a form changing illusion in the dark. Basically during the day the phosphorescent paints store light and when it’s dark those paints “light up” showing a whole new scene. I have to tell you, these are amazing! Santiago, I see in your print making a very aggressive and inyour-face type of political push, however your paintings have a more relaxed feel – even though you are still very political. S Ah, yes. Even though I am from Puerto Rico and am an American citizen, I found that coming to America was very much like immigrating and difficult. The Pasaporte de Tubo Art Director, Elizabeth Figueroa, explaining the Negro 4 painting is my self-portrait. The river in the back- phosphormorphosis technique she developed. ground represents the Rio Grande (but in my case it was the Atlantic Ocean), the tube is the passport, and the art supplies represent all that can be brought, basically my knowledge and skills. The clothes that lie on the floor beneath symbolize having to leave all the baggage. This piece was done for an Invitational in San Antonio that was printing with steam rollers. All of the artists we supposed to bring in a large, format wood cutout. I believe I was the only one to use traditional woodcut tools. The concept was memento mori (remember we all must die) and in this piece I tell the story of my cousin that just died in Afghanistan. You see a great deal of symbolism here from the military’s lost soldier and the Puerto Rico flag, to the quoki frog of the rainforest and Atabey- the goddess of fertility and nature, and finally the checkerboard represents all of the fallen soldiers and you see that it begins as a floor/base, but continues up and into the sky. The one thing I learned today was that not everything is as it appears in art. Sometimes it’s right there in-your-face and other times you need a new perspective, like turning off the lights, to really get the picture. Atelier International Art Gallery is currently at 505 S. Water Street, Suite 519 Corpus Christi, TX (956 )605-1221 MONDAY - THURSDAY 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Ceramic Church. (Below) FRIDAY & SATURDAY 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
steamtx.com
ART
Angel of the Hawk, day and night views. (Above)
Angel of the White Owl, day and night views. (Left)
American Gun Slingers, day and night views. (Below)
21
t s a o C 3rd i e d o o F By Erik Hinz
G & H Bar-B-Q
Putting Bluntzer, TX on the map
You won’t find G&H BBQ in no strip mall. You’re gonna doesn’t compare to Opa’s he won’t keep it. Billtong is a have to take a drive to get to some of the best BBQ I’ve ever South African meat rub that was suggested by one of had. But trust me the drive is well worth it…there were no G & H Bar-B-Q G&H’s customers. Gary found a recipe, added a little disappointments on our trip. Its Texas country BBQ at it’s Texas touch to it and Scadoosh…scrumptious ribs and 5491 HWY 624, Bluntzer TX best and in fact “it’s the best BBQ in southwest Bluntzer, homemade jerky. The ribs were done just right with all (361) 387-3323 Texas!” There‘s no arguing that. It opened in February 2010 the characteristics of award winning ribs…they didn’t pull in a concession stand and moved into the building on the off the bone, no BBQ sauce but really flavorful and super Join Us for Lunch and Dinner south west corner of Bluntzer in May. The restaurant is nessmoky. I got a chance to see Gary pull the chicken off the or Order to Go! tled near the Hwy 624 and FM 666 intersection. The owner pit in his hand built smokehouse. The pieces were large Mon-Sat 11am-8pm Gary Hullum is an ex oil field worker who chased his dreams with a gorgeous red hue and a smoky flavor that pulled Sun 11am-6pm of establishing his own BBQ joint. Well Gary has succeeded off the bone with ease. The pulled-pork was tender and and now lives the good life with his two sons and wife at juicy; with Gary’s homemade BBQ sauce and slaw made Check Us Out Online! hand. His good friend and fellow roughneck Chon Garcia is one of the best pulled-pork sandwiches I ever had. The Www.gandhbarbq.com his partner and the G in G&H. Gary has the presence of carnitas with the “Ha Ha Hot Sauce” is flavor combinaTrace Adkins, the bass charged voice of Johnny Cash and the tion made in BBQ heaven…an absolute must try. heart of Willie Nelson. (Just please don’t call him a Mutha F$ %KR). He knows his BBQ, takes pride in his cooking and has established himself Gary is a perfectionist when it comes to his food so he didn’t slack when it came to his sauces and sides. I absoas one of the best BBQ caterers in the coastal bend. lutely loved his potato salad. It Give us a call to cater your It’s like a bar fight when you walk in the restaurant with the smell of smoke and was the perfect blend of potameats hitting you in face. You can’t go wrong when ordering because we tried toes, eggs, mustard, dill pickles meeting, banquet, and party! everything and it all hit the spot. The brisket was lean and juicy and so flavorful and spices…fresh and chilled it (361) 387-3323 that you don’t need any sauce. He uses Opa’s brand sausage because he feels it’s a accompanied the meats well. superior product and I agree. Gary will eventually make his own sausage but if it One of Gary’s favorite sides is
steamtx.com
ENTERTAINMENT
22
the Spanish rice…perfected by him and his Latina wife, Rose Mary, I gotta tell you I liked it a lot too, almost as much as the potato salad. Perfected by the help and advice of his wife again were the red beans. Simple and tasty…just beans and pork slow cooked to perfection. With the right marketing I bet Gary can make a fortune off his sauces. Two BBQ sauces to choose from Spicy (El Crucero) & Mild… my favorite was the spicy but both were good. The sauces were tangy and not too sweet with a beautiful Texas sunset red color. The hot sauces were simply magical… The “Ha Ha Hot Sauce” was the perfect blend of spice and flavor but the “Straight To Hell” is for the seasoned hot sauce pros. Take caution with the “Hell Sauce” because it hurts…but it’s really fun to watch someone else try. Just like all of his sauces and sides Gary’s BBQ pits are also homemade with south Texas love. It’s a Do It Yourself style restaurant hand built by Gary, his friends, family and a whole lotta South Texas love. With his wife and two boys, Michael and James, by his side G&H is an old-fashioned family BBQ joint nestled right here in the country-side of the coastal bend. So stop by for a bite, we promise you’ll enjoy the food as much as G&H enjoyed cookin’ it. www.ganhbarbq.com
steamtx.com
ENTERTAINMENT
23
A Blast From The Past I met Richard Guerrero Jr. at a benefit for a mutual friend of ours named Gerald Alvarez. Gerald was the victim of a hit and run while riding his bike earlier this year in Corpus. We all know how medical bills for something like that can add up, so Guerrero got some old friends together, including members of The Krayons which Alvarez and Guerrero were a part of in the eighties, and raised a little money. That’s the kind of guy Guerrero is and with the nice turn out they were able to get some of those bills paid off. That day Guerrero told me about a movie he was making about the old music scene in Corpus…he said it should be done around Christmas and gave me the invite. Guerrero was editing the movie up until the day before he screened a rough-cut on the 26th of December last month. I was lucky enough to make the screening, which was held at the House of Rock and packed the place with old and new musicians a lot of which were in the movie. It was a fun night and if you were around back in those days the movie is a must see. Here is the synopsis of “SubCCultured: The rise of DIY rock in Corpus Christi (1985-1995)" Nearly 30 years ago, a vibrant, episodically violent underground music scene flourished within the city limits of Corpus Christi. Built from within by visionaries who led the bands that would be its most visible
24
ENTERTAINMENT
steamtx.com
champions, the Corpus Christi underground music scene was large enough to fill rental halls yet small enough for musicians and fans to know each other on a first name basis. Amid the swirling chaos of flying bodies, pounding drums and white-noise feedback squalls was a diverse set of independentminded bands that saw the merits of collaboration despite their stylistic differences. And as local heroes moved on to national audiences, subsequent noisemakers kept the banner flying high through times bad and good. Four years in the making, "subCCultured: the rise of DIY rock in Corpus Christi (19851995)" tells the story of a scene so young most of its participants were unable to vote but who nevertheless were still able to tap their collective resources to organize and promote concert shows by regional and national acts. Tracing the rise of subculture rock to the late 70s, "subCCultured: the rise of DIY rock in Corpus Christi (1985-1995)" taps a wide array of Corpus Christi musicians, artists, promoters and music fans who share recollections and insight into the messy and volatile world that was the city's underground scene in those days. First-time documentarian Richard Guerrero Jr. draws on his own experiences as a member of the Corpus Christi hardcore punk band The Krayons (1987-1995) to provide an intensive survey of the Corpus Christi DIY music scene's key players and memorable performances during its nascent ten-year run. The film follows his 5-part blog series from 2007 called "DIY: The Rise of Hardcore Punk in Corpus Christi" (http://blogs.caller.com/amped_up/archives/2007/01/do_it_yourself_1.html) for his long-running Amped Up! Music blog. The full-length documentary features contributions from members of Anialator, Angkor Wat, Brutal Poverty, Devastation, DMZ, Festus, From the Soul/Joywax, Nimbus, Loser, Pure Hate, Slugbug/Right Turn Clyde, Selk, Sintegrity, Sufferance, Sweet Daddy, Symmetry, The Willies, The Wrong Crowd and Corpus Christi punk pioneers ZiP! to name but a few. In addition to interviews, the film features dozens of rare photos, audio snippets and seldom-seen camcorder footage transferred from aging VHS tapes. Produced by Twenty First Century (TFC) Records, the documentary project is a benefit for the label's latest venture: TFC Rehearsal Studios. A portion of the DVD sales of "subCCultured: the rise of DIY rock in Corpus Christi (1985-1995) will go toward operating expenses for the rehearsal complex, which was first opened in 2010. The DVD, which will feature live video recordings, interview outtakes and other extras, is due to be released in early 2013 and will be available at participating retail outlets, including TFC Rehearsal Studios.
steamtx.com
ENTERTAINMENT
25
Corpus Christi - A History Chris Watson is not your average Texas guitar slinger; except where talent comes to mind. Watson’s second album Pleasure and Pain is a collection of funky loose grooves one might be more likely to find coming out of Chicago or Philly. The nine strong original tunes are anchored by three fresh covers songs traversing the spectrum from blues to soul, gospel and southern rock. Each track features Watson’s smooth youthful tenor and singing guitar chops alongside his outstanding backup band with some spicy horns and backups added in for flavor. The album kicks off with the Watson’s white boy funk “Heart On My Sleeve,” then sliding into a double shuffle burner “Untrue,” sounding more Stevie Ray like. The strongest track on the album has to be the powerful slow blues classic “Heartache.” Songs like this one don’t come along often and when you hear them on indie records you wish they had the budget for full liner notes with printed lyrics you can dive into. Watson gives us a fine reading of the gospel standar d “Going Home,” giving it a “Thrill is Gone,’ twist. The he gets gritty on Sean Costello’s “Hard Luck Woman,” paying tribute to another young gun taken too soon. A native of Denton Texas, Watson has been gathering attention in the lone star state landing him opening slots for touring acts; this strong release could very well propel him to the same national stage. www.facebook.com/rjbowen, www.stacyjonesband.com
26
Reviews: CD/Book
by Murphy Givens & Jim Moloney Any time I have moved to a region, city, state that I’ve never been to before (and yes it has happened more than twice) I really search out information on the area. Thankfully the internet has made it so much easier in the past 20 or so years. Heck, we used Google maps and cruised all over Corpus Christi before we actually got on a plane to come down here. But before the internet made that type of searching possible we looked thru books. Real books… the kind with paper pages, not screens! So last month while I was searching for something to read (preferring local history) I stumbled across Corpus Christi - A History by local authors Murphy Givens and Jim Moloney. What a great find! Corpus Christi - A History documents the stories of the people who strove to make South Texas their home. Adventurers, outlaws, settlers, cowboys, ranchers and entrepreneurs from the United States, Europe and Mexico all came to the Coastal Bend of Texas, struggling against nature and their fellow man to make their homes and livelihoods. Corpus Christi nearly disappeared during two wars, but grew and prospered in another. In this account, the tales of its growth are combined with the stories of its residents to reveal the intriguing history of the city and of South Texas. Included are the contributions of Henry L. Kinney, Zachary Taylor, Richard King, Mifflin Kenedy, Uriah Lott, Ben Garza and Roy Miller. All left their indelible mark on South Texas. Corpus Christi - A History is illustrated with more than 60 historic photographs and maps of the area. Moloney is a local businessman and local historian that provided many of photographs, maps and postcards featured in the book. Givens, a columnist for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, provides the foundation for the book as he has written hundreds of columns on the history of Corpus Christi and South An aerial view of the Corpus Christi BayTexas. — Tamma Hicks front in the 1930’s before the construcAvailable online at: ww.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com, & www.nuescespress.com
ENTERTAINMENT
tion of the seawall and Shoreline Dr. (book photo)
steamtx.com
Continued from page 11
Write’s Block Love... thing if you like. Try writing a standard love song and put the word truck in place of love... I know a few people who are hopelessly in truck. Just take the examples above and replace the subject with another word like hate... whoa! that's a twist huh? Well as long as you don't actually say the word, so have options... I wrote a song called "someone like you" and it could be interpreted as a love song from the tone of the song. The intro and feel of the song leads you to believe it's another sappy love song, but what it says is, "What makes someone like you, hate someone like me" . We could replace the word hate with Love and it would still work, but it's much more powerful to say, why do you hate me?) Someone Like You - words and music by: Forrest Lee Jr (Bibbee), James Thacker, Jim Evans Does money make you whole When you have a pocket full Brother, I’d sure like to know Is your excessive confidence A form of self defense What makes your ego grow Chorus Is it a lack of sentiment that fills you with resent Or could it be so simple I can't see WHAT MAKES SOMEONE LIKE YOU HATE SOMEONE LIKE ME Is universal prejudice You’re lack common sense A need to tell me how live
If we all think we’re right We’ll never see the light When it’s all take and never give Chorus Did the way you were raised Make you what you are today You won't agree to disagree WHAT MAKES SOMEONE LIKE YOU HATE SOMEONE LIKE ME Bridge We all say we want to change But I guess we’re not that strong cause the fighting never stops As we’re trying to get along One last thing I'd like to talk about.
I do a lot of demos for other writers, and I will help in the structure of the song (without extra compensation or credits); that’s what a session musician does. So if you're having your demos done by a studio in another town, like here in Nashville, please remember that you as the writer should never give up credits or publishing to the producer or musicians. Unless I'm writing melody and chords, I would never ask for credit. I know there are several studios that claim they will add music and "get your song heard"... this is very unlikely. You are better off recording the demo yourself, or with a studio that works for the job, not the publishing. If you are planning to pitch the songs to film and TV, then you also need to think about whether the session is through the Musicians Union or not. Many libraries are not accepting music from union sessions dues to the new bylaws, the musicians also get paid for performance royalties now, which is the way it should be... but its leveling the playing field for independent studios and artists. If you are interested in having my studio do a session for you, you can hear examples of my work online by searching for "Forrest Lee Jr", there are several websites. As always, I hope you can use some of these concepts to help you in your writing. Thanks for reading! Forrest Lee Jr is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and producer in Nashville, TN. He comanages Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miners Daughter Recording Studio. His songs have been released by several recording artists, and used in hundreds of films and TV shows.
www.ForrestLee.com
steamtx.com
MUSIC
27
28
FRIENDS
steamtx.com
steamtx.com
FRIENDS
29
30
FRIENDS
steamtx.com
steamtx.com
FRIENDS
31