John Doe @ Continental Club
“LA-1976, misfits, Venice Poetry workshop, punk rock, X, Whisky au Go-Go, disdain for business, love, marriage, death, sort of famous, community lost, relationships strained, touring, acting, divorce, drinking, writing, love, children, confront self, solo recording, lose inspiration, hard times, rediscover music, three indie records, more acting, finally make acoustic record.” (SXSW Band Info)
Traditionally the first stop on Saturday is Mojo’s Mayhem party at the Continental Club, where John Doe was playing a solo set when I arrived shortly after 1pm. John was one of the few performers who injected a bit of reality into the overall party atmosphere, stating that if he didn't have to play he would be joining the 7000+ peace demonstrators in front of the Capitol, and urging people to write to their congressmen to protest against the imminent war
Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3 @ Continental Club
“Steve Wynn defines the phrase "What goes around comes around" on this double-disc, psychedelic set that recalls his groundbreaking bash-and-drone halcyon days with the '80s group the Dream Syndicate, yet is completely original and of the moment in its own right. Grunging and crunching out on blues-based riffs on songs like "Strange New World" and "Crawling Misanthropic Blues," Wynn has hardly sounded better or just plain more alive and at home in the garage rock setting. […] The varied songs slide over, under, and sideways, between the grooves, while adding to the essence of the entirely freewheeling project. Wynn just may have painted his masterpiece.” (Denise Sullivan, allmusic.com)
After John Doe’s fairly quiet acoustic set, Steve & Band cranked the energy level up to the max and delivered one of the most impressive sets of the whole week. They were rewarded with a huge reaction from the audience. During the final “Days Of Wine And Roses”, guitarist Jason Victor hurled himself into the crowd and continued to play from the front row. As Mojo Nixon called it: "pure American existential psychotic Rock’n’Roll"!
Thad Cockrell @ Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery
“North Carolina-native Thad Cockrell, known for his themes of heartbreak (his self-professed goal is to put "the hurt back in country"), released his debut album, Stack of Dreams, in 2001 with backing group the Starlite Country Band. […] Stack of Dreams was recorded at former dB Chris Stamey's Chapel Hill studio in just one day. It was originally intended as a demo, but Cockrell was so pleased with the results that he started selling the sessions as an EP at his shows. The album, featuring Caitlin Cary and Skillet Gilmore of Whiskeytown and Tift Merritt, was polished up and given another track before its release.” (Erik Hage, allmusic.com)
In need of some fresh air and in search of food, I decided it was time to visit yet another traditional Party venue – the Yard Dog. I arrived in time to see Thad Cockrell start his set. I’d heard of him, but wasn’t familiar with his music. Country it was (including a Buck Owens cover), but the band injected just enough Rock-vibe to keep me interested.
Tina Schlieske & Salvation Band @ Jo’s
“Though she grew up with edgy new-wave all around her, Tina Schlieske later came to embrace a more rootsy vision of American rock & roll. With her backing band - guitarist Patrik Tanner (later Troy Norton), bassist Jeremy Plumb, drummer Bill Oehrlein and her sister Laura Jorgensen on percussion, Tina & the B-Sides (or B-Side Movement) self-released several albums from their Minneapolis base before signing with Sire Records in 1995.” (John Bush, allmusic.com)
Tina Schlieske has been playing solo shows in Austin during SXSW for the last few years, although never as part of the official festival. This year she played the party at Jo’s as well as her regular gig at the Library. Just after 3pm, Tina and band worked their way through a full set and a bottle of Tequila. Nevertheless (or because of it?), it was a fun performance with jam-packed arrangements and lots of harmony vocals courtesy of the two girls singing backup. Musical coordinates: somewhere between Carolyn Wonderland and Patrice Pike.
Jon Dee Graham @ Continental Club
“Six years into his solo career, ex-True Believer Jon Dee Graham is batting 1.000 - each of his three albums have been extraordinary exercises in songwriting and passion. As the smartest small crowd in Austin can attest, Graham's Wednesday night Continental Club residency routinely pulls off the immediacy of those already fiery releases.” (Andy Langer, Austin Chronicle)
I went back across the street to the Continental Club for another perennial SXSW “must-see” act. No surprises, but another rock solid set by Jon Dee & The Adversaries featuring long-time sideman Mike Hardwick, as well as Andrew Duplantis on bass and Jason White on drums.
Mojo Nixon @ Continental Club
“Although Mojo Nixon often gets written off as a novelty act, this pigeonhole doesn't do justice to his extra-fiery brand of populist vitriol. Nixon's sexcretory lyrics bring instant gratification to the dumb-and-dumber set, but his wild-eyed performances have the air of a tent revival.” (Greg Beets, Austin Chronicle)
“The more you drink, the better we sound”. Mojo was talking to the audience, but his drummer decided to see whether it would work for him as well, and simultaneously drank 2 bottles of beer, followed by a couple of shots of Jagermeister. Mojo mixed rants about Phish, George W. Bush, and Pay-per-view séances with Princess Di with crowd-pleasers such as “Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant With My Two Headed Love Child”, “Louisiana Liplock”, and “Tie My Pecker To The Leg”, and reminded people why the party is called "Mojo’s Mayhem"…
James McMurtry @ Jo’s
“No one portrays the decay of rural society, the uplift of the human spirit, and house-shaking domestic disturbances with such bitter, respectful beauty as James McMurtry. The local songwriter/guitar virtuoso has outdone himself on his new Sugar Hill release, Saint Mary of the Woods, a razor-smart batch of songs that put him in the company of the state's best raconteurs.” (Christopher Hess, Austin Chronicle)
Back across the street the James McMurtry power trio worked a decent crowd with their hypnotic, trance-like rhythm and guitar playing. The band (referred to as “The Harmless Bastards” by James), with Ronnie Johnson on bass and Daren Hess on drums, showed an amazing level of tightness. A marvellous set, slightly marred only by the undersized PA.
Mary Lee’s Corvette @ Cactus Cafe
“Mary Lee's Corvette, a New York City band is fronted by noted singer Mary Lee Kortes, whose voice is described by David Fricke as having the "high mountain sunshine of Dolly Parton and the sweet iron undercoat of Chrissie Hynde", which fairly well describes the influences in her songwriting as well. And Billboard Magazine says, "Don't miss Mary Lee's Corvette in concert. It is a lively, nuanced feast for lovers of great songwriting that thrives in live performance for its wit, insight, and glowing humanity".” (SXSW Band Info)
To start off the evening I was back at the Cactus Café to see Mary Lee’s Corvette. I was familiar with their albums, but had never seen the band live. The Silos’ Konrad Meissner (drums) and Drew Glackin (lead guitar) joined the band for this show. They played mostly fairly quiet songs, including material from the upcoming 700 miles CD. While the songs are nicely crafted (especially the autobiographical “Portland, Michigan” and the title track), tonight’s performance was bit lacklustre.
Will Taylor & Strings Attached feat. Abra Moore @ Texas Union Theatre
“Austin-based Will Taylor has led his Strings Attached ensemble in a host of local collaborations with Ian Moore, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eliza Gilkyson, Tish Hinojosa, Toni Price, and Abra Moore. With violin, viola, bass, drums, cello, guitar, horns, and percussion, the band expands musical boundaries.” (David Lynch, Austin Chronicle)
“After leaving Clive Davis' J Records over differing marketing ideas for her delightfully glossy No Fear album, the Austin singer-songwriter has been busy shopping a slightly retooled version. She's also broken a two-year live hiatus with a string of impressive shows that introduced a new live band with a surprising leader -- Dynamite Hack frontman Mark Morris.” (Andy Langer, Austin Chronicle)
After four days of non-stop Rock, Country and Folk Music it was time for something a bit different. With the TXU Theatre located in the same building as the Cactus Cafe I decided to take a chance and check out what this Strings Attached thing was all about. Will Taylor and his ensemble started off with ten minutes of improvised jazzy melodies before the first featured guest, Abra Moore, was introduced. Abra alternated between piano and acoustic guitar, and the full, yet not overloaded arrangements worked really well with her songs, especially on “Four-leaf Clover”. Check out the Strings Attached webpage media section for a few samples from previous collaborations.
Bleu @ Speakeasy
“Many contemporary music fans are getting their first taste of the avant-pop singer-songwriter Bleu via "Somebody Else," one of the highlights on the best selling Spider-Man (Music From and Inspired By) album. But "Somebody Else" is just a hint of the universe of sounds bubbling inside this Boston-based multi-talent. A versatile and charismatic performer, depending on the circumstances, Bleu might appear fronting his full-on rock band or as a solo artist with his electro-acoustic conceptual "e-band," which has been described by the Boston Globe as "a spare, affecting solo performance where Bleu's voice and guitar are accompanied by a miniature cadre of samples, loops, and effects."” (Artist bio from webpage)
This showcase was a mixed bag. Bleu appeared solo, surrounded by effects and pedals (the “e-band”), and was at his best when he just played guitar and interacted with the audience. At other times he went totally overboard with the samples and loops and effectively drowned out the songs. Might be more exciting with a full band.
Git @ Speakeasy
“Melbourne's Git is a three-girl, one-guy combo that's captured hearts down under and across the U.S. Their new CD, Flowers, captures their glorious three-part harmonies and infectious brand of country with a twist.” (Jim Caligiuri, Austin Chronicle)
After being one of the most talked about acts of SXSW2002 without even playing an official showcase, the Git girls were back this year. This time around they were accepted by the festival organizers. The Speakeasy is certainly not the best place to see acoustic music, but they gradually took command of the audience and the constant background chatter subsided. Always a pleasure to see the girls perform.
“Scrappy” Jud Newcomb @ Speakeasy
“Beginning with Austin's Loose Diamonds, Scrappy Jud's sideman credits include work with Lee Ann Atherton, Beaver Nelson, Michael Hall, Toni Price, and too many others to name. Singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, Newcomb is the consummate musician.” (Jerry Renshaw, Austin Chronicle)
“Scrappy” Jud Newcomb moved from his usual sideman role to centre-stage for this showcase. His ace-band, which included Bruce Hughes (bass) and Dana Myzer (drums), was joined by Beaver Nelson, who added some percussion and harp on a few songs.
Mary McBride @ Speakeasy
“Equally at home in the clubs of her adopted NYC or in a Texas dance hall, singer-songwriter Mary McBride has a rock & roll voice, but delivers a down-home, countryfied mix of all things American without becoming Americana. Her recent Everything Seemed Alright is building a fan base that ought to keep this young lady on the road for as long as she wants to be there.” (Christopher Hess, Austin Chronicle)
A much improved Mary McBride returned to SXSW2003. She had been touring a lot since I saw her last year, and it showed. She seemed to be much more at ease on stage, and effortlessly jumped back and forth between country-tinged songs and full-on rockers. The band, which included Drew Glackin (Silos) and Jason Victor of Steve Wynn’s Miracle 3, played a set complete with cover versions by Gutterball and Hank Williams. Thirteen hours after her first gig of the day (at Mojo Nixon’s party) she continued to play until the houselights came up and the bar staff started to collect the empty bottles.
And that was pretty much it. The last couple of years I had simply been too worn out to attend Alejandro’s annual Sunday night benefit at the Continental Club. This year I decided to drag myself there, and was rewarded with a few more terrific sets by Slobberbone, Nicholas Tremulis, and James McMurtry. And then it was time for the grand finale. As Continental owner Steve Wertheimer put it, “SXSW is not officially over until Alejandro Escovedo has played on this stage”. Joe Eddy Hines joined Alejandro Escovedo & band (Hector Munoz on drums, Brian Standefer on cello, Bruce Salmon on guitar + keyboards, and Andrew Duplantis on bass). Another flawless set by Alejandro, and a perfect way to end SXSW2003. (Click here for pictures from this show)
This was my ninth time at SXSW. In a lot of ways, I probably enjoyed it more than any of the ones before. Except for the first day, the weather was just perfect, which always helps as a number of events are held outdoors. The number of parties is ever increasing. A few years ago, a band would only play once or maybe twice during the week, but now two or three shows seem to be the minimum for most bands. That gives you a much better chance to see bands that you would not be able to see if they only played the official showcase. And do I have to mention things like free BBQ and free beer? By now I have also accepted the fact that it is impossible to catch every cool show or party. Doug Sahm’s son Shandon performing at Crazy Lady, a nudie bar? Missed it. Nashville Pussy playing the Roller Derby? Missed it as well.
After the recent Rhode Island Nightclub catastrophe, it was to be expected that fire safety would be an even bigger topic than in previous years. However, after some thorough checking before the festival started I saw very little of the fire marshals, and apparently things went smoothly overall.
Wristbands were $95 dollars for the four days, still cheaper than tickets to a Rolling Stones or Neil Young concert in recent times.
If you would like to see more photos from the festival, I suggest a visit to Artist-Pictures.com, a great website by another SXSW junkie...
Thanks to Kate Ryans, Cathy Fischer, Elizabeth Derczo, and Edgar Heckmann!
See y'all next year...
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All pictures (c) Steffen Paulus 2003