I'm just a guy who has always liked music, especially live music. I'm a mid-fifties guy so I approach music a little differently than many music fans. I analyze the bands music with my senses. I listen to the bands vocals, all the instruments and sound system. I observe the band members individually and collectively, their energy, connection to audience and rapport. I'll also sense the crowd's energy and the venue's ambiance. I just don't go to see a band.
Free Week, January 1-9, 2011, in Austin, Texas is over. Of all the Free Week shows that I went to, the Austin Vida showcase at Stubb's Bar-B-Q was the best show of all week. I say that because it was the only, and possibly first, show which featured a variety of exceptional bands made up of Latinos. This is the third year I've attended Free Week shows and I truly hope that the over whelming success of this Latin showcase will set the stage for future Latin showcases during Free Week and on an everyday basis. I also have to say that the success of Austin Vida's show was attributed to the selection of the bands for the showcase. The bands came from local, regional and international talent, plus they also had their own distinct sound and charisma.
Even though I call this show a "Latin" showcase, all the bands performed mainly in English including Sour Soul which is from Mexico. Latinos like all types of music. We play rock, funk, punk and alternative music in English but because of our heritage, in many cases we add a different flavor to the music we play.
Check out the live performances of the four bands that performed at Stubb's and I think you'll agree that these bands really rocked.
Sour Soul from Mexico City plays Indie/Psychedelic/Rock
Austin Vida is presenting a very special Free Week Showcase at Stubb's indoor stage this Saturday. Although this is the first year Austin Vida has presented a Free Week showcase, they have a very successful track record of very exceptional and creative shows. This showcase is special because first, it's Free Week, second, this showcase features four very exceptional bands made up of very talented Latinos and third, this showcase has a local, regional and international reach. The bands are no strangers to the Austin music scene, they definitely have a presence and a fan following. See you there.
Venue: Stubb's Bar-B-Q 801 Red River Austin, Texas 78701
Cost: FREE/No Cover Charge
Other Details: Doors open at 9:00 PM, Inside Show, All Ages welcome
Musical Line-up:
Sour Soul - Mexico City, Mexico - Psychedelic/Rock/Soul
Red River Noise is presenting a showcase at The Parish this Tuesday of Free Week here in Austin, Texas. Free Week means there is no cover charge in most clubs and venues from January 1-9, 2011.
Venue: The Parish located at 214-C 6th Street Austin, Texas 78701
I'm always looking for the next big artist or band, both locally and beyond. I'm not in the music business but I do share my finds with people who are. You could call me an avid music fan or crazy, hence the name "Manny Go Crazy." Every Tuesday at Momo's, Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night sponsored by KUT 90.5fm/kut.org. Brandon has provided numerous of my new discoveries because he books many exceptional and diverse acts for World Music Night, as well as other venues and activities.
I was looking through Bemba's and Momo's calenders, the opening act for Tuesday July 13th was JEZ. I had never heard of JEZ so I looked JEZ up. I checked out theMySpacepage andYouTubefor info and music. There was also a website with an e-mail sign up. I liked what I had seen and heard so I decided I would go. Brandon had also sent me a music link on Facebook of JEZ's current album. When I got to Momo's and JEZ started their set, I was just blow away. Do you remember the Maxwell's man in chair being blown away by the speaker ad? (click on link) Well that was me Tuesday night. Jezarey Barbazcy, known simply as JEZ, is from Houston, Texas and now living in Austin. His band at present lives in Houston. Their music was a combination of Rock, Latin, Folk and Pop. I was impressed with the lyrics and exceptional musicianship of the band. Their music kept me mesmerized for their entire set. I also heard many musical influences in some of their songs. For instance in "Aire" I heard U2 and in other songs I heard Mana, John Mayer to name a few artist.
I've seen a lot bands. These bands have been in various stages of success. They range from just starting out to bands who are touring nationally. JEZ is already at star level waiting to be re-discovered in a new setting, Austin, Texas the "Live Music of the World." The buzz has already started with JEZ's appearance on Fox TV's Good Day-Live Music segment on Tuesday morning, Momo's in the evening, July 13th plus my little blog. I anticipate great things for JEZ and once you see JEZ perform you'll know why.
Every once in a while it seems I fall into a musical rut. I go see my favorite bands and listen to my favorite music over and over again. And sometimes to tell you the truth, it seems there are periods where there are no new up and coming bands or talent. I like to keep it fresh by discovering new bands, artist and music. I'll read tons of blogs, scour the The Austin Chronicle, do512.com, austin360 and social media to find those new artist. I will also ask musicians, people I meet at venues and people in the know, "Who do I need to go see?" I get various suggestions and many times I'll make it a point go see a recommended band. Occasionally, I'll come across a band or two that have that something extra special.
I went through a rut this past winter. It was a combination of the extremely cold weather and there just wasn't anybody new out there. Well, on a cold December night I decided to go to Momo's and thanks to Bemba Entertainment I came across Arthur Yoria. Arthur was the last set, the cold kept people at home and it was midnight. When Arthur started playing, I immediately knew Arthur was special. I literally said out loud, "damn this guy is good!" Arthur ingeniously used recorded loops, samples and beats to create music I've never heard before. I liked his stage presence and his demeanor. At that point I decided I had to know more about Arthur the singer/songwriter/musician, meet him and in my small way promote Arthur's music. I've seen Arthur perform several times since then plus I'm also on his e-mail list and Facebook friends. I've gotten to know Arthur on a personal level and he's a down to earth good guy.
Briefly, Arthur was born in Chicago, lived in Houston and circuitously is now in Austin. Arthur has a long list of accomplishment and credits that include songs in TV show, songs in movies and extensive touring. What I'm most impressed with is his variety and extensive catalog of music. When you listen to the lyrics, you get a glimpse of Arthur the person, his heart and his soul and his music delivers the message. Arthur is of Colombian heritage so his music will also include songs in Spanish. Arthur Yoria is that artist that got me out of my rut and brought a breath of fresh air to the Austin music scene. Put Arthur Yoria on your artist/band must see list and you to will say "damn this guy is good" too.
If you weren't at Stubb's Bar-B-Q on Wednesday, you missed the best show of the year. If you're asking, "Who in the hell is Sexy Marvin? Is he a guy? or What?" I had the same reaction when I heard about the showcase. I did go to Myspace to check out Sexy Marvin, a four piece band from Monterrey, Mexico, and I have to say I liked what I heard. I was also impressed by the bands they have shared a stage with, like Cold Play and Killers. I really didn't know what to expect but after seeing Sexy Marvin on Wednesday night, I have to say now I am a fan. I can see why they opened for Cold Play and Killer, they are that fantastic. Sexy Marvin has an Indie, Rock sound which everyone will like. Check out the video of "Follow" I recorded at Stubb's and you come to your own conclusion.
The other band on the line up, Vinyl Dharma, is a band that I had heard of but have never seen. They are a local five piece Austin band that won MTV2's On the Rise Contestand MTV2 also recorded a Vinyl Dharma performance at Stubb's which was featured on MTV2's "Austin Week" in December 2008. Vinyl Dharma is an Indie band with Electronica and Alternative influences which fit in perfectly with Sexy Marvin and they also blew me away. I also had an opportunity to talk to John Montemayor, guitar, about the band, their music and their Brownville, Texas background. John is a really nice guy, very friendly and was gracious enough to give me a copy of their Vinyl Dharma EP. I've been playing the EP over and over again and it's great. Get a copy if you can. Check the video I recorded at Stubb's of Vinyl Dharma performing "The Sunshine Rave."
The opening band, Rubik, is also from Monterrey and is a band that I last saw at Ruta Maya back in January. They play Alternative, Grunge and Britpop and I have also become a solid fan of Rubik. They played exceptionally well and complimented both Vinyl Dharma and Sexy Marvin music. I was again lucky to receive another CD, this time a copy of Rubik's "Abril" CD from Angie, the lead vocal and front girl. Thank you Angie and hope to see Rubik soon. I'm sorry to say I was unable to record Rubik that night but please view a Ruta Maya performance.
The showcase was presented by Austin Vida and Go Hispano and produced byVivo Alternativo. I have to say they put together an exceptional line up and are to be congratulated for their creativity. There are other showcases in the making and you can bet I'll be there. Will you?
"Sexy Marvin is an indie band from Monterrey, Mexico who made their name after opening shows for Muse, The Killers and Coldplay. They are heavily influenced by Brit-pop and bands like Depeche Mode, Interpol and of course, Morrissey. Mexicans love Moz more than anyone. You'll love them too." (Source: www.ianlovesmusic.blogspot.com)
View and listen to Sexy Marvin's "Follow," I know you'll like it:
"Opening for Sexy Marvin is Austin's own, Vinyl Dharma. Those of you who have been following the Austin indie scene for a while know the name. They were on MTV2 Austin Week back in 2008 and made quite the name for themselves around that time. Theses young Latino, Rio Grande Valley transplants are a good fit to play with Sexy Marvin. Their influences and sound is similar but different enough not to be too "samesy". Vinyl Dharma reminds me of bands like New Order. I'm looking forward to seeing them live again. Check them our here on MTV2." (Source: www.ianlovesmusic.blogspot.com)
Rubik is an Alternative/Grunge/Brit Pop band from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. They have been together for seven years and their popularity has steadily grown in Mexico and now in the U.S. They first came to Austin in November 2009 to play El Sol y La Luna, a popular venue on Sixth Street. I did get to see Rubik in February at Ruta Maya Coffee House and Organic Coffee Importing in South Austin, Texas and they made more fans with their fantastic music and sound. I do have to say that I do like the rapport that they establish with the audience, it's warm and witty. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform again because I became a fan as well.
October 4, 2008-I went to the Red 7 with the intent ofseeing De Los Muertos play that night. Someone recommended I go see them because they thought I would like them. So I go to Red 7 and find that the doors don’t open till 9:00 PM. I always show up about an hour early to find convenient parking, check out the club layout to find the best vantage point for watching and listening plus talk to the musicians.I had an hour to kill so I decided I get something to eat. I cross the street to the corner, 7th and Red River, to get a hotdog and coke. The hotdog was OK but if you’ve ever eaten a hotdog from a New York street vendor, it just didn’t compare. Well anyway, I still have time to kill so I try to find a place to buy a cup of coffee. I walk up and down 6th Street to find a coffee shop but with no luck. 6th Street needs a “coffee shop” for us coffee drinkers, a Starbucks or independent shop. It’s 9:00 PM, I walk back to the Red 7 and pay my $15 bucks to get in. I thought $15 was pricy because club prices average from $5-$10. The line up for tonight was Mice and Rifles, Tito and Tarantula and De Los Muertos.
The first band was Mice and Rifles, a five member band from Austin. I first saw Mice and Rifles at Club De Ville, an METV sponsored event, back in February on a cold and rainy day. Now I will admit that I’m partial to Mice and Rifles because I’m acquainted with their drummer, Patrick Estrada. Patrick and I have bumped into each other at various places plus I know him as the drummer for Maneja Beto as well. Mice and Rifles has an Indie, Country sound with a hint of rock. I like Kevin Brinkkoeter’s strong voice and the steel guitar in their music. Mice and Rifles plays around town on a regular basis so catch them if you can. I do want to thank the band for a “free” copy of their latest EP “All Kites Up” and band button. Kevin gave away the CD because he felt that if you have to pay to come see them, he should give you something in return. My favorite songs are "Telegram,""American Victory" and "Storm."
The second band in the line up was Tito and Tarantula. I really hadn’t heard of Tito and Tarantula until a few days before the event. I discovered Tito worked on the soundtracks for "Dusk to Dawn" and others movies directed by Robert Rodriguez. So you’ve probably heard their music but like me just weren’t aware of it. The band’s songs are heavy and dark and combine Rock, Rock-a-Billy and Surf influences. That night Tito Larriva, lead vocal, was under the weather but still put on a fantastic show. The guy who really enhances Taratula’s sound is Steven Medina Hufster. Steven plays a mean guitar and knows how to work the audience. The drummer, Alfred Ortiz, I know I had seen somewhere before but just couldn’t place him. It turns out Alfred is the animated drummer in JulietaVenegasMTV Unplugged video. The band played a long set plus an encore. The crowd was really into the music, was elbow to elbow and friendly. At the encore, Tito invites the audience onto the stage. It got to the point where you couldn’t see the band for the people. It was a fun show and the music was fantastic. I had a warm fuzzy feeling and it wasn’t alcohol induced because I’m not really a drinker. I think the fact that I was standing next to Patricia Vonne had something to do with it, “you had me at hello.” I purchased Tito’s current CD “Back Into The Darkness” that night. My favorite songs are “Come Out Clean,” “Monsters” and “Machete.”
Qoute inside CD cover: "If Only We Could Use Our Evil Powers For The Good Of Mankind"
Note: Tito and Tarantula is touring Europe right now but you can hear Tito and Tarantula’s music and an interview with Tito Larriva on rockyrollradio.com hosted by Paul Saucido.
The third band, De Los Muertos, from San Antonio, consist of six members. De Los Metros plays a combination of “Honky Talk, Surf, Blues… and Texas Punk” music. I liked the band and music but it was almost a continuation of Tito and Tarantula, except with a gruff voice. I want to make it clear that this is a compliment on my part. Their music was also dark and heavy at times and would have appreciated them more had Tito not played that night. Plus by the time the band took the stage it was already 1:00 AM and finished at about 2:00 AM. I’ll have to see De Los Muertos again because I liked them and they deserve their own stage. My favorite songs were “Wanderer,” “Coming Down Now” and “This Changes Everything.”
This was my first time to Red 7. The venue is small, fits 150 people comfortably, and was dark. They also have an ample outdoor patio with stage. They did have a DJ playing outside and I have to apologize to him because I didn’t get his name. I was really disappointed with the club’s sound system. The sound/music was neither clear nor sharp. As for parking, I parked under the IH-35 overpass between 6th and 7th Street. This location is two blocks from Red 7 but I won’t park there any more. I left the club at about 2:00 AM, which is about the same time all the clubs are closing. I had to work my way through a lot of people, some drunk. Then trying to get out of the parking lot was difficult because of all the traffic and people. Park around 7th and Red River for ease of exiting downtown
