I was fortunate on Friday December 7th, to check out Dinosaur jr. at Emo’s in Austin, TX. Lots of people are stoked that the alternative-rock trio are back together again. They still have their fan base from yesterday, as well as today as the crowd was a mix from teens to forty-year olds.
Opening for them, was a psychedelic, garage rock trio out of New York, Awesome Color. Their debut album is produced by Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore.The band has only been around for less than a year but sounded like they been together for years. They pleased the crowd with a fun, energetic set but many were getting hungry for Dinosaur Jr.
When they took the stage the crowd was jumping and smiling like a kid at Christmas. In the ten plus years since they had broken up, no signs of rust here! They played stuff of the newest album ” Beyond”, as well as stuff from the early nineties including the smash hit “Feel the Pain. “
I like how they did a nice fusion of punk, metal, garage, surf- rock altogether. Either if it’s 1992 or 2007, Dinosaur Jr. can still rock! Whose still got the plaid -shirts and doc martins? I’m glad I didn’t sleep on this show as I decided to go that day. It was nice to see some older and younger grungers play some good alternative-rock.

Fun Times,

Minister G

        The ” None Shall Pass ” tour came through Austin,TX on November 17th as Emo’s outside stage was sold-out. I loved how some gal was pissed because she didn’t understand Sold Out! ” But how come that guy walked in without a ticket??! ” The tour, presented by New York’s indie, hip-hop label Definitive Jux, which featured two outstanding MC’s, Aesop Rock with Rob Sonic and DJ Big Whiz on the decks. (that means turntables to some)      Opening the show was DJ/producer Blockhead with DJ Signify, also out of NY. The two got the crowd going with some head-noddin, foot-tappin beats with some scratchin in tha mix.

Next, was the experimental group, Black Moth Super Rainbow out of Pittsburgh, PA. It was a wild blend of 60’s psychedelic guitar chords with electronic samples and sounds. The crowd was pleased with the outer-space like sounds and collage of visuals in the background. Who’s got the incense and peppermints? They also played stuff they did with Austin’s own experimental group Octopus Project, as members from the group were in the crowd.

When Aesop and Rob hit the stage everyone went into a fist-pumpin, hand-wavin frenzy as they delivered an energetic hour long plus set with fun beats and witty, mind spinning lyrics! Aesop Rock played stuff of the new album, “None Shall Pass”, along with earlier songs that introduced us to one of the most inspiring MC’s in hip-hop. My goodness gracious! What a show! Anytime Def Jux comes through town, hop on the bus kids, it’s going to be a party!

hallelujah, always a guest,

Minister G

The November season finale of songwritersseries.com went down with a bang! ( especially when the sound went down. ) Farmer Hank had difficulties as the sound barn had the hiccups during sound check. This is why you need to keep goats and chickens away from cables and monitors! When the sound came back on and the guitars got tuned, the honkey-tonk acoustic trio of Bill Carter, Stephen Doster, and Will Sexton performed some boot-stompin, rockin, songs. Bill Carter even played some songs that he wrote for the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Next, was grammy- nominated and Austin, TX star Abra Moore. She had Will Sexton on guitar and Ephraim Owens on trumpet for her dynamic performance. Abra played both acoustic and keyboard as she sang progressive folk mixed with some psychedelic sounds. The crowd of near 100 was getting hungry for more, but where was Jonathen Clay? Just what type of Saturday night shady-doings were you involved in? ( booty, booze, or drugs )

When the crowd tired of hearing crickets and found out the keg of Pyramid Ale was floated, Hank’s stage became open mic night as people passed the acoustic. One young girl named Mckenzie took everyone buy storm with some poppy,spunky ballads. Did we see the next Leann Rimes or Jewel? With sound difficulties, artists not showing up, and food and beer going quick,( good thing for Farmer Hank’s private cooler.) Hank Sinatra and Songwriters Series can still throw a good show with great artists no matter the number. Everybody have a good Thanksgiving and don’t tell Farmer Hank that I was in that cooler!

hallelujah,

Minister G

How often in one week can you almost go to jail and adopt a puppy?( talk about trick or treat. ) Only on the October Songwritersseries show presented by Hank Sinatra. The night started off with Drew Tichnell, her sound was pop meets country- rock. She had a soulful, sultry voice that blended with her bad-ass attitude.
Next, was Melissa Greener, she had a really distinctive voice with the acoustics of blues and folk. Who needs to sleep in a car in Nashville when you got Hank’s studio in Austin? Last but not least was Amanda Lepre, coming from south of the border she was full of heat as she lit the stage on fire. If you blended the acoustics of Jewel and the rock vocals of Joan Jett this is what you would get.
The October show was quite hot and spicy like Hank’s gumbo as these ladies passed the torch and gave us some great songwriting. Have a safe Halloween and I will hoot at you next time.

Minister G