Don Walser--Musician The king of the cowboy yodel, Don Walser, has long-held the moniker "Pavorotti of the Plains." But he is much, much more than the titanic performer who earned himself that title. Walser is an outstanding and outspoken ambassador of "real" country music and a true Texas treasure. Read on and you'll see.
As everyone knows, my pet peeve is that I cannot find any country music on today's radio. Recently, I discovered that if I want to hear soft rock I must tune in to country music stations. Instead of music crossing over, someone just changed the name of soft rock to country music. They have effectively stopped the younger singers from performing country music, as there is no longer a format that fits. Many young singers have told me that they would like to play traditional country music, but they're forced to perform soft rock in order to survive. You take the youth out of any organization, and the organization dies; that's what's happening to country music.
I recommend for your listening pleasure the following: The Geezinslaws' latest CDs. On the way to Nashville, Pat and I listened to them and got a big kick out of a song called "Old Blevins," another called "Paint Me On Velvet," and "We Got a Five Dollar Bill for Whining."
A tip for songwriters:
In order to write a good song you will need a standard to put them up against. Many songwriters hang out in groups and only hear what the group writes. A better way is to compare your song with great old songs that have proven themselves though the years. If you can honestly say to yourself, my song measures up, it probably does.
When you record your next CD ask yourself:
a. Do the folks who buy music know who I am? b. Should I write all the songs going on this CD? c. Do I really have that many great songs written that I am willing to put on this CD? Your song must measure up to other great songs. Folks may not have ever heard of you but most likely they will recognize a great cover song.
Look on CDs and tapes for the songwriter's name
. I have seven hours of songs written by Cindy Walker. She is the world's greatest songwriter and has never written an off-color song.
Joe "King" Carrasco--Musician Joe "King" Carrasco has reigned as the "King of Tex-Mex Rock and Roll" for more than 20 years and gives no sign of relinquishing his throne. If you're familiar with Joe King, you already know this to be true. If you haven't yet had the pleasure, check out his informative, entertaining and extremely comprehensive website.
Hangin' out in Mexico.
David Lindley
: The second coming.
Listening to 1050 AM at night.
Don't trust anybody who works for a record company
. Buy a CD burner.
The '65 Vox organ: I wish they would reissue it.
Los Acosta
: The sons of the Guadalupe herself.
You can write better songs in an adobe house
. Don't trust wood construction.
Keep it low profile, man.
Susanna Van Tassel--Musician Honky-tonk queen Susanna Van Tassel has been hard at work at Bruce Robison's Boar's Nest studio of late and will soon, thankfully, release a full-length record to augment her various compilation appearances.
Gerry Van King--Musician Gerry Van King--the King of Sixth Street--has long been the most popular street musician in Austin...and possibly the world. Armed only with an electric bass, a crown and some very "juicy" funk, Van King has won both the hearts and ears of many a Sixth Street visitor. Last spring, Van King released "The Cause of it All" (Aaron Ave Records). The album features a very tight and very full band. Look out Bootsy, here comes the King.
: They bring the P-Funk here at least twice a year
Austin, Texas
: The live music capital of the world.
My CD, "The Cause of it All" (Aaron Ave Records). Ten of my fans' favorite songs.
Support live music and the arts.
Michael Hernandez--Producer, VJ Host of the Austin Music Network's "No Borders Show"
As producer and VJ/host of the Austin Music Network's "No Borders Show," Michael Hernandez has been adding his own fuel to the Latin music explosion. The "No Borders Show"--which has been said to be on the cutting edge of the "Latin Invasion"--showcases Latin alternative rock, hip-hop, salsa and merengue videos, along with the latest news and information.
The "No Borders Show": A "live" Latin music video show that showcases every genre from Latin alternative rock, salsa, merengue and international to Latin hip-hop and pop rock. It's the only Latin music show in Texas that airs five days a week, spotlighting local and international artists. Aside from having live in-studio performances and guests, No Borders also showcases the latest music news from your favorite Latin performers. It promises a variety of cutting edge and "muy caliente" videos that can rarely be seen anywhere else in the U.S., as more Latin music than ever reaches the mainstream. Tune in to the No Borders show to explore the universal language we call musica. Channel 15 Time Warner Cable, showtimes Monday to Friday 2pm to 3pm; Saturday from 11am to noon; Sunday from 11:30am to 12:30pm. If you are interested in finding out more about the show, you can reach me at noborders@austinmusicarts.com.
"Americanos: Latino Life in the United States--A Musical Celebration"
: This landmark cultural event marks the first multimedia project celebrating the diversity and the vitality of Latino-American culture. The brainchild of actor/Latino activist Edward James Olmos, Americanos honors the culture through photography, music and the printed word. An extraordinary collection of Latino-American music featuring Ruben Blades, Los Lobos, Flaco Jimenez, Ozomatli, Carlos Santana, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, War, Wille Bobo, Frankie Negron and others. Check out the website
.
"Boom! Tu Mundo Pop Latino"
: A Latin music publication hailing from Miami. Check out Boom Magazine to get an insider's look at your favorite Latin rock and pop music. Find out what's hip, hot and rockin' from around the globe. Pick up their latest issue at Tower Records or go to their website.
Latino Gear Clothing
: A clothing company conceived and managed by Latinos. Latino gear is a company that's working hard to ensure that the new generation of Latinos are represented and recognized for their styles and positive strides toward the future. With the Hispanic culture growing five times faster than any other, Latino Gear is riding high into the new millennium with some empowering fashion. Two percent of all Internet sales from Latino Gear go to Latino Charities to ensure that our culture remains alive and aware. For a full line of clothing go to their website.
Chris Perez Band's latest release, "Resurrection"
: A well-rounded rock and roll piece, filled with emotional lyrics. Perez, the widower of Tejano superstar Selena, has broken out on the scene with a new label and a new life. After the untimely death of Selena, Perez did some soul searching and with his new record label, Hollywood Records, has finally accomplished his lifelong dream of recording rock music. "Resurrection," the new release, has nine tracks in Spanish and seven in English, but perhaps the most important contribution to the music world is the fact that he's managed to make a Spanish rock CD that will no doubt influence a new generation. Catch him live in concert, Thursday, Nov. 18 at La Zona Rosa.
Previous Worker's Playtimes: October 16: Stacie Smith, Fritz Beer, Jeff Hughes, David Beebe and Bradley Jaye Williams. September 23:Jimmy LaFave, Bruce Robison, Larry Monroe, Owners of Ginny's Little Longhorn and Gilberto Guerrero August 12: Frank Pugliese, Casey Monahan, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jackie Specht and Adam Carroll. July 15:Daniel Johnston, Trish Murphy, Kitty Gordon, Wiley Koepp, and Paul Martinez. June 13: Kacy Crowley, Andy Langer, Britt Daniel, and Christine Ely. May 13:Mark Rubin, Dianne Scott, Ginger & Sarah, and Chris Didear. April 28:The Gourds, Meg Hentges, MC Overlord, and Jeff Copas. March 31:Darcie Fromholz, Rob Mahoney, Kristal Stephens, and Jabari Warfield. Feb. 18: SXSW Critics' Picks From Past Showcases Feb. 4:J-Net Ward, Ian Moore, Dale Dudley, and Bob Fonseca. Jan. 20: Robert Earl Keen, Beth Black, Elias Haslanger, and Paul Klemperer. Dec. 24:Marcus Butler, Seth Tiven, Dario Rosado, and Jimmy Lee Hannaford. Dec. 10:Kelly Willis, Tony Scalzo, Kimi Montee, Joey Shuffield, and Willy Braun. Nov. 26:Jody Denberg, Jon Dee Graham, Steve Wertheimer, Julian Capps, and Leital Molad. Nov. 12: Harold McMillan, Margaret Moser, Matt Powell, Paula Nelson, and Tony Park. October 26: Andra Mitrovich, Tammy Gomez, Paul Minor, Jeff Smith, and Terri Hendrix. October 5: Toni Price, Glover Gill, Jenn Garrison, Tim Hamblin, and Damon Bramblett.
