Montie Callaway, Kim & John Spring started our New Year at the Rear Window with a most excellent show! It really was as if we stepped back in time with them to an era that was much simpler and easier to live in. Their vocals were stellar and Montie didn't disappoint us with his Low & Deep Bass Vocals. Kim Spring brought along a violin/fiddle that was given to him by a mutual friend when he was 15 years old. Kim did that fiddle justice in the couple of songs he played with it. I know that Mr. M would be proud knowing he made an excellent choice in handing it down to Kim. We look forward to hearing these fellers at the Rear Window in the not too distant future. I hope to be scheduling thes back here in a few months. If you didn't catch them Saturday, you will have a chance to come again soon!
How & Why???
I thought I'd share with you a little about the selection of shows at the Rear Window Listening Room. We have been in contact with several booking agents, and there are a couple that seem to be able to point us in the right direction. It is very likely you haven't been to a show that any of the artists we are bringing have played. As we get rolling, we have been very fortunate to have made some very good connections, and the quality of entertainment is right at the top. What has been amazing to me is that these musicians and songwriters have such passion for what they do.
From our local song-smith, Jack Motley, to East, Vine & Briggs from Nashville, to Jack Williams of Arkansas, to Matt Harlan of Houston, most of these accomplished songwriters live, breathe and sacrifice to bring us a very intimate part of their lives ... their music! You know, it isn't often that most of us are able, or willing, to take a chance and try to live our dreams, but most of the talented artists you will see and hear at the Rear Window are doing just that. Lord knows they are certainly not getting rich from doing what they do, although if they work hard, and get a few breaks, they can make a decent living at it. Yet, whether in good times or in bad, this seems to be a life choice that they make, perhaps because they have a story to tell, a song in their heart, a dream to pursue, belief in their God given talent or just a hitch in their giddyup; but, whatever it is, we are much better off musically because of them.
A few evenings ago, I had the TV on for companionship as I was listing new events on one of the websites, and suddenly my ears were listening to a tune I heard at the Rear Window a few weeks ago. The musical interlude from Matt the Electrician's song, "I Got Your Back," was playing in the background of an L.L. Bean commercial. For those of us who got to spend the evening listening to Matt, it's just pretty cool to have heard and talked to the artist that is getting national airplay on a tv commercial BEFORE it was released. I expect that won't happen too often, but the fact is ... it did! I can't tell you how many times I have heard "I can't believe this music isn't on the radio being played everywhere."
If you have been with us for the shows we've already hosted, I promise that the line up of artists will not disappoint you. If you haven't been yet, come visit and have a wonderful evening with a well-above-average audience, friends (both old and new), talented musicians, singer-songwriters and food (after all, this IS Texas!) to delight even the most discriminating palate! You will have a great time and want to come back for more. Please plan to come hear and support the talent we are bring to Ganado, Texas for your listening pleasure ... you'll be glad you did!
See you at the Rear Window!
From our local song-smith, Jack Motley, to East, Vine & Briggs from Nashville, to Jack Williams of Arkansas, to Matt Harlan of Houston, most of these accomplished songwriters live, breathe and sacrifice to bring us a very intimate part of their lives ... their music! You know, it isn't often that most of us are able, or willing, to take a chance and try to live our dreams, but most of the talented artists you will see and hear at the Rear Window are doing just that. Lord knows they are certainly not getting rich from doing what they do, although if they work hard, and get a few breaks, they can make a decent living at it. Yet, whether in good times or in bad, this seems to be a life choice that they make, perhaps because they have a story to tell, a song in their heart, a dream to pursue, belief in their God given talent or just a hitch in their giddyup; but, whatever it is, we are much better off musically because of them.
A few evenings ago, I had the TV on for companionship as I was listing new events on one of the websites, and suddenly my ears were listening to a tune I heard at the Rear Window a few weeks ago. The musical interlude from Matt the Electrician's song, "I Got Your Back," was playing in the background of an L.L. Bean commercial. For those of us who got to spend the evening listening to Matt, it's just pretty cool to have heard and talked to the artist that is getting national airplay on a tv commercial BEFORE it was released. I expect that won't happen too often, but the fact is ... it did! I can't tell you how many times I have heard "I can't believe this music isn't on the radio being played everywhere."
If you have been with us for the shows we've already hosted, I promise that the line up of artists will not disappoint you. If you haven't been yet, come visit and have a wonderful evening with a well-above-average audience, friends (both old and new), talented musicians, singer-songwriters and food (after all, this IS Texas!) to delight even the most discriminating palate! You will have a great time and want to come back for more. Please plan to come hear and support the talent we are bring to Ganado, Texas for your listening pleasure ... you'll be glad you did!
See you at the Rear Window!
About the Last Show
Shotgun Party July 1, 2011
Well, if you missed Shotgun Party's show this past Friday, you missed an awesome evening of great music! The minute they took the stage and began to play, it was easy to picture a family sitting in their living room and turning on the Saturday evening radio program back in the 30's. Jenny Parrott's lead vocals are unique (she sounds exactly like Jenny Parrott) and she easily beckons you to the era of music that is very easy on the ears. On several high-adrenaline songs they played, I was amazed at how she was able to keep time with the rhythm strokes on her guitar, and sing without sounding like she's singing into a fan. To Jenny's right was one of the most gifted fiddle players I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Katy Rose Cox, while classically trained has been playing violin since a very young age of four years old, if I recall correctly; and has been playing ever since. Her playing was extraordinarily versatile, and perfectly executed, and her vocals were an excellent compliment to this trio. Lastly, there was Andrew Austin-Petersen lending his first-rate acoustic bass work to this multi-talented group. Andrew's awesome drove the bottom end of their music flawlessly and added to the performance immensely while interacting with both Jenny & Katy Rose. His vocal contributions, although limited, were awesome and a great touch on the evening. This was Andrew's next to last gig with Jenny & Katy Rose as "Shotgun Party." His farewell show with them was at Austin's Continental Club on Saturday July 2nd. Shotgun Party will continue through the rest of the year with an alternate bass player, and although they will miss Andrew dearly, they wish him well in his new adventure with the Lost Bayou Ramblers, a cajun music band from Lafayette, LA. I look forward to keeping up with each of these talented people, because whatever they do next, musically, will be excellent!
Bottom Line ... whether you have seen Shotgun Party or not, if they are within a two or three hour drive, you need to get to one or two of their shows, because after this year you won't be able to see them any more!
Alan - Rear Window Listening Room
Bottom Line ... whether you have seen Shotgun Party or not, if they are within a two or three hour drive, you need to get to one or two of their shows, because after this year you won't be able to see them any more!
Alan - Rear Window Listening Room
Hamilton Loomis
HAMILTON LOOMIS & HIS BAND ...
April 9, 2011
First of all, I want to thank our entire audience for coming, because it is only by your ongoing support that we are able to keep bringing shows to this area ... we are grateful! I would like to send a special thanks to the group of Hamilton's fans who caravaned from the small bayside town of Sargent. It was a pleasure to welcome them here. You know, there is just something about a Hamilton Loomis fan that makes you want to smile! I heard from a couple of them today, and they thoroughly enjoyed the show and the Rear Window venue. I am highly confident that Hamilton won a bunch of new fans as well, and deservedly so! The overall vibe in the room never waned, but was exciting from front to back, start to finish.
Hamilton Loomis and His Band definitely kicked it up a couple of notches this past Saturday night. I will tell you that if you weren't there, you missed some incredible musical magic! It is not possible to go to a Hamilton Loomis show and leave feeling that you missed something. From the moment they took the stage, they owned us. How he put his team together is no surprise, because Hamilton seems to instinctively know how and when to step aside and let them play through, and, no doubt, they all keep the bar at a very high level.
For me, the highlights of the show were, in no particular order, Hamilton's stroll through the Rear Window while playing a guitar solo that kept moving to a new level; or Hamilton, joined by Stratton Doyle on the sax (good lawd, that boy can PLAY) for a remarkable trade off of blues-funk riffs and trading one-liners from memorable songs; or Kent's extremely tasteful bass solo which lifted off slowly then moved to perfectly placed thumps, pops, slaps, sweet triplets and back down for a smooth landing; Ryan's drum solo took us on a wonderful rhythmical ride, his use of the high hat and lightning speed kick pedal (that was a single pedal) were a combination I have not heard anywhere else! Hamilton Loomis and His (World Class) Band ... from chickin' pickin' to soul grinding riffs, "infinity" styles, tones, and perfectly executed breaks (some that left me breathless) this band gave us a taste of R&B Funk Heaven, right here in the upper room of the Rear Window! YIKES ... don't forget the excellent lead vocals and great backups ... yet another excellent facet to this Band.
We are hoping to have them back in the not too distant future, so you will have an opportunity to see this World Class Band at the Rear Window again!!! Please stay tuned for more information, and if you want to jazz your life up a bit in the meantime, visit Hamilton's website www.hamiltonloomis.com and load up on his music. It is CONTAGIOUS!!! Check out his calendar, too! If there is a show within a couple of hours of where you live ... it is definitely worth the commute!!!
Thanks for your support,
Alan
April 9, 2011
First of all, I want to thank our entire audience for coming, because it is only by your ongoing support that we are able to keep bringing shows to this area ... we are grateful! I would like to send a special thanks to the group of Hamilton's fans who caravaned from the small bayside town of Sargent. It was a pleasure to welcome them here. You know, there is just something about a Hamilton Loomis fan that makes you want to smile! I heard from a couple of them today, and they thoroughly enjoyed the show and the Rear Window venue. I am highly confident that Hamilton won a bunch of new fans as well, and deservedly so! The overall vibe in the room never waned, but was exciting from front to back, start to finish.
Hamilton Loomis and His Band definitely kicked it up a couple of notches this past Saturday night. I will tell you that if you weren't there, you missed some incredible musical magic! It is not possible to go to a Hamilton Loomis show and leave feeling that you missed something. From the moment they took the stage, they owned us. How he put his team together is no surprise, because Hamilton seems to instinctively know how and when to step aside and let them play through, and, no doubt, they all keep the bar at a very high level.
For me, the highlights of the show were, in no particular order, Hamilton's stroll through the Rear Window while playing a guitar solo that kept moving to a new level; or Hamilton, joined by Stratton Doyle on the sax (good lawd, that boy can PLAY) for a remarkable trade off of blues-funk riffs and trading one-liners from memorable songs; or Kent's extremely tasteful bass solo which lifted off slowly then moved to perfectly placed thumps, pops, slaps, sweet triplets and back down for a smooth landing; Ryan's drum solo took us on a wonderful rhythmical ride, his use of the high hat and lightning speed kick pedal (that was a single pedal) were a combination I have not heard anywhere else! Hamilton Loomis and His (World Class) Band ... from chickin' pickin' to soul grinding riffs, "infinity" styles, tones, and perfectly executed breaks (some that left me breathless) this band gave us a taste of R&B Funk Heaven, right here in the upper room of the Rear Window! YIKES ... don't forget the excellent lead vocals and great backups ... yet another excellent facet to this Band.
We are hoping to have them back in the not too distant future, so you will have an opportunity to see this World Class Band at the Rear Window again!!! Please stay tuned for more information, and if you want to jazz your life up a bit in the meantime, visit Hamilton's website www.hamiltonloomis.com and load up on his music. It is CONTAGIOUS!!! Check out his calendar, too! If there is a show within a couple of hours of where you live ... it is definitely worth the commute!!!
Thanks for your support,
Alan