Flanfire

Chicks with Picks at MoMo's happens every Sunday evening. This night we would be going to see our friends Tahni and the Toneheads as special guests of hostesses Aimee Bobruck and Chelle Murrey. But we started the day in church (at Hope Chapel) where we were treated to an absolutely BEAUTIFUL song by Laura Harris entitled "Comprehend," with lyrics that describe "a love profound, resplendent sound, that sings o'er those who grieve and struggle to believe... Please help us comprehend a Father who's a friend." Hope has its annual Arts Festival this July - and almost always has local art on the walls of the building.

After a restful (working) afternoon, we trekked down to MoMo's and got there just before they opened the doors. It was a debut night for the Toneheads, as both the Taste Buds (Tina Allen and Colleen Schoonmaker) got to sing one of Tahni's original songs in her own style (with the other plus Tahni handling harmony vocals). Tahni also did four other brand new songs of her own during the set. In short, a typical MoMo's night of experimental musicianship.

This Toneheads lineup saw Danny Bennett returning on lap steel, Johnny Vogelsang returning on bass, plus newcomer Donnie Wynn (longtime drummer for the late, great Robert Palmer) and Tahni on rhythm guitar. The place was hopping with fans, who applauded loudly despite a few technical glitches (Tahni's guitar went out for a couple of early songs, it is always hard to see on the MoMo's stage). Any why not? The harmonies and strong lyrics carried the day - these shows will only get better with time. To hear this "real deal" performer check out her website, www.tahnitonehead.com

Then it was the chicks who put on this show - folksy (this time) Aimee Bobruk (celebrating her 24th birthday on stage) and former folkie turned country rocker Chelle Murrey with full band. Bobruk's acoustic guitar set was the quiet in between the bands, and it took a while for the audience to warm up to what she was doing. But songs like "Precious Jesus" (in which she pleads with Jesus to "come and heal this broken heart, for I have loved one, like no other, come and raise me from the dark") and "Shores of Gold" (pure mythology in music) off her EP Small Town Girl (she's from Huntsville!) and a new song written to honor Ana Egge and even some covers of traditional folk songs brought forth her colorful voice. Aimee has a new CD in the works that we hope to review soon. As she sings on her EP, "I've got stories of my own - histories and tales I've never shown."

Chelle's first CD, Uncomplicated, was all acoustic and features her story songs, but Sunday night, she brought out a band featuring Paul Martinez on guitar, Gary Fiest on bass, and Bryan Breaux on drums and ROCKED THE HOUSE. Her second number must be titled, "If I Had Boots Like Emmy Lou's," and I was quickly reminded of another blonde belter, Mary Chapin Carpenter from my old East Coast stomping grounds. Other songs that will be on Chelle's own forthcoming CD included "Push Me Away" (a song about ex-boyfriends) and "Diamonds in Disguise." Chelle and Aimee will be hosting two or three more Chicks with Picks at MoMo's, then will take a month-long break (Bonnie and Blythe are the rumored replacements) to work on the new CD's. Their April 24 show will feature the legendary Jean Caffeine, punk rocker par excellence who doubles as a kindergarten art teacher.

Okay, we stayed around to see Warren and the Hoodlums (who wouldn't?), featuring (of course) Warren Hood on fiddle and mandolin and guitarists Seth Walker, Mike Keller, and Andrew Nafziger plus bassist Nathan Rode. This band is the baby brothers of The Resentments, who perform earlier on Sunday evenings down the road at the Saxon Pub. WELL - Warren, Seth, and Mike take turns singing, and they all support each other with great leads and fills.

Warren's mom Elizabeth was in the house, and she told me the true story of his song, "Savannah" (which I will NOT repeat here) and also beamed with a mother's pride at Warren's hot instrumental number, "Black Cat," which featured equally hot guitar licks from the left-handed Nafziger (you can also catch him with Elizabeth McQueen). Warren opened with a swing tune, inspired by watching Johnny Gimble and the Texas Swing Kings at a benefit not far away. He also did (for perhaps the first time) an old Uncle Walt's Band number, "Children of the Heavenly King," plus "Going to New Orleans" and more.

Walker opened his "set" with "Ain't That Love?," and continued to reach back in time, finishing with a gut-wrenching version of "You Don't Know Me" that in no way resembles the Klaus Nomie version. Keller did a bunch of old blues (and R&B) tunes, including Jimmy Reed's "Oh, Baby," and "You're So Fine," and both rocked the house with great guitar solos. All of these guys are fine singers and wonderful entertainers, and all are clearly having a good time playing with each other. Seth and Mike do another gig together on Monday's in East Austin, BTW.