Flanfire

The spirit of Shaggy's came to life in a big way on April 16 down at Freedom Oaks (outfitted with a brand-new beacon at the gate that is complete with covered wagon). Even though we had to miss the grand finale, we had a wonderful time (and some very tasty jerk chicken). Longtime bartender deluxe (and good bassplayer) Steve Voorhes is credited with organizing this event, but we know he had a lot of help from a number of his and Shaggy's closest friends. Lots of credit too to Dave and Cindy Cassels, the stewards of Freedom Oaks -- Dave had to spend half the day at work (assisting a heart surgeon) but got home in time to eat and have a very good time - that he truly deserves.

We missed the opening band, Catch a Dream, and can give no report at all, but got there in time for most of Neal Kassanoff's set. Many of us know Neal's music more from other people covering his songs (Carolyn Wonderland on "Heart", the Dead End Angels on "Red Letter Bible", and his work with Guy Forsyth that produced the score for the indy film, Hands on a Hard Body). Neal's forthcoming CD he hopes will make more people aware of his own singing and playing talents, which are considerable. Accompanied today by Lauren Gurgiolo of The Pistol Love Family Band (on bass, fiddle, and omnichord - not her usual guitar and mandolin), Neal kept a small group focused with the above songs and my personal favorite, "Noah," which again will soon be available sung by Wenda Colonna on a new Will Taylor and Strings Attached collection.

Next up with The Skeleton Crew - with Lane Wiegert and Steve Heppler swapping leads and vocals, bafcked by bassist Charlie Ervin and shirtless 20-year-old drummer Jason Blank. The Crew plays the kind of music I grew up listening to - old-fashiong fifties rock and roll - an old Floyd Cramer instrumental (but with guitars, not piano) typifying their sound. The Crew will be performing at the Saxon Pub on May 20, with covers and original songs like "Push and Shove" and more. Steve, who drives a school bus in the burbs these days, has the flashy footwork, and the band really enjoys performing. This is good music to dance to - I give them an 84!

What is there to add about the Shelley King Band other than to state that today it was Kyle Judd and Tony Velasco backing Shelley and Perry (whose voice could be heard once again on stage). Shelley reminisced about Shaggy's, which gave them their real start in Austin. "Call of My Heart" was first performed during an open mike there, and it led to their first real gigs. They opened with "Tennessee Whiskey," cowritten by Shelley and Tony and first performed on the Shaggy's "stage." Kyle provided lead vocals and some stunning guitar on "World Shining" (or whatever this as yet unrecorded song is called), and Shelley belted out a new (?) song which must be called "Commotion" before the band closed with a lengthy version of "Ooh Las Vegas," dedicated to sister Robyn of the brand new job!

Half the band (Perry and Kyle) stayed on stage for Jessica Shepherd's powerful set (she was also backed by bassist Greg Bumgardner and percussionist Ryan Mullins). Jessica, who spends time in Australia and travels extensively across Texas, brought up Floramay Holliday to sing with her on "Honky Tonk Angels," a song written about Floramay during her sorely missed residency at the Chili Parlor Bar. Jess opened with the (Michael John) Jackson song, "Something Sweeter," which goes back to their Sweet Pappa Hatley days, and closed with "One Way Ticket to Austin," which she cowrote with the aforementioned Ms. King.

Tony V. was back up on stage to perform and sing with his "other" band, People Skills (also featuring Russell Beach on vocals and rhythm guitar and I am embarrassed to say I do not remember the names of the bassist and drummer but will report them when prompted). Tony switched to guitar to sing "Greasy Hair," an oddball love song, and "Down in the Hole," which might just be an anti-lovesong. Russell's fun spirit prevailed on a song that must be titled, "Sixty" and has a twist in the lyrics at the end. These guys rock - and it was especially nice to see them on a larger stage than Room 710 or even the Longbranch -- but we want to see product and a new website!!!!!

Voorhes himself played bass for Jimmy Lee Hannaford, one of those guys (from Mississippi, by the way) who just makes life seem a little sweeter. This was pure Southern rock and bluesy music, with Grady B. Humble on drums and Lane Wiegert of the Skeleton Crew on lead guitar. Songs like "Southern Rain" (which thankfully did not fall that day), "Moon Over Mississippi," and "The Ballad of Joe Thibodeaux" all convey Jimmy Lee's soulful adventures in living and some showed off his prowess on the harmonica. One of my favorites is "Suit of Armor," which features lyrics like these:

Security is nothing but a superstition running
Through your head like a catchy nursery rhyme
In the day I try to hide it but at night I just can’t fight it
I know that freedom’s coming some time
Life’s arrows bend and break
When I’m wearing my suit of armor to protect me

All these songs are available on Jimmy Lee's debut CD - and we hope he will soon follow up.

I will write little about the duo of George DeVore and Doak Short other than to say the pair, who spent many Sunday evenings doing the same songs at Shaggy's, reminded us of what it means to sit down together and play your hearts out for the few who come out to hear you. [I was eating jerk chicken during their set and it was hard to focus on their music!]

Jane Bond brought out yet another new band (featuring Spencer Jarman on guitar) and a bunch of old tunes AND her high heels and polka dot dress to mesmerize the mostly male audience. She sang songs like "Breakaway" and "My Chauffeur" and two songs by Mark Ambrose and one by Charles Alberti called "Yes" that was really really good. She closed with what must by now be her theme song, "Sorry 'Bout That!"

I had to leave in the middle of Matt the Electrician's set but finally got to hear why people flock to his gigs all over town. He recalled how he would come home from his electrician job (YUP!), shower and change clothes and head over to Shaggy's with guitar in hand (I would hope). By the time he got to his seat, Steve V. had his beer and water on the table - knowing just which brand of beer and knowing that Matt would need the water after a long day of real work. That's the kind of "Cheers" bar that Shaggy's was - though he did not recall anyone shouting out his name as he walked through the portals. The guy's charm and fun spirit (we don't play loud, he reminded us) have gotten him through four CD's and kept his name in lights. It was good to finally get to hear this real Austin original.