Flanfire

Aimee Bobruk sings like Margo Timmons and is the all-American girl next door that everybody wants to love. Her Tuesday night showcases -- a partnership with Hilary York -- at the Scoot Inn have taken on legendary character, with more musicians showing up who are not playing than those who are to be on stage for the evening. People are coming because of the vibe -- a combination of camaraderie made secure by Aimee's dedication to the craft (Hilary's too!). [And, yes, I meant that these Tuesdays at the Scoot are just as wonderful as a big scoop from that homonymic purveyor of the high-fat dairy product.]

Aimee has a new CD, "The Safety Match Journal," in her hot little hands, but she is scrupulously keeping it away from Flanfire until closer to the early March date for her CD release party at the Cactus Cafe. Frustrating as this might seem, the early takes (and others' comments -- for example the beaming smiles of Jon Notarthomas!) and the promises to me from producer Darwin Smith will just make the music that much sweeter when I can finally let my readers know that this is a not to be missed recording. [Lots of other guys I know also helped Aimee and Darwin on this project -- including Dony Wynn and Kullen Fuchs and Aimee's sister Erin.]

But I digress -- this night was all about camaraderie, hanging out with bassist (and guitarist) Kevin Fox (with Darwin's band tonight along with Josh Vernier -- and the aforesaid Kullen sitting in), and introducing my friends Gina Chavez and Matt Maye (just down from New York City and already playing with Gina on Friday at Austin Java 12th and Lamar) to the collegial group of revelers out to enjoy the ambience created by Aimee (and Hilary when in town).

Darwin's sets are always full of color and pathos, and Aimee had Darwin and Kullen in her set. In between we got to hear Leo Rondeau and his trio (Howdy on bass and Burton Lee on pedal steel) and some of Leo's Western country songs. Earlier, it was Graham Weber (new CD out this week but he's already planning a jazzier next effort) and a player whom I totally missed. Later in the evening, JWW and the Prospectors began what is billed as a weekly Tuesday late show -- six piece Western swing band with pedal steel, fiddle (Heather Rae -- who shares vocals t00), smokin' lead guitar, standup bass, drums, and JWW (Jeremiah Wade) on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.

Also in the house was Tom VandenAvond, who is performing at the Scoot on Fridays with Woods Boss (former members of the Weary Boys), the lovely (Rose Red to her sister Bonnie's Snow White) Eleanor Whitmore, whose debut CD is about ready for release (thanks in large part to production by her very good friend Chris Masterson) -- and others too numerous to mention but notable in any case. Kevin and I shot lots of pool in between sets and afterward, and we all wondered just what is going on with the time slot given the early announced start for JWW (who graciously waited till nearly 11:30 to go on stage this evening) and the huge scene that Aimee and Hilary have built up over several months (longer, really).

This was NOT flanfire's first venture out since having his life turned upside down and backwards in late November -- but we were on the road nearly all of December and working hard on the celebration of Nancy's life last Saturday (speaking of great music!). Did get out to Ego's last week and over to a great New Year's Eve party with the Addictions and others ... and on Sunday visited Threadgills' (Brennen Leigh), Maria's (Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers), AND Central Market (Belleville Outfit) all in one Sunday brunch period.

And, by the way -- reviewing the music I have reviewed during 2007, I give the award for best album to Nathan Hamilton and No Deal -- Six Black Birds blows me away every time I hear it -- and for best new artist to Gina Chavez. But there were so many I really enjoyed -- Ruthie Foster's and Papa Mali's records very both very exciting, for example. [Now, if you are NOT mentioned here, just remember I tend to only review CD's that I like -- JB, SF, GQ etc. were all listened to by me on NUMEROUS occasions.] Papa of course produced the recording that has taken Ruthie to new heights on the touring stage. Gotta mention Mr. Brown's "Boderation" in any good music list. The EVENT of the year, though, had to be Wendy Colonna's massive concert and live DVD taping at Antone's -- all of which led to her winning the POP competition to become Famecast's Pop Fenom!

Flanfire -- Bringing LIFE to Austin music.