CONCERTS & EVENTS - Inez Thanksgiving Dance

Go visit my buddies, The Scott Taylor Band!

Take a turkey, meet a turkey, dance like a turkey

It's ALL GOOD FUN!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

May today you be surrounded by Family, Friends, Food and Precious Memories.

I hope you enjoy this video from Mary Chapin Carpenter

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Anderson

How does someone who's previously released seventy-one albums over the course of his career come up with something new? That's easy if you are as talented as Whisperin' Bill Anderson. Keep in mind that he began as a songwriter long before we were treated to his voice.

ANDERSON includes three tracks written by him as well as eight others he co-wrote with talents like Paul Overstreet, Jamey Johnson. Jamey also duets on Everyone Wants To Be 21.

At the age of 82, Bill Anderson's voice is as strong as ever though his tone has more of an Americana note that I think has always been lurking beneath the surface just waiting for a chance to shine.

People are all about upcycling things these days but I'm not sure if they think about relationships as is approached in Old Things New. Dixie Everywhere I Go is a trip down memory lane, keeping the things we love most about our roots held close. Others that follow this include Something To Believe In, That's What Made Me Love You, The Only Bible and Thankful. Tracks that step back a bit but still fit the overall flavor are Dead to You, Watchin' It Rain and Practice Leaving Town. Waffle House Christmas brings a lighter taste to the table. They've taken over a Waffle House in Nashville to film the video for this one. I'll bring you the clip as soon as it's released.

Among his many talents, Bill Anderson has an innate ability of selecting songs that create a theme.  This album is chock full of memories each of us can relate to, with a  contemporary thread tying everything together.

In the following YouTube video, Bill shares how Everyone Wants to Be 21 came about:

I'm tipping my hat:

      

You can purchase your copy in the STORE on his website. 

Catch up with Bill Anderson on the following Social Media locations. Make sure to sign up for his newsletter via his website.

WEBSITE  TWITTER  FACEBOOK  YOUTUBE

BILL ANDERSON in Concert!

Bill Anderson during 'Poor Folk'

I don't get to a lot of concerts but since I was twelve years old, this man has been on my 'must see' list. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Anderson a couple of times over the phone, reviewed his book as well as CDs. When I saw he would be within an easy driving distance, meaning I could go there and back - a small feat for where I live, I ordered my ticket then contacted his management team. I wanted the opportunity to thank him personally for the time he has given me in the past, get the book autographed... and something I seldom do, get my picture taken. 

You see, I understand they have their job and I have mine so when I do interviews I don't mix business with pleasure and I'm not a fan of having my picture taken. I thank Mr. Anderson's road manager, Lee Willard from Straight 8 Entertainment, for working with me that evening as well as taking this photograph:

Bill Anderson is exactly as you envision him. Warm, friendly, sincere and full of heart and passion for life, his artistry and his fans. The fans at his shows range from ten years to 90+. 

Performing Peel Me A Nanner

From the first notes of Wild Weekend to the final strains of Still, with the exception of an admitted loss of words during one song, Bill Anderson kept his audience engaged and entertained. I was in the second row next to a woman who''d had a friend drive her down to Steelville Missouri from Iowa just to see him. 

Meramec Theatre  is an amazing venue owned and operated by the Steelville Arts Council tucked in the beautiful Ozarks. Everyone involved is interested in bringing quality entertainment out of the bigger cities and to the people. If you look at their schedule you'll see contemporary artists, Gospel, Bluegrass as well as classic Country artists. In the past they've welcomed artists such as Jimmy Fortune, the Bellamy Brothers, John Conlee and Sandi Patty. They are still finalizing the 2019 schedule, including the Oakridge Boys. 

One thing you won't find at any other venue is an in-house artist, a painter specializing in landscapes and fine art, creates and incredible rendering of the performance while the entertainer holds the audience in the palm of their hand. His name Is Marty Coulter. In the space of about two hours, Marty captures what he sees on stage. Prior to the performance, attendees have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win the painting of the evening.

Tony & Debbie Sabatino of Burboun Missouri

with Bill Anderson and artist, Marty Coulter

Bill Anderson autographing the painting for the Sabatinos.

Bill stayed until every last person had the pleasure of shaking his hand, getting a photo and autograph. 

Bill Anderson recently released his 72nd album and celebrated his 81st. birthday! I'll be reviewing his new album tomorrow as well as showcasing his Christmas album next month.

Bill Anderson is usually on The Party List so keep an eye on those posts when they return in 2019. You will want to catch one of his shows!

~CountryBlessings!

THE PARTY LIST - On Hiatus

Good morning, everyone!

I do apologize for not having a Party List today. I had planned to get them up and running for the month, but a sinus infection has really slowed my progress. I'm struggling with daily house stuff and getting the garden prepped before rain moved in. Today, I am just totally exhausted. Sadly, the bushel of apples sitting in my kitchen are not going to wait any longer.

While I should have a couple of music posts coming up as well as Christmas CD profiles towards the end of the month, I am pulling most of the posts for the remainder of this year, through January 2019.

I have to get Book 2 written in my Planned to Perfection series this month. I have NanoWrimo to motivate me to complete that project, along from the fact I intend to release this book mid May 2019.

Basically, health and the paying gig have to come first.

I take December off to enjoy the holidays. December is my month to break down the current year and set up for the coming year. I watch Hallmark movies, Christmas specials and bake enough cookies/ goodies for about 100 treat boxes.

Most entertainers are also down for January, unless they are in Colorado for the Steamboat Music Fest.

Peek back over the next few weeks and watch for promo tweets for new postings and look forward to a much more productive blog in 2019.

Country Blessings!
Kelly

THE PARTY LIST - October 25 -31

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 25

Pat Green – The Rustic – Dallas

The Baker Family – Pickin’ & Grinn’n Festival – Bellville

john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Cedar Park

Friday – 26

Aaron Watson – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches

Matt Harlan – Shady Acres Saloon – Houston

William Clark Green – Hurricane Harry’s – College Station

Jamie Richards – Redneck Country Club – Stafford

Brandon Luedtke – House of Blues – Dallas

Saturday – 27

Aaron Watson – Boggus Ford Event Center – Pharr

William Clark Green – Heritage Hall – Paris

            Backyard Blowout!

Cody Canada & the Departed – Heritage Hall – Paris

john Arthur martinez – Atkins Express Pharmacy – Marble Falls

Josh Ward – Circleville Store - Taylor

Sunday – 28

Tessy Lou – Poodie’s – Spicewood

Monday – 29

W. C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w George Ensle

Tuesday – 30

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Kurt Baumer & Chris Reeves

Wednesday – 31

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w Luiz Carlos Coutinho de Souza III

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 25

Reckless Kelly – FitzGerald’s – Berwyn IL

Kip Moore – The Filmore Auditorium – Denver CO

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Bellamy Brothers – Franklin Theatre – Franklin TN

Friday – 26

Asleep at the Wheel – Franklin Theatre – Franklin TN

Gary Allan – John Ascuagas Nugget – Sparks NV

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Trace Adkins – Horseshoe Riverdome – Bossier City LA

Ronnie McDowell – Donoho Karaoke Night – Red Boiling Springs TN

Reckless Kelly – Bourbon Theater – Lincoln NE

Kip Moore – The Complex – Salt Lake City UT

Charley Pride – Welk Resort Theatre – Branson MO

Saturday – 27

Asleep at the Wheel – Renfro Valley Ent. Center – Mt.Vernon  KY

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Trace Adkins – Gold Strike – Tunica MS

Joe Nichols – Henderson Pavilion – Henderson NV

Ronnie McDowell – Donoho Ent. Center – Red Boiling Springs TN

            Annual Halloween Concert

Reckless Kelly – The Cotillion – Wichita KS

Kip Moore – Grand Sierra Resort – Reno NV

            Grand Theatre

Bellamy Brothers – Sevierville Civic Center – Sevierville TN

           

Sunday – 28

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Asleep at the Wheel- Lafayette’s Music Room – Memphis TN

Monday – 29

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Tuesday – 30

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Reckless Kelly – Music Box Supper Club – Cleveland OH

Kip Moore – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles CA

Wednesday – 31

Kelly McGuire – Lighthouse Court – Key West FL

            Meeting of the Minds Concert

Reckless Kelly – World Café Live Philadelphia – Philadelphia PA

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

William Clark Green – The Liberty – Roswell NM

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

So here's a little something to make light of a serious disease affecting way too many women. This video was the theme for Susan G. Komen two years ago.

Thank you, guys!

THE PARTY LIST - October 18-24

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 18

Mary Chapin Carpenter – Wagner Noel PAC – Midland

            /w Brian Setzer

john Arthur martinez – Western Edge Wine Cellars – Fredricksburg

            /w Mike Blakely

Friday – 19

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Roanoke

Reckless Kelly – Cactus Theater – Lubbock

Jon Wolfe – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth

William Clark Green – Lonestar Amphitheater – Lubbock

            /w Dirty River Boys and Read Southall

Cody Canada & the Departed – Sam’s Burger Joint – San Antonio

Brandon Luedtke – Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival – Dripping Springs

john Arthur martinez – Hills of Lakeway cc – The Hills

Josh Ward – Kiotee Club - Denison

Saturday – 20

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – The Colony

Asleep at the Wheel – Ranch Bash – Ft. Worth

Jon Wolfe – Rosevine Gravelhill Benefit – Bronson

William Clark Green – Dos Amigos – Odessa

Cody Canada & the Departed – Texas Arts & Music Festival – Brenham

john Arthur martinez – Oak Haven Ranch – Burnet

Josh Ward – Fight For Five Music Festival – Waco

Scott Taylor Band – The Kenney Store - Kenney

Sunday – 21

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 22

W. C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Tommy Elskes

Tuesday – 23

Matt Harlan – Lobello’s Pub – Huffman

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Kurt Baumer

Wednesday – 24

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w Kurt Baumer

Scott Taylor Band – Moonshine Drinkery – Victoria

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 18

Tracy Lawrence – Meyer Theatre – Greenbay WI

Joe Nichols – Mountain Arts Center – Prestonsburg KY

Aaron Watson – Moonshine Flats – San Diego CA

Kip Moore – The Ritz – Raleigh NC

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Ray Wylie Hubbard – George’s Majestic – Fayetteville AR

The Baker Family – Washington Parish Fair – Franklinton LA

Friday – 19

Tracy Lawrence – The Gobbler Theatre – Johnson Creek WI

Trace Adkins – Welk Resort Theatre – Branson MO

Ronnie McDowell – Bear Creek Memories Theater – St. Mary’s OH

Aaron Watson – Denim & Diamonds – Mesa AZ

Charlie Pride – The Sharon – The Villages FL

Bellamy Brothers – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Saturday – 20

Tracy Lawrence – Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre – Shipshewana IN

Bill Anderson – Meramec Music Theatre – Steelville MO

Trace Adkins – Center Stage @ Belterra Casino – Florence IN

Joe Nichols – Country Smooth Festival – Avondale LA

Aaron Watson – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles CA

Kip Moore – The Signal – Chattanooga TN

Pam Tillis – Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre – Branson MO

Lorrie Morgan – Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre – Branson MO

David Ball – Keepin’ It Country Farm – Waynesville OK

            /w Richard Lynch Band

Bellamy Brothers – Downstream Casino Resort – Quapaw OK

Sunday – 21

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Monday – 22

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Tuesday – 23

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Wednesday – 24

Ronnie McDowell – Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre – Branson MO

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

THE PARTY LIST - October 11- 17

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 11

Sawyer Brown – Wagner Noel PAC – Midland

David Ball – Main Street Crossing – Tomball

john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Marble Falls

            Music Festival Showcase

Friday – 12

Asleep at the Wheel – Rockport Seafair – Rockport

Jon Wolfe – Silver Saloon – Terrell

William Clark Green – The Shack @ Panther Island – Ft. worth

            Fall Fandango /w Flatland Cavalry and Kody West

Jamie Richards – Love and War – Plano

john Arthur martinez – the Badu – Llano

Josh Ward – Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival – Conroe

Scott Taylor Band –Cuero Turkey Fest -

Saturday – 13

Asleep at the Wheel – Texstar Ford Summer Nights Series – Stephenville

Aaron Watson – Austin Co. Fair – Bellville

Matt Harlan – Anderson Fair – Houston

Jon Wolfe – Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival – Conroe

William Clark Green – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches

Jamie Richards – Rockett Café – Waxahachie

David Ball – Kendalia Hall – Kendalia

Cody Canada & the Departed – Trinity Valley Expo Fair & Rodeo – Liberty

john Arthur martinez – Legacy Hills Pavilion

Josh Ward – Cody Johnson & Friends – Stephenville  

Scott Taylor Band – The Rustic Chandelier – El Campo

Sunday – 14

Asleep at the Wheel – Temple Theatre –Lufkin

Tessy Lou – Poodie’s – Spicewood

             

Monday – 15

George Ensle – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Alex Harvey

Tuesday – 16

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Chris Reeves

Wednesday – 17

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w B.B.Morse & Chris Reeves

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 11

Bill Anderson – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewana IN

Trace Adkins – Cumming Co Fair – Cumming GA

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Jesse and Noah – Red Light Café – Atlanta GA

The Baker Family – Turkey Track – Waldren AR

Bill Anderson – Blue Gate Theatre – Shipshewana IN

Friday – 12

Bill Anderson – Blue Gate Theater – Shipshewana IN

Kelly McGuire – Tubac Center for the Arts – Tubac AZ

            /w Mark Mulligan

Reckless Kelly – The Outland – Springfield MO

Cody Canada & the Departed – Stone Barn Farm – Dexter KS

The Baker Family – Pony Express – St. Joseph MO

Bellamy Brothers – Northern Lights Casino – Walker MN

Bill Anderson – Blue Gate Theatre – Shipshewana IN

Saturday – 13

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

            2 Shows

Reckless Kelly – Decades of Wheels Festival – Baxter Springs KS

The Baker Family – Pony Express – St. Joseph MO

Bellamy Brothers – Grand Falls Casino Resort – Larchwood IA

Sunday – 14

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

The Baker Family – Pony Express – St. Joseph MO

Bellamy Brothers – Rollie’s – Sauk Rapids MN

Monday – 15

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Reckless Kelly – Newcastle Casino- Newcastle OK

Jesse and Noah – Blue Plate Special – Knoxville TN

Tuesday – 16

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Joe Nichols – Arkansas State Fair – Little Rock AR

Wednesday – 17

Tracy Lawrence – Grand Theater – Wausau WI

Aaron Watson – Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace – Bakersfield CA

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

The Baker Family – Washington Parish Fair – Franklinton LA

CONCERTS & EVENTS

Check out this amazing line-up performing some of the best Bluegrass you'll ever hear!

Only the best music plays in TEXAS!

THE PARTY LIST - October 4 - 10

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 4

Jamie Richards – Cora’s Grill – Castroville

            Acoustic

The Baker Family – Glen Rose Bluegrass Festival – Glen Rose

john Arthur martinez – Driskill Hotel – Austin

Friday – 5

Asleep at the Wheel – ACL Music Festival – Austin

Aaron Watson – Gruene Hall – New Braunfels

Matt Harlan – Shady Acres Saloon – Houston

Jon Wolfe – Bee Co. Western Week – Beeville

Jamie Richards – Texas Music Reunion – Nemo

The Baker Family – Glen Rose Bluegrass Festival – Glen Rose

john Arthur martinez – Escondido Golf & Lake Club - Horseshoe Bay

Saturday – 6

Kelly McGuire – Railroad Park – Palacious

            Parrot Festival

Aaron Watson – State Fair of TX – Dallas

Reckless Kelly – Bootfest @ DeLeon Plaza – Victoria

Jon Wolfe – Armadillo Palace – Houston

Byrd & Street – New World Deli – Austin

            /w Greg Whitefield

Jamie Richards – Whiskey Girl - Ft. Worth

Bellamy Brothers – Arlington Music Hall – Arlington

john Arthur martinez – Linda’s – Wimberley

Sunday – 7

Matt Harlan – Houston Oasis – Houston

Monday – 8

WC Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Walt Wilkins

The Malpas Brothers – Wagner Noel PAC – Midland

john Arthur martinez – Kbey-FM Interview – Marble Falls

            7:35-8:35 a.m.

Tuesday – 9

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell

Mike Blakely – Music in the Park – Comfort

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Kurt Baumer

Wednesday – 10

Josh Abbott Band – The Rustic – Dallas

David Ball – Kenney Store – Kenney

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w Kurt Baumer

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 4

Tracy Lawrence – Booth Amphitheatre – Cary NC

Joe Nichols – Chillin on the Lucie – Glen St. Mary FL

Kip Moore – Scheels Arena – Fargo ND

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

BJ Thomas – The Sharon – The Villages FL

Gene Watson – Starlight Theatre – Branson MO

Eli Young Band – The Blue Note – Columbia MO

Cody Canada & the Departed – Exit In – Nashville TN

Bellamy Brothers – Soundheim Theater – Fairfield IA

Josh Ward – 3^rd & Lindsley – Nashville TN

Friday – 5

Tracy Lawrence – The Midland Theatre – Newark OH

Gary Allan – Arizona State Fair – Phoenix AZ

Kip Moore – The District – Sioux Falls SD

Charley Pride – Welk Resort Theatre – Branson MO

Bellamy Brothers – Ribs n Bibs Music Festival – Topeka KS

Josh Ward – Puckett’s Farm Equip. – Charlotte NC

Saturday – 6

Tracy Lawrence – del Lago Resort & Casino – Waterloo NY

Asleep at the Wheel – Golden Nugget – Lake Charles LA

Marc Broussard – Arcadia Music Festival – Thibodaux LA

Ronnie McDowell – Ross Country Jamboree – Scottsburg IN

Kip Moore – The Sylvee – Madison WI

Mike Blakely – Swallow Hill Music Hall – Denver CO

            /w Annie Blakely

David Ball – Music On Main – Auxvasse MO

Dinnerbell Road - Recon Brewing - Butler PA

Cody Canada & the Departed – Danenberger Family Vineyards – New Berlin IL

The Baker Family – Inter. Bluegrass Festival – Guthrie OK

Josh Ward – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta GA

Sunday – 7

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Reckless Kelly – Red Dragon Listening Room – Baton Rouge LA

Mike Blakely – Chuck Pyle Tribute Concert – Ft. Collins CO

            /w Annie Blakely

The Baker Family – Baker Heirloom Seed Co – Mansfield MO

Monday – 8

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Tuesday – 9

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Wednesday – 10

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

The Baker Family – Turkey Track – Waldren AR

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Neon Pike

I've known about Jesse and Noah's musical talent for years yet never searched them out to really give their sound a listen. When I heard the guys do Gambler's Heart on their family reality show, Honky Tonk Ranch, I knew I wanted to bring them out of the shadows for my readers.

NEON PIKE showcases the wide range of musical influences, and not just from their famous Bellamy Brothers family (dad, David Bellamy and uncle, Howard Bellamy). The album is a melting pot of Americana, 60's, 70's, 80's as well as enough mainstream tone to keep the tracks relevant for today. 

Unconfined emanates the 80's country I fell in love with when I interviewed The Bellamy Brothers the first time. Dreams for Days falls right into place with the type of beat that will have you comfortable on the dance floor, with or without a partner. Gambler's Heart features The Bellamy Brothers.  (See yesterday's Out of the Chute for the video)

The title track, Neon Pike, almost becomes an island. Though the sharper instrumentals of  the track fit with the story they want to tell. Tell It To My Tears creates a path between the island and the pop sound forming the majority of the album. I'll Run Away reins things back in to more of the pop country the album opened with as does Samantha by Starlight.

The most beautiful surprise on the album is 'Lina Rose. A bluegrass tune featuring Jack White's fiddler, Lillie Mae Rische and her sister Scarlett (mandolin)

The final track, Chances, carries a haunting note with an intriguing back beat as well as really bringing the brothers' harmony to the forefront. 

“The challenge for us has always been that we’re not traditional enough to fit with the traditional crowd or pop enough to be pop country,” says Noah. “Jesse had been writing songs since he was 12; I got into it later because I was concentrating mainly on playing guitar. By the time we moved to Nashville we were both eager to learn ..."

While the music of Jesse and Noah has had so many influences throughout their career, they have also taken those influences and created a unique style that lets them stand out from the rest. They are truly what the indie movement is all about... take everything you learn, add your own bit of spice to create something new, refreshing and pure. NEON PIKE is an album with something for almost everyone.

Rating this album was hard for me, for the lack of 'country'. That said, there was a lot of this album that spoke to me. 

I'm giving this album:

 .5 

You can pick up your copy today on iTunes

In the mean time, follow them on their various social media platforms:

Website    Facebook     Twitter    Instagram    YouTube    

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Jesse and Noah

 

I am thrilled to have Jesse and Noah visiting with us today. Nothing beats the harmony and collaboration of brothers when we're talking about music. Let's open the chute!

Thank you for joining me, guys. Ever since I heard Gambler’s Heart I’ve been looking forward to this.

If I’m reading correctly, Neon Pike is your sixth album. Was this produced in Darby? And which of your other albums used the studio there?

Jesse: This album was all recorded in Nashville with our friends Jason and Sambo Moncivaiz at their place.

Noah: We used the Darby studio for our previous album, Southern Usonia, and way back for our very first recordings with Elston Gunn.

Some artists only release a new album every three to four years. As Indie’s you seem to be putting out a new album every year to two years. What is your thought process behind constantly rolling out new material for your fans?

Noah: In the 1960s artists were putting out albums every six months, when dad and Howard started putting out records in the mid-1970s, an album a year was pretty standard. Then, at some point in the '80s, it shifted to every two years. I think it's just what we grew up thinking artists were supposed to

Jesse: I think in this new “streaming” world, we'll see more artists go back to the older model of releasing more music.

Most artists use one of the tracks as their album title. That doesn’t seem to be the case with you guys. The closest you’ve come is with your debut album, Nowhere Revisited – playing off Driving Nowhere. How do you come up with your album titles? Tell us, also, how the title for Neon Pike came to be.

Noah: Sometimes we come up with titles while we're working on a record. Sometimes a song title sticks out as a good title. There is a song called “Neon Pike” on the album, but it's more of a jingle with a guitar solo.

Jesse: It's written more like a theme song. We came up with the album title, then wrote a song around it.

Noah: It's about some of the roads in Nashville that are called “pikes.” The city center has changed so much in the last few years. The character in the song doesn't recognize it anymore, so he wants to go “down the pike.” 

In your bio you state that each of you build on a foundation then hand off to the other for polish. The 80s group, James & Michael Younger (brothers) worked the same way. Makes me wonder if this is a brother thing because of your connection. Is that something you picked up from your dad and uncle or did you find it on your own?

Jesse: We probably picked it up from them.

Noah: We each have our own style, but we know each other well enough that we can imitate each other. There were a couple of things I wrote knowing Jesse was going to end up singing them.

Your music showcases a wide range of influences spanning about thirty years. As I listen to your music, I hear a lot of your dad and uncle. What has been the most important lesson you’ve taken from watching them over the years?

 Jesse: Good songs are what matter in the end. A lot of artists try to stay relevant by chasing trends.

 Noah: That's fine, but you have to have good songs, whatever style you're doing.

You take a unique perspective with Gambler’s Heart. Please tell us how the thought train began.

Noah: I wanted to write a “grown-up” father and son song.

Jesse: We wrote it in a particular style that we thought would suit the Bellamy Brothers, a mix of southern rock and folk rock with some traditional country elements.

What is the one thing you want your listeners to really hear in Neon Pike?

Jesse: It's really just a record to listen to and enjoy the songs. Our previous record, Southern Usonia, turned out a little on the introspective side of things. We wanted this one to be a little more balanced.

Noah: I wanted to make something you could play on a road-trip or at a barbecue that still had some depth to it.

Let's give a listen to Gambler's Heart:

Let’s talk about Honky Tonk Ranch for moment:

What was your first reaction to the idea of doing the show?

 Jesse: The idea of doing a reality show didn't really appeal to us.

Noah: Most reality shows seem to have a lot of manufactured drama. The tone of Honky Tonk Ranch, turned out to be a little more lighthearted and fun. There are conflicts, but nothing too over the top...so far.

Has your opinion changed one way or the other as you approach the second season?

Noah: The show's developed into something that people seem to be enjoying, so you can't really argue with that.

Jesse: It's obviously not meant to be taken too seriously. The show laughs at itself.

Here's a clip from Season 1 Episode 3

It's almost impossible to find anything on social media of the two of you as individuals. You seldom see that outside of twins. Would you say you’re best friends?

Noah: I think it's more that we're stuck with each other.

Jesse: We have three more brothers, but we're the only ones that work together regularly. We are getting to working with our youngest brother, Aaron, a little now. He's doing camera work and behind the scenes stuff on Honky Tonk Ranch.

Because there is so little known about you guys, I want to do a little fan dig. Would each of you answer the following questions?

  

A – Favorite thing to do when you’re not working on your music?

Jesse: Astrology, gardening and record collecting.

Noah: Cooking.

B – Some place you’ve been you’d most like to revisit?

Jesse: Denver, Colorado and Zurich, Switzerland.

Noah: London and Norway

C – One thing most people don’t know about you?

Jesse: I have a collection of Star Trek memorabilia.

Noah: I can't whistle.

D – Favorite food

Jesse: Stone crab claws

Noah: Hot chicken wings.

If you are not familiar with Jesse and Noah, you need to be. While they are not new to the music scene, they are gaining momentum on the charts with their single Gambler's Heart hanging in at #87 on the Top 100 Texas Regional Radio Chart. Gambler's Heart is their first single from their new album, NEON PIKE. I will be posting a review of the CD tomorrow.

In the mean time, follow them on their various social media platforms:

Website    Facebook     Twitter    Instagram    YouTube