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 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:
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 – 27
Kelly
McGuire – Port Neches Wheelhouse – Port Neches
Friday – 28
Gary Allan –
Concrete Street Amphitheater – Corpus Christi
Kelly
McGuire – T-bone Tom’s – Kemah
Aaron Watson
– Frank Erwin Center – Austin
Saturday – 29
Gary Allan –
Western Days @ Downtown on Main Street – Lewisville
Kelly
McGuire – Top Water Grille – San Leon
Galveston Bay Songwriters Festival
Aaron Watson
– Burleson Co. Fair – Caldwell
Reckless
Kelly – Sam Houston Race Park – Houston
16th Annual Ziegenbock
festival
Turnpike
Troubadours – Floore’s – Helotes
w/ Mickey & the Motorcars, Vincent
Neil Emerson
Sunday – 30
NO SHOWS FOUND
Monday – October
1
NOW SHOWS FOUND
Tuesday – 2
Dave Thomas
– T-Bone Tom’s – Kemah
Mike Blakely
– Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg
Wednesday –
3
Mike Blakely
– On the Rocks - Cottonwood Shores
/w john Arthur martinez
ON THE ROAD
Thursday –
27
Marc
Broussard –Lobero Theater – Santa Barbara CA
Oak Ridge
Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO
Friday – 28
Tracy
Lawrence – Middle Tennessee District Fair – Lawrenceburg TN
Marc
Broussard – Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles CA
Joe Nichols
– Stadium Theatre Per. Arts Centre – Woonsocket RI
Kip Moore –
Avondale Brewing Co – Birmingham AL
Saturday –
29
Tracy
Lawrence – Delta Downs Racetrack Hotel & Casino – Vinton LA
Marc
Broussard – Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach CA
Bill
Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN
Trace Adkins
– Garrett Coliseum – Montgomery AL
Joe Nichols
– University of Buffalo Football Stadium – Buffalo NY
Ronnie
McDowell – Carroll Co. Tobacco Festival – Carrollton KY
Kelly Willis
– Stephens Lake Park – Columbia MO
Southern Bank Stage
Sunday – 30
Mickey
Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO
/w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour
Trace Adkins
– Renfro Valley Entertainment Center – Mount VernonKY
Marc
Broussard – Musical Instrument Museum – Phoenix AZ
Monday –
October 1
Mickey
Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO
/w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour
Tuesday – 2
Mickey
Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO
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 – 20
Blake
Shelton – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth
Mike Blakely
– Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg
/w john Arthur martinez
Friday – 21
Trace Adkins
– Washington Co. Fair – Brenham
Kelly Willis
– Floore’s – Helotes
Robert Earl
Keene – Floore’s – Helotes
Matt Harlan –
Adair’s Saloon – Dallas
Saturday – 22
Reckless
Kelly – Statler Ballroom – Dallas
LJT’s Rhymes
and Vines – Stephenville
Matt Harlan –
Frisco Rail Yard – Frisco
Sunday – 23
Reckless
Kelly Softball Jam – Dell Diamond – Round Rock
Monday – 24
Matt Harlan –
Lobello’s Pub – Huffman
WC Jameson - Poodie's - Spicewood
/w Guest: Kenny Williams
Tuesday – 25
Mike Blakely
– Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg
Wednesday –
26
No Shows Found
ON THE ROAD
Thursday –
20
Marc
Broussard – The Neptune – Seattle WA
Ronnie
McDowell – Mule Days – Benson N. Carolina
Reckless
Kelly – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa OK
Wade Bowen –
Diamond Heart Resort – Tahlequah OK
Randy Rogers
Band – Diamond Heart Resort – Tahlequah OK
Oak Ridge
Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO
Blake
Shelton – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth
Friday – 21
Tracy
Lawrence – Peppermill Concert Hall – West Wendover NV
Gary Allan –
Horseshoe Bossier City – Bossier City LA
Marc
Broussard – The Seasons Performance Hall – Yakima WA
Bill
Anderson – Ross Country Jamboree – Scottsburg IN
Kelly
McGuire – Bertelson Winery – Mount Vernon WA
Joe Nichols
– Cotton Eyed Joe’s – Knoxville TN
Cody Canada
& the Departed – Diamondhead Resort – Tahlequah OK
Reckless
Kelly - Diamondhead Resort – Tahlequah OK
Kip Moore –
Hammerstein Ballroom – New York NY
*Special Guest for Select dates
Saturday –
22
Tracy
Lawrence – Northern Edge Casino – Farmington NM
Gary Allan –
Coushatta Casino Resort – Kinder LA
Marc
Broussard – Crest Theater – Sacramento CA
Steve
Wariner – Gilley’s @ Choctaw Casino – Pocola OK
Bill
Anderson – Red Barn Convention Center – Winchester OH
Trace Adkins
– Anderson Co. Cornstock – Garnett KS
Alan Jackson
– AMP – Rogers AR
Aaron Watson
– OK. State Fair – Oklahoma City OK
Kip Moore –
The Paramount – Huntington NY
Tanya Tucker
– Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre – Branson MO
Sunday – 23
Mickey
Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO
/w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour
Asleep at
the Wheel – Bristol Rhythm & Routes Festival – Bristol TN
Marc
Broussard – Sierra Nevada Big Room – Chico CA
Monday – 24
Mickey
Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO
/w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour
Tuesday – 25
Mickey
Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO
/w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour
Marc
Broussard – Freight & Salvage – Sacramento CA
As you can tell, things have been a bit wonky of late. Since this is not my paying gig, I had to put my book writing ahead of everything else. The book, An Ozarks Christmas, is uploaded to Kindle and KOPD, ready for release in October.
The hero, Brendan Keane, is one of the highest paid entertainers in the business. He has some tough choices to make. In a couple of weeks I'll be telling you more about the book, introducing you to the Hero and Heroine and how the country song that inspired the story - almost 25 years ago!
As far as this forum goes, I have some great things coming up. I'm overdue for an interview with Tim Atwood. Man, have you heard his latest CD? I'll enclose a video clip. Great stuff!
I'm also pleased to announce I'll be interviewing Jesse and Noah Bellamy as well as reviewing their latest album. I'm so proud of these guys. They do the family name proud.
So give me a couple days to get acclimated then I'll be back with all this fabulousness.
I apologize for the short list. I'm still trying to finalize book stuff and I have to have it done by tomorrow.
In the mean time, I've been putting together The Party List through the end of October so you don't miss any shows. I will be busy promoting my new book and I don't want to let this post slip through the cracks!
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 –
13
No Shows Found
Friday – 14
Dave Thomas
– Hard Eight BBQ – The Colony
Kelly Willis
– Cactus Theater - Lubbock
Saturday –
15
Dave Thomas
– Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell
Tracy
Lawrence – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth
Asleep at
the Wheel – Pioneer & Old Settlers Reunion – Alvarado
Aaron Watson
– Texas Gatorfest – Anahuac
Cody Johnson
Band – Helotes Fairgrounds -Helotes
w/ David Lee Murphy, Jon Wolfe &
more
Reckless
Kelly – LBJ Lawn @ UT Campus – Austin
Kelly Willis
– Tri State Fair - Amarillo
Sunday – 16
Dave Thomas
– White Elephant Saloon – Ft. Worth
Asleep at the
Wheel- The Broken Spoke – Austin
Album Release Party!!!!
Monday – 17
George Ensle - Poodie's - Spicewood
/w Guest - Frank Martin Gilligan
Tuesday – 18
No Shows Found
Wednesday
–19
Kelly Willis
– Rollins Studio Theatre – Austin
ON THE ROAD
Thursday –
13
Joe Nichols –
The Ryman – Nashville TN
Friday – 14
Tracy
Lawrence – Gilley’s & Choctaw Casino – Durant OK
Gary Allan –
Fredrick Fairgrounds – Fredrick MD
The Great Fredrick Fair
Trace Adkins
– Kansas State Fair – Hutchinson KS
Aaron Watson
– Silver Star Steakhouse – Bossier City LA
Saturday –
15
Gary Allan –
Penn’s Peak – Jim Thorpe PA
Marc
Broussard – Ameristar Casino Hotel – Vicksburg MS
I apologize for no Party List this week. When I would have been working on September's list last week, I was hangin' out with Bear, my Great Peryeneese/ Chow mix through his final days. That time with him was precious but also put me further behind on getting this book ready for release. I HAVE to get the book out to beta readers this weekend then I can get back to work. If all goes well and the creek don't rise, The Party List will return next week.
