Tenth Annual Houston Press Music Awards Showcase: 7-18-99
Music to Feed the Soul
By Lisa Lerner (photos by Scott Angle)

This showcase revealed talent Houston already knew it had: From Jazz to Blues, Rock, Swamp, C&W, Zydeco, Punk, Funk, Metal, Ethnic --you name it, it was there. The choices were many: Fifty-five bands for five bucks was a real bargain for runners. See www.HoustonPress.com/musicawards99 for a complete listing.

I put myself to the test, bar-hopping the Bayou City, panting upon arrival, and enjoying every moment. It was like savoring a different brand of fine Merlot at every turn. Voters abounded everywhere. From strong local supporters, to newcomers from out of state, the crowds thickened by the minute as the ballots simmered.

THE CLAY FARMER BAND:
My own journey began at Spy Patio to see relative newcomers to the Country scene: The Clay Farmer Band. Although nominated for Best C&W, this band rocks! Its brand of original lyrics combined with the talents of its four members created a charged atmosphere: Clay Farmer was an energized force that felt like a locomotive on the loose, yet never derailed because of its focus and soul. I love their style. The crowd reacted very favorably, and many were dancing soon into the set, even though it was an early gig. Some audience comments:

"I like the Rock and Roll aspect of their Country sound." - Chris Lane

"True Texas Rock - in the spirit of all the greats." - Deana Larkin

"Great mix of rockin' sound with fine C&W vocals." - Roger Wood

"I'm a Yankee and hate Country music, but I'd come back to hear them again. They were great!" - Tony Myer - Dallas, Tx.

"The Clay Farmer Band kicks ass." -  Anthony Wilkinson II

"Smokin'!!" - Mayor of the Heights

ARTIS TURNER AND THE MEGATONES:
Next, we ran over to Harlon's BBQ to see legendary Artis Turner and the Megatones, with Terry Green on guitar (nominated Local Musician of the Year and Best Guitarist).

This six-piece group found in its audience many of the Bayou City's blues artists/Houston Blues Society members, eating BBQ and getting into the groove, which is a jazzy blues with brass (one of which is a MF Superbone, a horn that plays trombone range and has 3 valves like a trumpet, according to Michael Luther). Artis Turner wooed the audience with his jaunt among the tables, and Terry Green teasingly smoked his guitar occasionally, leaving me wanting more. I spoke with Terry and Artis after the show:

Artis: "I began singing at 18 years old. Picked up drums later. Influences are jazz, and music, regardless of who plays. Blues - First, Albert King, then B.B. King."

Terry: "Artis was part of the original Ready Room Mafia. He played with Milton Hopkins, B.B. King...I finally got the guts to talk to Artis...11-12 years ago.

Artis: "Terry Green is a great guitarist, innovative music..."

Terry: "There is more than one facet on the jewel of truth...everyone learns. Artis is a veteran of soulful music. What I love about playin' in the Megatones is I can hide back with the rhythm section and don't have to take down solo."

JUG O' LIGHTNIN':
Nominated for Best New Band, Best Folk/Acoustic, Best Underground, Best Bassist, Mike "Mopar" Sinclair.

To say that lightning faceted the dark sky above the Aerial Theater Patio when this band came on might sound a little far-fetched, but...well, guess what? I had at least 50 witnesses, which were an eclectic mix of hard-core Rock enthusiasts and Beverly Hillbilly look-alikes with tattooes and T-shirts: A good-vibe crowd. The sound is a unique Swamp Rock a.k.a. Mississippi Delta Blues that could get Vaudeville and Punk. I liked it.
Picture this 3-piece: An inverted washtub painted blue, with two-strings as an electric upright bass; a 3/4 scale acoustic guitar with a humbucker pick-up; and a mighty drummer. Crowd reaction:

"Coolest band to go see for something fun and uncommercial. All fun and no crap!!" - Stephanie

"Style awesome! My friends..." - B

"I think they're fantastic, and have a great sound! I can't wait to see where they're playing again, 'cause I'm there!" -  Kevin Dorsey

BOURBON STREET BAND:
Back at Harlon's, the crowd was really warming up to this 5-piece band plays Zydeco/Blues/Funk (nominated for Best Cajun/Zydeco). The bandmembers' signatures are their berets and hopping dance tunes that audiences crave. Some of the tunes we enjoyed were Phil Withers, Rev. Al Green, and Otis Redding covers. Audience member reaction (thanks for the pen):

"Love that Temptations thing the bass player and keyboard player do -- great band to dance to even if you don't dance cajun. They make others' songs their own." - Kate Simpson

CAROLYN WONDERLAND AND THE IMPERIAL MONKEYS:
Nomination: Best Blues; Songwriter of the Year; Best Female Vocalist, Carolyn Wonderland; Best Drummer, (former Imperial Monkey) Leesa Harrington Squyres.
I believe that many people packing other venues headed over to Harlon's to see this local wonder with quite a following. The joint was standing-room-only, and the band delivered as always promised: Powerful, soulful vocals combined with heady guitar riffs and rockin' bass/drums. Still, there is no mistaking the band's Blues roots, and the audience was every bit Blues enthusiast as it was the younger head-bangin' variety. This band satisfies them all. I wanted to go check out a few more bands, yet couldn't pry myself away, much less get the photographer to leave (we were hopelessly smitten). The crowd was excited, happy, and energetic: It was for this reason I was unable to obtain audience comments, as no one could sit still long enough!

SISTERS MORALES:
Nominated Best Folk/Acoustic; Song of the Year "This is My House".

I really wanted to see this act. Caught up with the sisters at the end of the show. Lisa said they've sold about 1000 copies of the new album, "Someplace Far Away from Here". She said it was a good audience here. They have been touring the Southwest, Europe (Belgium, Germany, France). They are getting airplay in Italy. They began in 1990, but off and on since they were kids. The first CD "Ain't No Perfect Diamond" was cut in 1997. They first recorded a demo cassette in 1990. Their self-described genre' is eclectic. When asked what was their most interesting gig, they both responded "Germany".

Lisa: In Germany, the audience was great...we both speak German, so there was no language barrier...we lived in Germany during grade school. Our step-dad was on a sabbatical there (Heidelberg area).

Roberta: In a sense, it was like going home. We did a fest there, and changed, evolved. Country/Bluegrass Fest -- they love (old) Country music and Bluegrass over there.

Lisa L.: What are your plans for the future?

Lisa & Roberta: A record deal! The right one.

Following are some audience comments:

"First time to see them. Rock/Country, etc. Steel guitar was good! High- powered Rock/Country harmonies." - Kevin Whited

"There's nothing like a real Texas Country/Folk/Rock band." - Tom Beron

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

"I think Jesse Dayton's the hottest thing on two wheels." - Annabelle Ruch

"When I saw TKOH, I thought James Brown was in the room." - Anthony Wilkinson II

"Dropkick Chihuahuas had a rowdy, drinking crowd! Energy! Marvin, the guitarist, had a belt amp that was cool. It was a good, Blues-based sound with Elvis-like deep vocals." - Scott Angle

There is nothing like trying to be two or three places at once. Actually, I would have preferred to have been ten places at once to see all the acts. Houston definitely has talents that range octaves you would not believe. Bayou Place was a unification of an energetic artistic community, connecting with a loving and supportive audience across all the venues. Each venue is unique -- I will be back to explore them further. The world needs to wake up to Houston's thriving musical scene; otherwise it will miss a spectacular display of fireworks. I am surprised these gifted artists are not already world-renowned for their unique abilities.

Special thanks to Mayor of the Heights for consultative assistance on this review.