I'm writing this from a Kinko's in San Marcos. I'm on the road, heading to
Ft. Worth for Christmas then Mexico for a class (I'm teaching!). I've spent
the week with Jessica, my ten-year-old granddaughter, showing her all the
thrift shops I love and taking her out to hear some music. This morning,
Sunday, December 22, we headed to the Taco Express on South Lamar. "What do you do there, grandma," she asked. "Just listen to music?" I told her we
would also be eating great food. When we arrived the parking lot was full
and overflowing. One patron said the place had always been a popular spot,
but it had really taken off in the last year. I knew I was going to hear
some great music with a team of musicians made up of Gurf Morlix, Scrappy
Judd Newcomb, Papa Mali, Paul on drums, Nick Connolly on keyboard and Yashi Vaughn singing with the tambourine. Sitting next to Mandy Mercier, a
wonderful musician whom I planned on interviewing later, I could feel her
experience of the music. We both felt it the same way. I could tell.
Jessica loved the tacos and seemed rather amazed at the music. It was
loud, rhythmic with the repetition of gospel. Moving. Later Mandy mentioned
a "shamanic" perspective on the power of music. I agreed. Music can take us
other places.

The weekly gospel hour at the Taco Express came to an end after we heard
"I Shall Be Released," and "I Ain't Gonna Study War No More," and "I"m
Saved." The last song rocked out, while the angels and altars at the back of
the stage framed this lineup of excellent musicians, each a major talent.
Each with an important story to tell.

If you're ever in Austin on Sunday, and I plan on being there a lot more,
then head to Maria's Taco Express on South Lamar. You won't be disappointed.
Friday night, December 21, I stood in line in front of Antone's, waiting
to see if we could get in the sold-out Christmas show featuring Bruce
Robison and Kelly Willis. I remember hearing Bruce with an intimate audience
at the Tiffey's house concert last year. This duo, both major talents, have
created another beautiful contribution to the rich field of Texas music.
Harmonizing, taking turns taking leads, they dance together in a concert in
a way that may reflect the dynamics of their marriage. Kelly mentioned the
upcoming birth of twins. "I'll mention that again, later," she added. "Cheap
applause."

I enjoyed their stories as much as their songs. I asked one woman why
Kelly was such a draw. "She has stayed true to herself," the woman, new to
Austin, explained. "She didn't sell out to Nashville." Her voice is strong,
carrying country, swing and blues to new limits. Last time I saw Kelly was
at a Willie Nelson Picnic at Luckenbach. She's a favorite for many music
lovers. Check out her new album.

Bruce and Charlies Robison, from Bandera, are favorites in the Hill
Country. The family now consists of Bruce and Kelly; Charlie married Emily
from the Dixie Chicks. They are all calling Texas home and creating some
great music. I wonder how they deal with their independent touring
schedules.

After the show at Antone's, I moved next door to the Lucky Lounge (Yes,
I'm tracking down women performing in Texas.). Lisa Tingle was playing with
a trio from Seattle backing her up. I'd had her press kit for about a year.
I knew she played in a rock band. What I discovered was here absolutly
fantastic and passionate approach to music. I though of Janis with a better
voice. Lisa plays the Lucky Lounge each Friday in January. I'll return.
By now you know you can research any of these artists on the internet. All
seem to have a website:  www.lisatingle.com or www.mandymercier.com or
www.kellywillis.com.

I headed down to San Antonio Sunday evening. Jessica's flight was at 6:30
a.m. on Monday. I put in my Gurf Morlix CD, "Toad of Titicaca," purchased at
the Blaze Foley tribute on Sunday, December 15. The CD begins with a the
words of a man "trying to make some sense of it all...then wild things are
calling my name." I can identify with that! Moving to "You Don't Know Me,"
the CD seems to tell a story. I wonder, "Is this Gurf's story?" He talks of
robins singing at midnight and hitting rock bottom. Then he feels free. I
love "Leap of Faith," where he takes the jump again. I love "I Blunder On."
Hey, maybe this is my story, as well. "Dan Blocker" get "Gurf-weird" when he
lists, in a rhythmic way, the actors on Bonanza. Then he talks of a woman
covered by snakes in the "Greatest Show on Earth." And he ends with "Fallin'
Off The Face Of The World," a solo number, his voice a plaintiff echo. He
plays most of the instruments on the recording, accompanying himself. His
list of thanks includes the lonely comment "I miss Blaze Foley." That helps
me understand the quirkiness that I so love in the Texas music scene. He
never met Roxy Gordon, but he heard of him.

I'll be taking this Toad recording with me to Ft. Worth. His photo on the
cover reveals only half his face, the other half submerged in water.
Interesting and quirky.

Send me your quirky stories. I know Dime a Dozen has been to Cuba. I'm
waiting for those stories! Big Hands had a release while I was gone. I'm
waiting for that one. New Year's Eve will find me in San Miguel de Allende,
enjoying music in a language I love. Hey, your choice of words is your
choice of worlds. Free Leonard and down the road.

Email Kathleen:  kat@maverickbbs.com

Visit the THMF website:  www.texasheritagemusic.org

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