Reviews

The Small Stars - More of the same would have been fine, but I discovered that these guys kicked it up a notch. Tracks like "Love is Grand" and "Sweet Sweet Sweet" present a unique problem for these guys. They will get out and eventually find a large audience... read the full review

Guy Forsyth - Love Songs: For and Against is arguably Guy Forsyth's best CD yet. But some things can't be argued. 1) Without a doubt, this is Guy's most political CD to date. 2) Love Songs has the widest audience appeal of any CD offered by him so far. And 3), this CD will likely get Guy the recognition that he deserves... read the full review

Mike Blackhurst - It's an impressive debut that should give him solid footing in the Austin music scene. I expect to see much more of Mike Blackhurst as time goes on... read the full review

Kirk Wheeler - I never really realized the complexity of the songs until I made a point of trying to pick them apart. There are countless elements that come together to form each track. Everything is so seamless, though... read the full review

Bavu Blakes - ...stands out in my mind because of his intelligent lyrics and method of delivery. He is no amatuer... read the full review

Guy Forsyth - In the middle of one of his songs, he walked off the stage, left his microphone behind and began belting out the lyrics as he worked his way up to the bar. Guy demonstrated that he had one powerful voice and he can project it. He sat down and the bar and had a drink while the band went into an extended instrumental set... read the full review

Dawn Over Zero - Fortunately for fans, Dawn Over Zero came out swinging with their first release. Rather than simply sounding like a band with promise, they sound like seasoned professionals. They'd fit neatly in someone's CD collection between Nickleback and Puddle of Mudd... read the full review

Bob Schneider - Bob Schneider is a music whore. But he's a good whore who knows his trade very well, gives pleasure to many and understands that you get repeat customers when you give them their money's worth... read the full review

Jeff Plankenhorn - He's a rock solid musician that can write a great song, play it with passion, and demonstrate that he's got the goods in the vocal department as well... read the full review

Mark Hail - Although there is some variety, the CD definitely fits in the country category. It is not a cross-over collection of songs wavering on pop like many country hits today... read the full review

Will Taylor and Strings Attached - I've heard Ruthie's CD, Runaway Soul, and have seen her live on a number of occasions. Now was my chance to see what real differences arise when Strings Attached is part of the mix... read the full review

Manatee - Did I like the CD? Absolutely! This ends up being one of those cases where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts... read the full review

Tucker Livingston - Each of the seven songs paints a picture with skillful wording and a clever play on words. The use of imagery is woven throughout, but no more present than in the song... read the full review

Wideawake - It's been a long time since I've seen a band with such promise. Get your hands on their CD or check them out live. Chances are, you'll get addicted to them like I have... read the full review

Ian Moore - Ian performed for about three hours, and in such an intimate venue as Cactus Cafe, he was able to interact with the crowd... read the full review

Los Lonely Boys - I find it ironic that Stevie Ray Vaughan reminded me of the Los Lonely Boys, because at the show, it was the other way around. The trio—Henry Garza (guitars), Jojo Garza (bass), and Ringo Garza (drums)—all possess a tremendous amount of talent... read the full review

Echoset - The first half of the set was raucous and unassuming. Songs like Middleton and A. Moon were bombastic with edgy lyrics that kicked the show off to a great start... read the full review

Vallejo - Vallejo has confirmed its status as one of Austin's premiere bands with the release of Stereo. I see about half of the CD having a solid chance of radio play... read the full review

Jagger - With that said, Jagger has managed to create a collection of songs that will stand the test of time. They have stripped their songs down to the basics—good old fashion guitar, a solid rhythm, and straight forward vocals... read the full review

Jacinta - Labeling the artist as just a vocalist excludes her other abilities. She's a Jill of all trades, combining her keyboard and string talents with a keen knack for arranging, programming and mixing music... read the full review

Dave Jorgenson - Anyone who has listened to Dave Jorgenson's latest offering, Then and Now, will tell you that he has not sold out. He has held firmly to his country roots... read the full review

Susan Gibson - Knowing that Susan had written the Dixie Chicks' breakout song, Wide Open Spaces, I had high expectations for her CD, Chin Up. I must say that I was not disappointed in the least... read the full review

JACKOPIERCE - Jack and Cary hit a chord with their music that people can relate to. Whether it's referring to an old love, family, or that someone special, anybody can find something to interest them... read the full review

Joe Richardson Express - Joe Richardson has captured the essence of the blues on this CD. It's not about a formulary bass line, or SRV-like guitar licks. It's about the feeling of the blues... read the full review

Quatropaw - The lyrics on Flight sink their hooks into you. Coupled with the memorable melodies on songs like Operator and Can't Lie To You, Quatropaw manages to get the listener singing along by the end of each song... read the full review

Shadow Box - I was very impressed with how well Shadow Box was able to merge the influences of Indian and Western music. The tabla and drums seemed to compliment one another rather that compete, and the violin added a distinct accent... read the full review

The Alex Henley Band - The Alex Henley Band has a sound that is easily integrated into the Austin blues/rock music scene. But they have a sound that is distinct enough not to be lost in the crowd... read the full review

Billy and Bryn Bright - Guillermo and Mandola Smokabola are examples of modern bluegrass at it's best. It's not simple formulary writing. It's truly unique composition with flair. I was impressed with the CD right from the beginning... read the full review

Del Castillo - Some say that you can't improve upon perfection. Del Castillo proves that wrong with Vida, the follow-up to their debut CD Brothers of the Castle... read the full review

Kevin McKinney - Even if you don't recognize the name, you've probably heard Kevin before. Kevin is the lead singer and driving force behind Soulhat, one of the most established Austin bands. Kevin's new CD, McVein in Green, is a solo project... read the full review

Saucer - The Saucer CD, Invasion of Saucer, is a departure from the same ol'-same ol'. It's not so much an addition to the current wave of music as much as it's a step back to the basics of straight-ahead hard rock. read the full review

Brobdingnagian Bards - ...the last time I checked, the Bards had six songs in the top twenty in their genre on MP3.com. They've had more than 2.1 million MP3s downloaded... read the full review

Kevin Fowler - Kevin Fowler has been able to put out yet another fine piece of work. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kevin's name turn up again in the Austin Music Awards. read the full review

Ruthie Foster - Ruthie Foster's songs are a remarkable hybrid of blues, gospel, roots and folk music rich with honest spirituality and emotion. read the full review

Caroline Herring - I was extremely proud of my fellow Austinites when I realized they voted for a talented folk artist with an arsenal of well-crafted songs... read the full review

If you know of a band that deserves some recognition, send an email to music@austinexperience with whatever information you think would be helpful. If you know the band has a web site, send me the link as well. If you are a musician, set us up with a couple of passes to your show or send us a CD. We'll add your band to our band links page and consider you for review on AustinExperience.com. Send us an email to make the necessary arrangements or mail your items to:

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