Texas’ fraught relationship with everything cannabis just took a new turn. The new hemp law that’s left law enforcement agencies scratching their heads, we’ll have details. Also, some of Texas’ fastest growing cities have public schools where the population is shrinking: “The Charter Effect”. We’ll explore. And from the days of the California Gold Rush to today, the Midland area remains crucial to those seeking fortune. Plus, nurdles and the woman in a kayak who’s fighting to rid Lavaca Bay of these plastics. And should your relationship with your gun change as you age? We’ll take a look at that and more today on the Texas Standard:
Archives for July 2019
Armadillo Poem
A Texas road trip often isn’t without at least one sighting of these mileposts of sorts. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears: “Handshake Drugs” (Wilco Cover)
If you tend to keep your dial on 98.9FM, you’ll already know Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. They’re no stranger to Studio 1A or our airwaves thanks to the fearless frontman‘s drive towards perfection on guitar and vocals. Lewis’ perky, irreverent, but endearing blend of blues-funk-soul is great on its own but with the fiery horn arrangements and added energy in the room, catching Joe with his Honeybears is such a treat.
KUTX presents Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears and Emily Wolfe next Saturday at the Mohawk and we’re betting on some new tunes from the gang somewhere off in the horizon. The band put out two albums last year, one live and one in-studio, the latter of which features a fresh spin on a Wilco classic, “Handshake Drugs”!
Texas Standard: July 4, 2019
There’s a long list of Democratic Presidential candidates. Two from Texas, but only one Texan is now among the top 5 candidates. We’ll have the story. Also, in this, the land of the free, how one man found true freedom even as he is behind bars. Plus how can camp create positive memories for children who are homeless? U.T. Dallas may have found a way, we’ll explore. And linguistics and Baseball. Excuse me, what? Don’t worry, we have a Texan Translation for you! And, scoot closer to the radio because we are about to talk scooters: the good, the bad and the ugly. That and more today on the Texas Standard:
Think No Think: “Clozer” [PREMIERE]
Ready to crank up the volume this Fourth of July? Think No Think has you covered!
The trio got together in 2012 while each member was working at the now-defunct Austin cultural hotspot, Club Deville, and while Think No Think does still rock out til the speakers blow, it’s certifiably not just noise. Their dynamic sensibilities, melodic integration and disciplined performances balance out an otherwise unchecked energy between these three, who are set to release a new album in September.
And speaking of new stuff, today Think No Think premieres their latest single, one with enough fuzz guitar and soaring vocals to put hair on any chest, “Clozer”!
A Family 4th
Dang. Willie always throws a great party.
Tickets are still available for Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic out at Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd. (78617). And, as if you needed any convincing, check out the line-up at this big event: Luke Combs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Austin Music Minute favorite Colter Wall, Hayes Carll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gene Watson, Billy Joe Shaver, Johnny Bush, Folk Uke, Raelyn Nelson Band, The Casey Kristofferson Band, and David Allen Coe.
Of course, Willie Nelson & Family are the ones bringin’ the fireworks. That enough for ya? Doors open at 11 a.m., and the music starts at 11:30 a.m.
Go on. Get you some. Recommended.
Texas Standard: July 3, 2019
Homelessness has been a hot topic in Texas cities lately. Two of the state’s largest metros have taken different approaches, with different results. We’ll explore. Also, in another of Texas’s largest cities, an increase in domestic violence and a mission to make the city safer for women. Plus, the invasive search for new energy sources. And how even the “green” ones are impacting West Texas. Plus, Black Pumas… you may not have heard of this Austin band yet, but chances are you could soon. We’ll introduce you to their psychedelic sound. And we run some of last week’s Democratic debate claims through the Texas Truth-O-Meter. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Wil Brookhart: “Warden”
If you’re not in-the-know about Mother Falcon, here are some basics. They got their start in Austin over a decade ago and built up a roster of nearly two dozen classically-trained players but this critically acclaimed symphonic outfit has allowed live shows to take a back seat in favor of their annual summer camp Mother Falcon Music Lab and supporting Petra and the Wolf.
So what do the individually talented members of this extended family…do…for the rest of the year? Well, for Mother Falcon Music Lab Intern Director, multi-instrumentalist and arranger Wil Brookhart, the obvious choice is to make music. This young, insanely-driven performer admittedly takes cues from Hikes solo offshoot Monté, but the candor of Brookhart’s compositions shed a defining light on his playful yet mature nature. Wil Brookhart just premiered his eponymous studio debut so get ready to acknowledge this new authority in songwriting with “Warden”!
Young Enough
You would not immediately assume the mega-pop melodies on Charly Bliss‘ latest release Young Enough are something from the nether regions of an annihilated love-torn soul, but that’s where you’re wrong.
Even front woman Eva Hendricks admits she cannot help but frame the darkest of reflections within something bright and upbeat. But who said the darkest of thoughts must always be paired with the darkest of sounds? Dress that drama and heartache up with sparkling synths and ultra ’80s-into-’90s new wave/alt. tones, and it’s just as gut-wrenching as Hendricks guides you through the heavier undertones. With the sweetness comes the sour, and you’ll feel it coursing through your emotions.
Charly Bliss takes over the room tomorrow night at Stubb’s indoor venue, 801 Red River. Brooklyn artist and audio engineer Emily Reo opens the show. Doors at 8 p.m. Recommended.
-Image courtesy of the artist.
Texas Standard: July 2, 2019
Congresswoman Escobar talks with us a day after touring detention facilities and finding out she was the target of comments on a secret Facebook group. That secret Facebook group reportedly made up of at least some current and former Border Patrol agents. The content, at times disturbing. We’ll have more. Plus, it looks like a deadline to print the U.S. census was missed. Why it matters and what’s next. And have you been to a Texas State Park lately? Many are overcrowded and in disrepair. Why Texans will soon have a chance to fix that. And celebrating the anniversary of a woman’s right to vote with the recognition that the reality of that right was uneven. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Amber Mark: “What If”
For any avid contemporary R&B fan (especially longtime KUTX listeners) the name Amber Mark should be pretty familiar. At age twenty three, Mark’s only in her third year of professionally releasing music, but she’s already proven herself as one of New York’s most elegant and masterful singers.
Over several singles and one EP, Mark channels the soaring feminine side of ’80s-era R&B-jazz-fusion, giving folks like Sade and Anita Baker a run for their money. Her sleek, contemporary-minded melodies have also become ripe for remixes internationally, and she just dropped two glossy new singles. Be sure to check out “Mixer” when you have a chance, and bundle up for the quiet storm right now with “What If”!
Americano
Looking ahead to this Wednesday night, you’ll find an incredible musical celebration of international proportions that’s all-American and psychedelic. Welcome to the World Psychedelic Party at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, featuring three outstanding bands mixing a number of traditional and contemporary sounds to keep you moving. Seriously, dig this mighty line-up:
-The night starts with Nemegata, blending Columbian roots, Southern Mali, Saharan, African and South American styles.
–Micah Shalom & The Babylonians, an aural feast of ska, roots, reggae, rocksteady and Afro-beat.
-Austin-based band Frederico7, mixing Brazilian psych, bossa, soul, funk and dub.
Dance party, on FIRE. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Very recommended.
-Photo of Frederico Do Mar of Frederico7 by Juan Figueroa for KUTX.
Jazz and The Art of Mental Health (Part 2)
Listen back as we discuss the making of jazz, around a frank conversation about mental illness, addiction, and the advantages of thinking beyond our present circumstances. Through the artistry of Buddy Bolden, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, and others, we explore the intersection of mental balance, suffering, wellness, and virtuosity.
How does our outlook on life either enhance or hamper our ways of being? How does creativity help us cope with our struggles? How can the power of music help us keep our torment at bay?
Rabbi and Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe in conversation with Rebecca McInroy. Featuring: Michael Malone, saxophone; Adrian Ruiz, trumpet; Andre Hayward, trombone; Red Young, piano; John Fremgen, bass; Brannen Temple, drums.
Jazz and The Art of Mental Health (Part 1)
Listen back as we discuss the making of jazz, around a frank conversation about mental illness, addiction, and the advantages of thinking beyond our present circumstances. Through the artistry of Buddy Bolden, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, and others, we explore the intersection of mental balance, suffering, wellness, and virtuosity.
How does our outlook on life either enhance or hamper our ways of being? How does creativity help us cope with our struggles? How can the power of music help us keep our torment at bay?
Rabbi and Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe in conversation with Rebecca McInroy. Featuring: Michael Malone, saxophone; Adrian Ruiz, trumpet; Andre Hayward, trombone; Red Young, piano; John Fremgen, bass; Brannen Temple, drums.
Texas Standard: July 1, 2019
Texas lawmakers passed a bill making it harder for their emails to go public. Why that could impact what we know about why district lines are drawn today on the Texas Standard.
The Supreme Court made a decision about the citizenship question on the US census. But there’s still an outstanding legal challenge. We’ll explain.
Plus, oil is abundant in Texas. One historian says it’s intertwined with religion in the state, namely Christianity.
And why cows might help in the fight against HIV or breast cancer.
Those stories- news from the World Cup, the NBA, and more…
Darkbird: “Bastard Governor”
The group Darkbird is no stranger to Song of the Day, but just for a quick recap, it all started a few years ago when New York’s Brian Cole and L.A.’s Kelly Barnes had a chance meeting in their new home of Austin. That core duo has since expanded to a six-piece, who in 2019 has enjoyed a successful stint at SXSW, their fair share of shows in and out of town, not to mention a ton of growth.
Last week Darkbird released another new single in anticipation of their upcoming EP and although our Song of the Day was written back in 2013, it’s more-than-fitting for today’s political atmosphere, so enjoy “Bastard Governor”!