Story by Mary Jane Farmer; pictures by Mary Jane, Mark Bickham, and Jeremy Lee. Go to the end of the story for links to pictures.
Don’t worry, Texas Music Revolution 15 may be over but there’s always 2012 to look forward to. Generally, it’s being held the third weekend in March, so you might want to just pencil that in when you get your new daytimers. Of course, KHYI will notify everybody of date and performers along the way.
Ted Russell Kamp
This was a first time at TMR for this California guitar picker who previously traveled with Shooter Jennings’ band as its bass player and songwriter. Best of Texas magazine said, “Kamp’s distinctive Cali-country sounds are likely what makes his presence in Texas so welcome. (He) manages to push the influences of his life on the road (this guy has literally seen the world from a tour bus) into his songs.” He spends as much time in Europe as he does the U.S., and his next trip to Texas will be May 21 and 22 at Gruene Hall in the Texas Hill Country.
Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward
One of the most absorbing bands to come out of the Texas music landscape since Steve Earle or the Old 97s, RP&50PR have dusted off the formulas of the modern Texas music establishment, incorporating the styles of such 70s and 80s music leaders as The Flatlanders and Robert Earl Keen with their more modern approach to rock music, all for a Texas music sound that will keep them at the top for years to come.
Kevin Deal Band
Country music is what it is with Kevin Deal and his band — pure country, hard driving, soul touching. Kevin writes most of his music, and his band brings it to life with fluid motion between the (sometimes) stand-up bass, steel guitar licks, and electric guitar that affix life to the brawny lyrics. Life on life’s terms.
John David Kent & The Dumb Angels
John David, Jamey Gleaves, Jason Andrew, Michael Graska, and Tony Kent make up a Texas, country rock band bringing the best of each musicians favorite style into one cohesive sound, then rock, boogy, fiddle, drumm, guitar, piano, and otherwise country while giving one of the most visual performances at TMR. This Americana band is on the move, with a new CD due out within weeks.
Spur 503
A Grayson County-based band, Spur 503 has been around for years with two CDs under their guitar straps, chosen by the public for the “Best Texoma Band” award several years running, and shared billing with Willie Nelson, Jack Ingram, Pat Green, the Randy Rogers Band, Charlie Robison, and a myriad of performers of national and regional renown. And yet, it’s a band on the threshold of a new season. Chance Cody, lead singer, is also a radio personality at KHYI, his morning show co-host Big Gus joined in with the band in several songs.
The Os
This two-man band puts out as much music as any six-piece group out there, and does it with flare and finesse. Taylor Young and John Pedigo returned from a tour of the United Kingdom just a week before TMR, and had a special stage-prop made for the occasion. Fans can probably expect to see the O on stage whenever The Os are, and you will hear rich, grit, authenticity, diversity, and style, all rolled into two.
Foster & Lloyd
Greatness belongs together. Foster & Lloyd were a duo for maybe 5 years with several hits between the mid-80s and early-90s, then went their own ways, both with success. Then in 2010, they announced a reunion, not only a tour but also the rewriting and recording of new songs together. TMR was a stop on the tour for them and a highlight of the festival for many fans of many ages.
Deadman
Old 97s
The Old 97’s showed TMR fans just what brought them to the top of the alternative country music in the 1990s. These guys are at their prime today, evidenced by their last CD “The Grand Theater” and their performance Saturday night at TMR.
Zane Williams
Texan turned Nashville turned Texan again, Zane Williams brought his full band, including Stephenville’s Kylie Rae Harris, to the stage for a performance that many in the audience said was his best ever — emphasis on the “ever.” Musically prolific, entertaining, personable, this songwriter keeps expanding his fan base with every performance.
Robert Earl Keen
REK did not disappoint. Even the sound men, who hear countless musicians over the course of any given year, commented on REK’s “awesomeness” and “genius” with the words. Nothing more needs to be said.
For photogaphs, click on the separate links below. What a blast we had taking these! Thanks, KHYI!
Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward