I have been a part of the Houston music scene since the mid 1980's. I've seen many awesome bands come and go in this town. Bands that had so much talent and potential for success, that it was unbelievable that they didn't get discovered. Some of the bands were ones that I was in. After a few decades, I realized that it wasn't the talent that kept us down, but the fact that we were in Houston.
Houston is a town that does NOT embrace their arts...and that includes the music. Houston's Blues heritage includes legends like Lightnin' Hopkins, Albert Collins, Joe "Guitar" Hughes, Calvin Owens, and many more...too many to mention. With talent like that, one would think there would be at least a section in a museum dedicated to it. Or maybe a plaque somewhere downtown...SOMETHING!! Duke Peacock records was located here...songs like "Great Balls Of Fire", "Chantilly Lace",and "Tighten Up" were recorded here at Sugarhill Studios, which is still a prominant recording studio to this day. I just don't understand why this history is just swept under the rug.
For the past several years, it seems that the music scene here had just fizzled. No great bands to brag about. Just the same ol' cover bands and blues cats trying to get heard. I had to go to New York just to find a good band to play for and make a living. WELL...that has changed. At least with one band. I've known these young men since they were in High school...one of them since he was about 6 yrs old. I'm talking about ANOTHER RUN.
ANOTHER RUN is an AMAZING group of guys with talent bursting from the seams. I was completely blown away when I saw them live the other night. They were playing a last minute show at Warehouse Live; trying to win a spot on a festival, opening for My Morning Jacket. Their music reminds me of Kings Of Leon, with a touch of Muse, and a sprinkle of U2. However, their sound is all their own. One truly unique thing about them is their singer, Adrian, not only fronts the band with his powerful vocals, but beats the skins next to their drummer, Beef. When he's not up front on the mic, he steps back behind a second set of drums and plays some incredible double drum parts. It's something that just HAS to be seen! The guitarist, Zak, is the one I have known for over 20 years. (I've played in many bands with his older brother). Zak is one hell of a guitarist. His style is almost a throw back to the early 80's...like THE JAM, or early PRETENDERS. He's great to watch,too. Bob, the bassist, is a character. With his Salvador Dali mustache and his amazing energy, he is so much fun to watch...and his playing is phenomenal! He's got a great mix of melody and pocket. Which brings me to the newest member, who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, but feel like I know already. His name is Beef, the new drummer. Up until his arrival, Adrian was the drummer and singer. They decided to get another drummer so Adrian could focus on the vocals. Beef is a solid drummer. I am picky about drummers and I have all the respect for Beef...AND Adrian, who I used to give lessons to briefly!
One peice of advice I strongly recommend to these young guys is GET OUT OF HOUSTON! Move to Austin, at least! They will stagnate here in Houston. It's sad, but true! They can be the biggest band here and NEVER get noticed by the right people. They have the world at their fingertips and need to jump on the train while it's moving. I see big things for this band if they keep on doing what they are doing.
ANOTHER RUN has a cd out right now. It has been in my cd player since I got it. After the second listen, I was singing along to some of the songs. Their audience knows every word to every song and sing along...loudly! This band has it all. Youth, Talent, Looks, Fans...they just need a manager and a label.
So, if I haven't convinced you that these boys are the shit...find out for yourself! Go see them next time they are playing. I'm sure you can google or facebook them and find a schedule.
Promo pic 2010
New York City
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
My world of thought...: "When We Ruled Htown" screening and show...Fitzger...
My world of thought...: "When We Ruled Htown" screening and show...Fitzger...: "All I have to REALLY say is this: 'It's about F'n time!!'. However, for you to know what the hell I'm getting at, you will have to read more..."
Sunday, February 6, 2011
"When We Ruled Htown" screening and show...Fitzgerald's Houston, Tx 2/5/11
All I have to REALLY say is this: "It's about F'n time!!". However, for you to know what the hell I'm getting at, you will have to read more of this blog! (I'll try not to ramble...)
It all started when I came across the Facebook page for a documentary called "When We Ruled Htown" being filmed. I saw my awesome gal pal, Allison Gibson (formerly of MANHOLE, currently with The Dollyrockers) being interviewed about what she experienced as a singer in a popular band here in Houston, Texas back in the early to mid 1990's. Houston had an INCREDIBLE music scene from about 1987 through 1997. Somehow, it just fizzled out. The clip also had other friends of mine, many from other popular groups such as Monster Soup, Taste Of Garlic, 30 FT Fall, Dead Horse, and more. After seeing this clip, the first thing that popped in my mind was "what about the JOINT CHIEFS???"...(I do believe I posted something on the wall, razzing whoever was responsible for NOT contacting us!)
The Joint Chiefs was a band I played for (and was a founding member) from 1991 until 1995, when I left the group to join Carolyn Wonderland. We played all original music that sounded a bit like King Crimson meets Frank Zappa meets Primus meets XTC. There were 6 members: Jay Maulsby-Lead Vocals, Brett Needham-Chapman Stick, Vocals, Pat Stallings-Lead Guitar, Doren Bernard-Lead Guitar, Sax, and anything else we can get him to play, Scott Beliveau-Percussion and silly noises, & Leesa Harrington (ME)-Drums, Backing Vocals.
Well, about 5 mins later I was contacted by J. Schnieder, the one resposible for the doc, explaining why I hadn't been contacted yet and asking me if We would like to be involved. Of course I said HELL YES, without hesitation!
Fast forward several months later to when I am asked to rally my troops for the interview. Fortunately, I was in Houston healing a broken ankle...Unfortunately, I could only rally one other member to join me...Brett. If I had to pick one member to join me, it would be Brett. He and I are like musical soulmates. He can read my energy just as well as I read his. We met up at the meeting place and proceeded to do our interview. Cool thing was, we did the first half of it with another Houston celebrity...Mike Haaga from DEAD HORSE. Mike and I have done several other projects together, so it made sense that they interview us together. We just talked about what made Houston so special back then and what our thoughts were on why it fizzled out. Why didn't any of the amazing bands get any attention from the Major Racord Labels?? Why were only Austin bands getting respect? These are questions that will never be answered.
Last night at Fitz, a music hall in the Heights area of Houston, they screened what was finished so far of the doc. After screening the film, a line-up of talent from those crazy days played. I do believe ALL of the bands were reuniting for the gig. MANHOLE went on at 9pm. They played like they've been together the whole time! Like 15 years hadn't passed! Being a former drummer for MANHOLE, I was very happy for the gals to pull such an awesome and powerful show off with just one rehearsal!
Next up was TREAD. TREAD is a full frontal hardcore punk band with more attitude then there was room for! They tore it up! Really got the mosh pit rollin'! DINASAUR SALAD took the stage next. They were another band that sounded like they had been together this whole time! It was timeless! They had the audience singing along to their tunes...it was 1994 all over again!
TASTE OF GARLIC, with doc creator J. Schnieder on Bass Guitar, proceeded to give everyone a taste of power! I really like TOG back in the day. They were interesting. They didn't try to sound like any other band. I loved their silliness. They brought all of that, and then some, to the stage last night!
UNFORTUNATLY, I bowed out early...I'm old...I missed MONSTER SOUP and SPUNK. Two of the most popular bands on the bill. SPUNK's singer, Tod Waters, flew in from L.A. where he designs clothing for the big shots (JUNKER) and Robbie from MONSTER SOUP flew in from La La land, as well. I am absolutely positive that those two groups put on one hell of a show. I'm sorry I missed it. (especially after paying a whopping $15 to get in!)
It was awesome seeing everyone, especially if you could recognize them! Seems most of the dudes have some sort of grey in their facial hair or on their head. Someone made a comment to the audience that we should all remember to take our Geritol after the show! Some of us (ehemmm...me) are grandparents, ya know!
I don't have any information on when the doc will be finished and released for public consumption. When I get the info, I'll pass it on. Meanwhile, check out the Facebook page at "When We Ruled Htown".
Harrington, OUT!
It all started when I came across the Facebook page for a documentary called "When We Ruled Htown" being filmed. I saw my awesome gal pal, Allison Gibson (formerly of MANHOLE, currently with The Dollyrockers) being interviewed about what she experienced as a singer in a popular band here in Houston, Texas back in the early to mid 1990's. Houston had an INCREDIBLE music scene from about 1987 through 1997. Somehow, it just fizzled out. The clip also had other friends of mine, many from other popular groups such as Monster Soup, Taste Of Garlic, 30 FT Fall, Dead Horse, and more. After seeing this clip, the first thing that popped in my mind was "what about the JOINT CHIEFS???"...(I do believe I posted something on the wall, razzing whoever was responsible for NOT contacting us!)
The Joint Chiefs was a band I played for (and was a founding member) from 1991 until 1995, when I left the group to join Carolyn Wonderland. We played all original music that sounded a bit like King Crimson meets Frank Zappa meets Primus meets XTC. There were 6 members: Jay Maulsby-Lead Vocals, Brett Needham-Chapman Stick, Vocals, Pat Stallings-Lead Guitar, Doren Bernard-Lead Guitar, Sax, and anything else we can get him to play, Scott Beliveau-Percussion and silly noises, & Leesa Harrington (ME)-Drums, Backing Vocals.
Well, about 5 mins later I was contacted by J. Schnieder, the one resposible for the doc, explaining why I hadn't been contacted yet and asking me if We would like to be involved. Of course I said HELL YES, without hesitation!
Fast forward several months later to when I am asked to rally my troops for the interview. Fortunately, I was in Houston healing a broken ankle...Unfortunately, I could only rally one other member to join me...Brett. If I had to pick one member to join me, it would be Brett. He and I are like musical soulmates. He can read my energy just as well as I read his. We met up at the meeting place and proceeded to do our interview. Cool thing was, we did the first half of it with another Houston celebrity...Mike Haaga from DEAD HORSE. Mike and I have done several other projects together, so it made sense that they interview us together. We just talked about what made Houston so special back then and what our thoughts were on why it fizzled out. Why didn't any of the amazing bands get any attention from the Major Racord Labels?? Why were only Austin bands getting respect? These are questions that will never be answered.
Last night at Fitz, a music hall in the Heights area of Houston, they screened what was finished so far of the doc. After screening the film, a line-up of talent from those crazy days played. I do believe ALL of the bands were reuniting for the gig. MANHOLE went on at 9pm. They played like they've been together the whole time! Like 15 years hadn't passed! Being a former drummer for MANHOLE, I was very happy for the gals to pull such an awesome and powerful show off with just one rehearsal!
Next up was TREAD. TREAD is a full frontal hardcore punk band with more attitude then there was room for! They tore it up! Really got the mosh pit rollin'! DINASAUR SALAD took the stage next. They were another band that sounded like they had been together this whole time! It was timeless! They had the audience singing along to their tunes...it was 1994 all over again!
TASTE OF GARLIC, with doc creator J. Schnieder on Bass Guitar, proceeded to give everyone a taste of power! I really like TOG back in the day. They were interesting. They didn't try to sound like any other band. I loved their silliness. They brought all of that, and then some, to the stage last night!
UNFORTUNATLY, I bowed out early...I'm old...I missed MONSTER SOUP and SPUNK. Two of the most popular bands on the bill. SPUNK's singer, Tod Waters, flew in from L.A. where he designs clothing for the big shots (JUNKER) and Robbie from MONSTER SOUP flew in from La La land, as well. I am absolutely positive that those two groups put on one hell of a show. I'm sorry I missed it. (especially after paying a whopping $15 to get in!)
It was awesome seeing everyone, especially if you could recognize them! Seems most of the dudes have some sort of grey in their facial hair or on their head. Someone made a comment to the audience that we should all remember to take our Geritol after the show! Some of us (ehemmm...me) are grandparents, ya know!
I don't have any information on when the doc will be finished and released for public consumption. When I get the info, I'll pass it on. Meanwhile, check out the Facebook page at "When We Ruled Htown".
Harrington, OUT!
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