Can You Live Without?

I just had such a cool evening. Of course watching KNBT doing a live recording of Roots and Branches with Ray Wylie Hubbard is always cool. He is the greatest. His stories crack me up. Even the ones I have already heard. This reminds me how much I really miss having it in our store. Tonight was like three different shows, only Ray was wearing the same clothes. I went specifically to watch Guy Forsyth (which was amazing - more on that later), but I got an extra treat.

First up was Lil Bit & The Customatics. I always enjoy a little juke joint music. Too bad that MWD and I sucked so bad when we took swing lessons way back when from Tiffany Snyder (Brian Hofeldt's, very patient wife). This band would be fun to dance to. They are in the studio now, so new a CD is in the works. Also, I really enjoyed listening to Lil Bit (nicknamed that by and elderly neighbor who couldn't remember her name) talk about how inclusive the San Antonio music scene is. I see an article coming . . .

Guy Forsyth stole the show. I mean that literally. I couldn't tell if Ray was speechless (doubt that, come on) or if Guy just didn't let him get a word in. I am guessing the latter. I did miss the usual banter that Ray steers through the show, but it wasn't really annoying because Guy is such an interesting story teller too. Like when he talked about learning to play because his Mom was always bringing home broken instruments including a particular plastic banjo in which he found this song. . .he talked about more things (he is a fast talker) than my brain could retain. The songs were flawless, but I am partial. He played "105" with only the harmonica and it ROCKED. He played a couple I had never heard (and loved) and he closed with my favorite (possibly ever, all time) song "Can You Live Without" which isn't available anymore, but is going to be on his next CD "Calico Girl". I just can't wait.

Last was Jon Dee Graham. Fun! Jon Dee Graham makes Ray Wylie Hubbard happy. I enjoy watching the two of them together. They are funny, like old friends who actually like each other, not like old friends who pretend to like each other. Jon Dee Graham's music is so raw. I love it. He did this song in spanish that reminds me of an imaginary character in my head, kind of like Tom Waits Hispanic cousin. He is obviously a fan of Don Henry Ford's and so am I! He is going to have a documentary made about him, so look for that soon.

Sometimes I forget, but I love my job.