It's awards season again -- or rather the series of awards-centered concerts hosted by the Fort Worth Weekly at any place in town with enough space to squeeze in a band and a PA system.
This Sunday we had no fewer than 48 bands playing at 8 venues with 12 parking spaces (it's Fort Worth, after all). By sheer attrition, there was no better place for music this weekend than one of these spots, so I determined I had to hit at least a few of them.
First stop was Magnolia Motor Lounge, but I hadn't planned for the long lines. By the time I made it up the hill and into the bar. I just barely got to hear the end of Foxtrot Uniform's set. Foxtrot is a two-piece band that seems to be putting out some pretty aggressive rock. It was raw and edgy (with just drums and guitar), and I wish I could have had heard more. The band consists of Kenny Uptain and Kelly Test, and I plan on checking these guys out again soon.
Next stop was right next door to Capital Bar for Luke Wade and No Civilians. Wade has been touring all over the country lately, and there are big things involving big names in the works for him. We can't tell you more, but rest assured we will as soon as it happens.
For this performance, we had Wade (guitar, vocals), Justin Barbee (keyboard, trumpet), David Wade (sax), Scott Lee (bass) and Chris Glenn (drums). Wade's vocals and songwriting skills are a given; he is a monster talent. And the band is as solid as it gets, but I found myself particularly fascinated by Scott Lee. The guy stands up there, seemingly in his own world, playing amazingly tight bass lines like there's nothing to it. It's one of those things that you won't notice if you aren't looking for it -- there's nothing flashy here -- but it adds so much structure of the songs. Good bass players don't get much credit, and Lee deserves some recognition.
Next, we raced over to the other side of Seventh St. and parked in a questionable spot to check out Beauxregard at Poage's. The band consists of J Quincy, Ryan Rhodes, Jon Toles, Laura Watkins-Toles, and Curtis Tinsley. They had of a new-wave post punk thing going on, maybe a bit harder edged. There was some nice synth work in there, and some really driving drums.
I wish I could comment on the guitar, but the PA was just too loud for the acoustics of the room. Drums, vocals, and keys were all I could hear, but what I heard I really liked. In fact, I'd say this was the most intriguing band I heard all day; I look forward to giving them a proper listen under better conditions.
Without cloning oneself, it's impossible to catch all the bands at all the venues. Some people planed out elaborate maps, others picked a venue and stayed there, but everyone seemed to be enjoying it all greatly -- me included. Props to the Weekly for putting this on, and to all the great musicians of Funkytown. We are truly blessed with the enormous pool of talent in this city.
