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Recording Studio in the Big Bend?

From the control room

There is a surprising, unlikely, music recording studio in Terlingua.

 

You should probably make your next CD in Terlingua.

Studio Butte, the only professional recording studio in the Big Bend (Terlingua, Alpine, Study Butte, Lajitas) area, is an unexpected delight.

Hours from the nearest highway or airport, you drive right past the driveway to the studio when you’re heading to Big Bend National Park.

Created by local musician/band director Ted Arbogast in 1990, the studio has an alarmingly good selection of mics, pre-amps, and outboard effects. There’s enough room- and rooms- to record a full-size band with drums and horns. The Rolling Stones would’a loved this place.

Ted at the controls

Ted at the controls

If this studio was in New York or L.A., it would be packed 24/7 with sessions- especially at Ted’s rates. Continue reading “Recording Studio in the Big Bend?”

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Bottom Dollar String Band, Bruce Salmon – Music in Terlingua

Another great night of music in Terlingua-

 

Trevor Reichman played the dinner set at the Starlight Theatre, accompanied by the newly returned Chase Peeler. Chase slipped out early to play with Hank Woji at the Boathouse.

Then, the Bottom Dollar String Band played. They look like a high-school field trip gone bad, but they play like seasoned veterans. Dancing was.

I left after the first set, but stopped by the High Sierra to say howdy to Bruce Salmon, who was playing a passionate set to some very intent listeners.

Tonight is going to be just as strong, musically.  The Bottom Dollar String Band will be at the High Sierra, Frank Myer is at the Boathouse, and I’ll be with the Fabulous Vortexans at the Starlight Theatre.

Trevor Reichman with Chase Peeler at the Starlight Theatre

Trevor Reichman with Chase Peeler at the Starlight Theatre
Bottom Dollar String Band at the Starlight Theatre

Bottom Dollar String Band at the Starlight Theatre

Continue reading “Bottom Dollar String Band, Bruce Salmon – Music in Terlingua”

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Fletcher Clark, Russell Clepper, and the ghost of Steve Fromholz

Last night, Fletcher Clark played the Starlight Theatre.

Fletcher Clark

Fletcher Clark

There’s a lot of information packed in that sentence- let me unpack it for you.  Fletcher is “olde Austin” royalty. Back in the 70’s he had a band called Balcones Fault which was, at the time, the most popular band in Austin.

They almost made it. Signed with the William Morris agency, moved to California, almost, but not quite, got the big record deal. After two years of that, Fletcher called it quits and headed back to Austin where he took over the Armadillo World Headquarters’ recording studio and record label. Continue reading “Fletcher Clark, Russell Clepper, and the ghost of Steve Fromholz”

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Elizabeth Lee in Terlingua

International blues-rock singer, Elizabeth Lee, visited Terlingua for a couple of special acoustic shows. She’s a festival/concert performer with her band in Europe, and currently has a song on the Euro-pop charts.

Sunday night, she was joined by Trevor Hickle and myself at the High Sierra Bar and Grill. Monday, she and I played at the Starlight Theatre.

Hormones were carbonated, and Terlinguists were treated to some world-class blues rock.

liz3

Elizabeth Lee
Me, Elizabeth, and Trevor Hickle

Me, Elizabeth, and Trevor Hickle
Elizabeth Lee at the High Sierra

Elizabeth Lee at the High Sierra

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C.A.S.I. Chili Cook-Off, Terlingua, 2014

The Chili Appreciation Society of America’s Chili Cook-off in Terlingua, Texas just has to be seen to be believed.

Tits, Beer, and Chili is the rallying cry.

Thousands of people, RVs, tents, 4-wheelers, and trucks create a temporary city between Terlingua and Lajitas. During the day, it’s a dusty, hung-over parking lot with redneck zombies wandering around nursing a “hair of the dog” that bit them the night before.

Tonight will be a combination of Mad Max and a Fellini film.

Last Wednesday, The Fabulous Vortexans, a blues band I’m proud to play with, performed for an appreciative crowd. The scene was impressive then. Since then, thousands more chili-heads have made the trip.

Tonight will be the big party- Chili will be served and judged, there will be music, dancing, pole-dancing, breast painting, and a LOT of alcohol will be consumed. I’ll be safely playing the Boathouse in Terlingua with Trevor Hickle and Laird Considine… darn it. The missed photo opportunity…

I drove through the site today just to get a feel for it- here’s some pics.

CASI 12

At the tequila and cigar party

Continue reading “C.A.S.I. Chili Cook-Off, Terlingua, 2014”