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Whitmore House Concerts A True Gem for North Texas
by Miss Lana
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| Not only is Alex
Whitmore a fine Texas musician and artist in his own right, he does a lot
more than write, sing, play and produce his own records. He's a
terrific performer and an excellent guitarist who recognizes the talents
of other artists he meets and records and produces CDs for some of them.
Alex and his wife, Marti, are both very talented musicians, but on opposite ends of the spectrum. Marti is a wonderful opera soprano, and she is very involved in her passion for opera, just as Alex is his type of music. You see, Marti also teaches in her home and hosts several opera events there, just as Alex does with Texas music. They are the proud parents of the very talented and beautiful Eleanor and Bonnie, who played with their father for several years and were known as Daddy & The Divas. This entire family is extremely gifted musically, and I have enjoyed the music they've done together, as well as individually. You can read a review of Bonnie's first solo CD, Picking Up Pieces, on Texicana Jukebox. I finally made it to one of their house concerts, and I was a little overwhelmed at what I encountered. They have a beautiful home in Denton that was built with house concerts and music events in mind at the time they planned it and had it built. The room is wonderfully thought out with high pitched ceilings that recede back towards the audience which throws the music right at you, so to speak. From the ceiling over the stage area were soft lights draped in between two big stars that also lit up and both had their own personality. The entire room, which is very large, is encased in a beautiful natural wood that not only helps with the acoustics but enhances the beauty of the home. This is a gorgeous but comfortable setting and one we're very fortunate to have so close to the metroplex. The opening act for this concert was Kim Townsend, a female singer songwriter from Lubbock whom Alex met recently on a jaunt to Al Barlow's bash in Terlingua. Alex was impressed with Kim and wondered why he hadn't heard of her before. Long story short, he asked her later if she wanted to open a house concert for them, and she accepted. I'm glad she did. It is always so refreshing to hear someone new who has captured their own unique style and verse. This gal does both brilliantly! She seems to enjoy writing funny songs with a twisted ending...sometimes REALLY twisted, but very entertaining. She also writes and performs more serious songs that provoke your mind and tantalize your spirit. I think she has to be one worth checking out if you haven't seen or heard her yet. Here, let me help you with that by giving you the link to her web site... www.kimtownsend.net. The McKay Brothers were the headliner, but a potluck dinner of BBQ brisket, an array of salads and vegetables, along with tamales and other assorted side dishes were served first. There was also a scrumptous assortment of desserts available. The food was excellent and much appreciated and enjoyed by all. After dinner, we all re-settled in and the McKay Brothers (from Bandera) started their first set. It was awesome! They blend so well together and just compliment each other perfectly. I guess they should since they really are brothers and probably grew up making music together from an early age. They're not old, but they are already seasoned in what they do and how they do it. They write most of their songs and they are a mix of country, Tejano, ballads and Texas...they are versatile and down to earth, and they love what they do (they haven't told me that, but it's evident in their performance). I love what they do, too. Some of their influences are Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Terry Allen and Robert Earl Keen. You can go to their website at www.mckaybrothers.com but it seems to be under construction at this time. Did I mention they do the best Tejano for white boys that I've ever heard? They have one CD out and are currently working on their second, hoping for a February 2006 release. You can listen to samples of their music at www.lonestarmusic.com or www.milesofmusic.com. You owe it to yourself to check these guys out if you haven't heard them. That was the best $12 I've spent in awhile! My hat's off to the Whitmores and all they do for the music. There are a few treasured house concert venues in the North Texas area, and this is definitely one of them. If you're musically inclined, they also have an informal pickin' jam after the concert, so take your instrument with you when you go. Visit www.2aw.com for more information on these concerts and on Alex Whitmore's music. And next time you see Alex and Marti, please thank them for their commitment to the music and for their graciousness. Alex gave me his brand new CD, Bar Farcist II, so look for a review of that coming soon to MissLana.com. I've already had one listen and it's a good 'un. Alex is truly gifted when it comes to penning a song, and these songs will make you smile and laugh (something we all need in our lives).
Happy Trails, |
