The Musical Tapestry of Texas: Past and Present
Celebrating the rich musical heritage of Texas by looking back at its history, interviewing current musicians that are adding to its legacy, and playing live music from those artists. Recorded live at the Fat Cat Lounge and Cafe in Smithville, Tx, just outside of Austin this podcast features celebrated musicians in all genres from the Central Texas area and beyond. Each episode spotlights one key figure in the musical history of Texas followed by a discussion with an artist in the same genre. These conversations examine the careers of the guest, their inspirations and influences and what the future holds. Each episode concludes with a stripped-down live performance by that artist.
Episodes
21 episodes
Season Three: Episode Five - King Curtis
Join me, as we explore the life and music of one of Texas's all but forgotten legends. Known primarily for his innovative sax solos on R & B and early rock and roll songs like "Yakety Yak" and "Charlie Brown" by the Coasters, he was actuall...
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42:13
Season Three: Episode Four - Townes Van Zandt
Listen as we explore the troubled life and eloquent music of one Texas's original singer/songwriters Townes Van Zandt. Though he came from a wealthy, prestigious family Townes lived an almost bohemian lifestyle, dedicated to his music and his d...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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33:20
Season Three: Episode Three - Roy Orbison
In this episode we explore the extraordinary life and career of Roy Orbison. From his humble beginning in Wink Texas to his chart-topping hits, Roy has defied the odds and has become one of rock music's greatest legends. We all know the classic...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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36:26
Season Three: Episode Two - Ernest Tubb
On this episode we explore the life and music of the Texas Troubadour, Ernest Tubb. From his humble beginnings in Crisp, Texas to becoming one of the elder statesmen of country music, Ernest was, and continued to be an inspiration for all those...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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24:02
Season Three: Episode One - Billy Preston
In this episode we take a look at the incredible life and career of Billy Preston. He worked with everyone from Little Richard to Sam Cooke to Ray Charles and played a big role on albums with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Band, and Eric ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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27:04
Special Announcement
I'm going to make a change to the current podcast format and separate the historical segment on Texas Music Legends from the interviews and live performance of current artists. This will allow me to release much more content without waiting for...
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Season 3
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Episode 0
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1:42
Season Two: Episode Four- Best Albums of 2023
On this episode I review the year in music, discussing and playing clips from my favorite albums of the year in several different genres including Blues, Rock, Country/Americana, Indie,/Alternative Music, EDM, Jazz and more . To listen to...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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31:30
Season Two: Episode Three -Ten more songs recorded in Texas
In this special episode, we look at ten more songs that were recorded in studios across Texas. From Blue October to Johnny Ace, Lydia Mendoza, Sublime, Explosions in the Sky, Willie Nelson, Kirk Franklin, Roy Head, Clifton Chenier, and more we ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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58:33
Season Two: Episode Two -10 Essential Songs You May Not Realize Were Recorded In Texas
In this episode, I take a look at some incredible music that surprisingly was all recorded here in Texas. From Robert Johnson to Selena and Pantera, this episode delves into the back story of some of the amazing music that's been created here i...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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37:23
Season Two: Episode One - Bob Wills featuring Season Ammons
Explore the life and music of Western Swing pioneer Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. From his early days as the son of a sharecropper to the zenith of his musical career and Hollywood cowboy, Bob lived a full robust life.We also have a gre...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:01:38
Special Episode: Best of 2022 Music Review
IN this special episode I look back at the best albums released in 2022, in a diverse array of genres. Featuring short clips from those albums, I explore some hidden gems that never got the radio airplay and broader recognition they deserved. L...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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25:18
Episode Nine: Buddy Holly featuring Nik Parr of the Selfless Lovers
In this episode, we delve into the short but meteoric life of Buddy Holly. From his early days in Lubbock to his tragic death in Iowa, we examine the man behind the hit songs. With samples of those hits and those of the artist he inspired, we s...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:04:33
Episode Eight: Lefty Frizzell featuring Briana Adams
In this episode we explore the tumultuous life of Country Music star Lefty Frizzell from his genre changing unforgettable hit songs, to his scandalled filled life and untimely death. We then interview rising Country star Briana Adams and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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46:48
Episode Seven Larry Coryell featuring Murali Coryell
In this episode we examine the life of legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryell. From his birth in Galveston to becoming one of the first pioneers of Jazz-Rock Fusion to his five decade career as one of the most talented and versatile guitarists ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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50:25
Episode Six: Lightnin' Hopkins featuring Matthew Robinson
In this episode we look back at the prolific career of Houstonian Lightnin' Hopkins and how he laid the groundwork for generations of guitarists and blues singers to follow. We then speak to Austin's own Matthew Robinson, another legendary blue...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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52:04
Episode Five: Scott Joplin featuring Haley Tuck
In this episode we examine the rise of Ragtime Music with Texarkana native Scott Joplin as he rose to national prominence in the early days of the 20th century. We then talk to Internationally acclaimed Jazz singer Haley Tuck and explore her li...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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52:36
Bonus Interview - Murali Coryell
The following is a short interview with Murali Coryell before he took the stage with Ernie Durawa and Chris Alcaraz at the Fat Cat Lounge. He discusses both Blues and Jazz in Texas as his father was legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryell. A mor...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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11:54
Episode Four- Conjunto Music and The Jimenez Family featuring Ernie Durawa
In this Episode we look back at how Conjunto Music evolved from Mexican ranchero music and German Polka Music in Texas. We examine the Jimenez family called the First Family of the Accordion as first Patricio, then his son Santiago, then his so...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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58:47
Episode Three: Leadbelly featuring Chris Duarte
This episode explores the life of Folk and Blues Singer Leadbelly, then continues with an interview with Guitar Icon Chris Duarte. Chris discusses his early career, struggles on the road, and his influences and inspirations. We finish the show ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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51:22
Episode Two: Janis Joplin featuring Blue Midnight
In this episode we highlight the life and death of Rock icon Janis Joplin, then talk to blues/rock band Blue Midnight and finish with an acoustic stripped down version of Me and Bobby Magee.
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55:46
Episode One: Blind Lemon Jefferson featuring Larry Wilson
In this episode, we first examine the birth of the blues in Texas and the life of Blind Lemon Jefferson. We follow that with an interview with guitarist and singer Larry Wilson, where he discusses his career, influences, and shares stories from...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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40:08