The musicians in Austin are the best on the planet. The scene they've created and perpetuate is one of the most prolific, (recognized) music scenes of the last quarter-century. Here's some of the folks I am fortunate enough to play with regularly.
Jim Stringer -- Guitar, Steel and General Wizardry -- has been a working musician since age 11, he's fronted bands, scored hundreds of movies, and has been deeply involved in music for over 40 years now. Some of the best records made in Austin were done right in his living room. Amazingly, he's also an ace computer programmer, inventor, and small business owner. His kids are musically gifted as well! Jim's been an amazing sideman, mentor, finder-of-lost-gear, airport-relay-racer, and friend to me since I first started out here in Austin. I could go on and on about Jim, but just listen to him play, and you'll know what I mean.
Kevin Smith -- Bass -- THE MAN on the upright bass. Best known for his stellar work with High Noon, but he's hanging around town more these days, and I'm glad to have him playing with me.
Buck Johnson -- one of the finest drummers around, an absolute natural. Also busy with Shaun Young and the Horton Brothers, among others. And if Buck can't play a gig, I just go with the trio!
You know the quote from Lisa P.: "There's one band in Austin, and everybody plays in it." And it's the truth! So if those three guys above are gracing other stages, here are some of the other fine players I have the good fortune to pick with.
Redd Volkaert -- Redd is considered, and rightfully so, one of the premier country guitarists on the planet. Spending the last several years as Merle Haggard's guitarist, he spends his off time here in Austin, and we're proud to have him. He also sings great (when you can get him to!), and puts out fantastic solo records as well.
Dallas Wayne -- Dallas gave up residences in Chicago, Norway, and most recently California, to settle here in the friendly confines of the ATX honky-tonk scene. Besides a great bass player, he's also a gifted guitarist, songwriter, and singer with that big ol' basso voce, and has had a fine solo career spanning the last two decades.
Lisa Pankratz -- one of the best there is, was, and ever will be, Lisa's one of the most talented and well-known players in the Austin scene.
Brad Forham -- Billy Brad, our Canadian hillbilly, is one of the most amazing and sought-after bass players around. Brad & Lisa (now Mister & Misses, eh!) are one of the most coveted rhythm sections in Texas, and have made all three records with me.
T i m m y C a m p b e l l - - a t o p - n o t c h p l a y e r , s o n g w r i t e r , s i n g e r , a n d a l l - a r o u n d c h a r a c t e r i n t h e A u s t i n s c e n e , T i m m y C a m p b e l l w r o t e "F r o m T h e T i m e I G e t U p " o n m y T h a t K i n d O f L o n e l y C D , a n d c o - w r o t e ( a n d c r e a t e d ) "T w o T h i n g s " o n T h e L o w d o w n . H e 's a f a n t a s t i c d r u m m e r , a n d a b l a s t t o p l a y w i t h .
Gary Newcomb -- Gary spends most of his time these days playing steel for Li'l Captain Travis, and we played together for several years in The Lowells. He's one helluva picker, tasteful and creative as all git-out, and I'm happy to have "Sweet G" on board any time.
Eamon Mcloughlin
currently with
The Austin Lounge
Lizards
Chris Miller,
from
The Hollisters
Bill Groll - photo
