Woo-hoo, click on this little square for audio! »
That’s T-Model Ford (born in 1920), probably my current top fave bluesman, singing “I’m Insane,” and he’s appearing next week here in Taos. RIGHT HERE, just down the road! I’m so happy I could go out and dance in the goddamn snow.
I don’t know what else to tell you, except that this is so cool, I can’t stand it. What’s more, the very next night, Manby’s Head plus !!The!!Bang!!Gang!! will be playing at Seco Pearl in Arroyo Seco, just a few miles farther away, up towards the ski valley. I haven’t heard the latter yet, but Manby’s Head is a stone joy. Can you say LOUD? I have it on good authority that they intend to play even louder this time, which I’m all in favor of. (Start a few avalanches, what the hell.)
The loudest band I ever heard in my life was the Sex Pistols at Randy’s Rodeo in San Antonio, several eons ago. In some respects that was the last band I ever really heard, since I left my hearing on the floor with all the broken glass and spilled beer. T-Model Ford won’t sound like that, but he’s dangerous.
Actually, all the above acts are half a step away from being illegal, so watch out. And go click that little square again…
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“…all the above acts are half a step away from being illegal…”
when freedom is outlawed, only outlaws are free!
(ps- you actually got to see the Sex Pistols in their (very short) prime?!? that is SO FUCKING COOL!!!!!
)
Yes, I did. It was semi-spontaneous, too. We were visiting in Texas, I knew the ‘Pistols were going to be playing at that venue in San Antonio, and I managed to route us right by it: “Say, look! The SEX PISTOLS gig is right here! Why don’t we see if we can get in?” Heh-heh.
The show was booked into a large country-western bar, of all places. An off-duty deputy sheriff (in uniform) was taking tickets, and he stapled the stubs to our collars! The audience was mostly rednecks there to assault the band. It was incredible. I think I need to write about this. I already have, several times, but maybe not as a single post…
now that you mention it, yes you have told this story before, but you probably should set down a definitive, detailed blow-by-blow (literally, i imagine) account. it sounds like The Blues Brothers playing at Bob’s Country Bunker: “Ma’am, what kind of music do you usually have in this establishment?” “Oh, we’ve got both kinds: country AND western!” (“…chicken wire?!?….”)
i bet the rednecks had no idea what they were in for – they’re just a bunch of dumbass bullies, but the Pistols were TRUE nihilists, and ultimately there’s no way to defeat that since they genuinely don’t give a fuck about anything!
omg thank you so much!!!!!! never heard of him but diggin the hell out of it now!! I’m off to Amazon to pick up some CDs!
Hey David, delighted to be able to introduce you to the man. That particular song is from the “Pee-Wee Get My Gun” CD, which dates from 1997. He actually has a 2010 album, too.
He records for Fat Possum Records, which I recommend highly for more “finds” like him.
Thanks for plugging T Model playing at Shadows this Friday night!. Tickets are selling pretty quick so please spread the word to anyone who wants to go, it will most likely sellout. Tickets are 16 in advance at Shadows, Taosound or Vibrations.
John Henderson
Roots and Wires Presents
I just tweeted and FB’d this item. Thanks for dropping by, John. What did you do, google and find this post?
I did find this on google. Thanks for the support. Do you listen to Junior Kimbrough? To me, he is the epitome of this genre. Also, anyone into T Model should be into RL Burnside and Jessie Mae Hemphill– both hill country legends.
JH, I am definitely into Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside. Ms. Hemphill and I haven’t been introduced yet, but I will remember the name!