I finally withdrew my grudge on an unknown Gourd and went to see them last night at an "8pm" scheduled, 8:30 start, show at The Tractor. Fun show with a big Monday night crowd enjoying it. Several years ago I e-mailed The Gourds asking that they play earlier the next time they come to Seattle as I get up early for work. Okay, it was a long shot, but I didn't expect an answer essentially telling me to go-suck-a-big-one, we're supposed to schedule our itinerary around you? So I'm watching the Blazers lose and eating my delicious fried oysters and homemade fries at Bad Albert's pre-show last night and The Gourds walk in and sit down to eat. I walk over, say hello, recommend the oysters and tell my e-mail story. They laugh and look at Kevin Russell, the band leader. He laughs and says it must have been so-and-so back then. All good guys after all.
Anyway, really glad I went. They know how to party with their multi-instrumented variations of Texas rock, honky tonk, jamgrass, alt-country, folk etc.
Russell played guitars and mandolin.
Claude Bernard - accordion, keyboards and electric guitar.
Max Johnston (formerly of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco and brother of Michelle Shocked) - guitars, banjo, violin and lap steel.
Jimmy Smith - bass.
Keith Langford - drums.
They all sang various vocal parts with song writers Russell and Smith handling most of the lead vocals. The instrument and catchy song variables really held my interest until I took off around 11 for bedtime, the band playing on into the night for who knows how long.
Song list courtesy of Rick Crelia:
Pine Island Bayou, Cracklins, County Orange, Big Santiago Bust, Grievin' & Smokin', Country Gal, Hallelujah Shine, New Dues, Luddite Juice, Jesus Christ with Signs Following, LGO, Tex-Mex Mile, Web Before You Walk into It, Arapaho, Wagon of Destruction, O Rings, Mister Betty, All the Labor, The New World, Country Love, Roundabout tease, Iron Man tease, All In the Pack, I Fought the Law (sing along), Ain’t Talkin' 'bout Love, All In the Pack, Lower 48.
Patrick Sweany opened solo with some soulful high-energy vocals and some pretty good work on an electric guitar.
Photos at Seattle Music & More Forum:
