I already have a Honky-Tonk Friday and an occasional Bluegrass Tuesday and I should rightly add an Austin Thursday. Austin is the hub of all things Americana, folk and alt-country. And Band Of Heathens have risen to the top of that heap. This is not just me blowing smoke but the whole town of Austin agrees as the group was named best new band in Austin in 2007.
This group of disparate singer-songwriters (Colin Brooke, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, Seth Whitney and John Chipman) began playing a casual weekly gig together that quickly turned into the “it” show in town. So they decided to combine talents, come up with a name and work together as a band.
Their debut record is due out soon produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard with special guests Patty Griffin, Gurf Morlix and Stephen Bruton.
“Jackson Station” is the type of soaring anthem that probably goes over pretty well in the bars along Sixth Street. But it’s also nuanced enough to be just right for Songs:Illinois. I like that you get two distinct vocalists as well as Bandesque harmonies throughout. Lyrically the song is filled with iconic images of trains, funerals and gin whiskey.
Pre-order the self titled debut here.
“Jenny Was A Keeper”