Ghosts Along the Brazos
San Antonio, Texas, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Despite the haunting name of the venue, The Ghost Room is a very inviting place for live music. On any given night of the week it is easy to stumble into the eclectic and dimly lit bar to see some of Austin’s finest musicians gracing the stage tucked into the corner of the bar. With the Christmas lights gently swinging down over the musicians, the ambiance is somewhat changed from a haunting old building to a humble music venue. Wednesday, April 20th we were present to watch Ghosts Along the Brazos and Ethan Kennedy perform.
With a cover of five dollars, it is hard not to catch some music on a Wednesday night, and having heard some buzz around Austin about Ghost on the Brazos, we felt compelled to check out the group. The hype was indeed correct as the band immediately burst into a funky/blues tune, heavy with organ and blues guitar solos. It was a great way to start a set and immediately had the crowd exited and eager for more. The group picked up the tempo for the second song as they blazed through a Texas Swing tune filled with chants and wonderfully executed harmonizing vocals from the lead singer and lead guitarist. The music was fun and well played with brief moments from every musician taking time throughout the songs to demonstrate their expertise on their respective instrument. With moments of fast paced Texas swing music to the slower moments of a waltz, the band had the audience dancing and watching in awe at the talented musicians. One of the most memorable songs of the night was the interesting love song about the bass player and his would be “post apocalyptic princess.” It was romantic in a post apocalyptic, chasing children around a fall out shelter and lets start a new life in a new world kind of way. To say the least, it was a very cleverly written song and brilliantly unforgettable. As the set progressed, we were constantly drawn to the interesting sound and impressed with the talent of the group and the interesting sound - Examiner.com
Despite the haunting name of the venue, The Ghost Room is a very inviting place for live music. On any given night of the week it is easy to stumble into the eclectic and dimly lit bar to see some of Austin’s finest musicians gracing the stage tucked into the corner of the bar. With the Christmas lights gently swinging down over the musicians, the ambiance is somewhat changed from a haunting old building to a humble music venue. Wednesday, April 20th we were present to watch Ghosts Along the Brazos and Ethan Kennedy perform.
With a cover of five dollars, it is hard not to catch some music on a Wednesday night, and having heard some buzz around Austin about Ghost on the Brazos, we felt compelled to check out the group. The hype was indeed correct as the band immediately burst into a funky/blues tune, heavy with organ and blues guitar solos. It was a great way to start a set and immediately had the crowd exited and eager for more. The group picked up the tempo for the second song as they blazed through a Texas Swing tune filled with chants and wonderfully executed harmonizing vocals from the lead singer and lead guitarist. The music was fun and well played with brief moments from every musician taking time throughout the songs to demonstrate their expertise on their respective instrument. With moments of fast paced Texas swing music to the slower moments of a waltz, the band had the audience dancing and watching in awe at the talented musicians. One of the most memorable songs of the night was the interesting love song about the bass player and his would be “post apocalyptic princess.” It was romantic in a post apocalyptic, chasing children around a fall out shelter and lets start a new life in a new world kind of way. To say the least, it was a very cleverly written song and brilliantly unforgettable. As the set progressed, we were constantly drawn to the interesting sound and impressed with the talent of the group and the interesting sound - Examiner.com
Discography
2011 - Ghosts Along the Brazos
2013 - When it Rains it Pours
Photos
Bio
If you're listening at all, you'll never shake the sound. It's honest - real music played by real people. The melodies will inspire, the words may haunt, and the rhythm will undoubtedly have you miles away from your chair. The music is undeniable - nothing short of a genuine celebration, bubbling up from the cracks in the street like west Texas oil.
The band is The Ghosts and the idea is simple: Play and write music that you believe in, and others will believe in it too. Don't inflate it with smoke and mirrors, and don't water it down in search of conventional success. Play what speaks to your heart, and it will speak to theirs too. It's been less than a year since The Ghosts arrived on the Austin, TX scene, and they've quickly charmed their way into the hearts and minds of a town steeped in timeless American music, and not always quick to shower praise.
You will surely dance, you will often laugh, and you will inevitably be awed by the musical prowess of twenty-somethings playing far beyond their years.
Katie Holmes is the newest Ghost and is a welcome addition, bringing not only her exceptional fiddling ability but also her singing and songwriting to the group. Connor Forsyth on Piano and Hammond B3 is a wunderkind, a player that truly commands attention. As a member of another young Austin favorite, The Belleville Outfit, he honed his chops touring the country, and now splits his time between the Ghosts and the legendary Ray Price's touring band. You may also recognize bassist Kristopher Wade and guitarist Gregory Harkins from one of Austin's brightest swing/jazz outfits, The Marshall Ford Swing Band, and the interplay between Forsyth, Harkins, and Wade might well be worth the price of admission alone. Drummer James Gwyn rounds out the 5-piece, another in-demand young Austinite who splits his time touring with country legend, Junior Brown.
Together, The Ghosts are on a journey. And if you're in earshot, you're probably coming with them. They're a veritable force, a band with contagious energy, churning out a joyful noise with obvious glee. That's what the commotion is all about, that's the celebration, and wherever The Ghosts are tonight, that's what you'll find.
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