William Clark Green. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN
OUT THIS WEEK
William Clark Green, “Hebert Island.” Following 2015’s acclaimed “Ringling Road” and a 2016 live album recorded at Gruene Hall, Green further establishes himself as one of the best contemporary Texas country-rock performers with this 14-song set. Immediately connecting tracks such as “Hit You Where It Hurts” (the first single) and “What About Now” demonstrate what Green does best. But it’s intriguing to hear him dive into Cajun influences on the opening title track, and he slows it down with tuneful sweetness on “Farewell.” Playing Aug. 11 at River Road Ice House (New Braunfels). Here’s a version of the title track recorded for Bruce Robison’s “The Next Waltz” series:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYX61oQeKw0&w=492&h=307]
Ben Ballinger, “Live at the Cactus Cafe” EP. The recent return to town of Ballinger after about a year in the Northwest is a welcome development, one he hopes will lead to the release of a new album soon. In the meantime, there’s this mostly acoustic EP, recorded five years ago and featuring songs from various stages of his career. Ballinger captures deep emotions on the opening “Natatorium” and digs through bits and pieces of memories on “Pocketknife,” which he introduces as “sort of a scrapbook song.” Throughout, his incisive lyrics and keen sense for melodies that are alluring yet not too obvious lift him into the higher ranks of local singer-songwriters. Release show Aug. 9 at Cactus Cafe. Here’s a live version of the EP track “Rise and Run” recorded inside the Texas Capitol building:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_fZrL6ux6I&w=492&h=307]
Kev Bev, “Love Lemonade.” A nine-piece band with multiple vocalsists, two drummers and a horn section, Kev Bev has a sound unlike anyone else’s in town, mixing elements of dance, funk, R&B, pop and more on these nine tracks. Release show Aug. 11 at Threadgill’s South. Here’s the opening track, “Radio Slay”:
Brittany Shane, self-titled EP. The Wisconsin native’s engaging vocals stand out on this six-song set of Americana-leaning pop and rock tunes that feature backing from prominent locals including guitarist Brad Rice, drummer Brian Ferguson and backing singer Noelle Hampton. Release show Aug. 12 at Central Market Westgate. Here’s the opening track, “Move On”:
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461383173" params="color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]COMING SOON
- AUG. 17: Joe Ely, “The Lubbock Tapes: Full Circle” (Rack ’Em).
- AUG. 17: Nakia, “Blues Grifter,” in-store Aug. 17 at Waterloo Records, release show Aug. 18 at Saxon Pub.
- AUG. 17: Jeremy Nail, “Live Oak,” release show Aug. 17 at Cactus Cafe.
- AUG. 17: Blue October, “I Hope You’re Happy.”
- AUG. 18: Phoenix Jordan, “Love Is Heaven, Love Is Hell, release show Aug. 18 at Manchaca United Methodist Church.
- AUG. 23: Mike Schoenfeld, “Little Feet” EP, release show Aug. 23 at Kitty Cohen.
- AUG. 24: White Denim, “Performance” (City Slang), release show Aug. 25 at Mohawk outdoor.
- AUG. 24: Teddy Glass, “Nights and Weekends.”
- AUG. 24: Otis Wilkins, “Strangest Place” EP, release show Aug. 24 at Stubb’s indoor.
- SEPT. 5: Buhu, “Tenets.”
- SEPT. 7: Ghostland Observatory, “See You Later Simulator,” playing Bat Fest Aug. 18.
- SEPT. 7: Ray Bonneville, “At King Electric” (Stonefly).
- SEPT. 7: The Mrs., “Five Minutes” EP, release show Sept. 8 at Lamberts.
- SEPT. 7: Collective Thought, “Rise.”
- SEPT. 14: Willie Nelson, “My Way” (Legacy).
- SEPT. 14: Asleep at the Wheel, “New Routes.”
- SEPT. 14: Band of Heathens, “A Message From the People Revisited.”
- SEPT. 14: Gina Chavez, “Lightbeam” EP, release show Sept. 15 at Antone’s.
- SEPT. 14: Johnny Goudie, “Leper Hands” EP, release show Sept. 13 at One-2-One Bar.
- SEPT. 14: Ben Millburn, “Sunglass Moustache.”
- SEPT. 21: “Blaze” Original Cast Recording soundtrack (Cinewax/Light in the Attic).
- SEPT. 21: Western Youth, self-titled.
- SEPT. 21: Will Courtney, “Crazy Love” (Super Secret).
- SEPT. 21: Jonathon Zemek, “Hillcrest.”
- SEPT. 28: Jerry David DeCicca, “Burning Daylight” (Super Secret).
- OCT. 5: Molly Burch, “First Flower” (Captured Tracks).
- OCT. 5: Max Frost, “Gold Rush” (Atlantic).
- OCT. 5: Michael Martin Murphey, “Austinology: Alleys of Austin.”