Shinyribs (Kevin Russell from The Gourds) w/ The Washers

SHINYRIBS

Shinyribs Russell is known as the front man of the Austin TX musical combo, The Gourds. Born in Beaumont TX, raised in The Church Of Christ he found his calling in biker bars of Louisiana at the tender age of seventeen playing a hybrid of loud country blues rock and psychedelic swamp jangle for the grumpy ingrates congregated there. His regionally notorious band, The Picket Line Coyotes did the college faux chitlin circuit until their demise in the early 90’s. The Gourds formed in 1994 and have become a favorite of the Americana/Hippie Jam/Genre Bending scenes of the last 20 years. Russell in a fit of antsy and wanderlust began performing solo shows under the pseudonym Shinyribs as early as 2006. The name was given to him by a transient in return for a meal of BBQ Russell provided to her. After playing a monthly show in Houston for the last two years he has honed Shinyribs into one of the most interesting roots music experiences around. Stylistically it pulls from the spectrums of great American music; Country, Gospel, Funk and a dollop of poetry in the middle of it all. Shinyribs is not afraid to shake his ass either. And many attend shows just for the dancing. A revolving line up of Austin talent has evolved into the current top notch band; Gourd drummer, Keith Langford, Cerebral Pony Bass man Jeff Brown and Kentucky Fried Keyboard Whiz Winfield Cheek. After garnering fans with his debut record, 2010’s Well After Awhile (ninemilerecords) the sophomore effort is due out this spring. Look for it in Mid-April on ninemilerecords as well.

Shinyribs on Facebook | Official Website

THE WASHERS

Out of the quiet prairie lands of Texas’ Gulf Coast, there is a murmur that is gradually getting louder. Amidst the stirring is the recognizable tone of crunchy single-coil pickups and a Gibson J-45 against the backdrop of a walking bass line and the crashing of cymbals. If one listens close enough, they will find the epicenter of the ruckus in East Bernard, Texas– a small town more known for kolaches and polka than loud and rowdy Americana music.

A band known as The Washers are the makers of the noise, which some consider a new breed of Americana. Though not reinventing the wheel, it’s the slight variations from the others in the Texas Music scene that make this small-town band notable. With all of the standard elements typically seen on the stages across Texas, including Justin Wade Wilcox picking rhythm guitar and banjo, Rio Tripiano on lead guitar and harmonica, Matt Kopycinski thumping away on bass, Mike Faltysek keeping time on the drums, and Todd Janik strumming the acoustic parts, one of the unique elements of their dynamic live show is the fact that the four in front share the vocal spotlight. In addition to a different lead singer on seemingly every song, the four singers constantly shift their roles to create beautiful, complex harmonies.

With a little bit of folk, a dash of good old rock ‘n roll, and a whole lot of country, The Washers are hitting the pavement with both feet running, trying to spark a fire in the Texas Music scene.

The Washers on Facebook | The Washers on Twitter | Official Website