Gram Parsons Tribute – 11/5/o9 – Austin, TX; Threadgills

From Devil in Disguise to In My Hour of Darkness we were treated to the classic songs that make Gram Parsons live forever. And this was also a tribute to the Austin talent pool, without question. Plus all musicians volunteered. Patterson Barrett put it all together. (I believe spreadsheets were involved.) These tribute sessions make us pinch ourselves about the reality of living in South Austin. In this case, the show benefited the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance.

It was one after the other up on the stage, with Earl Poole Ball — our local well-known piano man who actually played with Gram — to Phil Hurley, Shawn Davis, and Dave Phenicie of Stonehoney, to Ben Mallott, Jess Klein, Tom Gillam, and Matt Harlan, these last ones all welcome newcomers to town. Heck, let me just name some names: Steve Carter, Jenny Reynolds, Robyn Ludwick, Eric Hisaw, Tom Pittman, Dana McBride, Cam King, Steady Freddie Krc, Christine Albert and Chris Gage, Steve Brooks, and Michael Fracasso. And constant on the stage were Kevin on pedal steel, Jon Hahn on drums, Rob Bollinger on bass, and Joe Joe on fiddle. Additional women included Juliann Banks and Lorrie Singer, together worthy of mention with their duet on Sweep Out the Ashes. And I probably overlooked a few, even with this list!

Personally, I have to take my hat off to Gurf Morlix, reaching into our souls with Image of Me and Wild Horses. There was talk that Keith Richards said that song was about Gram. And Phil Hurley performed on She, and well, he sure could sing along with all of that guitar work. I’d say he may have had the most fun of all last night.

It ended with a real estate grab and everyone together on the stage…just like we hoped. We’ll be back next November as Gram’s birthday rolls around again.