My Thursday picks got lost in the washing machine of life. What can I say? You’re put on the spin cycle sometimes.
Dave Gonzalez
But the week shall not go by without at least one quality pick: The Sunday (April 19) show by Dave Gonzalez and the Stone River Boys at Lulu’s Eating and Drinking Establishment (2230 Pine St.) in Redding. The show starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are $20 at the door ($15 in advance; call 378-2050 before 4 p.m. today).
I don’t know the Stone River Boys, but I do know Gonzalez, one of the great rockabilly/roots players alive today. His original band, the Paladins, is a legendary act. The hard-working band played thousands of shows all over the world, and the energy and passion they poured into performances made them unforgettable.
I remember watching the Paladins at the Kennett Diamond Brewery (now Maritime Restaurant) years back and thinking: “That may be the greatest concert I’ve ever seen.” Gonzalez was just an inferno that night, and bassist Thomas Yearsley was going wild and holding down an incredible rhythm foundation.
Decades ago, the Paladins opened for Stevie Ray Vaughan at the Redding Convention Center. The Paladins and Double Trouble were very familiar with each other. Stevie Ray had all the respect in the world for Dave Gonzalez and I’ve heard that from Austin musicians who would know. And Dave’s an even better player today.
After the Paladins, came the Hacienda Brothers, who made three fantastic albums and played some stellar shows before the passing of soul singer/songwriter/musician Chris Gaffney.
I spoke with Dave Alvin this week, and he said one of his goals in life is to make sure Gaffney gets remembered as the legend that he was. A soon-to-be-released Gaffney tribute album will feature the likes of Alvin, Gonzalez, Calexico, Tom Russell, John Doe, Freddie Fender, Los Lobos, James McMurtry, Joe Ely, Robbie Fulks and Alejandro Escovedo. How’s that for a lineup?
Both Alvin and Gonzalez knew the genius of Gaffney. All three of them have made music that will be remembered well past their times on this earthly orb.
I have a Dave Gonzalez guitar pick that I treasure. I have a postcard from Gaffney that I feel the same way about. I’ll always return to the music of the Hacienda Brothers.
But I’m sure looking forward to hearing what the Stone River Boys are all about.
