The heartbeat of Houston’s not-for-profit venues and independent press came together with their biggest fans and inspirations to reflect and appreciate their efforts. A solid pot-luck with a large cake to boot was enjoyed by loyal AA volunteers, HMR staff, friends and family after receiving a healthy gift pack at the door – A commemorative koozy and custom buttons featuring tonight’s artist.…..Would those artist be able to harness the energy created this evening?

The local duo The Harbingers of Happiness were opening. The two talented songwriters Samuel Barker and Huke Green swap original tunes written and performed while members of The Front Porch Society and The Wayward Sons – two seemingly dormant entities. The guys were releasing their new self-produced, self titled EP here tonight. In a matter of disclosure, I must mention that Samuel Barker is the founder and senior editor of HMR and my brother, and a huge Otis Gibbs fan, and a supporter of Almost Austin…so there. HMR does not like getting calls from lawyers….

This is the best band I have ever seen!!! Ok, I’m a kiss-ass…If I weren’t I would say “1. They have some good songs. 2. Huke’s voice can be abrasive. 3. More strumming than picking.” Anyone that has been following Samuel was impressed with the progress he has made vocally. Using that voice, The Bossman started off the performance by giving a speech that was thoughtful and straight from the heart of The Butcher.

Homebound with a hobo heart, Otis Gibbs was born to perform in front of a human audience. His songs are both poignant and personal. The self-proclaimed blues fundamentalist writes in the tradition of protest folk musicians such as Woody Guthrie, Steve Earle and Billy Bragg. It was inevitable that this man’s vision quest would lead him to Almost Austin one day. Otis comes in support of his latest album, “Grandpa Walked a Picketline”, released just over a year ago on the Red Distribution Label. He played many songs from this album tonight which are available for free download on his website.

Check out the photo section and you can see that OG looks the part with a long gray beard and tattooed arms but the modern rimmed glasses give him away. He is a student of the complete human condition first hand. Otis with just his Martin guitar interacted with the audience kinetically reciprocating the honest energy of this night. Host Kenny Pipes had lost 2 very close people in his life in the days leading up to tonight. Kenny Pipes is emotional about his music and emotional about his family. We love you Kenny.

Otis recited tales of his travels around the world and his childhood in Wanamaker, Indiana. He currently collects his mail in Nashville, Tennessee with his girlfriend and pets. Songs born amongst dropped out drifters and freeloader framed images resonated. Rally anthems were sang by all and rock star poses stuck amidst fabricated enthusiasm.

The music was great but it was not the reason that everyone had come out early, with the exception of some late arriving hipsters. That reason is people like Eddie Ferranti, Samuel Barker and Kenny Pipes. Men that sacrifice for the music they love. Local public radio station KPFT’s “The Blueshound” understands that level of sacrifice and when Kenny Pipes passed around the tip jar this night he announced that he would match the tip amount and make a fund drive contribution on the DJ’s show the following day.

This show was not as long as most at AA. Otis Gibbs played less than 2 hours without an intermission.  The man packs it in and no one left disappointed. Even the fans in the back row were able to get up close and personal when OG left the stage and toured the room. This gentleman is at home stripped down to the essentials…He often walked away from the mike and sang to the room as he lightly picked the melody.  Otis was kind enough to stick around and mingle even though facing a long drive back to Nashville that night. Good amounts of merchandise from both groups were purchased.

The night ended with a champagne toast by tenured AA historian “Doc” Daniel. The night was a success by all accounts. HMR would like to thanks Kenny Pipes’ Almost Austin House Concert Series, Otis Gibbs and everyone that has supported us over these 10 years. See you in 2020 for 20 years and 200 AA shows. Until then I’ll look for you out supporting live music.

Footnote: Otis Gibbs does not like Eric Clapton.