Randy Weeks – Heights Live – Houston, TX September 30, 2011
Concert Reviews
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Written by Eddie Ferranti
Sep 30, 2011 at 08:00 PM
Veteran roots rocker Randy Weeks slid into thee intimate confines that is Heights Live and took his music to a different level recently in Houston, Texas.  Being a long time supporter now of Weeks, Rose and and I get “geeked” for a WEEKS injection as we like to call it every time we go see him.  It never is the same show twice.  This night he brought as always a talented guitar player in Billy Masters with him. Plus, he brought  the Rochester, NY native and fellow Austinite Jess Klein to sing vocals.  This was the first time this trio had graced the stage with one another and I could only imagine how good they can get if they do it more.
The elongated harp jams by RW paired with Masters’ no nonsense guitar jammin’ and the sweet harmonies and just damn cuteness of JK made for a very soothing evening big time. Chestnuts like “Big Man Makes the Little Girl Cry” and “Going My Way” came to life in a whole differnt manner with Klein’s vocals pushing the tunes to new heights.  Weeks was in control in the middle and seemed totally at ease with this line-up. “Last DWI” and “Black Coffee and Lifesavers” saw Masters moving in a psychedelic vain which built the momentum within the trio nicely.  In fact, Masters solos grew as the night wore on as he grew more comfortable playing off RW’s killer acoustic guitar.

“Can’t Let Go” whipped the venue into a frenzy and then Weeks handed the mike to Klein to do her “Only Your Love Comes Through” which was nice and tender. This lil lady has really grown in her stage presence and you can see the move to Austin has fit her quite well.  Her angelic like presentation on her tunes was striking.  When you see Weeks like we do you still get taken a back how many good tunes he has in his arsenal. “Give Me Back My Soul”, the killer “Transistor Radio”, and footstompin’ “Sugarlee” ruled the night.  “Fu Manchu” was jazzed up and loud in a good way.

Weeks has lived in Austin himself since 2007 and the move has loosened up his musical approach which is quite evident on his latest CD “Going My Way” which he featured a lot this night. “”Fine Way to Treat Me” , my personal fave “Little Bit of Sleep” rocked, dark ass “Ton of Shame”, and the jammed out boogie version of “Motor City” closed out the gig in fine fashion.

Heights Live recently garnered a award for best evite concert venue from the Houston Press and bravo to them. Tracy & Lisa have kept the faith in live music in a relaxed BYOB atmosphere and it is paying dividends. Good for them.  My only nitpick this evening was the non-use of the projector screen behind the band.  I’m guessing it was Randy’s preference to have nothing going on during his gig and I respect that.  That being said though it is the video quirkiness run by Rachel that adds a different and fun element to the overall experince of HL.

All in all this was yet another good night to scream out many WEEEEEEKS throughout the night!  You can catch him and whomever he choses to bring with him @ Almost Austin House Concerts 10/22/11!!   Do it.  You’ll be glad ya did…..peace & Out!