The latest “all-star” band out of Austin consists of Josh Zee on lead guitar (Mother Truckers), Lonnie Trevino Jr. on bass (Deadman) , Phil Hurley on lead guitar (Stonehoney) and Phil Bass on skins (Monte Montgomery Band). Not since I first saw the Band of Heathens have I been so taken a back by a band at first notice. This squad brings a lot more to the table than BOH, too, in that the spectrum of music ranges from deep soul, Motown, ass kickin’ country and a funky killer rock-n-roll Nawlins vibe that is quite infectious to say the least.

The gig grabbed me by the throat early on and did not let go when Trevino stepped up and rocked on Tab Benoit’s ‘Night Train’. LT is the only member of the band I’m familiar with being a Deadman fan for years and he seemed very comfortable sliding out of the shadow of that band into his position with SAM. In fact, he has departed Deadman and his focus is clearly on taking this unit to the next level. His smooth as silk ‘Can’t Live Without You” magical Motown low down groove was so refreshing and the nostalgic fresh sounding Bee Gee’s classic , ‘To Love Somebody’, never sounded better.

The band has put out a “Live At The Saxon Pub” self-made CD and it is chocked full of goodies including originals ‘One More Time’& ‘Burn and Shine’. The group mixed it up doing a “country version” of a  Beatles tune and even some Elvis thrown in. I cannot express more how free and easy these gents meshed and rocked off each other. The manner which Zee and Hurley spin off mashes on guitar is mind bending sheet. It all flows very well without any member over stepping his band mates, but instead pushing them to take chances.

Do not let me forget that all the dudes in this band do lead vocals and do them well. Nights like these make me feel blessed that I caught “The Austin Flu” in the early ’80’s and have NEVER gotten over it. 2013 jumped out of the gate like a buzz saw of fun and if these cats don’t watch out they may get some musical stuff stuck to their shoes that won’t come off!  We’d all be better for that and I am anticipating their debut album for sure…Peace in the New Year!