“Okay would you please make us welcome!” That is the way the Mastersons took the stage at a sold out gig at the venerable McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston, Texas.

Rose and I had caught them in January spontaneously, but this time we were booked in advance anticipating the return of this dynamic duo.  They kept their promise by stating they would bring a band with them and it was killer indeed.  Promoting brand new release, ‘Good Luck Charm’, on both KPFT 90.1FM and Cactus Records earlier in the day they seemed stoked to let it rip and they did not disappoint. This married duo who call Austin, Texas their home have been currently touring with Steve Earle as openers and in his backing band.  In fact,  they’ve played hundreds of shows with him since 2006 and that in itself speaks volumes.  The man himself has stated: “Chris is the best guitar player that’s ever been in this band and Eleanor’s a better musician than any of us.”
What fired me up was Chris Masterson had ample guitars ready to strap on and most were electric.  Of course his pretty red haired wife Eleanor can sparkle and shoot sparks off the fiddle like few I’ve ever witnessed. 

The new album was featured through out and rightfully so.  Most of the tracks were penned during breaks touring with Mr. Earle and it spotlights their explosive harmonies while churning guitar and violin play shine all over it. 

Denton, Texas born Eleanor and Houston-bred Chris have both been making music for most of their lives.  We have seen Bonnie Whitmore (Eleanor’s sister) in many bands before, including Hayes Carll, and these two have played with the likes of Kelly Willis, Diana Ross, Son Volt, Jack Ingram and Wayne Hancock to name a few.  Stout resume indeed.  Stellar openers were “Uniform” and “Anywhere But Here” where EM jolted the crowd to attention on fiddle all the while chewing gum while she sings!   The experience they’ve gained from being around Earle is obvious and headlining is definitely in their future.  “Glad I Found You” was spellbounding good and “Cautionary Tale” about spending time together without distractions like damn cell phones hit home big time. The twosome even stepped back and played alone on the title cut of first album, “Birds Fly South”, stating sometimes you need to go where the pace is slow-that’s why birds fly south!   Amen on getting to places where the rat race is left behind for a bit and you can enjoy time together with loved ones.

This latest collaboration definitely shows powerful lyrics and an upbeat feel that really explodes on stage up close at a venue like the Mucky Duck.  The face-off jams of CM shredding and EM following him while grinning at one another ruled on gems “Nobody Knows” with mouth harp action also, appropriate “Easy By Your Side” and the title cut about needing to make a change in life.  The show had a fitting encore of new one, “Time is Tender”, about never taking anything in your time on earth for granted with the packed house repeating the chorus as they departed.  Cannot say enough of how easily these two can trade off lead vocals and keep the instrumentation impecable and efficiently sharp.   That is twice for us to see this band in 2014 and we will not hesitate if there is a third chance before year’s end………..Get out there and watch some LIVE music!