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I was sitting at a table at the Lone star Cafe the first time Jay Swindle played there. I saw him play there several times, then I heard he'd moved to Austin. I went, several months later, to drink beer and listen to my buddy Jay Johnson do his Thursday night magic at the Lone Star, and Jay Swindle just happened to be recording a live album there that evening. So some of that applause and hollering on the CD is me. I was also, by coincidence, at Jay's Cd realease party a few weeks back. Jay Johnson has told me that, "Swindle knows EVERYBODY!" Judging from the crowds he is able to draw to Lone Star, that must be true. The night of the release party, the place was packed with folks who'd driven from as far away as Austin and Lubbock, and they were there to see Swindle. They like Jay, and they like his music. Hell, most of it was written about them. I was a little sceptical about an album recorded at The Lone Star, with the, at best, "quirky" sound you find there, but Jay Johnson was using his equipment that night, and the guy doing the recording did an excellent job. I was really shocked at the sound quality of the disc. 'Texas', the title track is about Jay's adopted home state. It's pretty good. There are the required references, like "Shiner Bock Beer", but it is a little above the usual, "...Stupid Song About Texas". 'Through My Mind' is about a guy who is seeing the error of his ways and trying to regain his lost love. The third track, 'Only One Talkin' To You' is a fun drinkin' tune, and swindle has written one of the all time classic come-back lines, "I'm not the best lookin' guy in this bar, but I'm the only one talkin' to you". I love that line! 'Crazy White Trash' is a very interesting,, and very dark tune. It's a song about a homely girl who hangs out at a bar, and the bartender who pities her, and finds himself spending the night with her. In the end he finds he has the same pity for himself. This is a cool song, and maybe Jay's best. His raspy vocals really add to the dark feel of the story. There's 'On My Own', then 'Abilene', another good song, 'Savannah', a sad love song, 'Good Time Years', an upbeat tune about hanging out and talking old times with childhood buddies. 'Pampa' is a song about small town family life, and going home, then there's 'TABC', definitely the weakest track on the disc. 'You've Got To Roll' is a sad drinkin' tune, and a pretty good one, working in a texas travelog as a bonus. 'Headin' To Austin' is another "Texas" song, and the last track, 'Miss You Tonight', is an OK tune about a teenager in love, with a little bit of attitude thrown in. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised with "Texas- Live At The Lone Star". Jay Swindle writes about his friends, family, and experiences. I fully expect that as those experiences pile up, he will grow as a songwriter. The guitar and vocals are fine, and there are a few really good songs on this album. He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met, and it is obvious why he has such loyal, dedicated fans. Be sure to check Jay's show out the next time he's in town, and you can get info on ordering the disc from: jayswindlemusic-at-mac.com Read Jay's responses to the Rockzillaworld Standard Email Interview, and I think you'll better understand why I think he shows real promise: 1. Brief bio Born: 3-18-77 in Midwest City, OK - (Yeah...I know it sucks!) I grew up in Greenville, TX. Spent most of my life there before I moved to Lubbock, TX to attend school at Texas Tech University. After college I moved to Dallas, TX where I spent the last 2 years. I'm currently living in Austin, TX. 2. How long have you been writing and singing songs? I've playing the guitar for 10 years but didn't start writing my own music until 1997. I've been writing and performing my own music since the fall of 97. 3. Which artists have had the most influence on your musical tastes, Boy...this could be a long list. I've been influenced mainly by some of the great singer/songwriters. I would say my first influences were guys like Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, and Don Williams. These were the guys my dad listened to as a kid. Soon after that I discovered guys like Springteen, Dylan, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, RE Keen, and Lyle Lovett. It wasn't until I heard Willis Alan Ramsey that I said "damn" that is what I want to do. 4. If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be? (just a joke) I'd be a big ass East Texas Pine. 5. Who do you listen to? Currently I'm into Matthew Ryan, Adam Carroll, The Groobees, and Ryan Adams. I must say that I haven't taken the Doug Burr disc out of my changer for a while. I think it is amazing. 6. As far as music is concerned, where do you see yourself in five years? I've never really seen myself as someone who wants to be extremely famous. I'd settle for respected. I feel like I'm a little young to be taken all that seriously as a songwriter. I mean if you write about your life experience how much have I really had. In five years I hope to be writing better songs and playing when need be. As much as I would love to make a living writing and playing music I don't have any plans to quit my day job. 7. Where are you playing? I'm playing at Café Mia in Austin on Friday nights and the Watertank in | ||
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