Carter: “Late Fall?”

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Richard Carter

Late Fall?

Richard Carter

Kellie Lee Saturday at Quail Creek

Something recently hit me at the Thursday night open mic night at The Spot, and it’s so obvious but it had never really occurred to me before.

Because it gets colder during the winter, it seems like more musicians are writing tunes this time of the year, and it shows in open mics where people are busting out new tunes at an outrageous clip. Sure, it’s hot in the summer but people tend to swim and stuff. When it gets this cold, and you’re not near any slopes, the thing for musicians to do is to grab an acoustic guitar or find a piano and noodle. Noodling leads to riffs, which leads to new tunes, which manages to find words.

So, right now is not a bad time to get to open mics to hear some new songs fresh off the artistic “stove” so to speak. Besides, what else are you going to do during the wintertime besides go to hear some new bands in warm clubs?

My friends who went to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra said that the show was pyrotechnically amazing and they really enjoyed the musicianship. Supposedly the best seats (in terms of proximity to the stage) were sold and people were going all batty about the show—immediately afterwards on Facebook and then to each other for the following week. It’s a shame that not more bands come through town to play, but there is that economy of the thing.

Friday night was an excellent night with Dr. Philgood playing at Old Town mixing in their sets with DJ sets by their phenomenal DJ Marcus McGee. That same night, one of my favorite bands, The Rocketboys, came through Wichita Falls. One day I should write a blog about the shortening of names. For example, Dr. Philgood was originally Dr. Philgood and the Let’s Get It Ons, while The Rocketboys were originally Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys. Perhaps the trick is to keep things short so that it all fits on a marquee or on the Facebook page.

Also, the fabulous Kellie Lee played at Quail Creek Saturday afternoon and the great City Lights parade downtown was also on tap.

I am at the Spot checking out a really good singer songwriter David O’Dell playing an extended set. He’s played so many originals that he ran out. He’s currently playing the standard, “Georgia,” which is very nice, while David Thompson plays some tasteful lead. A girl is crocheting, while other people are talking about whatnot. It’s cold outside. And, now Chris Roberson is starting a song.  I can tell you how amazing he is, but I hope you already know this.

It would appear that Dempsey is playing on December 9 opening up for the Minor Prophets show. This change was made last week after two members assured me they were going to push the show back. Sometimes you should trust the club website when it lists a band.

Minor Prophets has a new guitarist from what I understand. Charles Harlow, formerly of White Knuckle, will be playing lead for them. The Dec 9 show is still supposed to happen.

Finally, Johnny Cooper is playing the Wednesday next week before Thanksgiving at the Pub. It’s pretty much become a standard show like X playing Halloween.

Check out my story on The Doppelgangers next Friday in NEXT. Their band is great and indicates that instrumental music is starting to make its move locally.

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