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Since this was an invitation only event, and the only tickets available were through
the radio station call in, I was lucky enough to get through on The Planet's phone line to
win tickets. Unfortunately, the DJ made me sing a line from a Pistoleros' song, so I
apologize to the Houston listening market for having to endure my voice. Anyway, I got my
invitation, and I was very happy because this was a second chance to catch the Pistoleros,
a great group from Tempe, Arizona that I saw open for Barenaked Ladies in December (read
my BNL December Shows review). Since then, I had purchased
their CD, "Hang on to Nothing", and had been really enjoying it, so I was
looking forward to the show. Billie Myers, who I had also seen at at BNL show in December
was the headliner, and Allana Davis, with a current hit, rounded out the bill.
First up was Allana Davis. She only played a handful of songs, mainly played
unaccompanied, just her voice and her guitar. She played her hit "32 Flavors",
which the crowd enthusiastically received, but lacked much charisma or uniqueness in her
stage presence. It could be partially blamed on the setup at City Streets, which had
tables on what is normally the dance floor. Most people stayed seated during the entire
event, which was probably a challenge for performers who are used to playing a more open
seating arrangement.
The Pistoleros were up next, and they put on a very energetic show, but still not able
to entice many watchers into standing. They played most songs from "Hang on to
Nothing" including the radio hit "My Guardian Angel", "Nothing Lasts
Forever", and my personal favorite, "The Hardest Part" with the haunting
refrain "I'm here, alone, without you". I like the makeup of this band, lots of
guitars, with accomplished lead Thomas Laufenberg, and a pleasant pop, southwestern feel.
They are like the Gin Blossoms (also of the Tempe area) with a little Latino thrown in for
good measure. Strong vocals by lead singer Lawrence Zubia and harmonies by his brother,
Mark Zubia make for a good lineup with lots of potential. They seem to have been playing
the tour circuit getting some decent gigs and airplay in the Houston market, so I expect
big things from this group.
Billie Myers was the exception to the rule when it came to patrons being seated.
Throughout her set, she managed to get people on their feet, leading them in lyrics, and
encouraging them to come up and dance. She, of course, sang her hit, "Kiss the
Rain", but also treated the crowd to other songs from her CD "Growing
Pains" (Nothing to do with the Kurt Cameron 80s TV show, I don't think), including
some risque banter regarding a woman's first time ("First Time"). She coaxed,
not one, but two men on stage to grind with her, and then at one point in the show, when
she was presented with a Planet T-shirt, she proceeded to remove her already see through
top and slip the shirt on. Billie is an extremely talented artist, writes her own songs
(she began as a poet), and has a voice that is like Tracy Chapman meets Joan Osbourne. Of
Jamaican and English heritage, she is quite an unusual woman with a unique stage presence.
So, it was a great show, given the limitations of the venue, poor acoustics and
seating, and that the Planet Staff became very drunk and beligerent (particularly that
Dave Morales freak). That's what I get for singing on the radio, I guess.
On That Note, I'm outta here......
C
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