I went to Antone’s last night to catch a living legend.  At 96 years of age Pinetop Perkins may not be exactly spry, but he still got that mojo workin.  Wearing an orange suite and a pimpin hat he took the stage with a local hodge podge of musicians that included Chris Layton on drums.  Pinetops distinctive  old Mississippi swinging piano blues was wonderful to hear from the only master still alive.  I considered it an utter privileged to have been able to meet him and watch as he played.  Yes I am a lucky man.

After Pinetops early set Dirty Bird took the stage.  I had seen these guys before, but man they sure have been working hard.  They sounded completely tight and singular in vision.  Clayton Colvin sings and plays guitar in a way that demands attention.  JT Holt on lead guitar is extremely well rounded, switching between hard rock blues and lap steel with great proficiency.  With a style that blends the best aspects of  hard rock, blues and that Central Texas voodoo county vibe, I expect big things from this band as they continue to work the wall on their way to the big time.

Speaking of big time…  Next up was the effervescent Carolyn Wonderland.  She seemed completely at ease at Antone’s this night, like it was a home coming.  She has been touring the world with back breaking scheduling, but she always delivers the goods.  It was very nice to see her back in Austin again.  I was particularly touched by her rendering of Jimi Hendrix’s Castles Made Of Sand solo on the mandolin.  Awesome!

All in all it was a great night at Antone’s.  I was reminded that I still have to work very hard at times to get my photography done.  I was also reminded that I love Bullet Bourbon as I drank perhaps a little to much.