This is my first post and I don't anticipate posting much other than my weekly shows and, occasionally, special announcements. If you like the music, please support the artists by purchasing the music from Amazon or iTunes or their CDs or see them in concert. These aren't highrollin' rich folk TN super stars - most are common folk, musicians, making ends meet doing what they love.
That said, this is all you get as far as why I am doing the show and the nature of the music I play on my show.
I was born in Dallas back in the 70s and grew up in a small town in East Texas. Both of my parent's families were from Texas or Louisiana, at least for a generation, often for longer. I lived in East Texas, North Texas, and Northwest Arkansas growing up. I volunteered, worked my way though college, and got married to a cougar (before that was cool) at a young age.
I haven't ever fit in life - and don't try to anymore. So, after I got divorced (married +10 years) the city just got too big for me - I started to miss the small towns of childhood. I packed it all in a car, drove 3k miles, did another 1k on the ferry, and drove off the Malaspina in a snow storm, in a rear wheel drive car - with bald tires. I blew my last 1k on studded tires, in February, so I could get to my apartment and unpack. I literally had less than 100 bucks left to my name. I went to work the next day.
True story.
It hasn't been easy. But I fell in love with the green and the snow and the seasons and the wildlife and the ocean and the wind. Can't blast me out of here with dynamite (like the old AJ).
I miss very few things from down south in these times, but on the top of the list is family, a summer garden, Promised Land dairy (best eggnog and chocolate milk ever), Shiner beer, and that great Texas live music sound.
I can't do much about most of that, but I have managed to work my way into a radio show with KRNN. This blog, and my radio show, Southern Exposure, is my way of sharing my love of Texas' (and neighboring states) music.
Don't believe me? Just listen in and decide for yourself.
Technically not all the music is from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Arkansas, but a lot of it is - with Texas and Oklahoma being the core, called "Red Dirt". Many labels could be applied, but what matters is that the musicians are genuine folks, their songs are from the heart, about real life, they work for a living, have families, and they often have incredible personal stories and incredible talent. Well, at least that is the stuff I listen to and will play on my show.
My early shows are going to be a bit more sharp as I try to establish boundaries for listeners so they can get an idea of the "sound" y'all can expect if you tune in regularly. My long term goal is to avoid recycling the same music over and over so listeners get something new every show, while at the same time delivering a great sounding show every week. I also plan to eventually add a "call in request" aspect to the show to keep things entertaining and engaging.
If you have an idea for a song, or know a great sounding band that you think would fit great in my show, please contact me and let me know.
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Red
2016-04-14
P.S. If you own a bar and want to make me very happy, put Shiner Bohemian on tap (which happens to be one of the best dark beers I have ever had) and toss me a (fishing) line - I will hop right in the boat!
