Kyle Nix Finds Familiar Names for Backing Band The 38’s.

Well well well. Fiddler Kyle Nix who released his debut solo album Lightning on the Mountain and Other Short Stories in 2020 amid the Turnpike Troubadours indefinite hiatus has been stepping up his live game recently with his band he’s christened The 38’s. What started out as a somewhat rag tag revolving door of pickers and bangers has all of a sudden morphed into what you could darn near characterize as a supergroup.

Last week Kyle Nix shared a photo from the tour van as they rolled toward a gig at the Hochatown Saloon north of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and I’ll be damned if I didn’t recognize the bulging biceps of bassist Bill Corbin, who was one of the mainstays in American Aquarium for years, even as the band was a revolving door behind BJ Barham. And lo and behold, who was that in the driver’s seat but Turnpike Troubadours drummer Gabriel Pearson.

Then on Tuesday, Kyle Nix pretty much confirmed on Twitter that Bill and Gabe were part of the crew, as well as fidder and guitarist Kevin Foster, a.k.a. “Haystack” that Nix had with him at Mile 0 Fest earlier this year, and who also works with The Damn Quails. Kyle Nix also mentioned fiddler Jason Andrew, and none other than Turnpike Troubadours guitarist Ryan Engleman as part of the band.

Engleman had been touring with Reckless Kelly before the pandemic, but it was revealed recently he would no longer be touring with the band on their latest run. If Engleman turns up in the 38’s even for a few gigs, we’ll get the next best thing to a Turnpike Troubadours reunion.

But hey, this is all about Kyle Nix at the moment. Since some of these folks have other engagements, there may be some musical chairs at certain positions and such depending on the gig, but that’s part of the fun. And the possibility of having multiple fiddle players in the band is something not enough folks have utilized since Ray Price passed away.

What does all this mean for the potential of a Turnpike Troubadours reunion? Who the hell knows, but at least the folks are out there and keeping busy, and Kyle Nix has proven he’s worthy of entertaining audiences himself for as much or as long as he wants.

Oh, and don’t forget, Turnpike bassist RC Edwards and his side project RC and the Ambers release their new album called Big Country produced by Turnpike steel player/accordion dude Hammerin’ Hank Early on September 10th.

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Here are some Kyle Nix and the 38’s dates for you:

8/26/21 – George’s Majestic w/ Flatland Cavalry – Fayetteville, AR
8/27/21 – Country River Club – Tyler, TX
8/28/21 – Saxon Pub – Austin, TX
9/3/21 – Mo’s Place w/ Giovannie & The Hired Guns – Katy, TX
9/9/21 – Diamond Stone Festival – Tahlequah, OK 
9/10/21 – Cactus Theater – Lubbock, TX
11/6/21 – Troubadour Festival – Celina, TX