Live Review – Boomswagglers & Possessed by Paul James
I saw both of these acts recently at the Hillgrass Bluebilly Lunch Party, but because I was too busy managing the live internet audio stream during the Boomswaggler’s set, and the stage was so surrounded by teeming “dirtyfoots” for Possessed’s nightcap performance that I couldn’t steal even a peep, I headed down to Beerland in Austin, TX Friday night to take in the double bill of Hillgrass artists.
The Boomswagglers are a band on the rise people, mark my words. For an act with no formal release, and up to this point no major touring or even residency in a local scene, they have created quite the buzz and following. There were people there that night just to see The Boomswagglers, many of them singing along to songs and screaming out requests.
Unfortunately the sound was pretty muddy, and the beginning of their set was a little rough. But when they were joined on stage by Possessed by Paul James, they rallied:
A similar observation I had seeing them previously is that they are both extremely-talented guitar players, but their use of tones and volume doesn’t always lend to that being translated to the audience. Same could possibly be said for lyrics. But this one song emphasizes both:
Don’t take it so literally ladies.
And be aware, The Boomswagglers do have a big release and tour coming, but they are making sure to get it right, because they are worth it, so no specific details just yet on either.
Next was Possessed by Paul James, and of the three times I have seen him live, this was by far his most inspired performance. Not that the previous two were bad, but this was just a different, more rowdy energy. Konrad is a school teacher, and my guess would be a damn good one, but he mentioned during the show his frustrations for the red tape involved in teaching, and wondered aloud if his future wasn’t better cast in music. Like I iterated in my review of Feed The Family:
Possessed certainly has the chops to be a full-time performer if he wanted to, but he’s chosen his path from a belief of what is best for his family, and because of a dedication to service that was instilled in his Mennonite upbringing. I respect Possesessed’s decision, but I hope he understands that his music is a service as well; a touching, uplifiting, empowering experience that the world is a better place because of.
Regardless of the reasoning, Possessed was on fire on Friday. His gear was dogged by technical difficulties, but instead of adding hiccups to an otherwise good show, it created moments of spontaneous beauty, like when he couldn’t get his banjo and amp to work together, so he headed out into the crowd to make sure energy didn’t die:
When I posted this year’s Muddy Roots lineup, there was a reason I put Possessed by Paul James’ name second to the top. He is a headliner, and an elder of the fusion of country, folk, and blues, and has the songs, stories, road time, wisdom, and bald spot to back it all up. The lighting wasn’t good that night, and as per usual of a PPJ show, the front of the stage was crashed by rabid fans and sight lines were few if any. But the music and energy was great as always, and below are a few more vids worth checking out. I don’t know, but for some reason I am really digging what the bad lighting and sight lines created. I think they capture the magic of the night better than a clean video could.
January 16, 2011 @ 1:53 pm
Two acts that are at the top of my list to catch live. Here’s hoping the Boomswagglers make it into the MR lineup.
January 16, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
now I am feeling like a dick for cuttin the Boomswaggler show short last night, was I sitting in a bad spot Trig? Stage Left under speaker?
January 16, 2011 @ 7:14 pm
The sound was muddy during their set from any angle. There were problems beyond that in the two songs, hard to say if it was because they were fighting through sound problems or not. All I know is overall I thoroughly enjoyed the set, especially the two songs I posted video for.
January 17, 2011 @ 8:45 am
I tell ya what the show was a lot of fun on my end. But those squawks and cracks comen’ out of my mouth are like nails on a chalkboard. Ha….the range is up and down from time to time but all in all it was a nice gig with good company and a beautiful moment of engagement for a sweet young couple there at the show. So good seeing ya Triggerman! All the best.
-k
January 17, 2011 @ 4:09 pm
Well everyone involved seems to be panning the night, but I had a great time and thought it was your best performance yet, and I am one hard SOB to please, trust me!
January 17, 2011 @ 6:22 pm
I really like the Boomswagglers track on ORC Vol 1 “Run You Down” Great feel to that one and of course these live selections are good!
Hey Triggerman, if you could maybe link up something from $2 Pints when you get a second . . . Love that track number 11! I’ll check youtube but in case you have access to something else?
Great blog.
January 18, 2011 @ 7:13 am
Nice review, I’m unfamiliar with the Boomswagglers, I’ll have to check them out. Huge PPJ fan though.
May 21, 2022 @ 1:58 pm
Hey Trig, I know I’m delving into the archives here. Any news on The Boomswagglers front? I’ve talked to Spencer through dm a few times, he says no. Would love to see you guys live in person. Thanks for any info. Been beating Th we Boomswagglers drum for some time.
May 21, 2022 @ 8:00 pm
Hey Marcell,
Unfortunately, there is just not anything to report. I appreciate the interest though.