Obviously the future of the music business and the continued access to great music for we fans depends upon new talent developing.  I have tried to highlight talented young artists whenever possible, because without them coming along we'll all eventually be stuck listening to the bands that play the Super Bowl Halftime shows! I was unable to see my favorite young band The Belleville Outfit (biggest frustration of SXSW-too many great shows, only one set of ears..)  I was however, able to see several young artists/bands that caught my ear and hopefully will become mainstays. One who is already on her way is Ruby Jane Smith and her band The Ruby Jane Show.  She performed at the Country Line Magazine Showcase at The Ranch in Austin.  Ruby has spent most of her 14 (yes 14) years in Mississippi but now resides in Austin.  Last year she was one of the youngest musicians to ever be invited to play SXSW.  She has also played the Grand Ole Opry and been freatured on the CBS Evening News. Did I mention she's 14?  Especially telling was her command of the stage.  She bounded around the stage prior to the opening number encouraging and firing up the band (although they sure played like they didn't need any firing up!)  Often alternating between fiddle and guitar (during the same tune) she showed amazing poise and talent for someone who doesn't even have their wisdom teeth yet!  My favorite tune of the night was on original Smoke in My Eyes so she's got songwriting talent as well! Another band I saw and have listened to is Austin band The Fireants. This is another group who, like their friends The Belleville Outfit, play way beyond their years. They play music with influences of country, bluegrass and roots music and play it well.  They played to an enthusiastic crowd at Momo's.  They will be releasing their first EP any time now.  I've heard it and think they've got great things to come. Lastly I caught a young band from St. Louis, John Henry and the Engine whose music has tastes of cosmic rock as well as soul and americana.  He played at Jovitas at the Twangfest Showcase (a large summer music festival also out of St. Louis- twangfest.com).  He mentioned that the band will be recording again soon.  Their first full length cd entitled Under The Yellow Moon is available now.

The music is a mix of acoustic Americana, big band jazz and twangy-swing that mixes the members Appalachian roots with the traditional music of New Orleans, a bit like The Squirrel Nut Zippers. Their sound is tight and fresh, hardly what you would expect from a group that wasn’t even together one year ago! The band consists of Rob Teter (guitar, vocals), Connor Forsyth (piano), Jonathan Konya (drums, vocals), Jeff Brown (bass, vocals), Marshall Hood (guitar, vocals) and Phoebe Hunt (violin, vocals). The CD starts off with a great tune, “Somebody Like You,” a very well written song lyrically and musically about someone lost in life. Its easy to feel lost, when you’re hanging by the end of a string Hanging on everything. But I’m never gonna know where I’m going, I’m a stranger to myself, a stranger in need of some help, Cause if I lost it all, lost everything I knew I’d want to love someone like you The next cut, “Caroline” is a bouncy western swing tune featuring some great piano work by Connor Forsyth. One constant highlight throughout the disc is Phoebe Hunt’s violin. It adds bounce to some tunes and melancholy background to others. She also contributes one of the best tunes on the disc, “Wonder Why” which also features her on lead vocal. This is a bouncy show-type tune with some great piano and guitar breaks in the middle. This music isn’t simple three-chord pop. These are well written and complex tunes musically featuring some of the best playing you’re likely to hear! How they have been able to develop such a tight sound this quickly is a testament to the bands talent. “Ease My Mind” is a ballad sung beautifully by Rob and harmonized by Phoebe, backed by soft violin and acoustic guitar. “Tell Her For Me When I’m Gone” is another lively swing style song and one of the faster tunes on the CD. Whatever your favorite spice is in the Americana stew you’re likely to find it here.  If you like swing type music this disc is a must have. It’s an early entry into my favorites of 2008 club! You can check out the band at www.BellvilleOutfit.com.