Mescalito Album Cover

Ryan Bingham caught my attention shortly after the release of his first album Mescalito. It struck a chord with me and quickly became one of the most frequently played discs in my iPod. His new disc, Roadhouse Sun, is even better, and more overtly political, which I always like (assuming I agree with the politics, of course).

It’s hard to say why I like his music so much.  It’s difficult to imagine an artist with a life’s experience more different than mine. Bingham spent time on the rodeo circuit riding bull before becoming a singer-songwriter.

Americana singer/songwriter Ryan Bingham was raised in rural Texas, where years of hardscrabble ranch work and competitions on the rodeo circuit would eventually surface in the dusty riffs of his country-styled debut, Mescalito.

Living alone since his mid-teens, Bingham shuttled back and forth between Southwestern border towns and relatives’ homes, often sleeping in his truck after nightly rodeo gigs. It was during those treks that he began entertaining friends with the guitar, an instrument he’d learned at the age of 17 from a mariachi neighbor. Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan, Marshall Tucker, and Bob Wills — all of whom populated the jukebox of The Halfway Bar, a roadhouse owned by Bingham’s uncle (whose musical tastes influenced those of his nephew) — Bingham fashioned a road-weary sound that soon piqued the interest of a barroom proprietor in Stephenville, TX.
–Bio on AOL Music

Maybe that biography is exactly why it appeals to me. There’s a sense of authenticity when he sings about hard times.Last night I saw him play live at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA.

Jonny Burke

It was great, but before I talk about him I want to say a few words about his opening act, Jonny Burke.  When the young, slender, almost waifish, Burke came out with his super tight-fitting jeans and shoulder length, dirty blond hair I thought to myself, oh no!  What are we in for now?  What is this pretty boy rocker going to play?  Did they bring a bad Kurt Cobain rip off to open?  Or worse stil, maybe we’re in for bubble gum pop in the style of one hit wonders Hanson!  If I hadn’t wanted a good seat I might have actually skipped the opening act.  Maybe I am going to wish I should have.

I was wrong.  Burke was great.  Born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas, on 35 between Austin and San Antonio, just outside of the latter, he grew up on music in that area so steeped in the Texas musical tradition. It kind of hard to characterize that tradition because it is really varied.  Just take a look at the artists from the region.  Burke, himself, in his MySpace biography, claims to have been influence by Chuck Berry as a boy, and that it was his meeting with Townes Van Zandt that really changed his life.

Burke learned his lesson well.  He’s a talented songwriter, and engaging performer and he put on a great show.  He won me over and I’m pretty sure he won over the crowd, as well.  We were lukewarm at first, and he had to prove himself.  He did, because he seemed to care that he did, like all good Rockers do. Indeed, waiting in line for the bathroom between sets, a woman came down who summed it up nicely.  “That was a great surprise,” she said.
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As for Ryan Bingham, he also exceeded my expectations.  Oddly enough, that was a little bit of a surprise, too.  I love his music, but I had checked out the YouTube videos, and they are bad.  The sound is terrible and performances recorded in such a way that the crowd noises are the only thing you can really hear.  YouTube videos are often no friend to the artist.

Then I had seen him on Austin City Limits and it was a good set, but just not overwhelmingly exciting.  To be sure, live music is always better experienced live, but it was more than that. I had a very hard time convincing friends to go with me to the concert, so I was worried.

Well, the show at the Iron Horse was fantastic.  I think a lot of it has to do with the venue.  Bingham is at his best in a small venue where he can engage with and feed off the crowd.  It was such an exciting show.   He began the show with an acoustic guitar and harmonica and a quiet start.  Then he really rocked the house.   It was great.  Ryan is an interesting performer.  When he interacts with the audience he comes across as shy and unassuming.  But when he steps behind his guitar and microphone, he’s larger than life.  The songs are powerful and the band tight.

Incidentally, The same musicians played with Jonny Burke:
Matt Smith – Drums and Percussion
Corby Schaub – Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Kettle Drums & Background Vocals
Elijah Ford – Bass

If you ever have the chance, check him out live.  You won’t regret it.

For your enjoyment, here’s the first single from Roadhouse Sun, Snake Eyes.