On my way to the music office to write this column, I was flagged down by the infamous John Ike Walton, former drummer for the Thirteenth Floor Elevators. In his Elevator t-shirt, he stood by my car on the side of the road, offering an exchange. "I sold the sweat shirt I was going to trade you. How about giving me one of your books in exchange for a new book on the Austin music scene by Jack Ortman and Burton Wilson?" Who could resist the offer? I'm now looking at Austin through the lens of photographer Wilson. And what a picture I see.

This book will quickly become a classic, a "must-have," for its documentary approach to music. I love seeing the photos and a description of the venue and the evening the photos were taken.Eddie Wilson (Armadillo World Headquarters) writes the forward, complete with his 1972 mug shot. Burton, after four semesters of study at UT with

Photographer Russell Lee, became the house photographer for the Armadillo World Headquarters. (The new Threadgill's is built on that spot in Austin now.) Burton says, "It was a pleasure to work at the these clubs, because the music was always good, and all of the personnel treated me with such respect. Work doesn't get any better than that." I agree and share that sentiment about my own "work."

A few highlights include a shot of Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys on March 11, 1973 at the AWH, Bill Neely in 1973 bringing Jimmie Rodgers' music to Austin, Grateful Dead at Palmer Auditorium in 1972, Freda and the Firedogs in 1972 (Marcia Ball was wearing real long hair in those days.), The Flatlanders in 1972 (Butch Hancock, Joe Ely, John Reed, Tony Pearson, Steve Wesson), a young Guy Clark at Castle Creek in 1972….and the list goes on. This is classic stuff, important documentation. Makes me want to sort through the thousands of photos I have of the Kerrville music scene!

Sharing my own urge to document, Burton Wilson took photos of musicians, some of whom happened to become famous. He did not go out to "shoot the stars."
I'm glad I drove to town on Highway 27 through Ingram this morning. I'm glad that tall man with his bright yellow hat on backwards, flagged me down. Call John Ike for copies of this book: 367-5958. We both agree that Stan Morris at the Melody Corner in Kerrville needs to start carrying music books.

I met Jack Ortman on a trip to Austin years ago. He was documenting every scrap of information on the 13th Floor Elevators. I bought a book from him then, a big zeroxed copy of information. Ortman collaberated with Wilson on the photo journal of the Austin Music Scene from 1965-1994.

One September as I was documenting Jimmie Rodgers in Texas with a performance here in Kerrville, home of Blue Yodeler's Paradise, I met Mark Ambrose. He was escorting the late Roxy Gordon to the event. Roxy had a Rodgers' song to perform in his own style. After the tribute, we had a few minutes extra time before the scheduled fiddler's contest. I asked Mark to sing. It only took one song for me to realize that we had our own modern Jimmie Rodgers amongst us. Now Mark did not sound like Jimmie, but he personified the spirit of this man. Somehow. 

At the 2001 birthday party for Townes Van Zandt in Austin (also Roxy's birthday), I saw Mark again. He gave me a copy of his new CD and announced his return to Kerrville. "I'll be playing at the Watering Hole on Saturday, May 5. Hope you can make it."

We know the Cinco de Mayo party in Louise Hays Park will be going on that day, but I'll take a break to go hear Mark. I only wish the Watering Hole had a bit more room for an audience to enjoy the spectacular Texas music they showcase there! Oh well, I'll deal with the crowd. 

Some describe Mark as a "lighter, more accessible Townes Van Zandt with a honky-tonk edge." He did meet Townes in Nashville (after moving there at age 14), and he has shared the bill with Townes, Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Adam Carroll, and many other Texas musicians. Mark is unique. He's really not "like" any other performer, though his Texas roots are close to the surface. His lyrics are simple and straightforward, but not simplistic. I look forward to an evening with Mark. I had my taste years ago, and I have my CD to enjoy. Now for the real thing!

You can find Mark at markambrose.homestead.com Mark explains his response to Townes the same way I explain my own response to Roxy Gordon: "He gave songwriting a lot of freedom and reinforced the freedom that I already knew was there." Roxy's life gave me a new sense of freedom in my own creative process.

Remember, the 30th anniversary of the Kerrville Folk Festival kicks off Thursday, May 24 and runs until June 10. Call 257-3600 for information or check the web. 

Free Leonard (Peltier) and down the road.

Kathleen
kat@maverickbbs.com

www.texasheritagemusic.org

Click here to return to the previous page