Show Recap: The Braun Family Thanksgiving

-Tara

As is becoming tradition, the Braun family celebrated the holiday with two special shows this past weekend in Texas. Friday’s show was at Floore’s while on Saturday night, The Braun Family Thanksgiving was held at the beautiful Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin. The stunning historic venue, built in 1915 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, is on many an artist’s mind to headline, and this being their first time doing so, made the evening something special.

The “family” Thanksgiving truly was that, as there were children, young adults and older couples filling the seats. Being an out of state-r, I am always a bit taken aback when I see Reckless or the Motorcars in Texas and there are locals who wonder how they are related, are seeing them for the first time or don’t know them at all and are at a show because someone brought them along. But it’s even nicer to overhear the same people walk away being totally complimentary (even if they are adorably, yet slightly off, “That Mikey is pretty good") and saying they would definitely see them again.

Patriarch Muzzie opened the show with a brief, crystal clear set of songs (where he was joined by his sons on a few) from Guy Clark to the Harlan Howard penned “Heartache by The Numbers.” Micky and the Motorcars picked right up where he left off with “The Band Song” and continued for an hour with, among others, “Carolina Morning,” “Naïve,” “Long Road To Nowhere” and “Hearts From Above”...all beautifully executed. Gary took a turn on lead with “You Led Me The Wrong Way” and they closed out with a faultless rendition of Dire Straits’ “So Far Away.”

After a brief intermission, Willy took to the stage solo for “God Forsaken Town” before being joined by the other members of Reckless Kelly for songs spanning the years. The electric guitar was ever present on songs like “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” “Nobody’s Girl” and “Good Luck & True Love,” but (and similarly with the Motorcars) it was a restrained crunch; apparent they took playing the theatre with a sort of reverence (as a brief aside, all were dressed fairly dapper as well), which nods to gratitude and appreciation and displays how versatile these guys are: they can rock out in a bar or at a festival, but can successfully transition not only their songs, but their presence as well, to intimate listening rooms or beautiful theatres.

While there was some audience sing along participation, for the most part people actively listened and on one more than one occasion (“Snowfall” and “Wicked Twisted Road” come to mind), the quiet peacefulness of the room coupled with the sincerity of Willy’s flawless vocals made my eyes swell. Energy, enthusiasm, and musicianship tied to songs that can illicit strong emotion…..they have it all covered. And while every member of each band is undoubtedly incredibly talented, the night truly belonged to Dave Abeyta. One of the best guitarists around, this Saturday night he displayed just how phenomenal he is, showcasing his adept skills with solos on numerous songs receiving thunderous applause and hollers (after the listening audience got the "okay" to do so).

Family re-joined to sing “I Hold The Bottle” (Micky w/tambourine) and “Seven Nights in Eire” (Muzzie) and not be do outdone with “So Far Away,” Reckless performed Dire Strait’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Typically done acoustic, the emotionally charged song was reworked with the full band into something magical. After a standing ovation, everyone returned for two more: “Highwayman” and the song that always closes out the BBR, Dylan’s “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.”

While they are never, ever disappointing when they play with their respective bands, when the family is together on stage (like at the BBR or the Jam), things just reach a new peak. There really is a palpable sense of their love and admiration for one another as well as a feeling of the joy, and fun, that they have when playing together….something we’re lucky to be a part of for a few hours.

---