The Dirty River Boys at Mercury Lounge & The Damn Quails at Hill Country Live

The Dirty River Boys

The Damn Quails

While many of my friends were watching the CMA Awards on television, I opted to see some real music played by some real musicians in New York City. In a stroke of incredible luck, both The Dirty River Boys and The Damn Quails were in town on the same night and for once, the timing was perfect--the shows were spaced far enough apart that one could easily make both.

The Dirty River Boys played the Mercury Lounge in NYC in support of their recent self titled release. They hit the stage at 7pm and played for only about fifty five minutes to a crowd of maybe fifty people--but they played as if there were ten times that many there. They gave an unrestrained performance that just blew me away. Talented, crazy good, versatile, incredible...take a positive adjective and insert it here....they're it. There is really is no front man in the band; they are a tight unit, trading off vocals and incorporating banjo, mandolin, cajon and upright bass for a gritty, folky, rockin' sound uniquely their own. First time live and I'm hooked, you will be too.

The Damn Quails played slightly farther uptown at Hill Country Live, a venue they played earlier in the year. Where the turnout was less than stellar then, this time was different. Word got out, about one hundred people showed up (including some DRBs) and everyone had a good time-including the band who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the welcome reception. They played songs from Down the Hatch, some terrific covers, "Ophelia" and "Easy Chair" and even a new tune. As usual, they sounded great successfully melding genres into a sound, like the DRB, that is uniquely their own. Can't wait for their return.

For more information visit their official websites:
The Dirty River Boys
The Damn Quails