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. 
No related posts.
Probably the best young talent in America!
Ruby Jane is unreal- I first saw her when she was 12 years old. She first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 9. The interesting thing about Ruby Jane & the Belleville Outfit (another fabulous band) is that the fiddle player for Belleville, Phoebe Hunt (another spectacular young talent, age 24) won the Daniel Pearl Award as the best young fiddle player in the U.S. in 2006, then her good friend Ruby Jane won the same award in 2007. Two incredibly talented (and very nice) young ladies.