My first run in with Drew Kennedy was out at our 2008 showcase during SXSW. I was vaugely familiar with his music but became a fan right before he even went on stage. Brad (Galleywinter) introduced me to Drew shortly before he took the stage. Drew went off about this massive wreck on I35 in which a semi truck full of Pinantas had overturned which he coined “The Pianata Massacre”. The story and subsequent performance engrained the New Braunfels, Texas songwriter into one of my favorites around these parts.
In 2009, Drew released a new CD called “An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel”. This album is has a sharply different feel from his previous work. While this CD title might take the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest title, the key is that it delivers song after song.
An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel
When I think about Americana type music, songs typically falls into one of three categories: Lovin’, Drinking or Traveling. My own personal tastes typically steer away from the “being away from home” songs as I don’t always identify with non-stop life on the road. That being said, Drew’s collection of stories from the road stuck with me almost instantly. These stories had a different feel with an upbeat love of life and travel. It captures Drew’s humor of life and unique ability to capture the little things that make life work.
This CD made my own personal Top 10 of 2009 and I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy and get out to catch one of his live shows. Drew and Austin Collins are wrapping up a tour. Drew will be playing the first annual “Merry Folking Christmas” on 12/21 in Gruene, Texas.
Song Recommendations:
- Buzzing Like A Wire
- Room #27
- Rolling Around In The Bed
Bonus Video — As I was perusing Drew Kennedy’s site, I noticed he and Austin Collins (another favorite Texas songwriter of mine) produced a strange and funny video of a center off of I95 called “South of the Border”. Enjoy..
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Greg! Glad you liked our moving picture about the South Of The Border and I couldn't agree with you more – do yourself a favor and pick up Drew's new record. Merry Xmas! – AC
Loved the video…and I could not agree more with you on Drew Kennedy. I was not familiar with him until you brought him up a few months ago…now I am a big fan.
Also enjoy Austin's stuff too. Can't wait for new material from him as well.