Texas Renegade

Austin is home to yet another good Americana band in Texas Renegade. The guys in the band met through mutual friends or went to school together, formed the band in 2002 and started playing around Wimberley Texas, south of Austin. Their debut CD 3 A.M. was recorded in 2004 and now their new CD After Everything is available. The band is made up of songwriter Andy Bertelsen, lead guitar and vocals; Matt Pigg, drums; Eli Carver, bass; Tyson Carver, acoustic guitar and mandolin; and Kasey Klepfer on harmonica (2005 MTM Texas Music Awards Musician of the Year). Any band that boasts a full time harmonica player already has my attention. Several guests add additional guitar, organ and fiddle as well.

Bertelsen’s songs are generally upbeat Americana tunes, well written musically and lyrically. Harmonica, mandolin and organ flavor many of the tunes. Standout tunes include “More Than I Deserve,” an upbeat ode in which Bertelsen sings:
“I’m strikin’ this cord, cause she strikes my nerve.  She’s so much more than I deserve.”

“Born to Love You” particularly shows Bertelsen’s talent with the lyric. I defy you to not tap your foot while listening to this great tune. A catchy mandolin line hooks you from the start, and he sings:
My lips were never meant for this bottle of wine; and I know yours, they were meant for mine.....
My blood was never meant for alcohol.  I guess I was always meant to fall.
I’m not the type that ever misses much, but girl I swear
I can’t live without your touch.

The band actually goes a bit country/spiritual on the tune “Bar Ditch,” which starts a cappella:
I met Jesus in a bar ditch, behind the wheel of my 87 Ford
I met the devil at the bottom of a bottle, and he scared me straight to the Lord.

Then the instruments kick in and we’re treated to another great tune. All in all this is a fine album from Texas Renegade with many highlights. In their credits they thank their families and employers “for allowing us the freedom to chase this dream.” I hope they keep chasing!

Author: Don Zelazny