We saw Marcia Ball and her band the other night here in Texas at a local club called Loose Wheels. They are a long-term Austin band and they play a combination of Texas blues and Louisiana rock. You could imagine yourself sitting in a New Orleans bar listening to her pound away on her piano while her band joins her on lead guitar, sax, bass and drums. They are all serious, highly skilled musicians so that you find yourself breathing deep, swaying to the beat, and feeling those blues all the way to your bones. She’s got a fine alto voice and two of her band are solid tenors, which makes for sweet harmonization. You can tell these folks have played and sung together for a long time; they have an ease that comes from familiarity and trust.
I happen to know exactly where Marcia Ball lives in South Austin since she and my best friend, Patricia, were neighbors for years before Patricia died. In fact, when we’d visit Patricia we’d occasionally hear Marcia and her band practicing in the studio she’d built in her backyard just for that purpose. Surprisingly, the other night was the first time ever that I have actually seen Marcia Ball perform though she’d been at it in and around the Austin area for over 30 years now. She looks like she’s in her mid-fifties, so that sounds about right. Her husband is Wick Fowler, the originator of Wick Fowler 2 Alarm Chili Mix, a tasty concoction of spices to guarantee a genuine Texas chili. They clearly are two characters living under one roof!
I just want to say that I have joined the Marcia Ball fan club! She said she has a song that’s been nominated for a Grammy this year. I guess she’ll find out tonight whether or not she won.
For any who lean towards a good rhythm and blues sound, you might give Marcia a listen. And definitely go if you happen to see that she’s in concert. She and her band put on a show well worth your money!
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