treemusic

I met Jonathan Byrd a few years ago at the Kerrville Folk Festival. He truly is one of my all time favorite songwriters and performers and have mostly admired him from a distance, not just for his music, but for his humble approach to the music business. Not only has he independently released a half dozen albums that each could rival any time tested major label studio classic, but he has also managed to create a loyal independent following outside of the smoky and loud bars, by making the house concert his default format. He almost exclusively performs at house concerts and says that it provides a much better concert experience for his fans, and it also makes him more money.

He took me up on my offer recently to do a series of shows with me in Far West Texas. All of the shows were in bars/restaurants and he mentioned that it is not his ideal situation, especially since smoking is still allowed here in the bars and restaurants here. Nonetheless, the guarantees and accommodations offset the fact that his wife and 9 week old baby Rowan, mostly had to stay outside or in the hotel room during the performances. I felt relieved that for all of the shows, we faired very well with the turnout and pay.

We played 4 shows together, all in the rounds, trading off songs. By the end, we morphed into a duo, with Jonathan adding perfectly subtle guitar accompaniment to my songs, and I harmonizing on his tunes when it felt natural to do so. I prefer this format, since it gives me a break from myself, something inspiring to listen to, and also gives me a whole song to think up some stage banter. I think it is great for the audience to hear variety rather than one person’s voice for 3 hours.

I have begun to measure success partially by musical associations. I must be doing something right if I am playing on stage with and gaining the respect of some of my favorite musicians of all time. Jonathan Byrd threw out the idea of doing a tour together through the SW states.These short stints with other artists are good tests for road compatibility and I seem to travel well with and enjoy the company of not only with Mr Byrd, but also his wife and baby.