The West Texas Exiles- a group of super talented Texas Country- and Rock. These men all originally began with their musical careers in West Texas, from places like Lubbock, El Paso, and Amarillo but for one reason or another have become “exiled” to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. What a horrific position to be in.
During the bands exile from West Texas each took their musical core and developed a blend of styles from the other demographic regions of this great state. Each of the bands members are multi instrumentalists and each one can sing and write their own songs. What you have now is a healthy and heavenly mix of sound that you can’t help but love.. one would want to tap a toe, sing along, or begin a full blown barefoot waltz as one couple at the venue last night did.
Last night was the Exiles first full band show together in the historical Goldenlight located along the old Route 66. The bands members are Marco Gutierrez , whom you May remember from the dirty river boys. Marco also is featured on the Mason and The Gin Line top track the Pipeliner. Eric Harrison slays the bass for this group and seemed to be the bands gopher as I saw him of last night, taking care of housekeeping like the Merch tables , sound checks and meet and greets with the public all at the same time Eric has some mad skill and not afraid to say no. Trinidad Leal played the drum kit , he has played with Marco before and as I watched him from side stage last night I could tell he truly enjoyed what he was doing. The “hometown” hero Daniel Davis, originally from this desolate and windswept plain of Amarillo played keys and electric guitar and lended many of his own lyrics to the set last night.
Mason and The Gin Line opened the show. Since starting this blog- and first meeting Mason and Blaze many of you know I have become a super fan of this group but it sure is hard not to be. Mason belted some of my old favorites last night but he also unveiled two song which I never have heard . The world needs this music.
Also opening for the Exiles was Travis Roberts. I have followed Travis since the Pandemic when he dropped his “Cabin Fever” and have spoke to him via messenger on Twitter but yesterday was my first time to actually meet him in person and to see one of his shows. The Goldenlight is Travis home field and he definitely brought a fan following to see his style. A style he humorously called e-moo. Travis is a rock star who deserves big venues. He and his band the Willing Few controlled the crowd and were so much fun to watch as they danced and played every inch of the old Goldenlight stage. Besides being a wonderfully talented musician, Travis as a person was so friendly and humble.
Tonight I will see the West Texas Exiles and Mason and the Gin Line again in Lubbock, Texas at the Bluelight- if you have a way to get down there, you should not miss this epic event.
Pancho.