Tag: Bill Whitbeck

Blue Light

The blue light is a wierd little place but it’s our place we like it

Blaze Butler

“The BlueLight is a weird little place but it’s our place we like it, “ Blaze Butler, bass player for Lubbock’s own Mason and the Gin Line, once told me. He was describing the iconic and historic venue nestled in Lubbock’s depot district. The BlueLight gave many a singer songwriter their first chance to play the songs that they had scribed on paper and picked over so many times a place to bounce off of fans and other musicians alike. Many success stories began in that little place. In the Texas country scene many names that we all know and love have performed on that little stage and keep that flame shining bright on Buddy Holly avenue.

Jason Boland started there. Cleto Cordero took his little band from Midland and grew it into the brand now known as Flatland Cavalry in that weird little place. William Clark Green, John Baumann, Josh Abbott have all been there. There were plenty others. Brandon Adams calls the place home so does Charlie Stout.

If you happen to be near Lubbock, Texas on any night of the week and you want something to do, the BlueLight is the place.

Bill Whitbeck, Robert Earl Keen’s longtime bass player, recently wrote a song named for this Texas Icon. The lyrics tell a story about one musician getting her start under that flame. Blue Light is a new single performed by Whitbeck and the Singer/Songwriter Robert Earl Keen.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ju9orKb5uBRHc2rV3vvO0?si=p7_Ur8K2RMuMiC6BGavwbw

Stream the song now on Spotify.

Pancho.

I’m Comin’ Home

I always love to go but there sure is something special about coming home.

Last night I made the 100 mile Trek to the city of Lubbock, Texas to see who has been one of my very favorite musicians for the last three decades.

I have witnessed Robert Earl Keen perform his breed of Texas Country and Blue Grass more times in person than I have any other artist. Last night was bittersweet special. For 41 years Robert Earl has been out on the road and recently he announced that he is hanging up his hat. Robert Earl Keen is in a sense, “Coming Home.” Last night may be the very last time I will see him live. On a positive note, the imprint of his music will be with me for the remainder of my life.

My love of REK began after my brother shared with me the live #2 album. I have been hooked every since. At the Helen DeVitt Jones theater last night in Lubbock I am quite sure Keen performed every song from this coveted album. I felt like he played pretty much his entire catalog, he even included an encore after the main show was complete where he provided us his fans with 6 more of his perfectly written songs.

Robert Earl Keen and the Robert Earl Keen band are constantly working on new projects. Often they co-write with other songwriters. REK loves to promote new talent and especially his own band members. During the show last night Keen’s long time friend and band member, Bill Whitbeck played some of his own tunes, including a song he’s recently written about the historic Bluelight. Fitting since the show was in Lubbock, Tx.

Bill Whitbeck has played with the Robert Earl Keen band for 27 years

Besides his own timeless classics, Keen also played cover songs by Terry Allen, Steve Earl and his friend who he claims is always grouchy, James McMurtry.

I thoroughly enjoyed every note. There is something about a Robert Keen song. It is physically impossible to have a bad day when listening to Robert Earl Keen.

Packed my suitcase and I racked my brain

Bought a ticket on a late night train

Took a taxi through the pourin’ rain

I’m comin’ home to you

Thanks for the miles Mr. Keen you will be missed by music lovers every where.

Pancho.