Let It Ride

What is supposed to happen will happen. This theological determinism that lives within us all to some degree. Do you think that’s it’s possible that some unknown force has developed a stream strong enough to control our everyday existence? Is self will strong enough to stop this stream? We think not.

I felt it from the moment I first heard Mason and the Gin Line, that this musical group was going to make some big moves. I have personally witnessed some changes in their dynamics, a new guitarist here, a new drummer there, hey when the heck did we add a keyboard? But what remains was that solid tune of a life that’s been lived. A beautiful mix of the highs and the lows of this world that we live in. Songs of love and heartbreak and sounds of triumph and failure. The best part is that it always ends up just the way it was supposed to. Three of the bands core members became fathers in this last year. One got married. Priorities change and life gets lifey. At the end of the day this old globe we live on still spins and the winds still blow across the plains of West Texas.

I have been anticipating this new single, Let it Ride the first drop from the Gin Line this year. I first got to hear it a few weeks ago through a sneak preview on the Red Dirt Rebel, a morning show straight out of Mason’s home town, Lubbock, Texas. The official release of the song was today March 8, 2024. Song Credits state that the songwriter is Mason and the Gin Line. A band that I am proud to know and love.

Mason Server the bands lead man promises more to come. He says they will be back on track very soon to begin a new season of their fierce brand of music. The band recently played the home court advantage at the Blue Light in Lubbock and will make several appearances next month including Portales , New Mexico.. oh I hope to hear Portales in Portales.. If you know you know.

About the band: This is a humble group of men who will never turn anyone away. They will always support what’s right and aren’t afraid to tell the truth. They follow and support other artists and give frequent compliments. Mason and I like to call this genre of personality and pride CAP ROCK.

Keep on Cap Rocking and follow Mason and The Gin Line.

Pancho.

Terrible Lover

Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? This is a question I’ve asked myself about a billion times in my life. That battle between good and evil still remains a constant in my brain. I often hear that one line in a song that takes me back to some other life. Some other place where I was a whole other person. I’m not the man I used to be but some days I still do the same dumb thing and it’s like putting my hands on the hot stove just knowing I’m gonna get burned.

“Cause I make really really really good friend and a terrible lover.” Sings Mason Server, in his newest single.

I’ve known Mason for a few years now. He’s seen me in and out of relationships. He’s seen me at some of my lows caused by a bad breakup and he’s seen me happy, since I’ve found the right gal. I’ve seen him happy too. And making the kinds of music he makes and the miles he’s traveled with his band has kept a smile on his face.

Terrible Lover is the first single release for a complete Mason and the Gin Line album. I’m on pins and needles already awaiting the next new release. I have never heard a bad song come out of these guys. They always bring their self proclaimed, “Cap- Rock.” Every where they go.

If you aren’t a fan Yet. Catch these guys live at any place or any time and you too will be hooked.

Is this song is about the need to settle down or the freedom you want to keep? Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy? Keep spinning and supporting my friends, Mason and the Gin Line. And keep that smile bright as that West Texas night.

Pancho.

Ol’ Kade Anson

Tonight I tuned into one of my favorite podcasts to hear the voice of one of my favorite new songwriters, Kade Anson.

Kade was telling host Aaron Lee Bentley on “Off Mic Off the Record” some background behind some of his songs and how he began teaching himself guitar chords while in college to put a little background noise behind his poems.

Anson attended College at Lubbock’s Texas Tech University. I could go on all night about how many singer/songwriters in today’s music scene originated from this hub of the plains. After much thought , Kade migrated to Aggie Land in Bryan/ College Station Texas , which is also a huge Texas music Mecca as it is also home to guys like Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, and Rich O’Toole just to name a few.

Kade writes from his own experiences about real life situations. His songs come to him from almost nowhere and he takes the time and patience needed to turn them into masterful works of word and wisdom.

My favorites by him right now are “Sweet Ol’ Amy” and “One Less Town to Leave.” I recall spending hours one day searching Google Earth in order to find that exact spot on the map where the album art came from for “One Less Town to Leave.” Kade finally gave me some pinpoint on my direction via a shoutout on Twitter. He said the pic was taken while he was working a feedlot near New Deal.

It’s a great tune and not just because it came from the Cap- Rock.

I hope Kade Anson keeps on writing those bluesy songs about Texas.

Pancho.

Pipeline

It’s been more than a year now that I first discovered Mason & The Gin Line. At the time I had a blog called Pinkie and Pancho, that site has now been dissolved due to circumstances beyond my control. What I didn’t know then was that the blog I created would begin to change the direction of my entire life. I am up for the challenge to give this blogging another chance and it is my hope that it will be well received. Even if it isn’t, I believe in my heart that it is worth it and by doing it, I am doing what I love the most. Writing and Music. I don’t think you can get much better than that combination. This is essentially what I want this blog to be about, the singer/ songwriter, I want you to see that person behind the song from my eyes. This is the way I see it as the fan I am.

I had first heard Mason & The Gin Line through some random Spotify algorithm. I believe that first song I heard by them was Pipeliner.

Pipeliner is about a jealous Pipeliner working the Oilfields in Odessa, Texas. It is a story that took place right in my home turf.

I eventually got to meet Mason Server the lead singer, and the rest of the band one night in Lubbock, Texas at the iconic BlueLight. One of the first conversations that Mason and I ever had, centered around the Pipeliner song. Mason wasn’t even sure he should record that song. “Would people even listen or relate to it?” He questioned. In the end they chose to cut the song and it can be found on the band’s first album Caprock Composition.

Pipeliner now has over 80,000 listens on Spotify. It has been one of the most requested songs on the Lubbock radio ranch, and has charted on stations in Amarillo and Dallas. I would consider it Mason & The Gin Lines signature song, but don’t discount the rest of the discography, I haven’t heard anything by these guys that I don’t like.

Since that first meeting, I have had many more conversations with Mason that center around the world of Texas Music, especially that music that comes out of the Cap Rock region of Texas. I consider Mason and his Bass Player, Blaze Butler as real friends today and I think the feelings are mutual. The Gin Line Band recently told me they will always consider me as their original fan.

A fan of music I am. Here on Panchos Picks I want to explore the world of music and share each of my experiences with the world. I attend as many shows as I can and I try to support everyone I can who is trying to make a living by sharing their sounds with a guy like me. I would encourage you to see these guys play live. Stream their songs and buy merchandise. I know Mason isn’t doing this for the money, he does it because he truly loves what he is doing, but on the other hand, I also know that in order to provide the best quality sound for you and I it takes money to do. Show these guys and each and every other artist that you enjoy the love they deserve.

Keep the songs spinnin’

Pancho.