I am back at work this morning on my day job, but still on an emotional high from the wonderful weekend.
I finally got to catch BJ Barham and his band, American Aquarium live last night.
Yesterday, we made the 100 mile road trip from the oilfields of the Permian up onto the Caprock. American Aquarium played the historic Cactus Theater in the Depot District of Lubbock, Tx. It wasn’t Barham’s first time in the depot he commented, but it was his first night to play the Theater. Ordinarily, he would play the venue next door, the Blue Light Live.
The night began with a set list compiled of some of BJ’s slowest and saddest songs to date. Much of the setlist included songs from the bands latest album, Chicamacomico. As the night grew darker, American Aquarium bent their strings into an all out Rock N Roll show.
Barham’s presence on the stage was amazing. His whole heart and soul was placed into every single song he performed. You could feel each and every of his emotions drifting through the dimly lit theater.
The entire band centered around what BJ Barham called the heart beat. As Ryan Van Fleet kept time and tempo on the drum kit , Guitar, Pianos, Organs and a steel guitar really brought these timeless songs to life.
Many of Barham’s songs have a somewhat personal sense to them. He himself has seen some hard times. He has battled addiction, and has seen plenty of loss over the years. He has a way to relate these experiences through his song. He makes a guy like me know I am not alone in this world.
After the show, the band stayed at the merch table and personally thanked any and everyone who stopped by. Bj is genuine and grateful for his fans. Sad songs make me happy. I am honored to have seen American Aquarium last night and to have been able to introduce myself to BJ. I was able to congratulate him on his accomplishments and to tell him a few of mine.
If you want a great ride, catch American Aquarium in the wild. In the meantime, support these guys by buying merch and streaming their sounds.
Pancho.
