A few days before my long anticipated trip to Joshua Tree, an old friend (thanks Chris) suggested I listen to U2’s Joshua Tree album while exploring the desert. It seemed like an obvious suggestion, but to be honest… I was never much of a U2 fan, and it did not cross my mind. I had Graham Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Jackson Browne and Calexico on my short list for my California desert music playlist.

After clearing the Los Angeles area on the unwelcome tedious drive east from LAX, I put on Joshua Tree and turned up the volume. I found immediate solace in the opening guitar riff of the first track. At the end of the last song, I listened to all 11 tracks again and marveled at band’s ability to create multi dimensional songs with rich textures of mythical America and the giant desert sky. Although the music could not be more different, Joshua Tree embodies the spirit and adventure of the original cosmic cowboy, Graham Parsons. Real or not, I enjoyed the connection.¹

After a few days of “Bullet the Blue Sky” sounding in my head, I did some research on the album and was excited (not surprised) to see that this was yet another transformational masterpiece produced by the great Daniel Lanois. (A quick side note: I was able to finally see Daniel live at Jazz Fest 2022 – read here).

Through the years, I have always tried to keep an open mind when someone I trust suggests I listen to a band or album. I am rarely disappointed. Those 11 U2 songs helped me connect with Joshua Tree in a powerful way. Yet another proof point to my music powers theories. 

Within minutes of entering our Joshua Tree AirBnB, a stack of records and turntable caught my eye. Before I even took off my coat, I pulled a record out of the Fleetwood Mac Rumors sleeve and was surprised to see Pink Floyd’s The Wall side 2. After a few dozen quick spins, it was obvious their music (as great as it is) was not right for this moment or place. The connection was not there… I quickly found The Eagles and let ‘er rip. Just perfect.  The music fit like glove.

Over the next few days lots of different music echoed in our little private canyon and help make these great days and memories even better.  As a result, Caamp and Leon Bridges have now been elevated to my “go to” list. I love discovering/re-discovering new music that never spoke to me before. The gift that keeps giving.

The last leg of our adventure was in Austin for the SXSW music festival and annual rodeo.  Unfortunatly, the rumors about SXSW are true… the festival has become too crowded and away from discovering new music. Despite the unruly mobs looming in lobbies and main streets, we did catch chunks and pieces of a few bands that got “two thumbs up”.  Lamberts on 2nd Street was our favorite venue. Note: they carry Lalo tequila.

Who would have thunk it that my favorite band in Austin played on the portable rotating stage rolled out after the rodeo?

Shane Smith & The Saints (website) blew me away, and truly embody the modern Austin Americana sound. They have robust catalog of catchy songs that keep your foot stomping and fuel a nice size “permagrin”. I am always impressed with bands retain an audiences attention when they are not familiar with the words/song. Armed with a big voiced frontman (think Ronnie Van Zant), sexy guitars and wild fiddle player (more like Irish music than country-style)… this band has staying power and I am letting everyone I know about them!

Times like these power you to keep on keepin’ on!

Peace and love Rancheleros… if you haven’t crawled down the rabbit hole of my other music platform (The Music People Project) you are missing out.