LEAVING, TX: 100 Miles to Sunday

Leaving, TX

100 Miles to Sunday

© 2005 Chris Patterson (678572952524)

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"A gritty, dusty, whiskey-soaked hell-hole somewhere just outside the gates of purgatory is where you'll find LEAVING, TX. The DC-Based alt.country outfit is quickly and rightfully earning comparisons to Drive By Truckers, Steve Earle, and Reckless Kelly

notes

Gripping vocals, intelligent lyrics, and songs filled with memorable hooks are what you will find with the debut release, 100 Miles to Sunday from this original alt.country outfit, The album delivers cutting edge “twang-rock” mixed with a healthy dose of country.

The album is driven by songwriter Chris Patterson’s worn, in your face vocal style, ripping telecasters, and sweet pedal steel. Backed by a strong group of musicians, Patterson’s songs really shine in this first effort.

The music for 100 Miles to Sunday was captured by veteran music Producer/Engineer, Paul Grupp (Byrds, Eagles, Charlie Daniels, Boston, etc.). Grupp’s influence is quite evident on the album through both the dreamy ballads and the edgy rockers. The CD is destined to be another triumph in the already long list of Grupp successes.

reviews

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  • Quality musicianship makes the band stand out at first listen...
    author: Biff Rendar

    Leaving, TX has been described as everything from alt-country to country, twang-rock to cow-punk. And they've been compared to artists like Jon Dee Graham, Reckless Kelly, and the Drive-By Truckers. The band successfully blends all these styles and more on their first album, 100 Miles to Sunday. None of the members hails from Texas — lead vocalist, chief songwriter, and guitarist Chris Patterson is an Iowa native, bassist Gary Cecil is a Scotsman, drummer Thor Smith is from Norway, and steel guitarist Andrew Buhler is a Floridian — and the band is based in Washington, D.C. But despite the geographical roots, the Lone Star state greatly influences Leaving, TX (a name conceived by Patterson while begrudgingly returning from a music-filled Austin weekend). Quality musicianship makes the band stand out at first listen. Patterson's and Buhler's guitar work is exceptional. Cecil's bass and harmony vocals are strong, as is Smith's drum work. These guys are not your typical country band. Live, they play their own alt-country, cow-punk influenced versions of Snoop Dogg's "Gin & Juice" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" — and their twists on these tunes are quite entertaining. Patterson's vocals are unique, in a good way. His raspy, whiskey-soaked style fits perfectly with personal heroes like Graham, Steve Earle, and Johnny Cash, whose influences can be heard throughout the disc. As songwriter, Patterson isn't likely to be confused with Townes Van Zandt or Bob Dylan. But what's wrong with songs that are enjoyable to listen to, influence you to have a few drinks, and help you have a good time? That's what you get with Leaving, TX. All of the songs on 100 Miles to Sunday are Patterson originals, with the exception of a countrified, pedal steel cover of Nick Lowe's "What's So Funny, About Peace, Love, & Understanding?" (listen). The 11 originals share recurring themes like drinking, bad relationships, woman troubles, and the recording industry in general. There's no new thematic ground broken, but this band's musical ability goes well beyond your average cow-punks. Hell, they even manage to go bluegrass on "Give a Damn" (listen), showing just how broadly talented these guys are. "Fallen Angel" (listen) and "Bourbon Breath Kiss" (listen) are probably the most radio friendly songs. "If the Bottle Doesn't Kill Me" (there's a woman here who will — listen) follows classic country themes — hangover, drinking problem, bad relationship — it's only missing mama and a train. The title track (listen) tells of the commitment and lost family time required of anyone trying to make it in music. Another comment on the business aspect of music is "My Own Songs" (listen), wherein Patterson pays tribute to his influences while swiping at the often cruel nature of the recording industry and country radio. The disc's best song may be "You're to Blame" (listen), which pairs the guitar work of Patterson and Buhler with the tale of a relationship gone badly. But of course some relationships succeed, and Patterson pays heartfelt tribute to his wife on the closing ballad "Fifteen Years" (listen), which showcases just how good his voice can be. The band brought on veteran producer /engineer Paul Grupp (the Byrds, Charlie Daniels, Boston) to help polish 100 Miles to Sunday, and you can hear his influence throughout. Although this band may be better off in their raw form, without too much knob turning. This first release shows some great potential, and it's been successful both here in the States and across the pond (where it hit #8 on the European Americana charts). I'm looking forward to their next album and expect it will show the growth one would expect from musicians with this much natural talent. Do yourself a favor and check out Leaving, TX at www.leavingtx.com or www.myspace.com/leavingtx — you'll be glad you did. Reviewed by Biff Rendar August 1, 2006

  • With a disc this good and fresh, I advise that you purchase it immediately.
    author: Remo Ricaldone

    When the love for Texas and it's music is so strong to inspire artists that reside a large distance away like Leaving, TX, the result becomes rich with feeling and passion. This quartet guided by Chris Patterson, lead vocalist and guitars, comes from Washington, DC but their hearts beat loud for the Lone Star state and the sound is rich and articulated. Together with Chris is bassist Garry Cecil, Thor Smith on the drums, and Andrew Buhler on lead guitar and pedal steel. The band added fiddle, mandolin, Hammond organ, and banjo to the CD to get a sound that critics are comparing to Reckless Kelly, Drive By Truckers, and Steve Earle. "100 Miles to Sunday" is their debut release and it is the result of a year spent working live shows (the band was formed in late 2004) and a brief period in Austin, TX where the actual idea for the band was formed. The sound of Leaving, TX is free-wheelin', rough, yet inspired... A fine cocktail of roots and rock where Chris Patterson shares his stories of life on the road, drinking, rebelliousness, but also love and friendship. With songs like "Bourbon Breath Kiss", "If the Bottle Doesn't Kill Me", "Hundred Miles", "You're to Blame", and "Sinful and Seperated" the band sets themselves above others in originality and cohesion. There is also a fantastic cover of a classic Nick Lowe song, "Peace, Love and Understanding" which became famous in America by Elvis Costello. With a disc this good and fresh, I advise that you purchase it immediately.

  • Come on, you radio people, just do what you have to do!
    author: MazzMusica - Dani Heyvaert

    Although the band’s name would make you believe these guys hail from the Lone Star State, they have their home in Washington, DC. Two guitars, bass and drums, this band’s line up is as classical as you’ll ever get them. Chris Patterson, Andrew Buhler, Garry Cecil and Thor Smith’s product could be called alt.country with more than a dash of cowpunk in it. On this, their debut album, they appear after two years of intensive touring and playing clubs all around the country and they offer a dozen songs. One of them is an utterly acceptable version of Nick Lowe’s What’s so funny (about Peace, Love and Understanding), the other eleven being written by Chris Patterson, who also takes care of all of the lead singing parts. In a little over 40 minutes, the band takes you along on a musical trip through the States, from Nashville to Texas and back home to Washington. It is a journey where true country gets reconciled with rock and punk. Whiskey, bad women, and bars where you learn about life and know truth... This is the world in which the songs of Leaving, TX take you and obviously a place where the band feels very much at home. We don’t mind, as long as this leads to great songs such as opener Fallen Angel orYou’re to Blame. Come on, you radio people, just do what you have to do!

  • Great CD
    author: Jen

    I have seen them play in Austin Grill several times, they surprised me evey time with new songs and exciting tunes. Their live music is worth seeing. Great CD by the way.

  • Leaving, TX Debuts at #8 on Euro Americana Chart
    author: Euro Americana Chart

    The album "100 Miles to Sunday" (Lucky Range Records) debuted this week on the Euro Americana Chart in the 8th position strengthening the bands growing popularity overseas. The Euro Americana Chart www.euroamericanachart.nl is compiled monthly by DJ's, Journalists, Promoters, and Retailers all across Europe who are focused on Americana music. Each month these indivudals submit their top six CDs based on airtime, requests, reviews, sales, and quality of the music and from these submissions, the CDs are ranked and only the top 25 are placed on the Chart.

  • This is a band that deserves to be heard more often.
    author: ALT.COUNTRY.NL Peter Pleyte

    In a number of the songs the whisky flows abundantly like BOURBON BREATH KISS and IF THE BOTTLE DOESN'T KILL ME (There’s a woman here who will). Of course the disc is not lacking with the required sentiments of love and sorrow. In MY OWN SONGS you hear the correct complaint about good music not making it on country radio. You can definitely hear some Johnny Cash inspiration on this tune. Patterson has a grizzled voice which is perfectly arranged for this music and with the guitars they ensure that your ears remain continuously stretched. Honestly, it must be said that this has all been done before but that does not remove the fact that this is a band which deserves to be heard more often.

  • Leaving, TX... A Hit in Europe!
    author: SWA

    With their debut album, 100 Miles to Sunday, the boys find their place with the likes of Drive By Truckers, Reckless Kelly, Brent Best, Steve Earle, Jon Dee Graham, Jack Ingram, and last but not least Hayes Carll who has recently begun to charm Europe. Trouble nor expense was spared to bring in none other than veteran Paul Grupp (Byrds, Boston, Charlie Daniels) who was hired to produce this album and with the addition of fiddle, mandolin, Hammond B-3, banjo and the backing vocals of Vicky Pagen We must mention that it ended with an excellent result… Dreamy ballads alternated with edgy rockers, Telecasters mixed with sublime pedal steel, the gravel voice of Patterson. With Nick Lowe’s Peace, Love, and Understanding the band's (one cover) ties in their European roots. The band does well to convince us as Patterson cries out on My Own Songs, that Leaving, TX is my favorite band. Excellent Album!

  • It's hard not to like this record...
    author: Andy Riggs - Americana UK

    Patterson has a fine voice and doesn't allow the gritty and dusty whisky-soaked sound drown him out. Leaving,TX create a lovely dirty sound... it's hard not to like this record. Throughout, fiddles, guitar, pedal steel and Patterson's vocals add to up create an excellent "disc".

  • Hell Bent Country Meets Thinking Man Lyrics
    author: Clete Cole

    I saw these guys a few months ago and they blew me away - see these guys live if you get the chance. This CD hits a chord for all who long for the days of "In your face" musicians with the talent to back it up. Think Steve Earle's energy of the mid-90's or perhaps Brent Best and Slobberbone coming off a 3 day bender. Check out "If the Bottle Doesn't Kill Me" for a fun ride and a good appreciation of Patterson and Leaving, TX

  • Superior Lyrics/Feelings Tug at Your Heart
    author: Ann Lydon

    Enjoyed the pace of the CD, the clarity of the vocalist, the lyrics were great. Keep your eyes on Leaving,Tx!

  • "We popped it in the player and loved it. Just like that"
    author: Slacker Country

    A most welcome surprise that fell into our lap last week was Leaving TX's “100 Miles to Sunday.” Without knowing anything about it, we popped it in the player, and loved it. Just like that. Lead singer Chris Patterson’s voice has the rough edges that invite comparisons to Brent Best, Patterson Hood, and one of my current favorites, Creosote. Leaving TX’s website cites a strong Jon Dee Graham influence but you don’t need to read it on the web to hear it. The music is rowdy; the lyrics, rebellious. With titles like “My Own Songs,” “You’re To Blame,” and “Give A Damn,” these guys appear to have a chip on their shoulders. The kind of chip that leads to good music. The one cover on the disc is Nick Lowe's tongue-in-cheek “Peace, Love, and Understanding,” a song that resonates this year. Aside from writing the music and fronting the band, Patterson plays electric and acoustic guitar. The rest of the band includes Garry Cecil (bass and backing vocals), Thor Smith (drums), and Andrew (electric and pedal steel guitars). They come from all over the place: Paterson from Iowa, Buhler from Miami, Cecil from Scotland and Smith from Norway. The disc was produced by Paul Grupp (Eagles, Charlie Daniels, Boston). Patterson's songs are solid. There is lots of stuff in here about whiskey and women – two themes that he combines perfectly in “Bourbon Breath Kiss.” Interspersed are complaints about traditional country music stations and, you know, relationship songs. The cocky “My Own Songs” where he mentions his influences: Steve Earle, Jon Dee Graham, Drive By Truckers, Hank and Johnny Cash is a fun ride. There is a strong resemblance to Hayes Carll here. Real strong. Also Reckless Kelly by way of Jack Ingram - with a little more gravel the voice. I like the gravel. The name, Leaving TX, signifies the emotional ties the group has to Texas, and, specifically, Austin. But they’re currently located in D.C. so catch them at the Austin Grill if you get up there. Or someplace like that. -Naomi www.slackercountry.com

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