I saw this band at Austin Grill in Silver Spring in 2005 and bought this CD at the bar. Never looked back. Love the sound. I was born in Tulsa and spent summers in Texas with my grandparents who lived south of Corsicana.  I don't care where they're from, or where they live now. If you like your music with a gritty real-life feel and can't wait to listen to songs over and over, then buy all their CDs and kick back!
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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
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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.
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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!
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