Album Notes

“When I was very young, my Mom used to take me to the Armadillo. Yeah, THAT Armadillo. I don’t remember a whole lot, but the music in general was a lot like this. It was this funky mishmash of country, blues, rock and gospel. It was feel-good music played by people who felt good playing it, and everyone felt good hearing it. The years went by and that’s the sound Austin became known for. It’s country that doesn’t fit the Nashville plan, and it’s the tradition Austin City Limits has tried to maintain. I guess it’s “Americana” or “Roots music,” but whatever you want to call it, it definitely is Austin. The important thing is that it draws from all kinds of influences both black and white, and draws everyone together. It’s as hippie friendly as it is cowboy friendly, and the kids and grandparents will be there too.

This music just says come on in, grab a cold one, the BBQ’s over there. You can dance or sit down and tap your toes, we don’t care- just glad you’re here. That’s the feel I think Shawn Nelson and the Ramblers are trying to create here. Listening to this CD, I can imagine them in just about any honky tonk where the beer is cold and everyone’s glad to be off work."

Maria Mesa Record Reviews
Austin Daze

This is the second independent release from Shawn Nelson & the Ramblers and was recorded from a single performance at the legendary, Antone’s in Austin, Texas. Jessie England joined the boys on stage for a few numbers on fiddle and her presence truly adds a different dimension to the recording. The band decided to release some of the covers that were played that night like Leadbelly’s “How Long”, Bob Dylan’s “Walkin’ Down The Line” and the traditional tune “Down By The Riverside”.

Beyond playing weekly shows in Austin, the band has been on tour as far west as Colorado and as far east as Mississippi. Like the bands of yesteryear that made it the old fashioned way, by playing, they are no strangers to the stages of back-alley bars, roadside honky-tonks, and southern-fried juke-joints. The boys will be ramblin’ about the Southwest and Southeast in support of the “Live From Antone’s” release and will continue to play anywhere and everywhere for anyone and everyone.

www.shawnnelsonmusic.com www.myspace.com/shawnnelsontheramblers