Hola amigos!

I have had the great pleasure of opening up for two music legends in the last two weeks. I played in front of Billy Joe Shaver last weekend and Ray Wylie Hubbard last night. Both were really cool guys, and the crowds were great at both shows. It is pretty awesome to watch those guys work, still great, and all about the music. I can only pray that my career will have a fraction of the longevity and impact that those two men's have had.

While most of our scene was focused on New Braunfels for the Americana Jam today, I was here in Austin doing a photo shoot for the upcoming album. It is great to see it all coming together. The album will go to Nashville this week to be mixed, and we will continue the long road to making/releasing an album. I can't lie though, it would have been great to be in NB today. Let's meet up there next year.

We made a late addition to the album which I was quasi-forced into doing. No, it's not a producer vs. artist issue. Gratefully, it was an issue of fans saying, "make sure that is on the new album". For those of you who requested it, Crazy Like You, will make the album. We recorded using the Mystiqueros as the band, it sounds pretty sweet. I haven't had fans respond to a song that they had never heard the you have responded to that song. For those of you who haven't heard it, come see a show, or wait for the album.

I don't think I have mentioned that I got to see one of my all-time favorite groups a few weeks ago. Nickel Creek played Floore's and I was lucky enough to attend. I think those guys are absolutely one of the best things happening in modern music. The show was great, but when caught word of where they would be after the show, we went to the bar and were treated to an impromptu jam session. It was absolutely incredible. I bought Kristi a shirt and had a friend of mine get it signed for me (thank you Heather).

My birthday was last week, we had a great time. Brandon Rhyder was playing the KVET Wednesday show and the South First Band opened. We had been in the studio for the day so we went over there when we got out. Many hours later I gave Warren Smyrl (of South First Band fame) a mohawk. It was pretty good, and for anyone needing a mohawk, I'll hook you up with a good deal.

I got an i-pod for my birthday. We had one, but Kristi drowned it in a glass of water. I spend way too much time on desolate highways to not have one. I love them. I love them especially for the random feature. I tell you honestly I am listening to my i-pod right now and Metallica, Fight Fire with Fire, from Ride the Lightning just came one, followed by Alison Krauss singing, I Will, a Beatles song. You can't beat that, the old i-pod will not hesitate to put two artists with absolutely nothing in common right after each other. What I wish it could do is somehow randomly select certain artists to do other artists songs'. Imagine Metallica playing Alison Krauss and Alison Krauss doing Creeping Death or something of the like. I digress.

As I continue to stumble along the edge of greatness, I have been fortunate enough to open up for it the past two weeks (as I mentioned earlier). This week I'll be more like stumbling in the vicinity of greatness. The Texas Music Times festival is going down in Bandera featuring all your favorites. As fate would have it, I also will be in Bandera, just not at the festival. I'll be at the Bandera Bar and Grill, just down the road. If you get tired of the festival scene and want a cool hang at a sweet bar, stop by, it'll be great. I'll also be in San Angelo, Austin, and Ft. Worth for a Clubhouse show with Jamie Richards. I am really looking forward to that. I met Jamie a year or so ago in Dallas, he's got some great county songs and I look forward to playing with him this Sunday.

I've rambled enough. I hope to see you at a show soon. The album is coming. Peace out.

Josh

"...Down through Durango, Colima, Almiera, thhen in the Manzanillos,
Where I slept in the sunshine on the seashores of old Mexico."
--Merle Haggard

Well, to be honest, you'd think I fell asleep face down on the seashores of old Mexico. I got the worst sunburn I've ever had and am not over it yet. That is my only complaint however, we had a wonderful trip. I enjoy Mexico anytime I'm there, but to be on a trip with friends and fans and get to play two shows down there...unbeatable. Thanks to all who ventured south with us, and for those who didn't, I'm pretty sure we'll be doing it again next year.

It is good to be back stateside though. Back to work. I am in the studio this Wed. putting finishing touches on the album. It looks like we are going to call it "million miles to go", and we are hoping for a late summer release. There is a lot to do yet, but it is really sounding good. I'm excited for everyone to hear it.

I'll be out and about a good amount this month, and I'll also be getting a year older. May 16th I'll turn the big 27. Kristi is six months older than I am and for half of the year our age is different numbers (like right now I'm 26 and she's 27), but that time of year is almost over. I'll have to squeeze in as many "old lady" jokes as possible in the next two weeks.

Kristi and I have lived in our place for almost a year now, but just recently I have become well acquainted with our neighbor and he has taught me the ways of the barbeque smoker. I am used to grilling--throw it on and get it off. Well last night, under Ernest's watchful eye, I smoked some baby back ribs, and a slab of beef and it was wonderful. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but really good. It will be a summer of smoked meats, and I am pumped.

Sign up for eventmail. Follow the link on the website and you'll get tips on where we're going to be. Cool?

I get to open for both Billy Joe Shaver and Ray Wylie Hubbard this month. I've never met either and am looking very forward to doing so. There are plenty of other shows too. Hopefully I will see you at one or more. Until then, take it easy and spread the word.

Josh