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American roots that dig deep

Jason D Williams, Dale Watson & his Lonestars,
Sleepy LaBeef, and the Rumblejetts
Northern Lights Theater
Milwaukee, WI
February 28, 2013

Dale Watson & his Lonestars

Jason D Williams

Review and photos by Jennifer Bronenkant

In a recent GAC interview, Country singer Blake Shelton created a firestorm when stated that Country music has to evolve and went on to call traditional country music artists and fans "old farts" and "jackasses." These comments ignited a fire from the long smoldering embers in Dale Watson's belly becoming the final straw for an artist who has over the last few years refused to be defined as Country. Watson feels that Nashville has redefined the term Country so instead of trying to win the brand back he has named a new genre Ameripolitan to describe original roots based music including Honky Tonk, Rockabilly, Hillbilly, Cajun, Western Swing and Outlaw. Now Watson is going full steam ahead with the new genre and has scheduled the 1st Annual Ameripolitan Award Show to be held in Austin, Texas next February.

In true Watson form, he proudly and rebelliously embraced the derogatory slurs lyrically in "Old Fart (A Song For Blake)" in which he said "Yea you go your way son and I'll go mine/We'll see who stinks further down the line." Watson opened his set on Thursday with this new song much to the delight of the fellow "old farts and jackasses" in the crowd.

Born to be on stage, Watson is a consummate entertainer. Along with performing his unique brand of Americana music, he engages the audience by clowning around with jokes and stories. Backed by his Lonestars, this Austin based artist played a mix of his own compositions along with old standards including "Crazy" and "Shine On Harvest Moon." Some of his own honky tonk originals played that night were "I Lie When I Drink," "My Baby Makes Me Gravy" and "Big Frank."

This full night of entertainment included three other acts who all fall squarely in the Ameripolitan camp. The Rumblejetts from Kansas City opened the show. This three piece rockabilly band got the crowd shaking with a physical performance where musical instruments were used as much as platforms for climbing on as they were for creating music.

Memphis Rockabilly legend Sleepy LaBeef proved that time isn't slowing him down even after over 5 decades in the business. This "human jukebox" as Watson called him breezed through a set filled with some of the best songs of the Sun Records and old Nashville years. His deep vocals and warm presence demonstrated clearly the value of experience in engaging and entertaining an audience.

Leading the bill was Jason D Williams, the evening's champion of craziness and instrumental acrobatics. This Memphis based piano player, is strongly influenced by Jerry Lee Lewis. His set was a full tilt rockabilly show filled with wild music and maniacal ravings.

All of the acts rejoined on the stage along with dancing fans from the audience for a joyful send off with songs including "I'll Fly Away," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Great Balls Of Fire" and "Tore Up."

Watson is returning to Milwaukee for two free shows in the Fire Pit's Side Bar at the Potawatomi Casino May 5th and 6th. To learn more about Ameripolitan music visit AmeripolitanAward.com and download a free sampler of music by Watson and his friends.