SOUR BRIDGES
5.14 4PM
Somewhere up on Cripple Creek, there’s an old log cabin where the gang used to gather to pass the bottle and trade tall tales. Sometimes, a back-porch pickin’ party would break out, and they’d spend hours strumming country-rock classics, drivin’ that train through the Band, the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and various Burrito Brothers, and even entering ex-Beatles territory on “Crippled Inside.” (Yes, dogs did howl along with their lusty harmonies on that one.)
That’s the actual story of Austin band Sour Bridges’ birth. Well, maybe the cabin was really an apartment, and maybe it was closer to Lady Bird Lake (and maybe the dogs merely snored), but it did have a porch where friends gathered, bottles were passed and picking parties occurred. The songs also moved into original territory rather quickly, sprouting into a sound they call browngrass—“like bluegrass, but a little dirtier”—but it grows from that same country-rock soil. In fact, you can almost hear the history of American roots music in the strong harmonies and intricate arrangements of the band’s fourth album, Neon Headed Fool (May 24, 2019).
Its 10 tracks, all but one written by lead singer and rhythm guitar/banjo/harmonica player Bill Pucci, capture the good-time vibe of a porch pickin’ party, while reflecting a deepening maturity in subject matter. It’s a natural evolution for a band that’s been together since 2010—though Sour Bridges actually has its genesis in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
That’s where Long Island-born Pucci and his brother, Matt (lead guitar, mandolin, vocals), were raised. Both are self-taught players, but their musical interests were encouraged by their grandfather, who bought them instruments and even built Bill’s four left-handed banjos. They made their way to Austin in 2007, immediately finding a community of like-minded talents. Their latest incarnation includes Will Vaughan on bass and vocals and Marc Randal Henry on drums and percussion. “He’s a little more of a rock drummer,” says Bill, “so there’s a little bit of a different vibe.”
ANDERS DRERUP BAND
5.14 6PM
Originally from Ottawa Canada, Anders was singing and playing from his first gig at a jazz club at 16. He never looked back. Since then he has written and performed on countless albums, toured 18 countries spanning 5 continents, released two solo records plus a plethora of singles and recently earned a place on Nick Jonas’ team on season 18 of NBC’s The Voice.. in 2020, no less.
He is a consummate multi-instrumentalist believing that the best way to understand one thing is to know it in the context of another. He plays guitar, mandolin, piano, bass, pedal steel, writes, sings, acts, dances... you get the idea.
His career has taken a lot of interesting turns; being scooped up to front an all Cuban rock band based in Havana when he was 22 then touring Europe for years as a pedal steel/guitar player for numerous artists. He gained critical acclaim from the Montreal Gazette in 2013 for acting the lead role in a theatrical stage play about the life and times of Gram Parsons. Anders has toured extensively in Mexico, Canada, USA, Australia, China, Africa.. It's a rich tapestry with no boring moments. Through each experience Anders quietly worked on his performance and songwriting craft, never missing an important lesson to pour into his songs.
His style has been categorized as Americana in that it rolls smoothly down a track with frequent stops at the stations of blues, country, rock and roll, R&B and latino influenced music. The live shows have gained a reputation for being spontaneous and exciting on account of the phenomenal musicians he plays with and the wide variety of music on the palette. Truly accomplished players supporting a powerhouse writer and performer. Anders moved to Austin in 2019 and is quickly becoming a name to remember, despite being a little tough to pronounce. He remains a student of his business and a servant to his muse, prepared with experience beyond his years for whatever comes next.