troy_becca

We had heard T-Roy was covering the "off Sundays" from Shiner Sundays and decided to take the little Jones trio out for a while and hear some music. We arrived on the patio about 4:30. T-Roy and family, and Dan were already there. They are the nicest of folks! Our friend, Steve, arrived and began picking on T-Roy's mom. I guessed it wasn't the first time that had happened, because she held her own against him. I knew we'd be in for a very fun evening. Becca arrived shortly thereafter, as did a couple others. Not a big crowd for the hot Sunday afternoon, but good listeners nonetheless.

Relaxing is the first word that comes to mind when I think of that day. Not boring AT ALL, but relaxing. It was as if my family was relaxing with close friends, some of whom were very talented and holding guitars. T-Roy, Dan, and Becca took turns trading off songs, accompanying each other, and joking together. Although it was miserably hot on the stage, they managed to keep their good humor.

I had seen T-Roy several times before with first one person or another. I've seen him many times with Slaid Cleaves. He plays the hell out of a guitar or a dobro and seems to be able to follow anyone, whether he's heard the song a thousand times or not at all. It was fun to see him do some of his original stuff. His new CD, with band Generation teX entitled "The Gun" is going to be a must for any OKOM fan.

As good as T-Roy is, I think he's better every time I see him. I enjoy watching him absorbed in his music. He loves his craft. Someone remarked to me the other day that T-Roy is on every other page in my OKOM book, and I hadn't thought about it until then, but he is. I hope he continues to be! We love to hear him, and we plan to be at the next "Pickin' in the Pines" to get a BIG dose of him!!

Dan DeGrado is a member of the band, and obviously enjoys playing with T-Roy. Dan was a truly pleasant surprise. He is a fine player, and his singing voice is rich and full. He did some cover tunes, but I thought his best were his own. I think he loves his music, just like T-Roy, and it shows.

I've always been honest about having a preference for male singers. So Becca came in at an immediate disadvantage, because I was expecting to think she was "okay". Maybe that was to her advantage, because I found her to be outstanding. My best friend's sister said something to me about Becca a while back, which had sparked my interest in hearing her. She is really talented...and really good. Her original tunes were just great.

Becca did a tune by my all time favorite female singer, Patsy Cline. Again, I'm usually extra critical when it comes to people doing another person's song. When Becca launched into "Walkin' After Midnight", chills went up and down my spine. I LOVED it. Becca plays the D/FW area quite a bit, and we hope to catch her again very soon.

We left before the show finished, only a few more folks trickled in and out while we were there. I know often this is disappointing to the artists who are there, but to the crowd, it was fine. I'm selfish, and I'll be the first to say I enjoyed having them all to myself. I strongly recommend you take in T-Roy, Dan and their special guests on those "off Sundays". You'll be guaranteed the best "off day" you've had in a long time.

Written by Dana Jones

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Venue: Love & War in Texas, Plano

Date: July 1, 2001

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Editor's Note: Read the Recordman's review of T-Roy's new CD, "The Gun"