Live Review 
Jam Night at 6th Grill

If you missed the latest edition of 6th Street Bar and Grill's Sunday Nite Jams with Bad Boy Billy, I sincerely hope you had a good reason (Christmas shopping, for instance). The featured band was Fairweather Ruth, a dynamic band, with lead singer Rachel, who inspired the somewhat sparse crowd at 6th Street to unite in a Conga Line and "shake it" all around the bar.  The lead guitar player, Chris Acosta, is an incredible vocal talent, as was evident when he took the spotlight for a few solos.  His voice has an almost haunting quality, that will stay with you long after the show, and the fact that he is absolutely gorgeous is just icing on the cake.  Matt Flowers, bass guitar player is (in the words of several people I talked to) "AWESOME".  I would have to agree.  It was a pleasure just watching this band, and their sound guarantees this band will go far.  Rachel, lead vocalist, moves with the grace of a cat onstage, she doesn't just perform the music, she is one of the rare ones that not only sells the song, she convinces you she has lived it.  Not only is she beautiful, but her vocals range from pleasing down-to-earth to purely ethereal.  Among the songs performed by this band was "Zombie" by the Cranberries, a kick-ass version of Tracey Bonham's "Mother, Mother",  "You Oughtta Know" by Alanis Morrissette,  hits from NO DOUBT and SHERYL CROW, and two originals entitled "Heart to Bleed" and their closing number,  "Whole Again."  If you'd like to know more about the band, when they are playing next, or for booking information, contact Christina Flowers (Band Manager) at 817-377-1602 or 682-365-4269.  Email them at fairweatherruth@hotmail.com.
 
The band Reckless followed, performing four of their originals, giving an earthshaking, ass-kicking, stellar performance that was nothing short of AWE-INSPIRING.  This young band, ranging from age 16-19 is quickly becoming known in the Deep Ellum circuit, and made their presence known in Fort Worth last nite. Members include Mark Ramirez, lead vocalist (a voice you will NEVER forget), high-energy guitar players Rob Owens (a real live-wire), Ryan Terry (I had to re-arrange furniture in the bar so he could bounce on and off stage), Kyle Hudson, and Ian McDonald on drums, who is nothing short of incredible.  The band performed their own stuff, featuring (my favorite) "Battle Stations", "Red Rose Turns Grey", "Seperate",  and their latest, which according to band frontsman Mark Ramirez, is "yet to be named".  Look forward to seeing SPECTACULAR things from this band in the future, as they report to the recording studio to work on their latest CD the first week-end in January.  That's right, fans, a new CD in the works, soon to be made available to you, as well as t-shirts, bumper stickers, and the usual memorabilia.  This band is DEFINITELY destined for stardom, they have the talent, stage presence, and dedication it takes to make it to the top.  I have been very impressed by these young men, having found it to be rare that musicians desire something more than multiple bed partners.  If you missed their performances at The Curtain Club, Galaxy Club, TomCats, or last nite at 6th Street, here's a stocking stuffer for ya: DON'T MISS "RECKLESS" THIS THURSDAY NITE, 12-23-04, AT THE RIDGLEA THEATRE, DOWNSTAIRS ON THE MAINSTAGE AT 7:30 PM!!!!  If you're looking for a change of pace from all that canned Christmas music we are bombarded with as we shop for our loved ones, take a break and treat yourself this Thursday nite. To get a sneak preview of this band, go to www.artisticimage.biz  and click on the "Radio Station" icon. For booking, call 469-878-0585, or email Band Manager Kelly Osburn at thorn105@yahoo.com.  For those of you who can't handle that much high intensity, the band "BLUE RADIO" hosts an open mic jam every Thursday nite, beginning at 8:00 pm. Call the Ridglea Theatre at 817-738-9500 for more information. Also don't forget that every Tuesday nite at 6th Street Bar and Grill, all musicians are invited to come rock out with Rockin' Rusty, and of course the Sunday nite jams with Bad Boy Billy.  Go to www.rockin-rusty.com  or www.6thstreetbarandgrill    for more information.

Jennifer Taylor
dallasmusic.com