Pull on Yer Big Girl Boots and Dance

Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers

Natasha's Bar & Bistro

Lexington, KY

September 17, 2009

In the the dictionary under boot wearing, fringed awesome you'll find an Austin band called Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers. Their upbeat show last night in Lexington was terrific. With Ruby's charm turned up to 11-she's as graceful with a drunken heckler as she is two stepping around the stage (she's also a nimble wordsmith "I'm yer girl/yer my feller/ I look swell/you look sweller" was a particular fave)-and Jorge's guitars (both small and large) turned up loud you really couldn't go wrong. Their country/rockabilly sound is rather like the Knitters eating chili on a field trip to Bakersfield and was instantly appealing to new and old fans alike.

Standout songs included "Red Earth, Cold Pines" with it's heartfelt story about being inspired by a roadside cross on a harrowing winter drive and an impassioned cover of "Suspicious Minds" that led to underpants tossing and a shared look at our table that could only be read as, "He's with us, Elvis is with us."

Do your ears and spirits a favor and check out Ruby and the boys-live or on disc they're good fer ya.

On a personal note, their rocking two sets at Natasha's in Lexington was a highlight of my sweetie's visit. To see his new (read truer) self reconnect with old friends, his whole body engaged in the music, to be so close to what is key to the heart of him was precious beyond just going to a show. I'm not yet fortunate enough to have my avocation and vocation be one so to bear witness to that is like grabbing a cord plugged in strong. No matter the job, it's always a kick to see someone do the work they're meant to do.