TCB
By Christopher Gray, Fri., March 12, 2004
Back on Track
In their "natural habitat" of the Broken Spoke, the Derailers took the stage Friday for only their second show since founding singer-guitarist Tony Villanueva's New Year's Eve departure. With six-stringer Casper Rawls sitting in, they hardly missed a beat as it took the twangsome quintet all of 10 minutes to fill the dance floor at the South Lamar landmark, which turns 40 in November. Earlier, guitarist/vocalist Brian Hofeldt revealed the group's in no hurry to replace Villanueva: "Tony and I were singing together for 15 years, and in the Derailers for 11," he said. "It's kind of like a divorce." Albeit an amicable one: "He's still my buddy," Hofeldt added. Bassist Ed Adkins alternated lead vocals with Hofeldt on boot-scooters like "Waltz Across Texas," "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down," and "Act Naturally," while soundman Bradley Jaye Williams hopped onstage for some saucy Tex-Mex. Hofeldt, after admiring owner James White's vintage 1948 jukebox, said the group has been preparing for their next album, but has no plans to hit the studio anytime soon.
