Texas Eastside Kings@Victory Grill
February 1 Location, location, location. When it comes to the blues, few places compare to Austin’s Victory Grill, a vibrant Eastside venue that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Likewise, the Texas Eastside Kings embody the Lone Star strain of electric blues, à la Albert Collins, Texas Johnny Brown (who’s headlining the Victory this weekend), and Gatemouth Brown. Featuring drummer Willie Sampson, bassist James “Taxi” Kuykendahl, trumpet beacon Donald “Duck” Jennings, and guitarist Clarence Pierce, the Kings are veteran musicians who’ve played on too many stages to remember. Jennings loosened up with Bach melody scales before the band launched into a 12-bar blues, the horn man’s playing effortless and elegant. The two Japanese guitarists filling in for Pierce held their own with tasteful phrases. Texan T-Bone Walker’s standard “Stormy Monday” came later, performed with the aplomb that only a group conscious of the lyrical significance of “the eagle flies on Friday” could deliver, especially on this first-of-the-month Friday. Unfortunately, the historic club was criminally under capacity, ironic since fire department inspectors came out for the show. Members took turns singing lead, but it was Jennings’ buttery bell tone that sailed through the rose-colored light of the soul food eatery and sonic theatre. A striding blues was the second set opener, more patrons finally arriving to get fonky. Still, it was sad more folks didn’t show. Not because it was a historic night, but rather because on this night, the blues was what is always will be. Nourishment for the soul.This article appears in February 8 • 2002.