Steelbeam is a workingman’s country rock band steeped in Texas from the Gulf Coast to the High Lonesome West Texas desert. Their two CDs Good Ol’ Fashion Blue Collar Sound (2003) and Fit That Steel (2005) showcase a tender roughness that permeates their music.
Steelbeam had been on hiatus as members were busy with other projects. Singer PJ Liles concentrated on his successful Gospel Project. Bassist/guitarist Eric Leikam recorded and played with Shelly Knight & The Living Dead. Kyle Judd maintained his lead guitar status with The Shelley King Band. Drummer Steve Gavigan was much in demand with swing-music combos including Glenn Yarborough. Meanwhile, the Steelbeam nation was getting restless and demanded more from their favorite blue-collar band.
An offshoot of the South Austin Gospel Choir; Steelbeam had always centered around PJ Liles “The Cowboy Poet of South Austin” and his evocative reflections of a hard life coupled with the catchy music and sly wit of Eric Leikam. After founding member Steve Ulrich left to pursue a solo career, longtime Eric friend Kyle Judd joined the fold. Steve Gavigan completed the lineup with his inimitable drumming. Gavigan brought in steel player Steve England and bassist Kyle Meyer for the first CD, which was produced by Jason Richards at his Clockright Studio. England and Meyer parted ways with Steelbeam as the CD was released.
The pared-down lineup enlisted Merel Bregante (Loggins & Messina/The Dirt Band) to helm the sophomore effort. The CD featured re-recorded versions of the more popular songs from the first CD and some new tunes. Shortly after the release of Fit That Steel, Eric made the switch to bass, his first love, from rhythm guitar.
PJ, Kyle and Eric were gearing up to revive Steelbeam but got disappointing news that Steve Gavigan needed a sabbatical. The band respectfully agreed and let him go. Steelbeam’s sound has been further bolstered with the addition of Will Dunlap on drums as well as occasional baritone guitar and vocals. Kyle plays 12 string acoustic while Eric switches between bass and guitar. The sound has never been stronger!
Steelbeam began its live show at Maria’s Taco X-press, where a small shrine remains. They’ve also played Antones, Momo’s, Opal Devine’s, Ruta Maya, Hill’s Café, Flamingo Cantina as well as supported Cross Canadian Ragweed in Belton. They’ve been featured on Humble Time Radio, KGSR, KKMJ, KVET, KLBJ-FM and Fox 7 KTBC.
Steelbeam is about to re-enter Clockright Studios for Jason Richards to once again capture the sound of Steelbeam. The band is playing throughout Texas in 2009.
Just making the rounds to all of For Love & Stacie's friends here on MySpace letting you know that the full movie is now online in full for free. Hope you love it and and really hope you'll help us out by spreading it around! Thanks so much!
I am asking for your support for Toyota's Rock The Space. All you have to do is add this widget to your page. And then start voting the 1st of August till the end of August. I will see all the profiles who post this widget on their page... I will add your name to my thank you blog after you post. Thank you for your support!!!!! Wrapped Up In Me is now on radio stations across the nation, you can request it now!!!!! Love ~Susan www.susanhickman.com
Wrapped Up In Me is on radio stations across the Nation now. Request it NOW at your local radio station! If you sign up on my mailing list this week you will be entered in the drawing for a copy of my new self-titled CD Susan Hickman. you also get a free download just for singing up. Just fill in the mailing list form on my MySpace page!!! Hope you have a great week!!! Love, ~Susan www.susanhickman.com
Thanks for listening, and please take a quick sound check, if you can afford it please buy a download, I depend on your support , to keep making new art For everyone. It’s my job, and damn it stop by and say hi(hehe). Thanks Richard Lee
we are on our way back to TX after a GREAT West Coast run that wraps up on Sat May 2nd at the Scoot Inn in East Austin w/ our good friends the Mother Truckers...c'mon down!
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89.7 KACC is getting ready to add even more Texas rock and roll to the playlist this summer and needs your music ASAP. If you think we don't have your newest CD, get it in the mail - be sure we know where you are from and maybe include a bio - and send it to:
Just stopping by to say thank you for your friendship and for your support!!! Have a great week!!!
Pre-order your autographed copy of the self titled release by Susan Hickman now!!! Just click the paypal button on my MySpace page or my website. Be sure when you check out, you put what name to make it out to!!!
Susan is the featured artist of the month on MYXER ringtones and wallpaper!!! You can now access ringtones by sending a text message of SUSANHICKMAN to 69937 (MYXER) or join the Susan Hickman Myxer Fanlist by sending a text message of “JOIN SUSANHICKMAN” to 69937 (MYXER), to get updates on news, shows, personal messages and more!!! You can also go to Susan's artist page on Myxer www. myxer. com/susanhickman For the occasion, the Sunday Paper Intro is FREE along with ALL WALLPAPER
Wanted to share a little of my Austin musician art with you! ( :
Stopped in to say hello, catch up on your space, and of course to hear some kewl tunes! Love what your sharing and what Im hearing!
Hope life is keeping you well! Hanging tough myself these days, but not to tough to do what I love!
Have you seen my annual Eyeores b-day Party, Bob Marley Fest, and the Old Settlers Festival photography? Go on my site at www. austinithinkyoushine. com.
They will surely make you smile( :
Especially if you love Austin, Photography, and Music as much as me.
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