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March 27, 2006
Denton, TX
For those who don't know about Denton, its time to find out. It's a small town about 30 minutes north of Dallas and is home to the nation's largest, and most distinguished music program - the University of North Texas. Their '1-O'clock' jazz band is world renowned, and truly the gold standard for undergraduate jazz performance.
This music program, which started long ago with a music education focus, has turned Denton into a music mecca. The list of well-known artists that have come from Denton is pretty staggering (if any of you read this, we'd love to hear from you). It of course has a live music scene to match that. I had the pleasure of getting a good taste of the scene.
Spent a great couple hours talking with a group of music students - many thanks to my gracious host, Dr. John Murphy - tenor saxophonist, ethnomusicologist and self-described techie... As always, it's great to just be around young folks with a passion for music. I hope I have the chance to talk with more college audience on the road trip - it's like a pit stop... recharges the engines. Paused on my way out at the department's archive room to load up on the best student ensemble recordings from that last 10 years. Treasure trove of great music discovery for jazz lovers... can't wait to get that into the Genome.
Drove into town that evening and had a great meetup at the Flying Tomato. Great conversation with Patrick, David, Collin, Beth, Tim, Zev, long timer Mr. Joe and Greg. Thanks to all for coming - got a good tutorial in Denton music history and shared ideas for where we should take Pandora Media Inc. I continue to be struck by the friendliness and warmth around the state.
That evening I was treated to two excellent bands at Dan's Silver Leaf. Dan is a generous patron of the local music scene, dedicated to providing a venue for new artists and supporting the scene. Oso Closo launched the evening - 5-piece band with some great songwriting and arranging - brought Queen to mind. The headliner, local funk-jazz outfit Snarky Puppy was celebrating their CD release party. All UNT students, 4 piece horn section, backed by a slammin' rhythm section. It's a real pleasure to hear fusion music. Some serious chops, but also an effort to write interesting songs. Particularly impressed with the bandleader Mike, on bass. He was all over that thing. They'll soon be in the genome (as will Oso when their CD comes out... get on it guys).
Left in the early morning hours, ears ringing (again)... but inspired.
Posted by Tim Westergren at March 27, 2006 09:50 AM
Comments
That's Oso Closo. Also at www.myspace.com/osocloso
Posted by: Jonathan at March 27, 2006 10:13 AM
isn't Denton the Heart of Happiness?
Posted by: K at March 27, 2006 02:15 PM
Oops, sorry 'bout that. I'll correct it.
T>
Posted by: Tim Westergren at March 27, 2006 02:23 PM
is pandora an marketing weapon working for the record industries?
Posted by: Senhor abilboalbo at March 27, 2006 06:15 PM
It's definitely a marketing weapon for the record industy... if by the 'record industry' you mean anyone who's ever made a record... T.
Posted by: Tim Westergren at March 27, 2006 11:09 PM
Hey! I'm in Denton. I wish I'd have known y'all were around. Gotta love all the musicians up here! Way to pick a KILLER place to check out the music scene.
Posted by: Mary at March 29, 2006 01:08 PM
zup homies? i wana thank you music.com for giving us free listening 2 ur station. more power and Gobless.. ur da best.
Posted by: shaw at April 2, 2006 12:49 AM
NTSU, as it was known then, had a mildly famous group come out of there, namely Blood, Sweat & Tears. They were the 1 O'Clock lab band back in the mid-60's. The campus radio station, KNTU, plays jazz almost 24/7. Since I'm a real estate appraiser based out of McKinney (30 miles E of Denton) and I spend hours on end in my car, I only listen to KNTU. Great stuff. Glad to hear you had a chance to visit. I'll have to check out the stream when I'm writing up my reports.
Posted by: cb at May 3, 2006 04:09 PM
Hey, Tim.
The Mister Joe CD, Welcome to My Hat, that I mailed in has been lost or tossed. When I ask for it, they don't have a clue.
Mister Joe
Posted by: Mister Joe at May 25, 2006 07:01 AM
In Denton their is a guitarist of virtuoso status by the name of Andy Timmons. If you have not heard of him please take a listen, he is (in my opinion) on the same level as the master, Joe Satriani. Please make it possible for his music to be availiable on this "most wonderful" site you have here. Thanks for the music.
Rob Jameson
Posted by: Rob Jameson at June 12, 2006 07:01 AM
The Roches had a great album in 1995 called "Can We Go Home Now?" with the title track and "The Coat" being favorite songs - but I can't find it in your archives to add to a station. Thanks.
(Also - might there be a way to make a comment from your "Guide Us" button section?...Also, could you make it easier to "guide you" - right now it takes a lot of clicks. Thanks again.
Posted by: Robert at July 10, 2006 10:01 PM
Denton, Texas. Home of one of the best punk rock bands you've never heard of... The Riverboat Gamblers. They live by the way of Austin now, but you owe it to yourself to see them live. They will be opening for Rollins Band in Houston at The Meridian... Check 'em out... you won't regret it. Much thanks to Jason Gagnon for turning we on to them... and thanks to Pandora for having them to listen to.
Posted by: Christopher Steininger at July 26, 2006 07:40 PM
Denton Rocks! It's one of my favorite cities in the state! Another really AMAZING local band from around here is Autoescape. They are SO very good and the guys are some of the best musicians I've ever met. Check 'em out!
Posted by: Stephanie at August 15, 2006 10:21 AM
I live in Denton and am a member of the New Horizons Band at the Senior Center. Our director is from UNT, and she's great. The next time you are in Denton you should check out our band.
Norma
Posted by: Norma at December 21, 2006 12:34 PM
Hey! Sorry I missed ya'll I hope you come back soon!!! Btw, Oso Closo's CD Release party is coming up! www.myspace.com/osocloso
Posted by: Laura at April 7, 2007 12:05 AM
au contraire is a local band in wichita falls they are playing in denton the 13th of july at j&j pizza w/Alex p. Keaton and the Pyramid Scheme. They are a really great band just trying to make it in a small town. You should catch it out if you can.
Posted by: linsey at June 8, 2007 04:36 PM
catch au contraire at www.myspace.com/aucontrairesex
Posted by: linsey at June 8, 2007 04:39 PM
Brave Combo has several grammies under their belt and boast Denton as their home! Nuclear Polka ROCKS!
Posted by: Terri at August 17, 2007 06:52 PM
That's awesome that you came to denton. I just moved here, so I was wondering if y'all were coming back soon...?
Posted by: Marissa at February 19, 2008 03:35 PM
