Two Hoots and a Holler, with Jesse Dayton and Guy Forsyth

Friday, June 24, at the Continental Club, 3700 Main, 713-529-9899.

Comments (0) By William Michael Smith Thursday, Jun 23 2005

Back in the late '80s, Rick Broussard's Two Hoots, along with folks like the Leroi Brothers and Joe Ely, set the standard for Lone Star roots rock. Two Hoots perhaps had more cachet in Austin than any band at that time; fans regularly lined up early to see Two Hoots shows at the Black Cat or Hole in the Wall. Broussard was frequently dubbed the next big thing; it was common knowledge that Two Hoots would be the next Austin band to break out. Never happened. The usual soap opera.

Two Hoots and a Holler

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Jesse Dayton remembers those days well, and he helmed the boards for this year's comeback record. And Dayton seems to be just what the doctor ordered for Broussard. On Dayton's recommendation, Rick Broussard's Two Hoots and a Holler revisits fan faves like "Step Fast," "Middle of the Night" and "Blues in the Night." Throughout it all, the self-described "punk rocker in cowboy clothes" -- with a stellar musical supporting cast of John X. Reed, Eric Tucker, Erik Hokkanen, Casper Rawls and Brian Thomas -- blisters his Telecaster with all the fire and technique that make him a true guitar player's guitar player. Longtime admirer Dayton also captured Broussard twangin' tastily on Hachidai Nakamura's classic instrumental "Sukiyaki," the first time this staple in the Two Hoots musical cupboard has been recorded.

For the Houston CD release, producer Dayton -- himself no slouch on guitar -- will join his hero's band, and Guy Forsyth is also gonna be on the premises. Smoke alarms should be going off up and down Main Street.