Texas Renegade














Texas Renegade
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Some would call it fate. Others might chalk it up to coincidence. Either way, the story of Texas Renegade’s genesis seems more than random—and their new album, “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” proves the union was meant to be. Consider this. Twins Tyson and Eli Carver, who were born in the Texas Hill Country town of Wimberley, moved to Durango, Colo., at age 14. That same year, Andy Bertelsen and Kasey Klepfer moved with their respective families to Wimberley. When the twins graduated high school, the lure of their hometown tugged them back—when a friend introduced them to their future bandmates, their course was set. The Carvers and Bertelsen formed Texas Renegade in 2002; Klepfer joined in 2004, and drummer Luke Ayres came on in 2007. Except for Ayres, it’s the only band any of them have been in (unless you count Bertelsen’s stint playing snare in his elementary-school band). In Texas Renegade—the moniker their first guitarist bestowed on them at a high-school party—Bertelsen handles lead vocals, songwriting and guitar. Mandolinist/guitarist/backing vocalist Tyson and bassist Eli picked up their instruments at 20 and 19, respectively, after ditching fiddle lessons at age 13. Klepfer taught himself to play harmonica seven years ago, and only Ayres (drums) has played his instrument—or any instrument—consistently since childhood. But they’re hardly a batch of late-bloomers. Bertelsen’s voice, which could earn him honorary Braun brother status in Reckless Kelly, carries the nuances of a practiced, yet intuitive singer. With mandolin and harp as frequent lead instruments and Tyson’s harmonies, Texas Renegade creates a soulful, rootsy country-rock blend that places them squarely in the Americana realm; which is only fitting for a band whose formative influences include the Wallflowers, John Hiatt, Counting Crows, Emmylou Harris, the essential Texans and the classic rock their parents played. “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” their third album, cements their status among talents like The Band of Heathens, Jack Ingram, the aforementioned Reckless Kelly and similar artists who share deep Lone Star roots and hybrid sensibilities. And like many of those artists, they honed their skills under the tutelage of Kent Finlay at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, where the Carvers and Bertelsen earned degrees at Texas State University. (Klepfer is a University of Texas grad; Ayres’ degree is from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.) Recorded mainly at Top Hat Recording in South Austin and produced by Austin drummer Stephen Belans (James McMurtry, Alejandro Escovedo), who helmed their last release, “After Everything,” it features 12 Bertelsen-penned cuts and guest spots by keyboardist Michael Ramos (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) Dobro player Cindy Cashdollar (Van Morrison, Ryan Adams) and guitarists Gabe Rhodes, Brad Rice and John Sanchez. Filled with smart lyrics and sweet harmonies, “Bad Dreams” stylistically encompasses everything from the harp- and guitar-driven mid-tempo rock of the first single, “Crazy,” to the soulful country-rock of “Coming Home,” the mournful “Comanche Moon” and the heartfelt “St. Christopher,” an acoustic ballad about death that Bertelsen sings with such an ache in his voice, he leaves no doubt about its authenticity. “Every one of my songs has some sort of story behind it,” he notes. “That is to say, every single song stems from some actual event that has occurred. However, the extent can vary considerably from song to song.” Rarely, he admits, does he write a song that’s entirely based in reality. Which is not to say his lyrics aren’t personal—or meaningful. At least some of his inspiration has to come from being so involved in the lives of his bandmates. Bertelsen and the Carvers are also roommates, and all five swear they’re having the time of their lives in the band. “We like to think we have more fun than any other band on the scene right now,” says Tyson. “People always approach us and say they really enjoy the music, but they also enjoy the fact that we are having fun onstage. We are the true definition of a band. Everyone has equal say and we are a family of guys who really care about one another and love to play music together.” Adds Eli, “We have a lot of fun together on the road and have a very laid-back vibe when we’re together. Pretty much anything goes.” “Anything” includes Camp, a fluffy canine described by Tyson as “half Lhasa-apso, a quarter Chihuahua and a quarter wolf,” who has traveled everywhere with the band for two years. “Some people think he has magical powers, but we just think he is the coolest dog in the world,” says Tyson. Adds Eli, “People try to steal him everywhere we go. There is a very good chance he is more famous than we are.” Well, maybe for now. But once people get a chance to hear “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” Camp’s popularity may have to take a back seat to the band’s. He’ll still get to ride in his primo leather captain’s chair, though—unless they graduate to a bus, in which case, he’ll probably get two seats—and his own bunk. Because, like the rest of these guys, he’s a Texas Renegade!

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Average Rating : 4.7              Total Reviews: 60


Texas Renegade  02/21/2010            
DurangoJoe
I like the new CD, they put on a great show in Durango CO on FEB 19th, Miss the harmonica though.
Texas Renegade  01/11/2010            
crzycwgrl1984
ive been a huge fan of txr since the first cd and never ever get tired of listening to any of their songs... definitely one of my favorite bands.. saw them live at the white elephant last fall and was well worth the 4 hour drive... you don't know what your missin if you skip over this band... wouldn't compare to any mainstream artist, they are who they are
Texas Renegade  12/20/2009            
Santa
Has any new CD come and gone with so little fanfare as this one? They sound more like Hootie everyday, or does Darius sound more like them? Either way, suggest passing on this one.
Texas Renegade  11/21/2009            
Coacher
As good as it get. I havent stoped listening to it since it came out. Cant wait to catch one of yalls live shows
Texas Renegade  11/11/2009            
ME
Great CD, love how much the have grown as a band..... Best work yet
Texas Renegade  11/10/2009            
Terry Smith
This the best band anywhere. They love to play music and it shows. Anyday now they are going to be hitting the "big time". Do yourself a favor and go see them while you can still get close to the stage. You'll thank me for it.
Texas Renegade  05/12/2009            
Randi
Love Love Love!!..They put on the best shows..I would rather go watch them anyday over any other band. They love what they do, and it makes a world of difference while they are on stage!
Texas Renegade  01/24/2009            
christinalee
i love the sound this bands puts out it's great for every age and is sure to pick you up when your down.plus that Kasey Klepfer is awesome at playing the harmonica.
Texas Renegade  10/01/2008            
smtkid
This is probably the best band out there that many people don't know about yet. With new management and a new booking agent they should really be going somewhere with their next album. They are awesome. With Andy's great songwriting, a great band and a unique sound from the mandolin and harmonica it is easy see why. If you are one of the people who hasn't seen a live show from Texas Renegade, then do it now. At a $5 or $8 cover these guys give a better show than many bands that cost $20. They didn't win Best Live Band of the Year at the 2008 Texas Music Awards for nothing. Check them out and you won't be disappointed.
Texas Renegade  10/01/2008            
smtkid
This is probably the best band on the Texas scene that a lot of people don't know about yet. They are awesome. Andy writes great songs, the band is great, and the mandolin and harmonica create a sound that can't be found elsewhere. With new management and a new booking agent, these guys are going somewhere. If they don't blow the top of the scene with their next album, it is not a reflection of their music but a bad sign that Texas music is moving too mainstream. I doubt that is the case, so I am predicting big things for these guys. And, it couldn't happen to a better group of guys. There is no doubt that a $5 or $8 cover for this band, will get you into a show that is better than many $20 shows I've seen.
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