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Texas band Two Tons of Steel might be described as equal parts Elvis
Presley and Elvis Costello, with a liberal dose of Buddy Holly and a
dollop of The Ramones. It’s a one-of-a-kind sound that bandleader and
frontman Kevin Geil likes to call “countrybilly.”
It’s also a sound that’s boosted the group to renown as the face of
Texas music: with its live performance at historical Gruene Hall; of Two
Tons of Steel in the internationally released IMAX film “Texas: The Big
Picture”; its performance of King of a One Horse Town in the
roots-country documentary that screens continuously at Nashville’s
Country Music Hall of Fame; its swing tune as part of Lone Star beer’s
ongoing regional radio campaign; and by becoming Texas music ambassadors
to ecstatic fans in Cuba and at sold-out shows throughout Europe.
Two Tons of Steel continues as an institution at Texas’ famed Gruene
Hall, where its annual Two Ton Tuesdays summer series draws 12,000 fans,
and as a popular act at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. For eight years,
it’s been voted Best Country Band by the San Antonio Current, its
hometown weekly.
Called Dead Crickets until 1996, the name change refers to Geil’s
restored ’56 hardtop Cadillac.
Now, with Vegas, its eighth album and Palo Duro Records debut, it has
found itself on a supportive record label that showcases the band’s
steel-driven sound. Lead singer Geil handles acoustic guitar, Dennis
Fallon plays electric guitar, Ric Ramirez plucks the upright bass, Chris
Dodds provides drums and percussion, and Texas Steel Guitar Hall of
Famer Denny Mathis adds more steel muscle. Ramirez and Dodds also sing
backup.
The band’s name may have come from a car, but Geil unabashedly admits
his songwriting inspiration comes from his wife, Elena. The title tune
for Vegas was written for her, Geil says, “because she loves to drive
and loves Vegas.”
A cut on the Lloyd Maines-produced disc is the band’s signature tune,
Havana Moon, a song Geil describes as “kinda dreamy.” Written during the
band’s 1997 trip to Cuba, it’s the only ballad on Vegas, which Geil
characterizes as “more rockin’ and a bit more raw, more of what we are
live.”
Two Tons’ rockabilly-style cover of The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated,”
which it started playing in 1998 and just as quickly became a fan
favorite, is also on the new album. “A lot of guys think that they have
to write everything. I take my hat off to them when they do,” says Geil.
“But I think it’s great to find old songs and play them. People dig it.”
In June, Palo Duro Records recorded Two Tons Tuesdays 2 for CD and DVD
release to commemorate the band’s 10th annual summer music series at
Gruene Hall.
From the dance halls in Texas to the National Theatre in Havana, Cuba,
to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and featured in video documentaries
at both the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and in Imax Theaters
world-wide, Two Tons of Steel knows that good music is what fans want to
hear…and that's exactly what Two Tons delivers. Live on stage, in the
recording studio and on the big screen, Two Tons of Steel has combined
the unique sounds of roots rock and country creating music
with a passionate punch!
2005 started with a European road trip and only gets better from there.
Two Tons opened the year in Paris (France, not Paris,Texas) at Euro
Disney, traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, before completing the European
tour with performances in Barcelona, Spain. Upon arriving back in the
States, Two Ton’s completed their latest studio recordings and debut
album (Vegas) with Palo Duro Records for a national release . The summer
marks the 10th Annual Two Ton Tuesday’s at the oldest dance hall
in Texas, Gruene Hall. As Two Ton’s plays host to south Texas music
fans, Gruene Hall has provided the setting of a “new” live CD and DVD.
Listening to great music, watching the best dancers at the most famous
dancehall, and enjoying a cold beverage is the only way to beat that
Texas summer heat!
The Players…
Billboard magazine (in one of two feature articles) calls lead singer
Kevin Geil a "guitar-swinging, hip-swiveling showman". Geil brings not
only a great stage presence with his lead vocals and acoustic guitar; he
has become a prolific songwriter to compliment an extremely talented
band.
Dennis Fallon, lead guitar and vocals, uses a variety of guitars and
great imagination to provide a musical energy level that is hard to
match. His guitar is an extension of his personality…full of life… and
one that will lead your eyes to the smile on his face when he plays his
music.
Drummer Chris Dodds is an accomplished stage and studio drummer,
bringing a crisp sound and adding a nice touch with percussion
instrumentation to the ballads. And, be listening for some three part
harmony, Chris is also an accomplished singer.
Ric Ramirez brings the full sound of the up-right bass, harmony vocals,
and lead vocals to add the perfect compliment to an already great sound.
Whether your preference is a taste of "Blackberry Wine" or just some
"Big, Big Love", Ric is a Grammy Award winning musician who can deliver!
Adding the final touch to the Two Tons' sound is legendary steel guitar
player, Denny Mathis. Denny has worked with some of the biggest names in
country music, earning him an induction into the Texas Steel Guitar
Players Hall of Fame. Playing his trademark four-neck steel guitar, he
has never heard a song he couldn't play. Better yet, you should hear him
play a song he's never heard. He's that good!
The Band’s Name…
Tracing the origin of Two Tons of Steel back to 1991, the band began by
playing small clubs and private parties in San Antonio. Today, Two Tons
of Steel is the proudly sponsored by Lone Star Beer, the national beer
of Texas, and recently signed with Palo Duro Records.National
distribution of their latest studio album, Vegas, was released in 2005.
Known originally as the San Antonio based Dead Crickets, the band
changed its name to Two Tons of Steel in 1997. As the story goes, the
band’s name change was prompted by a telephone call from Jerry Allison,
drummer for Buddy Holly and the Crickets. As Holly's Crickets were still
active on the road, Mr. Allison was concerned that the rising popularity
and fan base of the Dead Crickets was quickly expanding beyond the San
Antonio music market and may create confusion for the fans of the two
groups. Out of respect to the legacy of Buddy Holly and his music, a
gentleman's agreement was reached and the Dead Crickets would be no
more. Always an important and difficult decision for any band, the
groups new name would not be determined by a marketing study, but simply
by looking out the window. Sitting in the driveway was a fully restored
1956 two door, hardtop Cadillac owned by lead singer Kevin Geil. This
model of luxury automobile was also affectionately known in its day as
Two Tons of Steel. No matter what their name, the band continues to be
recognized in the San Antonio market with awards including Band of the
Year (eight awards), Best Male Vocal (Kevin Geil-four awards), Guitar
Player of the Year (Dennis Fallon), Album of the Year (Two Tons of
Steel), and has been featured on Imus in the Morning, a nationally
syndicated television program aired on CNBC.
The Musical Journey…
With the name change complete, Two Tons of Steel never missed a beat.
They continued to expand their fan base, taking their music to venues
throughout the state of Texas and well beyond. "From the dance halls in
Texas to the heart of Havana, Two Tons proves their imagination,
creativity and inspiration" writes Jim Beal, Jr. of the San Antonio
Express News. A 1997 trip to Havana, Cuba, marked two milestones that
have come to define and sustain Two Tons of Steel. Playing at the Teatro
Nacionel de Cuba (National Theatre) in Havana, Two Tons of Steel became
the first American band to perform there in over thirty years.
While on tour in Cuba, the signature song of Two Tons was inspired with
the original composition of Havana Moon. Upon release, Havana Moon
became one of the most requested songs on Americana Radio stations from
KNBT in New Braunfels, Texas, WBOS radio in New York, Humble Time
syndicated music network, and in Europe via the Ralf Mauer's Country
Music Express Show.
The Two Tons of Steel sound has been influenced by the musical styles of
Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Ramones, Elvis Costello, Chris Isaac,
and Johnny Cash, but it's their original music that puts them on stage
with some of the most successful acts in the business. They have
appeared with Dwight Yoakum, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rodney Crowell, Asleep at
the Wheel, Little Jimmy Dickens and many others. These shows have taken
them to some of the most storied music venues in Texas…Gruene Hall,
Luckenbach, Floore's Country Store, The Broken Spoke and Leon Springs
Dance Hall…and well beyond! With each performance come new fans and new
opportunities making Two Tons of Steel one of the most recognized names
in Texas music. No matter if Two Tons is the opening act or the
headliner, show stopping performances have become their norm.
The Nashville Connection…
The Summer of 2001, Two Tons of Steel was invited to perform at the
Grand Ole Opry Plaza Party, a venue located directly in front of the
world famous Opry House. Many consider the Plaza Party to be the "final
audition" before performing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry and that is
exactly what happened! Two Tons kicked off the 2002 Plaza Party series
and later that evening, made their debut appearance at the Grand Ole
Opry where they shared the stage with Opry legend Bill Anderson and
Riders in the Sky. Performing the title track of "King of a One Horse
Town", Two Tons brought of little bit of Texas to a very appreciative
live audience and a worldwide audience via the Opry internet broadcast.
Since the Opry debut, Two Tons has made several appearances on one of
the world’s most famous stages and you can look forward to more
appearances. Keep an eye on www.opry.com for future Grand Ole Opry
appearances.
And, there's a lot more of Texas music featured at the Country Music
Hall of Fame in Nashville. Two Tons of Steel has a prominent role in the
"roots country" documentary film currently being shown six-times daily
in the Ford Theatre. This 33-minute video documents the influence of
Texas music on the entire Country Music industry…from Willie Nelson to
the Dixie Chicks to Two Tons of Steel. It's worth the trip to Nashville!
Two Ton’s Recordings…
Vegas…Yet another step in the Two Ton’s musical journey, Vegas is the
group’s first album with Palo Duro Records. Recorded at Cedar Creek
Studio (Austin), Grammy Award winning producer Lloyd Maines continues to
push Two Ton’s to the musical limit. This diverse collection of songs is
primarily driven by the voice and lyrics of Kevin Geil (Ric Ramirez is
co-writer on one) and tight instrumentation that proves that hard work
on the road pays off in the studio. Also featured on this album is the
remake of Two Ton’s signature song, Havana Moon. Check out the “Sounds”
tab to order you copy.
Transparent …This album is the perfect mix of original songs written by
the band’s frontman and lead singer Kevin Geil and cover songs that have
long been our fan’s favorites. While not considered a departure from the
traditional Two Ton’s sound, the music does reflect the maturity and
versatility of the band. Grammy Award winning producer Lloyd Maines, a
driving force behind the success of the Dixie Chicks, brought a lifetime
of musical experiences and several “musician friends” into the studio to
expand the boundaries of Two Tons. Transparent is now being distributed
by Palo Duro Records. Check out the “Sounds” tab to order your copy.
Two Ton of Steel…Live at Gruene Hall (2005) will feature both a CD and
DVD in honor of fans that make the annual pilgrimage to the now famous
"Two Ton Tuesday” at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. This
10th Annual tradition has been attended by thousands of fans, both young
and old, braving the hot Texas summer nights in this wood floored, tin
roofed music venue. "Live" is the perfect mix of old standards and
original tunes, leaving little doubt why Two Tons of Steel is the
hottest band in Texas. And, the DVD will put you in the front row at the
most famous stage in Texas! As Two Ton’s music comes to life, you will
see some of the best "swing" dancers in the world as you experience a
Two Ton Tuesday at Gruene Hall!
…Live at Gruene Hall (2001) follows two very popular studio albums…Ohno!
and King of a One Horse Town. All of these recordings feature signature
songs that continue to stretch the musical boundaries for Two Tons of
Steel.
On the Big Screen…
Two Tons of Steel is honored to be a part of an Imax Worldwide
Production entitled “Texas…The Big Picture”. The movie is shown daily at
the Bob Bullock Texas Museum of History in Austin, Texas and has been
released world-wide. The Two Ton footage was shot at historic Gruene
Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, and features our signature song
“Two Tons of Steel”. Also appearing musically is Texas living legend
Willie Nelson.
We'll see you down the road!
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