The Other Side of Texas Country Part II: The O’s & Blackbird Harmony

I have been vocal in the past about how the term “Red Dirt” and even “Texas Country” can limit what many people expect from an artist based simply upon where the band is from. While there are some great acts that are closely associated with The Red Dirt scene, there are just as many others that hail from the DFW area that wouldn’t be caught dead being stuck with such a label.  Two bands out of the Dallas area right now are emerging onto the scene and show a ton of promise and provide a rootsy alternative to the more rock driven “Texas Country” you are likely to find at most clubs. After learning a bit about these bands, The Dallas Observer recently touted both acts in the same issue.

Evan Birdsong aka Blackbird Harmony

Blackbird Harmony - Dark, somber and as poetic as Country can get.  Dramatic without ever venturing into melodrama, Evan Birdsong teams up with 1100 Springs and Bosque Brown to craft an excellent album in “Hardwood Exits“.  You can find some demo MP3′s on this blog, which I believe is the handy-work of Mr. Birdsong, himself.

The O's from Dallas, TX

The O’s - John Pedigo and Taylor Young, who are both veterans of the Dallas music scene, have teamed up to create a sound that is reminiscent of The Avett Brothers.  Featuring mainly acoustic instrumentation with the banjo in a starring role, Pedigo’s wit and sharp writing are apparent very quickly.  They have released an EP, but have just recently been signed to Idol Records and will be releasing a full-length disc in early 2009. For a great example of what the O’s have goin’ for them, check out this free and legal MP3.