Technically, you could say that Outlaw Opry Act II is the first album to come from local roots rock quintet MARYANN – under the band’s current name, that is. There’s been a few name and line-up changes here and there. At one time, it was MaryAnn & The Shaky Hands, then MaryAnn & The Revival Band. But longtime friends Ray Flynt, Ray Garza, Evan Kaspar, Matt Hudson and Greg Spencer have been making music together since 2008. So you could say the new album is the band’s third release. All technicalities aside, we’re presented with another impressive musical saga that picks up where Outlaw Opry Act I left off.
It’s a vibe straight out of the wild west, but a different sort of tale not often told. The first act takes us through a shotgun wedding, which inevitably unravels for the central character, Gram, and his unfortunate wife, Mary. In the second act, Gram meets the rough and tumble Calamity Kate, who takes a bullet for him.
Will there be an Act III?? We’ll have to wait and see. But you can count MARYANN as an Austin Music Minute favorite. Be sure to pick up a copy of the new album at their release show tonight at The Swan Dive, 615 Red River. The bill features performances by Patrick’s Beard & The Rusty Razors, and Other Lovers. Doors open at 9 p.m. Recommended.
