Preview by: Jodi Kaufer
The Dusty 45’s & Vince Mira @ Tractor Tavern 7/3/09 9:30pm $15

Say what you will, but Honky Tonk and Rockabilly are alive and well here in Seattle; they’re not just for those with a cowboy hat. Case in point, Friday’s show at The Tractor Tavern features the veterans, The Dusty 45’s and the new kid, Vince Mira.

With sparkly western shirts and a pompadour Elvis would be jealous about, Vince Mira is well on his way to stardom. If you’ve never heard Vince sing, then you’ll be amazed when this 17 year-old kid standing in front of you sounds just like Johnny Cash. Discovered playing in Pike Place Market, teenage Vince was quickly thrust into the national circuit of television appearances and the media buzz began. Since then, he and his style have continued to develop and mature. Originally known for his Johnny Cash and Elvis covers, Vince has been writing his own music lately and it’s good to hear his talent is not just limited to his voice. Fresh off the main stage at this year’s Sasquatch festival and with upcoming dates locally and nationally, now is the time to witness the rise of a star.

Having played all over Seattle and nationally for the last decade, The Dusty 45’s are veterans at providing an awesome show that has been known to include a flaming trumpet solo that can only be described as insanely cool. Who are the Dusty 45’s:

Billy Joe Huels – trumpet / guitar / lead vocals
Kelly Van Camp – drums / harmonica / vocals
Guy Quintino – upright bass
Jerry Battista – lead guitar / vocals

What I love about The Dusty 45’s is the wide range of styles they bring to the stage. Blues, Swing, American roots and Rockabilly, they do it all. Billy Joe’s solid, soulful vocals belong right here, straight out of another era. Who doesn’t love the upright bass? Providing the thumping back beat that only the upright can give, Guy reminds us how cool it is to play the upright. With a blues and rock background, Jerry has the chops needed to keep things moving and when the moment is right, the man can seriously shred. I always admired a guitar player who could simultaneously play the harmonica but Kelly has shown me drummers can do that too; I imagine it’s similar to patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time, neither task is one I would do well with.

The Dusty 45’s are keeping the past alive while exposing a whole new generation to a greatly under appreciated genre of American music.