Surprised Musicians
- chapelgateangel28
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
I was watching “The Outlaw Years” Band just now (the video I posted earlier, scroll down) and my friend, Jim, stepped up to the mic to harmonize with the main singer, his name is Paul M., who sings Willie Nelson style perfectly, it’s a Willie tribute band, easily the best. I’ve known Paul M. forever too, a decade plus. Jim is in the white shirt, left of Paul. It reminded me of something.
I asked Jim to perform with Gabe and me a couple of years ago at a jam night hosted by Chris Max so I could film it as one of my “Texas Tales” episodes. These guys don’t necessarily keep up with each other’s bands. Chris is formerly with one of the top Classic Rock bands in Austin (so is Jim). But if you scroll and find that video and watch Chris’ face it is hilarious because you see it dawn on Chris how good Jim is (both vocals and guitars).
Chris had no way of knowing Jim and I had sung “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” together several times, previously. I’d been going by myself to Chris’ weekly Jam Night for several months prior and Chris had gotten used to singing that same song with me. So when Jim started singing it with me you can see the surprise on Chris’ face. Then when Jim does a guitar solo every bit as good as Chris does it’s just sort of funny to watch Chris’ face. Then Chris makes a point to do an also fabulous guitar solo and starts harmonizing with Jim and me. But it’s not envy or anything negative, it’s Chris’ surprise at Jim and PLEASURE because Jam nights don’t usually draw the type of skill I took with me that night. I also had one of Austin’s tip top lady Rockers with me and the same thing happens when Chris hears Dawn. I love those videos I took that night. I had Gabe with me (who already knew Jim and Dawn and had performed with them prior because I’d set that up to film. Three of the very very best were with me that night and all I had asked Chris prior is if I could bring Gabe and a couple of musician friends to his Jam Night.
When you know the back story then watching the video is even more interesting. I just loved seeing it dawn on Chris, one of Austin’s best musicians, that 3 others on his level were on stage with him. Loved it! Great videos. Dawn isn’t in the one I’m referring to but she’s on my website, in a video with Gabe, and I have Jim and Gabe performing together in a different video on my website. Scroll down my page and find the one where I sing “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and see what I mean. It’s so great! xo
Copyright Angel Isaacs All Rights Reserved
Written June 29, 2025 at 9:59 pm
