“Man in Charge”
Brent Amaker & The Rodeo: “Man in Charge”
Seattle’s wiley Brent Amaker & The Rodeo, known for its invigorating live shows and Johnny Cash vibe, is a group of characters — literally. The band’s brand of country/western is as much an homage as anything, calling on the tried and true clichés of sex, booze, and rock ’n’ roll.
Its blend of hooks, hoots, and reverb has taken it around the world. Naturally, the band has encountered a few standout locations in its travels, five of which it was kind enough to share with ALARM.
1. White Trash Fast Food, Berlin, Germany
“Five cowboys travel to East Berlin, only to find themselves eating in an American-themed burger joint staffed by artsy Americans living and working in Berlin. Not what I expect when I set out to take in the international flavors of a major European city. But then again, I do love me a good burger. And they know how to make ’em at White Trash Fast Food.”
2. Beech-Hill Bar, St. Clairsville, Ohio
“Sometimes you run into a special place on your day off. This was the case when we found ourselves lost in Ohio due to a GPS mishap. Beech-Hill Bar is a true American dive that serves up beer from a can and hard liquor. It’s a place where the patrons welcome an impromptu set from a cowboy band that is just passing through. This is a place where regulars know how to have a good time and the ladies are not afraid to show you what they got. If you find yourself lost in Ohio, I recommend you stop in and meet some of the locals.”
3. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA
“We take time off from touring in the summers because it’s such a drag wearing black in the heat. This cemetery is a great place to relax and catch an outdoor flick after being on the road, stuck in a van.”
4. Antwerp Maximum Security Prison, Antwerp, Belgium
“I never pass up a chance to play music to a captive audience. Nevertheless, prison shows can be intimidating and sometimes uncomfortable. This destination makes my list simply because it is so unforgettable. It’s the only time I have had folks in the audience shout ‘fuck America’ during our set. They took our passports when we entered the prison. I felt lucky to get out after the show was over.”
5. Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff AZ
“Legend has it that the Hotel Monte Vista is haunted. I have personally experienced some crazy shit, which I’m not prepared to repeat. I can’t say for sure if my memories are due to unexplained unnatural phenomena, or due to the fact that I always wind up shit-faced drunk at the end of the night. Either way, I love this spot. This hotel has a venue in the basement, and the owners provide a band hotel room so musicians can crash after the show. That’s a rare but welcome treat when you live on the road.”