Two Meat Tuesday thought
The other evening, two items popped through the news feeds. One was the death of the great Flaco Jimenez, the local luminary who was a superstar on the accordion, bringing conjunto, Tex-Mex, and other sounds into the mainstream limelight.
I saw him play, once, at Billy-Bob’s in Ft. Worth, with the Texas Tornados, a sort-of super-group, Doug Sahm, Freddie Fender, Augie Meyers, the aforementioned Flaco Jimenez, and others.
Pretty much the same, rag-tag group of musician that made the original “Austin Sound” what it was. Is. Is not. Was?
When I saw them, roughly 35 years distant, he would’ve been around 50 years old. Road years, musician years, rockstar lifestyle took a toll, back then, he looked old. What I recall though, most clearly, young females removing moist undergarments and throwing them at his feet, on the stage.
Guitar players are faded memories, second fiddle to the guy with the squeezebox.
The German polka and waltzes, laced in a local style, music for the world.
Two Meat Tuesday thoughts
Red Dye #2, or number 44, or whatever it is? The principal coloring agent used in the local delicacy called “Big Red?” It’s a carbonated beverage, and alluded to in the title of a favorite book, Big Red Tequila. Personally, I find the beverage overly-sweet, with a bubble-gum-like flavor. However, I am fascinated with how it became a local industry, and I was always amused that people not from around here are mystified with the beverage itself. Caffeine, sugars, carbonated water, coloring, plus some secret spices?
I don’t think I’ve eaten at Tommy’s Restaurants more than once or twice, no real reason, but I adore the logo and slogan, Big Red and Barbacoa everyday, and I used to see that splashed all over town.
The owner of Tommy’s was questioned what would happen, and the beverage manufacturer, declined comments at the time. I’m sure an adequate work-around will be found.
I do like barbacoa, but I find it too rich to eat that often. A barbacoa taco or two, chased with a Big Red, though that must be a delightful repast.
Two Meat Tuesday thoughts
The original premise, established via an Austin Tuesday special, to take to items and explore a little more in depth than usual.
With the passing of one local icon, really a world leader in music, both a pioneer and acknowledged savant? That sets the stage.
Then how will we move forward with different colored Big Red?
Individually, I doubt each change would be that big of deal. Apparently the grandfather of Texas music has been ill, and given current conditions, it was not unexpected.
But too much change?
