An Iota Evening with Murry Hammond

On Monday night I headed over to the Iota Club in Clarendon to see Murry Hammond, a member of the alt-country band the Old 97's. He's been on a solo tour lately to promote his new album "I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm On My Way," a beautifully crafted work of traditional and original country, folk, and gospel songs.

The Dallas-based Old 97's are one of my favorite bands, who, despite putting out countless highly-acclaimed albums and building a dedicated fanbase, have never really "hit the big time." (Though you may have seen them in the comedy "The Break-Up" - they are the band that Jennifer Aniston goes to see when she gets stood up by Vince Vaughn). I saw the 97's at a sold out 9:30 Club this past summer who were on tour following their new release "Blame It on Gravity." The show was a high energy affair with all four bandmates - led by singer Rhett Miller - rocking the house to an amped-up DC crowd.

Monday's show was a totally different vibe. While the 97's music can be described as an amalgamation of rock, country, and alternative styles, Murry's own musical focus is firmly rooted in gospel and folk music which he has been able to continue to explore with his first solo album. After hanging out at the bar before the show talking with fans, Murry took the stage with 2 guitars and a melodium in front of about 40 people. For the next hour and a half he played many songs from his new disc and a few of the ones he sings with the 97's. It was a truly moving performance - his voice, songwriting skills, and simple yet full guitar style come together to create a very rich sound. After the show, he stuck around and signed copies of the new album (which is surprisingly hard to find anywhere else) and chatted with some us. A true son of Texas, he was extremely approachable and more than happy to talk with us who came out to see him that night.

Without a doubt, this highly unpublicized solo tour must be a very different musical experience for him. Going from playing sold-out shows at the country's top music clubs with the 97's to singing alone in small cafe joints like the Iota Club must be like night and day for him out on the road. On Saturday, he'll be back with the full band at the Austin City Limits Festival, but last night it seemed like Murry was enjoying a quieter, more mellow side of show biz at one of Arlington's coziest music venues.

To listen to "I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm On My Way" online, click here. (Some of my favorite songs include "Wreck of the 97," "Next Time Take the Train," "Lost at Sea," and "Other, Younger Days"). You can also download the album from Amazon here.

For an exclusive interview with Murry about the new album, click here.

For more on the Old 97's, click here.