Chris Gaffney, R.I.P.

I've been kinda wrapped up in my own little world here lately so I missed the news on this one. Chris Gaffney, singer/songwriter/guitar and accordion (!) player for one of my favorite bands, The Hacienda Brothers died on April 16, 2008 from liver cancer. You know how sometimes a death of someone you don't really know just blindsides you? I had that. I didn't know Mr. Gaffney, but I did meet him a few times. Let me give you the story.

A couple of years ago Valerie and I took a trip to Nashville for a week, my second trip, her first. If you haven't been, it's a pretty cool town. Yeah, liking country music is a plus, but you could probably enjoy yourself even if you only tolerate country. Anyhoo, one night after a plate of the best ribs in the universe at Jack's we were trying to decide which bar to go to and hear some music. I can't remember for the life of me which one we went to but it was on BBroadway a few doors down from Jacks. The sign on the door said "Tonight: Hacienda Brothers. Free." Okay, works for me.

We came in as the band was doing a sound check, got our beers, and wondered why more people weren't in the free bar. after a song or two, Gaffney pointed to our table and asked if the vocals were okay. I gave him the thumbs up, and he said "Alright, we'll start then." By the third song I was blown away. By the ninth song (and a few more beers), I was drunkenly calling my friends back home on my cell to make them listen. The set was a mix of originals and covers, every one a winner. For some reason we had to leave early that night, and I had a brief chat with the band before we left, telling them how much I enjoyed it. When I asked if they had a CD available Chris said "Naw, we're recording it. Got a t-shirt. I guess you can't play that for people though." I laughed, we shook hands and I made my exit.

Fast forward one year, The Hacienda Bros. self titled CD came out. It was a lot more mellow than the show I saw, but still great. The slogan "Western Soul" was applied to it and it fit, but the emphasis was on the Western part. The next year the second CD "What's Wrong With Right?" was released and this time there was much more of the soul element. I must admit that I didn't like it as much but it still had a lot to like on it. I remained a fan.

In 2007 Th Haciendas did a show at Off Broadway in south St. Louis. Naturally Valerie and I went, and although the band didn't come on until almost midnight, we had a blast. Once again I spoke with some of the guys in the group, about seeing them in Nashville and the music. Nice guys all around, especially Mr. Gaffney and Dan Gonzales (great guitar player, formerly of the Paladins).

So here we are in 2008. I just happened to visit the Bros. website and boom, there it is. I just thought it was sad, because they're such a great band, and he struck me as such a good guy. Also, I was looking forward to the new disc, I have a feeling that the balance of Western Soul is about to be struck. It comes out in June, so we'll see. I was hoping it would be the one that brought them from cult status and critical faves into a larger audience. Now it can be little more than a cap on a too short run.

Apart from The Hacienda Brothers, Chris Gaffney also had a solo career with his band, Chris Gaffney and the Cold Hard Facts (Porter Wagoner reference, maybe?), and he played with Dave Alvin and Lucinda Williams. Until his death I was not aware of this work...looks like I've got some stuff to seek out. Right now I'm going over to the Hacienda's site and buying the limited edition live CD (which I've been meaning to for a long time), and maybe another T-shirt. I'd recommend you do too.

Thanks for reading this and letting me ramble. Oh, and Chris, thanks for the tunes.