Fingerpistol – NO COVER Show

Fingerpistol, a ragtag group of musicians affectionately known as the “Kelly’s Heroes of Texas Country,” are a little bit older than your average bar band, but what they lack in youth and beauty they make up for in enthusiasm and gratitude—just like an ugly cheerleader or a stray dog. Musically speaking … is there room for improvement? Of course there is. Fingerpistol won’t blow you away with jaw-dropping guitar pyrotechnics, flashy drum solos, or complicated orchestral arrangements; they won’t set their instruments on fire, play guitar behind their backs, or do flying, acrobatic dives into teeming mosh pits (mosh pits?), but they will play some fun music, sing some nice harmonies, and keep your toes tapping. Sure, they’re probably not the next Rascal Flatts or Florida Georgia Line, but give them credit for sticking it out well beyond their expiration date; for continuing to navigate the treacherous gauntlet of the music business with a naive sense of adventure and optimism, and for being brave enough to be “never was” musicians who are old enough to be mistaken for has-beens. Maybe someday they’ll make a Grammy for that, but don’t hold your breath. Instead, jump on the Fingerpistol bandwagon. It’s a little crowded and a bit musty but there’s plenty of tequila and you’re sure to have a good time.

Fingerpistol has released three CDs. The first, Big, Wet, Sloppy World, was released in 2000 and received airplay on stations throughout the US and Europe. Their 2008 release, Young and Beautiful, was a top 100 CD on the Americana chart and scored two top 100 singles on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. The third CD, a traditional country CD called “Stepped in it Again” was released in 2014

Fingerpistol was formed at the turn of the millennium by Oklahoma raised and Texas seasoned singer-songwriter Dan Hardick along with genius bassist/pilot Sam Wilson. Hardick’s musical career had been a steady migration south until he hooked up with Sam, who in the late 80s toured America with the Grateful Dead styled band, Stackabones. After a considerable amount of woodshedding, Hardick and Wilson to formed Austin’s first patio pop supergroup, the Mouthbreathers. In the Fall of 1999, Hardick and Wilson, along with drummer Nina Singh and violinist Stephan Paetzold recorded their first CD under the new name Fingerpistol. The CD, called Big Wet, Sloppy World was their first foray into the Americana genre, and proved to be successful, receiving airplay throughout the US and Europe.

In 2003, drummer Jill Csekitz joined the band, bringing a rock-steady rhythmic foundation. Following Csekitz was girl singer, tambourinist, go-go dancer, and raconteur Suzee Brooks, who had been singing with Hardick at campfires for years until he invited her to go semi-pro. Brooks’ harmonies helped set the band apart from the usual array of singer-songwriter led bands while her enthusiasm and boundless energy broadened the band’s appeal.

Big changes happened for the band in 2015. Guitarist Bill Terry left the band and was replaced by guitar god Landis Armstrong (Paula Nelson, Mclemore Avenue). In March of 2015, Fingerpistol won the Austin Music Award for”Best Country Band” and in December 2015, after more than 10 years with the band Suzee Brooks retired as Fingerpistol girl singer and was replaced by Meg “Amarillo” Bodi, aesthetician and world-class karaoke host. Also joining the band in 2015 was drummer Andrew C. Gerfers, who began sharing duties with Jill Csekitz.

In 2016 Fingerpistol won their second consecutive Austin Music Award for Best Country Band and began a year residency at the Broken Spoke Dancehall, Austin’s premier honkytonk. They can currently be seen on first and third Wednesdays at the Broken Spoke in South Austin and second and fourth Tuesdays at The Little Longhorn Saloon in North Austin.