"Roots music reminds listeners of the pleasure of hearing traditional instruments played by real musicians. Roots music gives the listener a sense of place."

Al Staehely: Somewhere in West Texas

Al Staehely's roots in the Austin music scene combined with his experience writing and collaborating with artists in Los Angeles (most notably as front man in the psychedelic rock band Spirit) have allowed him to create a sound all his own. Seamlessly blending classic rock, soulful blues with a commanding stage presence, Al is just at home playing intimate solo shows with an acoustic guitar on his knee as he is taking center stage at a rock show. Al's engaging lyrics and creative melodies have peaked the interest of other artists who have recorded his songs- Keith Moon (The Who), Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane), Peter Cox (Go West), The Nick Gravenites/John Cipollina Band, as well as performers from his own back yard, most recently Houston R&B vocalist Annika Chambers.                                      (Al Staehely / Photo by Hill Taylor White)

Al Staehely's new album titled 'Somewhere In West Texas' (2023, Quarto Valley Records). Al says: "These songs have been written over the course of 4 decades so it's a pleasure to release them. Hope you enjoy..." A third generation Austinite, Staehely splits his time between Houston and the Big Bend high desert area of far West Texas. His new album recorded in Marfa, TX, features an all-star lineup of musicians, including Fran Christina (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bonnie Raitt), Scrappy Jud Newcomb (Ian McLagan, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Patty Griffin, Slaid Cleaves) and Chris Maresh (Eric Johnson, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Wayne Shepherd).

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Roots music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Growing up in Texas surrounded by black music, country music - Mexico on one border, Louisiana on another, and German immigrants (including my great grandfather) settled in the Texas Hill Country, it was impossible not to be informed by “Roots music” - the gumbo resulting from these cultures colliding.  Many years later, travels to Pernambuco in the northeast of Brazil, introduced me to to forro music. Forro's accordions and polka beats sounded familiar. So, I can't help but celebrate the differences as well as the similarities in Roots music across cultures.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

My goal is to write great songs and to perform them in a way that creates an emotion, whether it is joy, pleasure or poignant sadness. Give the listener a reason to want to hear it again. Some songs are the result of an actual personal event or relationship. "Emily" and "Love Trance" on the "Somewhere in West Texas" album are good examples. Other songs start from an idea, a phrase, titles, mood or a guitar riff.

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

One summer when I was 13, I fell ill with a dehydrated kidney from spending too much time in the Texas sun playing baseball, golf, tennis and swimming. The doctor told me I couldn't play sports for a year. My cousin brought over his acoustic guitar and taught me "Poor Little Fool" by Rick Nelson. There was no turning back.

"There is definitely an audience for Roots music. Each generation finds it sooner or later. The music, in one of its many forms, never fails to speak to them." (Photo: Al Staehely)

You’ve one new release with Quarto Valley Records. How did that relationship come about?

"Somewhere in West Texas" was recorded in Marfa. The "Something Good is Gonna Happen" video was shot on a nearby ranch. I was preparing to release both via my own company, Camp Music. Mike Carden and Bruce Quarto saw the video, heard the record, loved it and asked to release it on Quarto Valley.  I've been Quarto Valley Records' attorney for a number of years. I've never heard of a record company releasing an album by their attorney. But, there's a first time for everything. 

Do you have any interesting studio session stories about the making of Somewhere in West Texas?

While hiding out in the high desert Big Bend area of West Texas during the pandemic, I recall hearing of a recording studio in Marfa 45 minutes up highway 90. I know two really good roots musicians who live there: Fran Christina and Scrappy Jud Newcomb. I tell Fran and Scrappy I have songs that I've been performing but need recording. Fran and Scrappy tell me about a guy named Gory Smelley who has a recording studio and a "gourmet" hot dog dive in Marfa called Weinertown. Things are getting interesting. Hot-shot Austin bassist, Chris Maresh, joins us in the studio. We feel the magic right from the downbeat. Next thing we know, we have an album. I love that when I pay the studio via Venmo, I get an email that says you paid Weinertown $....

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss musicians playing together in the same room recording to a machine with 2-inch tape. I still happens - but not enough. 

What is the impact of Roots music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?                                       (Photo: Al Staehely)

Roots music reminds listeners of the pleasure of hearing traditional instruments played by real musicians. Roots music gives the listener a sense of place.

"I miss musicians playing together in the same room recording to a machine with 2-inch tape. I still happens - but not enough."

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I've experienced the satisfaction of creating something out of nothing - a song - a combination of sounds and words that didn't exist. From not knowing from where that song came, I also learned a sense of gratitude. 

Do you think there is an audience for Roots music in its current state? Or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

There is definitely an audience for Roots music. Each generation finds it sooner or later. The music, in one of its many forms, never fails to speak to them.

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