Photo by Shana Zimmerman, El Barrio Historico, Tucson, AZ 2002
Desert Underground
If you have not seen this collection of Margo Jean photos taken by illustrious Tucson artist Shana Zimmerman, then you are missing out on the color and flavor that is part of Rubes music. Shana created a couple of paintings based on these photographs that she included in her Barrio Historic collection. Shana's art has been seen in galleries and magazines across the country.
MJ had a trio in Tucson for many years. Co-author of several songs, Sean Sandefur put down his guitar and played bass for the trio. The young and multi-talented Brian Kessler put down his guitar and picked up drums to complete the trio.
They worked with lead guitarists on a per-gig basis, although first choice (when he was available to fly in from Chicago) was always her baby brother Joel Simpson, current Rubes lead player. The lack of a steady lead guitarist during several years of weekly rehearsal led to the development of some especially lively bass lines. The yahoos and local yokels had plenty of enthusiasm for the Rubes' minimilist psychobilly sounds.
Word on the street is that one of the originators of the of psychobilly sound resides in Tucson still. Al Perry was performaing a mix of hillbilly, surf, and punk long before it was cool. He continues to bring his original brand of roots rock to the stage, both with his band Al Perry and the CattleMen, and as a guest of the many talented alt. country performers that grace the Tucson scene as they pass through.
PS Al Perry was awarded the 2005 Hall of Fame Award by the Tucson Area Music Awards (the TAMMIES, sponsored by the Tucson Weekly).