Frizzell Spur – NELA Music Awards

NELA Music Scene
FRIZZELL SPUR PERFORMANCE
FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB SUNDAY BEER GARDEN CONCERT SERIES
March 10, 2024, West Monroe, LA
The evening sun cast a golden glow across the Ouachita River Floodwall serving as a backdrop for Frizzell Spur. Cut from the very fabric of Northeast Louisiana, Frizzell Spur quickly
immersed their standing room only audience into music for the soul. Opening up with “Wagon Wheel”, by Darius Rucker, they followed up with “Can’t You See”, by The Marshall Tucker Band.
The musical journey was underway. The venue was rapidly enveloped into a tapestry of emotions, colors, scents, sounds and dance. Louisianans were being Louisianans. Frizzel Spur
made sure our culture was in full force. This was a good time and a memorable evening inDowntown West Monroe.
Their setlist was amazing. They played some of my favorites tonight. My favorites included “Long Haired Country Boy” by Charlie Daniels, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”, by Tom Petty and the
Heartbreakers, “Call me the Breeze”, by Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Play that Funky Music,” by Wild Cherry, “Let’s Get it On,” by Marvin Gaye, “Friends in Low Places,” by Garth Brooks, “Hysteria,”
by Def Leppard and “China Grove,” by The Doobie Brothers. The memories of Charlie Daniels, Marvin Gaye, Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Clark and Tom Petty were honored this evening.
Because I like Def Leppard and the one writing this article, I will drill down on their amazing rendition of “Hysteria.” Frizzell Spur consists of two guitars, bass, drums and two dedicated
singers. The vocal and guitar work on “Hysteria” was confident, full, robust and filled the venue. It appeared the guitarist was using standard tuning. Next time I catch their show I will ask. The
audience rewarded Frizzell Spur for their flawless performance of “Hysteria” with cheers and shouts of bravo. It was beautifully done.
As I’ve noted before, the artist in Northeast Louisiana supports one another. In the crowd to night was Ash Morgan, Rachel Morgan, Christopher Martinez, Calvin Presley, D.j. Grissom, Joe
(Dooney) Grissom, Rhonda McCormick Grissom, the Bluezcatz and my good friends Rita Saxon and Betty Ingram Smithy.
If you need live music for an event, book Frizzell Spur. They will ensure a good time. Thank you, Jay Walk and Flying Heart Brewing & Pub-West Monroe for your continued
commitment to local artists and the community. Note: The Sunday Beer Garden Concert Series at Flying Heart is a popular event that takes
place in Downtown West Monroe each Sunday evening. It offers a platform for talented artists like Frizzell Spur to showcase their music in a unique and engaging setting.
Tom M.

**NELA Music Scene**

FRIZZELL SPUR – FLYING HEART BREWING & PUB – WEST MONROE, LA

September 1, 2024, West Monroe, La

Excitement filled the air as people gathered for an evening of music this Labor Day weekend. Frizzel Spur was greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers, opening with Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel.” The restless audience sang along as they played southern anthems “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Family Tradition.” The crowd was captivated. Clearly, their setlist was strategic as they launched into “Fire on the Mountain” by the Marshall Tucker Band. Concertgoers were immersed in a state of sonic passion, singing and dancing. It was as if we all got a night off from the rigors of life. Frizzel Spur was taking us on a musical journey we needed. The music roared down the Ouachita River Valley like spring-high water. Nothing was going to hold it back.

The music continued as they masterfully played songs like “Maggie May,” “3AM,” “Slide,” and “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” The audience went wild during Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” One of my personal favorites was “Hysteria.” Louisiana culture was on full display. If you were in that venue, you were among friends. Their vocal work, instrumentation, and audience engagement all contributed to their beautiful soundscape.

During Frizzell Spur’s intermission, Hagan Laborde played several songs, including “Hurricane,” one of my favorites. We had a couple of ladies at our table from Dallas who shared how deeply this song resonates with them. We all concurred, as we have our own Louisiana storm stories. Nineteen years after Katrina, Rita, and all the storms of the last few years will do that to people. We’re in the peak window for the 2024 Hurricane Season now. Inland Louisiana needs to remember the flooding rains from Gustav and the high winds from Laura. Review your disaster supply kit and plans on a blue-sky day. There were several compliments at my table about the quality of Hagan’s voice and performance. After the show, I shared those compliments with Hagan. I hope to see him on stage more in the future.

The evening of music continued with Frizzell Spur playing a great second set including “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Hard to Handle,” “China Grove,” “Gimme Three Steps,” and closing the show with Prince’s iconic “Purple Rain.” It was a memorable performance, and I can’t wait to see them again.

The Frizzel Spur band members are all accomplished professionals. Band members include Vance Box on bass and vocals, Dennis Scott on guitar and vocals, Clint Driscoll on lead guitar, Creg Higdon on lead vocals, Darren Laborde on lead vocals, and Paul Hollis on drums. Hagan Laborde is the son of Darren Laborde. Great performance Hagan.

If you need live music for a party or event, book Frizzell Spur. Your special occasion is guaranteed success.

Thank you, Jay Waalk, for your continued commitment to local artists and the community. Flying Heart Brewing & Pub-West Monroe has become a cultural hub in downtown West Monroe, providing a platform for artists like Frizell Spur. It was good seeing Betty Ingram Smith, Michael Eskanazy, and the large crowd out supporting local artists.