"World Champion Fiddler"
RICKY BOEN AND TEXAS MUD
When most folks hear the term “swing” associated with music, they think of the “Big Band” sound or era, that is if they’re from anywhere other than Texas and Oklahoma. But folks from around that part of the country immediately think of one thing when they hear the term “swing” – Texas Swing! What’s the difference? Well, like Big Band swing, Texas Swing (or as some call it, Western Swing) is primarily dance music, which is instrumentally driven, and includes some vocals, often from the “front man or woman”, plus some harmonies from “side men”. The primary difference, however, is that while the Big Band swing sound was driven particularly by woodwind/reed instruments like clarinets and saxophones, along with brass instruments and some strings, Texas Swing is driven by the string sound, predominantly fiddles and guitars. And of course, if you’re talking Texas Swing, you’re talking twin fiddles! But enough of the intricacies of Texas Swing the most important thing to know is that with one trip to the Hamner Barber Theatre to see Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, from that point on the only thing that will come to your mind when you think of Texas Swing is this sensational group of musicians who have brought a hot, upbeat part of Texas culture to the Ozarks!
Little wonder that Ricky and Texas Mud have been absolutely overpowering audiences in Branson for the past four years, and invoking such comments as, “I’ve been coming to Branson for ten years, and this is hands down the best show I’ve ever seen here,” or “It’s the best show in Branson…..We liked it so well that we went back the next day!” One barber from Texas commented that, “Everyone who gets in my chair is gonna hear about THAT show!" Why ? Simply because this incredibly talented group has combined the amazing talents, energy, and drive of the 1983 World Champion fiddler from Odessa, Texas, Ricky Boen, with the Texas Swing group that won the coveted Will Rogers Award, being named Western Swing Group of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in 2001, Texas Mud. Ricky has brought together an incredibly talented group of players, Ricky’s dad, Darrell Boen on vocals and guitar, also with Mark Boyd on guitar and vocals, Rodney Smith providing the other half of the twin fiddles, Casey Robertson on drums, Mark Abbott on upright bass and Dave Musgrave on steel guitar. But there are a couple of new wrinkles in the 2008 show that add a real punch. Ten-year old singing sensation, Brooke Hale, is joining Ricky and the boys to bring a little feminine grace and a powerhouse voice to the mix, having gained a special dispensation from school responsibilities to join the cast. Also, added to the 2008 show is female comedian Ida Clare, who swears she’s ready for Branson, even if Branson may not be quite ready for her! The boys even have the blessing of special guest star Michele Innskeep. Wow, what great new show for 2008!
Ricky and the boys are glad to again join the Hamner Barber show at the Hamner Barber Theatre, and have been welcomed to the morning slot, with shows Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m., starting April 3rd and running through December 13th. When asked how he best describes the focus of the show, Ricky replied, “It’s simple –Texas Swing done right! Several shows will do a song or two as a tribute to Texas Swing, or a taste of it, but it’s what we love, and what we do! We try to take the roots of Texas Swing from guys like Spade Cooley and Bob Wills, and season it with some more contemporary icons of the style, like George Strait and Asleep at the Wheel, and make it our own. I’ve always said that if you come to one of our shows and leave without feeling like you were entertained, it’s your fault, because we’re going to put it out there, full throttle, every time we hit that stage.”
Ricky and Texas Mud have traveled the United States with performances ranging from fairs and festivals to booked auditoriums. They have shared the stage with with major artist such as Mark Chestnutt, the Bellamy Brothers, and the Texas Playboys. The great news for the Ozarks is that now you can catch this phenomenal act right here in Branson, and there’s no better way to put a bounce in your step than to start the day with some good ol’ Texas Swing!
Remember–when you think of Texas Swing, think Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, and when you think of Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, think Texas Swing Done Right!
For Bookings Contact:
Ricky Boen
417-294-3968
417-294-4331
ricky@texasmud.com
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