McLemore Avenue--in the tradition of instrumental groups like Booker T. & the MGs, The Meters, Jimmy Smith, and Medeski, Martin and Wood--combines elements of southern soul, R & B, jazz and other genres with an original sound that is unique to Austin, Texas.

"Interesting groove...sounds like the MGs meet the Ventures...I really like the guitar and especially like the B3 sound." Steve Cropper

Band History:

Austin’s McLemore Avenue was formed in 1997 and began as the musical act for the Continental Club’s “Blue Comedy Night”. It featured a rotating line-up of renowned Austin musicians including: "Scrappy" Jud Newcomb, Larry Lange, Michael Christian and many more.

After a number of years, the band finally got down to business and established its permanent arrangement with Patrick Barker-Benfield on the Hammond B-3, Landis Armstrong on guitar, Chris Johnson on bass, Eric Hughes on drums, and Kevin Pearson doing percussion.

Since their start at the Continental Club, McLemore Ave. has played a wide variety of venues--from Austin's best dance parties like Sue Davis' "Fuzz Club" and Waxploitation!'s "Soul Happening"--to punk clubs like Emo's and the Room 710 -- even to the world-famous blues venue Antone's, the Hole in the Wall, Stubb's BBQ, and Club de Ville.

McLemore Avenue currently performs regularly at Club de Ville, the Hole in the Wall, Beerland and the Continental Club.

Special Appearances:

McLemore Avenue was aired on NPR's All Songs Considered: Open Mic broadcast, which featured the track Me Gusta from the band's debut album, 926 East

The band also appeared on the prestigous KUT 90.5 FM radio shows Eklektikos , hosted by John Aielli and "LiveSet."

Awards:

2006 Winner of the Austin Chronicle Music Poll

Category: Best Instrumental Band

2005 Winner of the Austin Chronicle Music Poll

Category: Best Jam Band

2004 Voted a Top 10 in the Austin Chronicle Music Poll

Category: Best Experimental/Instrumental Band