Carl Perkins may have invented Rock A Billy music but Lil Bit and the Customatics are carrying the torch right here in San Antonio. Sunday evening at Floore Country Store they ran the gamut from
Jerry Lee Lewis (Whole Lotta Shakin) to Ernest Tubb (Waltz Across Texas).
Lil Bit (click the hyperlinnk to their site) and the group won and were nominated for multiple awards in 2003-04. A drummer has been added which certainly picks up the beat.
Tomcat gets as much music out of his full bass as most bands produce altogether. I was impressed by the bass player with Ramsey Lewis friday evening but Tomcat gives nothing away in the talent department.
But the real award was delivered by the Sunday Evening Dance Crowd. Couples changed partners and enjoyed the beat of rock n roll interspersed with ballads like Boots are Made for Walkin.
With South by Southwest and Willie Nelson and who knows how many guitar pickers in Austin, it's no wonder the scene has spread to San Antonio. The group's ability to easily move from Country roots like Waltz Across Texas to Jerry Lee rock hit a contagious note with the crowd. That contagion is catching on, the group has its fourth CD, Lone Star Girl, out with all original tunes.
The casual gathering allowed for mingling with fans between sets; it was clear many present had attended previous sessions.
Rock n rol is all bout integrating a one four five chord inversion with six beats to the bar, and the Customatics do that well. Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr performed with Carl Perkins and often said he was one of their inspriations. Tomcat Miller's card bills the group as 'Heartbreakin' Honky Tonkability for All Occasions No doubt about it, the rockabilly movement is alive and well in San Antone. The group opens for Ray Price at Floore in Helotes June 13.
Professor Elam 
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