God’s Outlaw
Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall 2/12/2011
by Jennifer Bronenkant
Posted: Feb 2011
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God's Outlaw - photo by Jennifer Bronenkant
When we first arrived at this classic Milwaukee bar, there were just a handful of people there along with friendly bar owner Andy. The band was just finishing up with a crew who had been shooting a new video of an original God’s Outlaw song – “Uhaulin’”, the tale of a spat between lead singer Brian Smith and his wife. The atmosphere was laid back and friendly. We felt right at home.
The band’s loyal following quickly filled the house and at around 9, the band hit the stage. For about two hours, the trio entertained the crowd with the music of Johnny Cash along with some of their own originals, throwing in a little David Allan Coe and Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” per an audience request. Although they primarily perform Cash covers, this is no cheesy impersonator act. While they do sing the big hits like “Boy Named Sue” and “Folsom Prison Blues”, they add deeper Cash cuts to the mix creating a totally enjoyable experience.
Lead singer Brian S. Smith played in a rock band for years before starting God’s Outlaw. I don’t know what that sounded like, but Smith with his rich baritone voice was born to sing Classic Outlaw Country. He is backed by guitar player Eric “E-Man” Bulgrin and upright bassman Paul Scharlau. These friends look like they are having a great time making music together.
God’s Outlaw will be doing a special appearance on February 26th to celebrate what would have been the Man in Black’s 79th birthday at Franks Power Plant in Bay View. If you’re Cash fan you may want to check them out. If you’re not a Cash fan, check them out any way. You just may be a fan by the end of the evening, of both Cash and God’s Outlaw.
Set 1
Mean Eyed Cat
Frankie’s Man
Doin’ My Time
I Still Miss Someone
Busted
I Got Stripes
Big River
Roughneck
Rock Island Line
Give my Love to Rose
Wide Open Road
Don’t Take your Guns to Town
Get Rhythm
Uhaulin’ – Original
Set 2
Train of Love
Folsom Prison Blues
Ring of Fire
Luther Played the Boogie
Tennessee Flat Top Box
Nine Pound Hammer
Johnny Yuma
Boy Named Sue
Hey Porter
Time Off for Bad Behavior – Coe
Pussy Whipped Again? – Coe
I Still Miss Someone
God Only Has Ten Rules – Original
Roof is Leaking – Original
Poetic Justice – Original
Encore
Cocaine Blues
Sunday Morning Coming Down – Kristofferson