Georgia Straight publisher gets up close with guitar great Jimmie Vaughan at legendary Texas blues joint Antone's

When I interviewed Stevie Ray Vaughan for the first time back in 1985 I asked the Texas guitar legend who his main influence was on guitar. I was expecting to hear him mention Buddy Guy, or maybe Jimi Hendrix. But he told me in no uncertain terms that his biggest influence was his big brother Jimmie Vaughan.

When I started checking out the elder Vaughan's work with bands like the Fabulous Thunderbirds, I understood why Stevie was so impressed. The guy was a master of restrained, economical playing. It was a different style than SRV's--which was often furious and untamed--but wicked just the same.

So I was definitely a tad jealous when I got an email from Georgia Straight owner and publisher Dan McLeod today, saying he was going to be seeing Jimmie Vaughan play a private show in Austin, Texas, tonight.

And that the gig was at the famed Antone's Nightclub, where Stevie Ray used to play all the time.

My envy turned a darker shade of green when Dan started sending me some photos he took at the gig, and I saw how up-close and personal he got with the venerable blues master.

Next time the bossman's Texas bound I think I'd better tag along.