On a beautiful afternoon last summer as Molly Dog and I were driving by the Bull O The Woods beer garden in the golf cart, I heard a well amplified guitar pouring sound out from the Bull O' The Woods Beer Garden on to Main St. Now the fact that I have lived in Red River for most of my life, I am very accustomed to a lot of outdoor music, especially in the summer months. So driving through town on a summer day, live music often times fills the air. However, on this particular day when I heard that screamin' guitar, I knew exactly who it was without even turning around to look. There is only one person that I know of that can play a guitar like that. Rudy Boy Jaramillo was in town.
It didn't take long to park the golf cart, make my way inside the Bull with Molly and order the biggest beer they had then find ourselves a front row seat to hear some of the best Rock and Blues guitar the Southwest has to offer.
Years ago, I owned the Bull O' The Woods Saloon and The Rudy Boy Experiment was one of my favorite acts to book. I had originally met Rudy at The Taos Inn 20 years ago where he was playing a solo gig. The Taos Inn has a bit of a subdued atmosphere and I remember thinking to myself, "I think this guy could do a lot more with a bigger stage and a rowdy crowd". I hired him on the spot to play at the Bull and he sure did not disappoint. Rudy didn't care if we had a small or large crowd, he brought everything he had every single time he showed up. These days he definitely has a little more grey in his beard but the enthusiasm, charisma, showmanship and his ability to wear out a guitar hasn't faded. Rudy will give you everything he has every time.
If you are lucky enough to be in Red River this weekend, you are in luck. Rudy will be playing at the Bull Saturday night at 8:30 pm. Not sure what the cover will be if any, but don't worry about it, whatever it is, Rudy will make sure you get your money's worth.
- Rob Swan
