In 1985, Alligator Records dropped Showdown!, a three-headed axe grind from blues guitar gods Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, and Robert Cray a lean, electrifying session that still cuts through the noise four decades later. Now, in 2025, Texas Headhunters picks up that torch with a fire all its own.Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Daytonthree of Texas fiercest fretmenjoin forces at last as Texas Headhunters, a band born from deep roots, old friendships, and a shared reverence for the raw, swaggering spirit of Texas blues. Their self-titled debut isnt a nostalgia trip. Its a declaration.Cut over five days at Willie Nelsons Pedernales Studio, Texas Headhunters deals 12 tracks of grit, groove, and gut-level truth. No smoke, no mirrorsjust seasoned musicians in a room, plugged in and turned up. The chemistry is real. The result is mind blowing.Clifford Antone looms large in the story of Texas Headhuntersthe spiritual godfather of the project, and the man who first recognized the fire in each of its members. All three Johnny, Jesse, and Ianwere among the last generation of young guns taken under his wing.We all go back to Antones, man, says Dayton. We were the next wave after the greats. Clifford saw something in each of us, and that clubthat scenewas our proving ground.The idea for Texas Headhunters emerged from a conversation between Dayton and his manager about CliUords lasting influence. You, Ian, and Johnnyyall were CliUords last real discoveries. Thats not nothing. You oughta cut a record together. Feels like its time. Dayton called Moore, who immediately brought up Showdown! as a reference point. When Moeller signed on, the wheels were in motion.From the first sultry lick of Pocket to the final bends of Burnin Daylight, Texas Headhunters walks the line between swagger and soulhonoring the blues lineage while playing for keeps. Pocket sets the tone early: raw, vulnerable, and undeniable. I love a modern lean into blues, says Ian Moore. Im using this Paoletti guitarit just had the right snarl. Its a standout moment, all ache and punch.Jesse Daytons Maggie Went Back to Mineola follows, turning up the heat with a dirt-andneon redemption tale. A girl from Mineola goes to Dallas and becomes a stripper, Dayton says. She gets into all this stuU, then comes home to work at the Dollar General and try to go to church. Thats Ian on lead.Johnny Moeller takes the mic on Everybody Loves You (When Youre Down), opening with a gut-punch: When you hit rock bottom, everybody loves you, Jack. I knew Johnny had to sing that one, says Dayton. He brought this whole vibewise, crafty, real as hell. People wont see that Johnny coming. read more shankhall.com
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