https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2012-05-22/moore-moore-moore/

Moore Moore Moore

By Margaret Moser, May 22, 2012, 9:07am, Earache!

As owner and proprietor of the Gypsy Lounge, Michael Villegas let himself dream about possibilities for his East Sixth Street club, like how Steamboat once featured “secret shows.” As drummer for the Ian Moore Band, which needed a place to “rehearse,” his solution was simple: book the practice as a “secret show.”

Voila! This Thursday, May 24, at the Gypsy Lounge, the Ian Moore Band Dress Rehearsal Show brings with it all the muscle and power the quartet can offer. The Austin-born and raised Moore came into the Nineties blazing Texas rock-blues guitar with a powerhouse band: Villegas, Chris White on bass, and pianist Bukka Allen.

A self-titled 1993 album followed to critical acclaim, as did an appearance in Billy Bob Thornton’s Slingblade, and even an opening slot for the Rolling Stones. It’s a good bet you’ll hear some vintage “Champagne and Reefer” from the reunited quartet.

The mini-tour after Thursday's performance takes the band to Oklahoma and the Allen City Blues Festival with Robert Cray (at the One World Theatre on Memorial Day), Robert Randolph, and Jimmie Vaughan. Look soon for a new CD, The First Third, drawn from the band’s days as wild young bluesmen.