It was around the middle of 1973, just after being released from service in the United States Army, that Gary Carswell really became interested in photography. He had grown up surrounded by his mothers love for the arts and naturally became interested himself. Gary and his brother Larry were living in Austin, Texas, at a time when everything a couple of young, single men might be interested in was happening. One night the two stopped to have a beer in a club where Rusty Weir and the Fabulous Filler Brothers were performing. That was the night that Gary met Todd Potter, who would later become a close friend. It was in 1974 that the music scene in Austin was really starting to draw attention not just in Texas but all over the country.

The “Austin Scene” wasn’t limited to the city itself, but spread all over the great state of Texas, the most famous of which was Luckenbach, forever immortalized by Willie, Waylon and the Boys. Within Austin, there were literally hundreds of clubs, bars, and other venues where, on any given night, with no effort at all, even the most casual music lover could find some of the best music of the time.

The Armadillo (short for “Armadillo World Headquarters—perhaps the most famous venue in Austin) was beginning to draw big name acts and the music scene really began its climb to national prominence. The Armadillo became Gary’s second home, thanks largely to his love of the music, and the respect he enjoyed from the performers.

It wasn’t long before Gary and his brother were introduced to Ken Featherston. Ken pretty much ran the show at the Armadillo and soon put Gary and his brother Larry to work as Stage Hands. Now that put a 22 year old kid with his 35mm camera in a pretty good situation and basically began his photograhic journey. As 1975 rolled around he found himself right in the middle of the Austin music scene. It was no time before he’d met quite a few of the well-known musicians, some who lived there and others who were passing through. Like many of his contemporaries, Gary moved from place to place, but the one that had the greatest impact, and left the best memories, was the home of Todd Potter. Todd’s place was called the Band House and for a very good reason. One just never knew who was going to show up there but you could bet they were involved somehow in what was happening musically in Austin. Todd had a garage apartment in the backyard that they converted into a studio where musicians could jam into the wee hours of the morning.

As the Armadillo became more and more a happening rather than just another Austin Honky Tonk, big name acts started to frequent the Hall, and several live albums were recorded there. Many of Gary’s photographs were taken there, but he captured images of many other artists of the day at different concert halls across the great state of Texas. The Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas was one of his favorite venues. A notable exception was Eric Clapton, whom he photographed at The Music Hall in Austin.

The rest of Gary’s collection captures a magical time in Austin’s and Texas’ music history. What makes his photographs special? Simply stated, it was the fact that he wasn't a 'professional' photographer! First and foremost, he was a member of 'the scene', and that experience not only gave him access to some of the time’s greatest performers, but also allowed him to capture their work from the inside out. As you’ll see, the result is a collection of photographs that provide a glimpse into the unique soul and fabric of those times. This collection of photographs is dedicated to the memory of Larry Carswell & Ken Featherston !!!

Enjoy !

gcarswell