The Record Company / Smooth Hound Smith @ the Firebird, St. Louis, MO

Words and photos by Duane Clawson

I was not privy to the conversations that transpired when the three members of The Record Company first sat down to play together. But I can almost imagine one of their conversations was about the possibility of bringing real, homegrown rock and roll back to the stages of America! In 2011, Chris Vos, Alex Stiff, and Mark Cazorla came together through their mutual love of music. Their first EP, Superdead, paved a path that the band continues to travel. The path is littered with bits of blues, rock, and smoke-filled bars at 2am.

In their six-year existence, The Record Company has managed to share stages with the likes of B.B. King, Social Distortion, and Blackberry Smoke. Supporting acts like those listed should let you know this band has a little something for everyone.

The term a little something for everyone was brought to life, as I surveyed the demographic of those in attendance during their recent stop in St. Louis. This Firebird show was sold out, surely an anticipation that this band was on their way and may not play a room this small again for quite some time. A couple of youngsters, 9 or 10 years old, held down a front row spot, stage left, taking in their first rock and roll show. One of the young men got a shout out from lead singer, Chris Vos, as he had written a book report about the band. Vos said a copy of the report was in his guitar case and it would remain there until the case fell apart. Ladies were dancing in any free spot they could find to songs like, “Baby I’m Broken” and the foot-stompin', “Feels So Good”, from the 2016 album, Give It Back to You.

In April of 2016, Rolling Stone Magazine placed, The Record Company in their top ten list of, “10 New Artists You Need to Know”. Not too shabby for a five-year old band! After seeing this band live it is easy to understand why they made the list! March of 2017 finds the band taking their set to stages in Germany, France, and the UK.

Before we part ways, I should give credit to the opening band, Smooth Hound Smith. The pairing of Caitlin Doyle’s smooth, countryfied vocals and Zack Smith’s fuzzy, slide-guitar work had those in attendance primed properly for the rest of the night’s festivities.

Thanks to Mike Farley at Concord Music Group for allowing MTC MAG access to The Record Company and The Firebird for hosting yet another great show! Photos of the show are below:

Smooth Hound Smith