Arc Angels / Angel White @ Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, Fort Worth, TX

Words and photos by Duane Clawson
If there was ever a band that defined Texas musical folklore, the Arc Angels would be a frontrunner in the category. In the early 90’s, the Arc Angels were formed by Double Trouble, Stevie Ray Vaughn’s band members Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon. This duo hooked up with friends Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton to form the Angels. The band technically only has one full album of all original material to their credit which received a fair amount of airplay, when it was released in 1992.

After some limited touring in support of the album in 1993, the group called it quits. Rumors of drug abuse and infighting were said to have been their demise. Bandmembers pursued other projects, with no plans or talk of a reunite. In 2002 the band came together once again for a few occasional live shows. In 2009 they put out a live album and DVD of a performance from 2005. Also, this album contained three previously unreleased tracks. Once again, after this release the band sputtered and faded.

Then suddenly in 2022 the band reformed, playing a January show at the Dallas, TX venue, the Echo Lounge. Since then, they’ve had a handful of shows throughout Texas. With less than 50 shows under their belts since 1992, I was overjoyed when I found out I’d be photographing a rock and roll rarity!

To build the anticipation, Angel White’s high-energy opening set paved the way! White is a Texas-born and raised musician that has been knocking on stardoms door for a few years. Cutting his teeth busking the sidewalks of Deep Ellum, his act is polished and loud. 2023 may be the year for White with his upcoming debut album, Ghost of the West. Don’t let his cowboy hat fool you, this young man has some funk in his soul. After hearing “Long Way Up” live, I’d swear I was listening to Lenny Kravitz long lost son. Angel is getting out and about in 2023, if you can catch him live, you won’t be sorry you did!

The Arc Angels band members stroll on stage with unmistakable rock star coolness, plug in their instruments, and play. But some thirty years on this has always been the band’s method of operation, when the music is good there’s no need for rock star theatrics. The crisp snap of Layton’s snare leads the way as the Angel’s launch into, “Paradise Café”. As one can imagine there is a sea of smiles as the audience knows they’re seeing something special. As the night moves on one can feel the expectation of how the night will end with the hits everyone knows by heart.

With a surprising twist, the Arc Angels do sneak in one hit mid-set, “Sent by Angels” followed by, “Crave and Wonder”, one of their few pieces of new music since 1992. With the meters on the soundboard peaking in the red, the Angels blast through “The Shape I’m In”. The slow saunter of “Living In a Dream” ushers a closing that resembled their chill stage entrance. Of course, there is only one song left for encore, “Too Many Ways to Fall”. As expected, they pull out all the stops and are on top of their game from start to finish!

A big thanks to the Arc Angels team for allowing MTC MAG access to Texas history and to the friendly staff at Tannahill’s for their hospitality!

Photos of the show are below:

Angel White
Arc Angels
Contributed by Duane Clawson
Arc Angels / Angel White @ Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, Fort Worth, TX Arc Angels / Angel White @ Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, Fort Worth, TX Reviewed by Scott Rowe, Editor on May 08, 2023 Rating: 5
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