By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
November 27, 1992
Arc Angels 7:30 tonight
Park West, 322 W. Armitage
$14
Ticketmaster, 559-1212
Call them a supergroup, and the Arc Angels will shrug off the compliment.
“Maybe we’re an almost supergroup,” says vocalist-guitarist Charlie Sexton. “We’re not there yet.”
The rhythm section comes directly from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s old band, and the guitars are played by a couple of former prodigies. Their sound was neutered on their self-titled LP, which may explain why the public hasn’t snapped up copies. But the musicians’ incendiary live shows are a selling point and well worth a peek.
Currently on the second leg of their nationwide tour, the Arc Angels return to Chicago for a performance tonight at the Park West.
THE ANGELS: Bassist Tommy Shannon, drummer Chris Layton, and guitarists-vocalists-songwriters Doyle Bramhall II and Sexton. Shannon, in his early 40s, and Layton, 37, recorded and toured with Vaughan. Bramhall and Sexton, both 24, picked up guitar technique from Vaughan. Bramhall’s father, Doyle Sr., drummed in groups with both Jimmy and Stevie Ray.
“Stevie was an important part of all our lives, ” said Layton. “I don’t think it’s ironic that each of us was connected to him in one way or another. In a way, he represents a lot of what we have in common: a love for music. It’s what keeps us going.”
I’M WITH THE BAND: Sexton learned to play the guitar at age 4, played with the Vaughan brothers at 11, became Joe Ely’s lead guitarist at 13, toured with the Clash at 15, and got a recording contract with MCA Records at Sweet 16.
In 1985, Sexton won his 15 minutes of solo fame for being (in this order) 17, handsome and talented. When his debut album, “Pictures for Pleasure,” netted a Top 20 single with “Beat’s So Lonely,” music purists back in his hometown of Austin all but disowned Sexton for selling out his blues roots for pop stardom.
“It was wild to be out on my own at 17 living in L.A., and I don’t regret any of what I did professionally,” said Sexton. “Do I think I was manipulated to be something I wasn’t? Not really. At that time, I enjoyed the type of music I was making. I had been pigeonholed since I was 11 as being this blues guy. I am, but there’s more to me, you know? And (“Beat’s So Lonely”) helped me prove that.
“A solo career isn’t out of the picture for sometime in the future. But for right now, being in the Arc Angels is where I’m happiest.”
One fan at the band’s Park West gig last June said, “The singer (Sexton) is an amazing guitar player. But he’d sound better if he was more alternative and less bluesy.”
“It just goes to show you can’t please everyone,” Sexton said, laughing.
THE BOWIE CONNECTION: When Sexton released “Pictures for Pleasure,” critics accused him of being a David Bowie wannabe. Bowie apparently didn’t mind. He recruited the then-teenage Sexton to play guitar for him on tour.
“I wave a banner for Charlie,” Bowie said, calling from Liverpool, England. “I like him a lot. He’s a good kid and very talented. Yes, he’s very pretty, but he didn’t need to be oversold. (MCA) saw him as a one-man Duran Duran, which was a big mistake. Charlie’s a blues boy, and that’s where he really shines. Arc Angels probably is the best thing for him at this point in his career.”
WHAT’S IN A NAME: Religious connotations aside, the Arc Angels’ name comes from the Austin Rehearsal Complex (A.R.C.), where the musicians ran into each other while working on separate projects.
BACK ON TRACK: After a stint in rehab for substance abuse, Bramhall is back in the Angels, working on material for the band’s upcoming album.
“He looks and sounds great,” Sexton said. “He had some things to take care of, and he went and did it. I admire him greatly.”
