I began playing guitar and singing in 1978 with a guitar that I bought in Juarez, Mexico for $20. It was so hard to play that my fingers were numb for months. I began playing for friends' parties and such; then later, after a couple of charity gigs, people began to inquire about my son, Keaton Branch, and me playing for private parties.
Keaton and I played under the name BRANCHWATER, and still do from time to time. I played Jarrito's Mexican food place, the grand opening of a hair salon (let me open your car wash) and Tri-State Smokehouse, then successful gigs at Tobin's Sports Bar's outside venue.
As the Legends Lounge and The Back Deck at Houston National Golf Club opened to the public and began providing the best of both worlds (with flat screen TVs in the bar), the sophistication of a club setting and live music, they hired me to do steady gig there on Fridays until they changed owners earlier this year.
Cork Cafe' is the neatest venue yet with its cozy little leather lounge and great wines.
Also, I am happy to play benefits for special causes. Contact me and check my schedule.
I played for the grand opening of The Daiquiri Hut on FM 529 and Queenston. Tell Henry that I said Hi! Then I played a fun night at Benchwarmers Sports Bar on N. Highway 6.
I am thankful for my Hollywood bride, Renee’. I have many friends who are in it just to wear the shirt, "I'M WITH THE BAND" and to help me. I counted up about 165 songs that I do with confidence, and another 40 that I do when you've had enough to drink. ... ..... I wrote “Make a New Memory” for Renee’, and I am sorry that it took so long to write it for her. Being close to someone never felt so good. The song “Bobbie Jo’s Birthday” is a not so reverent song about our friend, Bobbie, who has an affinity for dirty martinis. Be careful with what you say and do around me, or your name might be in a song too. ....
My voice won’t last forever, but as long as my friends, family and fellow music-lovers keep coming to the shows and supporting the wait staff and establishments in the hood, God Willing, I’ll keep doing this. Call me if you have the number or email me at rodbranch@comcast.net to inquire about a private party or pub performance. My shows can be dialed down to a family show with Puff the Magic Dragon or ramped up to some PG-13 rated toe-tapping Toby Keith or John Prine. I usually stay somewhere in the Jim Croce, Brad Paisley, Coldplay, Green Day, Rolling Stones, George Strait, and James Taylor range of music most of the night. .... Come see me!
Rod
