Years before the rise of current Houston music hotspots, there was a vibrant live music scene, and one of my fondest memories is tied to a band called Beat Temple. This rock-funk group was a staple in Houston venues, even opening for big names passing through Space City. Their energy was infectious, and I became a regular at their gigs, developing friendships with the band members over late-night Mexican food after their sets.
(Yes, I was a “groupie” in the most affectionate sense of the word.)
Through these connections, I even played matchmaker for my friend Trish and Beat Temple’s bassist, Carl. Life moved on, the band members pursued different paths – day jobs, families (Trish and Carl included, now part of my extended family). But the lead singer, Ralz Mathias, never stopped making music.
Recently, Trish reached out with exciting news: Ralz was bringing Beat Temple back together to celebrate his new CD release at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar. The name alone, Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, sparked immediate interest. Described as a dive bar, it sounded like the perfect intimate venue for a band reunion. Finding a babysitter became my top priority – I wasn’t going to miss this.
Ralz’s new music is a departure from Beat Temple’s funk-rock sound, leaning into mellow R&B ballads reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield, D’Angelo, and Maxwell. His rich baritone voice remains captivating, and the band – Carl, Rick (keyboards), and Leland (guitar) – are as musically gifted as ever. It was clear they were genuinely enjoying being back on stage together at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar. The atmosphere of a true guitar bar, combined with the nostalgia of Beat Temple’s music, made for an unforgettable night, reaffirming the unique charm of Houston’s live music scene and the special place venues like Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar hold within it.
