The Border Blasters

Jimmy Ray Harrell and Todd Jagger are The Border Blasters! Veterans of the Austin music scene, Kerrville New Folk Winner Jimmy Ray and Austin Music Award Winner Todd have been making music together since their first gig at Gruene Hall in 1975.

Taking their name from their home in Far West Texas and the border radio stations that shaped their musical styles, the Border Blasters's sound is a melting-pot of blues, real country, western swing, bluegrass, folk -all sewn together with tight blending harmonies and raw musicianship. Their music connects with people of all ages.

The Austin-American Statesman says: "You can't get enough!"

Music City says more: "Years of experience knit this ensemble into a smooth, ingenious sound, provoking even staid listeners to at least chair-dance. Jagger & Harrell's long Austin history includes gigging at the legendary Armadillo World HQ, the Skyline Club and the original Soap Creek Saloon. Typically Texas eclectic, Jagger's virtuoso mandolin style melds country, bluegrass and blues, while Harrell plays guitar, accordion, piano and more. [The Border Blasters]'s smooth harmonies and lively performance will delight even the most discriminating music fan."

In addition to their musical careers together both Harrell and Jagger have lent their talents to other bands as well. In the early 90's Todd was the mandolinist with the Austin Lounge Lizards and appeared with them at the Kerrville Folk Festival, Kuumbwa Jazz Club, the Strawberry Music Festival, on APR's Mountain Stage and many other venues. During this time the Lizards won "Best None of the Above Bands" for two consecutive years at the Austin Music Awards. Todd also was given Honorable Mention as Best Mandolinist in the Austin Chronicle and Music City Readers' Polls. Jimmy Ray, as part of the popular duo "Lou-Ray", won the New Artist Award at Kerrville New Folk Festival, and was a featured performer on the Main Stage at the Kerrville Folk Festival and on the 1975 Festival LP.

Professionalism is a trademark of Border Blasters which club owners and festival coordinators appreciate. On time, in tune, ready to make the crowd feel good!

The Border Blasters divide their time between Austin and the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas.

You can also tune in to the KRTS "Border Blast" every Thursday at 11am on KRTS-FM, 93.5, Marfa Public Radio where the boys dish up a heapin' helpin' of good Texas and Americana roots music, and sometimes they'll get out their axes and play a few themselves.