The Brady Bunch's Jan Brady spoke for middle siblings everywhere when she grumbled that "everything's always 'Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.'" If

The Brady Bunch's Jan Brady spoke for middle siblings everywhere when she grumbled that "everything's always 'Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.'" If JoJo Garza's outlandish stage antics are any indication, Los Lonely Boys' bassist doesn't share Jan's sentiment that middle children always play second fiddle. While older brother Henry may garner the lion's share of attention as the lead singer and shredding guitarist of the Texas trio, 23-year-old JoJo has no problem making his own voice heard on the band's self-titled Epic Records release. With his confident groove-laying and agile runs and fills, JoJo is earning much-deserved praise, taking home the Best Bassist trophy at this year's Austin Music Awards.

Along with youngest brother Ringo on drums, the trio blends Texas blues and swing with pop and tejano elements, combining Spanglish vocals with Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired licks and rootsy grooves. JoJo, who plays a Hohner B Bass 6-string with D'Addario XL165s, explains, "Since we're just a trio, I play three- and four-note chords up high all the time to fill out the sound." While some players might find it challenging to adapt to a 6-string's extended range, JoJo does not. "Intimidation just isn't a part of me. After all, it's just a piece of wood with strings on it!"

Garza's nonchalant insistence that he's "not a technical player" is laughable when you hear some of his 16th-note triplet runs on "Se˜orita," the album's opener. Perhaps what he means is that traditional technicians might be at a loss when they see some of his unorthodox playing methods. Frequently playing with the bass behind his head, or on the ground with brother Henry covering his eyes (as on the enhanced CD's video clip), JoJo's electrifying showmanship is dazzling-but what comes out during such displays is also captivating and melodic. "It's all about having a good time out there," JoJo offers. "It's spontaneous. Sure, sometimes I miss a note or two, but it always flows. I just play, brother!"

When JoJo and Henry first started playing together in their pre-teen years, JoJo had played drums, but that lineup didn't last long. "I went to stay with my mother in Amarillo for a while, and when I came back, Ringo had stolen my gig!" JoJo then began playing bass lines on a detuned electric guitar on local roots country and rock &roll gigs with his brothers and father Henry, a locally established rock and conjunto musician. Today JoJo delivers his bright and snappy tone with an SWR 750x powering an SWR Henry the 8x8 cabinet, occasionally using the 750x's subwave and overdrive features. "It's a blessing-those are the rigs that I dreamed about growing up." While JoJo and his brothers have paid more dues than many musicians twice their age, his musical development has been more explosive than long and arduous. "One day I just popped out of a bottle! I guess that 6-string adds some attitude, too."

For the Garzas, another dream has come true: a blossoming friendship with roots country legend Willie Nelson, who recently called Los Lonely Boys his "favorite local band." "It's wild," JoJo says. "We grew up playing Willie Nelson tunes, and now we're good friends. Willie loves what we stand for: good times, good music, and good people."

-Brian Fox