I’ve seen Lyle Lovett perform a number of times, from the formal Bass Concert Hall in Ft. Worth to the outdoor venue, the Backyard, in Austin. Invariably enjoyable, the San Antonio show particularly good, Saturday night.
There was a no host,other the performer himself. He came out on the darkened stage, for the first song, accompanied by a single cellist, and gradual, over the course of three songs, the bulk of his stage entourage joined him. 14 or 18 musicians, sort of depends, including a horn section.
In the past few years, Lyle’s music has softened just a touch, and it’s not all that sad stuff, and no where does this become more apparent than in the stage show.
The exceedingly dry humor does come through. “I like the Saturday night crowds, you’re usually with some one you want to be with, unlike the Friday night crowds.
“And those couples, the guys, they are motivated by that most primal and purest of all emotions. (Dramatic pause.) Fear.”
Looking at the crowd, I started to realize what place Lyle Lovett occupies in musical taxonomy. There was folk, bluegrass, country & western, big band, western swing, but first and foremost, Lyle Lovett is a crooner. A Texas crooner, tied to the land for over a hundred years, a Scorpio, with typical tales, but basically, a crooner.
In front of me, six seats, looked a brother and sister, in their 20’s, grandparents, in their 60’s or 70’s, and parents, someplace in between. Three generations, at the same show.
I’m sure different points appeal to different people.
Perhaps it’s jingoistic of me, but personally, I wished Lyle would drop his “You’re not from Texas but Texas wants you anyway” song. Leaves a bad impression with visitors. Please come and visit. But when the money runs out?
Laeti edimus qui nos subigant!
(click to visit)
