Live Number Two Dinner
Last summer, I’d seen a passing reference to REK (Robert Earl Keen, Jr.) doing a show at Floores Country Store — brought back memories because that is a singular event that was a serious bucket list for me.
That album — over the years — crawled its way to the top of life-long, best-of, desert-island CDs. Or albums. Or collections of music that I can listen to over and over.
Perhaps this speaks to a narrow generation. Perhaps it speaks to a time and place, but the nature of much good music is transcendent, as it is stuck in neither time or place.
No. 2 Live Dinner – Robert Earl Keen
Live Dinner Reunion – Robert Earl Keen
The No. 2 Live Dinner “album” — I’ve only held it in my hands as a CD — is a recording that seems to go well beyond its humble roots, and captures the essence of what a hot summer night in a backyard, or a warm fall evening under the stars, or some combination of lazy nights with live bands that was a special mix of rock, folk, and country that makes up our local musical heritage.
Now, I’ve seen him there a few times. Maybe not so much recently, last time I saw REK, it was the “new” show with Lyle Lovett, the two singer/songwriters on stage swapping stories and songs, thoroughly engaging as two Texas minstrels exchanged anecdotes about life.
Previously and here.
More REK here.
Single image.
As noted before, there is an embarrassing richness in local talent, a surfeit of singer/songwriters, raconteurs with guitars, mostly.
Seeing REK at Floores Country Store, or seeing him paired with Lyle Lovett, just the two on stage, that’s no longer such a big deal. Worth it to see them, for sure, and as an album goes, interesting to see how it fairs.
Live Number Two Dinner
As specified in a Spanish Land Grant, although, for the life of me, I can’t lay my hands on a copy of this at the moment, but as duly specified, a Number Two Dinner in any — every — TexMex place should be a taco, two cheese enchiladas covered with chili con carne, a tamale, a bean and cheese tostada, guacamole salad, served with ice tea. The standard question, “Flour or Corn?” The obvious allusion? Tortillas.
It is what a Number Two Dinner should always be.
Hashtag, “Just saying’.”
No. 2 Live Dinner – Robert Earl Keen
Live Dinner Reunion – Robert Earl Keen
Live Dinner Reunion
No 2 Live Dinner
The Desert Island CD set, the way I heard the question framed, “You'll be stuck on a desert island and you only get 10 CDs. Which ten would you take?”
Two albums at the top of the list?
No. 2 Live Dinner – Robert Earl Keen
No 2 Live Dinner
Step Inside This House – Lyle Lovett
Step Inside This House