Alejandro Escovedo at the Highline Ballroom Sunday.
October 13, 2009 (New York) – Alejandro Escovedo is a rock star. Even though he may not be a household name, in a world of wannabes he’s got the goods. On Sunday night at the Highline Ballroom on West 16th Street, sandwiched in between Texas newcomers Hacienda and headliners Los Lonely Boys, Escovedo showed the youngsters how it’s done.
Escovedo has been around for ages. He began his career when most of today’s rockers weren’t even born, in the mid-70’s in San Francisco’s Nuns and then the True Believers. As a solo artist in recent years he’s claimed Bruce Springsteen, Beck, Los Lobos and a host of other luminaries as fans and released several classic albums, including Gravity, Bourbonitis Blues, Boxing Mirror and last year’s Real Animal.
He’s got the look, the swagger and the presence. But more importantly he’s got the voice. And the songs.
After surviving Hepatitis C six years ago you could expect Escovedo to be a shell of a performer. In fact he commands the stage, and seems at once legendary as a result of the tight, intense performance of his stellar songs and a regular guy via his relaxed, unassuming banter with the audience.
Escovedo played an acoustic set, backed by violinist Susan Voelz and guitarist David Pulkingham, but rocked hard. Three songs from Real Animal and a smattering of classics over about 40 minutes and he was gone. Amazing.
Pity poor Los Lonely Boys who had to follow Escovedo’s set.
This article is copyright 2009 by Jeff Slate. No part may be reprinted or referenced without attribution and/or permission. All rights reserved.
Comments
Well, I'm a very devoted fan of both Escovedo and The Boys and am looking forward to seeing them both tonight and Friday night here in New England. You're review of AE is spot on. However, the final remark... "pity poor Los Lonely Boys...", etc., etc.??? There is where I beg to differ and we part ways. LLB may have a different take on their music but they are undeniably making GREAT Texican R&R and are very much their own. This is The Boys (acoustic) Brotherhood Tour - ie, they are musical "brothers" and they have respect for one anothers' music. So, we can appreciate and enjoy them both and not "pity" anyone!
A fan in Vermont
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