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 Alejandro Escovedo |
 Corey Chisel |
 Alejandro Escovedo |
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Story and photos by Matt Schwenke With just two mics and a few monitor speakers dotting the stage, Alejandro Escovedo's stop in Milwaukee on an acoustic duo tour was nearly as stripped down as could be-- only a few CD's lay out at the merch table, the crowd sat amongst loosely arranged tables that overflowed to staggered rows of chairs, and with some mic problems early on, the duo stepped in front of the mics to perform unamped while the problem was worked out-- but with a gift for storytelling and musical expression, Escovedo's music was full of changes in light, sights, textures and fashions, in the figurative sense, and offered some glimpses of his forthcoming studio album Real Animal which is set for release in June.Often backed by an orchestra or small band, Escovedo and accompanying guitarist David Pulkingham offered starkly different takes on the curiously rousing "Everybody Loves Me," the contemplative "Five Hearts Breaking" (performed sans mic and amp) and the pensively melodic "Sister Lost Soul." Showing mastery of guitar, Escovedo and Pulkingham were technically adept in the orchestral piece "By the Hand of the Father" from Escovedo's 2002 theatre production of the same name, yet they remained raw and excitable with Mariachi-esque power and flair in "I Was Drunk." But even more remarkable than Escovedo's tunes was his humble presence that demanded a certain respect-- an age-diverse audience sat in reposed rapture most of the night, even when the duo serenaded the audience by stepping out into the crowd to perform three songs. And as Escovedo told stories about his journey in music (experiences from his beginnings in Texas and citing the influence of T-Rex, David Bowie and Santana after moving to California) and in life in general (comically recounting dreams of wanting to be a curveball-throwing, big league pitcher and professional surfer in explaining the theme of aging behind "Slow Down," a tune co-written with fellow singer/songwriter Chuck Prophet) he had the crowd quietly on the edge of their seats, wanting to hear what he had to say. Opener Corey Chisel couldn't have fit the bill much better. The Appleton, Wis. country/blues-ster offered sparse arrangements dipped in some folk soul with bandmate Adriel Harris adding sweet accompaniment on vocals. While Chisel may be a ways off from a headlining a show as a solo artist, his band, Corey Chisel and The Wondering Sons, may soon find themselves headlining larger venues after recently signing a major label deal with RCA. |
 Corey Chisel |
 Alejandro Escovedo |
 Alejandro Escovedo |
 Corey Chisel |
 Alejandro Escovedo |
 Alejandro Escovedo |