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 Francine Reed |
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Review and photos by Mary Andrews Lyle Lovett and his Large Band graced the Fox Theatre stage with some of the best musicians in show business today. The two and one half hour show proved that songs with a story of love and heartbreak still reign supreme in country music. Last night's show also featured the husky voiced gospel singer, Francine Reed.The show started with Ms. Reed entering the auditorium from the rear of the theatre, making her way to the stage singing her rousing rendition of "Wild Women Don't Have the Blues." The audience was geared up for a rowdy show at that point and the band was ready to deliver. Lyle Lovett was has modestly remarked in the past how he has surrounded himself with musicians "better than myself." "Once a year, for a couple of months, my closest and best friends go out on the road." Some of these musicians have worked with Mr. Lovett since 1978. "Life does not get any better than that." He introduced Matt Rollings on piano and mentioned that he was from Phoenix. The audience surprised Lovett with boos. He mentioned Ray Herndon on guitar was from Scottsdale and the fans displayed more scorn. Lyle responded, "I totally get what you mean. I'm from Houston and Dallas seems to be a world away or another country." Buck Reid on steel guitar is from Nashville and Viktor Krauss on bass is from Champagne, Il. Luke Bulla on fiddle is from Washington state, Keith Sewell from Texas, on guitar, John Hagen on cello, James Gilmer on congas, and Russ Kunkel on drums. Some of the Muscle Shoals Horns included Chet Willis and Harvey Thompson on trumpet, Charles Rose on trombone, and Brad Leali on saxophone. Finally Lovett hesitantly mentioned Francine Reed as being from Georgia and Phoenix seemingly afraid to incite more scorn from the crowd. The music covered Lovett's near 30-year career and he moved from blues, gospel, jazz, bluegrass, Western swing to country and back to gospel. Lovett seemed to be very comfortable in any genre presented. He has a casual, relaxed demeanor and a wry sense of humor that has been displayed in his songwriting and his shows. His songwriting is smart, sharp and authentic. Lovett's voice still has an aching, yearning quality that leads the listener into the heartbreak of life. It is the perfect vehicle for country music. Just as he transported the crowd into the throws of depression, he would deliver the droll, "She's No Lady." Lyle Lovett and His Large Band subtlely lead the audience through every emotion from sadness to joy to jubilation. This was Lyle Lovett at his best. In his own words, "making up songs and playing guitar is not work." |
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1. The Blues Walk
(Lyle Lovett song) 2. Wild Women Don't Have the Blues (with Francine Reed) 3. What Do You Do/The Glory of Love 4. Church 5. I've Been to Memphis 6. Here I Am 7. Since the Last Time 8. I Will Rise Up 9. I Know You Know 10. All Downhill From Here 11. Who Loves You Better 12. In My Own Mind |
13. L.A. County 14. The Temperance Reel (with Luke Bulla) 15. Night's Lullaby 16. Traveler's Prayer (with Keith Sewell) 17. Head Over Heels 18. Nobody Knows Me 19. If I Had a Boat 20. She's No Lady 21. That's Right (You're Not From Texas) 22. Pass Me Not O Savior Encore: 23. She Makes Me Feel Good 24. White Freightliner Blues |
 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band |
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 Francine Reed |
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