No one has really ever been able to define themselves and their music like singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo does. His life in music of all kinds sometimes feels like a swirl through the sky, where his songs point out all the majesty and mystery of how he sees the world. The sounds he makes take him places that he might not even predict, but once there, greatness always follows. It's just the way Escovedo is. It has happened over and over for decades, almost like a fateful agreement he has with the cosmos. There is a good chance it cannot be explained, especially by him.
Maybe that's because this is a musician who feels magic, both in himself and the world around him, and is open to the experience of whatever comes his way. It is not always easy, and can have a high demand on how a person lives. But it is the way that Escovedo is always moving forward.
On this new album, Alejandro Escovedo has taken a road rarely traveled, which is totally in keeping with how he has lived his life in music. Echo Dancing is an experiment in how to use the past to shape the future. By recording completely new and repurposed versions of songs from his past, Escovedo actually gets a chance to rewrite his own history. It's also an idea that pushes growth into the present, and asks an artist to see themselves anew. "I always feel that a well-written song can withstand a lot of abuse," Escovedo says. It is an area of creativity that the man has always honored. "Turning a past song inside out leads to discovery of new ideas you might not have understood about the song," he says. "Even lyrical refurbishing has proven helpful and effective. It's like interpreting your own work anew. The songs never seem to be complete. They are always evolving."
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Alejandro Escovedo never disappoints. He played a fantastic show. The band was excellent. Bowery Ballroom is a great place for a show. I catch Alejandro at every opportunity I can.
Great music, amazing band and fantastic energy throughout the night !
A show where they played some "deep cuts'. A long acoustic set with new music also. Alejandro is like a historical figure playing and talking about where he was, what was happening and where he is now. I really liked his talking between some cuts and putting historical perspective on his songs. New band was with him and they were pretty good and the drummer was exceptional. Now, the attendance. It was pitiful and a bunch of folks left in the concert. Being near the retirement villages of Florida didn't help. I really don't know what they were expecting.. When the older lady,next to me said " when he starts let's get up and dance" i knew she was at the wrong venue. I asked her if she was gonna dance to Sally Was A Cop? She left two songs into the set.
I'm a very big fan of Alejandro's music. Over 80% of his Spotify discography is on my regular rotation. I wish I could give the performance & the venue different ratings. I liked the venue. Simple & Elegant place to see a concert. People could get up from their seats & get closer to stage whenever they wanted or just remain in their seats. Great place & the bartenders and all the staff were very friendly and polite. Alejandro's performance bored me. His drummer was the best part of the night. His bass player can hold his own with anyone, but his lead guitar player didn't sound great. The crowd seemed to love him, but it was mostly a smoke & mirrors performance in my book. Alejandro sure liked to tell stories. Which is one of the characteristics I love about Texas' songwriters, but his stories went on & on forever. He liked to name drop a lot & probably told us all the names of everyone he has ever met. Quite simply his music didn't live up to the performance I thought he could have gave us. Sad & Disappointed.
His old stuff was good, but that was a small fraction of the concert
Al was as personable as ever & his latest band of "Sensitive Boys" was loud and tight. The emotional roller coaster of a set was heavy on the latest album with classics interspersed. The full-on Rock treatment of "I Was Drunk" caught me off guard then blew my mind! This was a pure rock show performed by professional musicians and Escovedo's heartfelt honesty tempered the fire nicely.
This concert was a first date as well.Just listening to Alejandro talk and tell stories was such a unique experience.Then the music he played was like no others.His band was awesome.They could play love songs squeezed from the heart,then get down and rock n roll.We loved every minute of it.I scored huge points with this date of mine.I will be watching for his return.One of the most memorable shows ive ever witnessed.The opening guy,John Henry was great as well.
The venue is excellent...so much more laid back than going into Boston. The show had great energy and the back up band were awesome.
This performer is an icon who deserves to be far more appreciated than what I witnessed in a small venue with perhaps 125 other fans. Notwithstanding what was likely the smallest crowd he entertained in a long time, he and the excellent musicians accompanying him played their hearts out on a cold rainy night in Maine. Don't miss him if you get the chance.
Love the ballads,guitar and the woman on the violin was amazing. The violin really added alot and made it a soulful, spiritial experience. Thank you!
