Alejandro Escovedo at the Troubadour

I saw Alejandro Escovedo (finally!) at the Troub on September 9. L.A., being what it is, couldn't manage to sell out even that small venue for this great artist. I would say his band is among the best bands I have ever seen on any stage, at any size venue. The violin and cello really add a dimension to the show and sound, and when they are all rocking it is crazy.

Only complaint? The set was only seventy-five minutes or so, not nearly long enough. Alejandro looked tired and I wonder if he just needed more rest. But for those seventy-five minutes I was thirty feet away from something very special. The encore ended with All the Young Dudes and the Stones' Beast of Burden. I just need to see a three hour show. And I need Alejandro to call me up and ask me to play guitar for him (not that I can fill David Pulkingham's shoes and not that David is going anywhere, but a man can dream, damn it!). Anyway, if you haven't see Alejandro you need to change that.

New Escovedo

Alejandro Escovedo's "Real Animal" is out and to me it's his best yet. This guy has to be on the short list of the best American singer-songwriters around right now. He is musically original and a poet with words. "Real Animal" is autobiographical, covering Escovedo's musical and personal journeys with insight and honesty. Now if he'd just call me up to play guitar for him! Highly recommended.