The genre-hopping work of Lyle Lovett has seen him blossom from a country-based singer/songwriter, to an assured artist unafraid to take on numerous different styles.
His country roots are partly explained by this Texas upbringing, but he soon branched out and enjoyed huge crossover success with his subtle blending of ideas from folk, jazz and rock backgrounds.
This spectacular live show sees him performing with the backing of a 26 piece orchestra, and a 16 piece band. The material mainly focuses on his album from 2003, “Smile,” which was a collection of cover versions of music from American films.
Legendary singer/songwriter Randy Newman joins Lovett to duet on several songs, and he also sticks around to perform a couple of solo turns in Lyle’s absence.
Trumpeter Mark Ishman is the other notable guest, ably helping to bring the show to a beautiful close as Lovett shows off his eclectic tastes by working his way through a number of gospel classics.
This really is a superb performance for lovers of fine music. The musicianship is second to none and the performances are electric.
The Songs:
Blue skies
Straighten up and fly right
Smile
Gee baby, ain’t I good to you
Summer wind
Moritat (Mack the Knife)
Walking tall
You’ve got a friend in me (duet with Randy Newman)
Political science
I think it’s going to rain today
If I had a boat
That’s right (You’re not from Texas)
Long tall Texan
What do you do
Church
What’d I say
I’m a soldier in the army of the Lord
I’m gonna wait
The Performers:
Viktor Krauss – Bass
Steve Jordan – Drums
Matt Rollings – Piano
Randy Newman – Vocals
Mitch Watkins – Guitar
Buck Reid – Pedal Steel
John Hagen – Cello
Lyle Lovett – Vocals
Stuart Duncan – Violin
Steve Marsh – Alto and Tenor
Harvey Thompson – Tenor
Vinnie Ciesielshi – Trumpet
Charles Rose – Trombone
Mark Isham – Featured Trumpet
James Gilmer – Percussion
Francine Reed, Sweet Pea Atkinson,
Sir Harry Bowens and Willie Greene Jr – Vocals
Credits
Director – Joe Thomas
Producer – Joe Thomas and Steve Dahl
Executive Producer – Randy King
Musical Director – Billy Williams
Special features:
Biography
Discography
Photo gallery
Meet the band
