Steve Earle 5/15/09
Sometimes you just run out of superlatives. But let me give it a try.
Steve Earle came to Twist and Shout last night and proved to be one of
the absolute greats. He showed up a bit early, so I had a chance to talk
to him for a few minutes. What an incredibly humble and approachable
guy. For someone as multi-talented (Singer/Songwriter, actor, writer,
poet, etc) he has almost no star pretension. He just seems like a very
normal guy. Obviously his colorful past belies that he was always thus,
but now he was most interested in talking about green chile, fishing
and sports. After watching him sign about two hundred autographs I
heard him speak expertly about a lot of subjects with no hesitation. He
is a smart and engaging person.
When he has a guitar in his hands and is standing in front of an
audience, he is an extraordinary person. Last night, he played about an
hour-long set that had the audience holding its breath in ecstasy.
Focusing heavily on songs from his new album of Townes Van Zandt
songs Townes as well as a few of his own - most of them
about Townes or Colorado - he put every ounce of feeling and heart
into every moment, singing with his eyes closed and kicking the
wooden stage with his boots to punctuate songs (and knock over water
bottles). It was magic. I have to say I think it might have been the best
in-store ever. I don’t know, I often feel that way right after an in-
store, but this one was really a different animal. The audience of over
three hundred was in the palm of his hand as he talked about his friend
and mentor Townes as well as his feelings about politics. He is a truly
committed liberal who doesn’t just speak out when it is safe. Shortly
after 9-11 we hosted him on his The Revolution Starts Now tour and he
was just as outspoken - at a time when it wasn’t so safe. But that is
Steve Earle. He is never worried about what people want or expect, he
is true to his heart and his art.
All the parts came together to make it a special evening. The label
(New West) and distribution company (RED) did a lot with few
resources and the audience responded by buying over a hundred and
fifty copies of the new album. Steve Earle himself gave his time and
talent generously and performed a set that nobody in the room will
soon forget. - Paul Epstein
