This column originally appeared in The Local Voice #67 (November 13, 2008 ).
Looking back on the last two weeks…
Bluegrass was the theme for the past two weeks. The Del McCoury Band at The Lyric was a show and a night I’ll remember for quite some time. Del has one of those voices, one so great that if he had chosen another profession, it would be a slap in the face of his Maker. Surrounded by a truly professional and at times awe-inspiring band, Del (69) just keeps on going, having mastered his craft to the point of perfection.
A couple of Mayhem String Band shows got us warmed up for Del and his boys. Mayhem brings an energetic twist to bluegrass, one that appeals to a broad audience. They opened for Del at The Lyric after wowing an intimate crowd across the street at the debut of Music in the Hall. MITH is a small gathering of friends and music fans. Those interested in checking it out should go to OxfordMusicSnob.com and drop me a line.
The following night saw another debut, that of George McConnell’s new band and his series of Virtual 45s. This was a rocking show, as expected from a band comprised of McConnell (vocals, guitar), Daniel Karlish (vocals, guitar, lap steel), Tommy Turan (bass), and Kenny Graeber (drums). I continue to be amazed by Karlish, a former Oxford resident now calling Nashville home. When McConnell and Karlish are on stage together, there are many moments when my friends and I turn to each other with a look of disbelief. They are simply masters of the guitar. Turan and Graeber, also two of the best at what they do, give them a great foundation to work with.
Looking forward to the next two weeks…
One band that I had never heard, but am intrigued by after hearing their online material, is The Bridges. They will be at Proud Larry’s on November 18. Larry’s has a few more shows that I want to see: Alvin Youngblood Hart (11/15), Shannon McNally (11/20), and John Barrett’s Bass Drum of Death with The Howlies (11/22).
The Lyric has a couple of great shows approaching as well, on back-to-back Fridays. Jimbo Mathus’s Hillbilly Hayride with Mayhem String Band opening (11/14) will be an amazing night. Jimbo has always been one of my favorites. He just has that edge, something special that’s needed to be a great musician. He has assembled an impressive band that mixes a little bit of a country and western sound with the bluesy style I’ve always identified with him.
A week later, Robert Earl Keen will take the same stage. Keen is one of the truly great Texan singer-songwriters. He is what a lot of the pretenders wish they could be. This will be Keen’s first time back in Oxford since he played the Larry Brown Tribute Concert in 2007. It’s sure to be a great return.
This column originally appeared in The Local Voice #67 (November 13, 2008 ).
Filed under: Entertainment, Music, Oxford Life, Show Reviews, Upcoming Shows
