Alejandro Escovedo-First Ever Australian Concert
March 3rd 2019 The Camelot Lounge
Alejandro Escovedo is one of those rare creatures (in the singer-songwriter category) who has worked in punk, roots, alternative country and straight-ahead rock and roll. At his first Australian show at The Camelot Lounge, all of Escovedo was on display.
The music was one thing. Opening with a song about leaving his roots in Texas behind, “San Antonino Rain”, you could almost feel the weeping of his tears. Early in in the evening there were many stories about Texas, about his Mexican roots, moving to California and his surfing days and more. Even if he had not played such gems as “Rosalie”, “Castanets”, and “Something Blue”, sitting and listening to his tales would be entertaining enough. Escovedo is and was engaging on so many levels. In short, he is the real deal, a beautiful human being as it shown from his eyes and words.
Tim Rogers joined Alejandro throughout the night on backing and harmony vocals and guitar. As this was the first show on the tour, they did a fabulous job with what I am sure was not much rehearsal time. “Swallows of San Juan”, “Sister Lost Soul” and “Wave” (written for his Dad) were goose-bump-inducing. Escovedo has that distinct Chicano lilt/accent to his singing voice. With mariachi music a part of his family’s heritage, Escovedo and Rogers unplugged and played amongst the tables for a couple of songs. Very moving as could be seen by the faces of the sold-out crowd.
With stories about playing at the last Sex Pistols gig in San Francisco (with The Nuns) and then heading to The Chelsea in New York moments later for what we all know occurred there to nerve-wracking moments on and off stage with St. Springsteen, Alejandro bared his heart and soul with warmth and laughter.
Closing with “Down in the Bowery”….I have no words. For me, it being my favourite of his compositions, I could barely control the river of emotions that overcame me.
Anyone reading this before he leaves Australia….go get a ticket now…you will be in the presence of greatness. Playing and talking time was 2 hours and 15 minutes…whoa!
