AUSTIN, Texas — I first heard of Alejandro Escovedo about 15 years ago. Stephen Bruton sang his praises, then the next thing I knew he was everywhere in the music press: big names were headlining benefit concerts to assist him with long-term medical bills. He was a legendary figure in Austin circles and gaining notice for his solo work. And he remained on my List of Acts I’d Like to See.
So straight off the airplane, Goal #1 was to catch his 10 p.m. show at the Continental Club.
But that was 10 p.m. rock ‘n’ roll time. Our position in line was pretty good – probably among the first 20 people – but 10 p.m. was long ago, and we were still on the sidewalk. We heard Toni Price’s set, and hope sprang eternal when we heard Alejandro’s sound check.
And yet we waited.
JMM was hanging tough, nary a complaint. He had reason to: he’d woken up in Scotland about 22 hours ago. I had been up since 5:30 a.m. Atlanta time and was weary myself.
“I’m fading fast,” I confessed.
“We can go if you want to,” he said.
Now that’s a friend. But we had come this far. We had to see Alejandro. I’d already waited 15 years, right?
Sure enough, within minutes, the line moved and we were inside the Continental – seated at a table, no less – and there came the man himself. He won’t overwhelm you with his strapping physical presence, but he is now strong and healthy. Wearing a black suit and raspberry silk shirt, he launched into a few songs he’s testing for his new album – first acoustic, then with the full band.
Fabulous. All we dreamed it would be, and more. Beautiful phrases, beautiful guitar lines, and the room started hopping. He closed with “Castanets,” which had one woman (obviously well-versed in the song) jumping up and dancing on a platform. I was admiring her total enjoyment of the song; JMM kept watching the ceiling fan above her head with concern.
I’ve read that “Castanets” made it to George W. Bush’s iPod playlist. Alejandro said he’s not proud of that, but I think it’s wonderful. I’d hate for anyone to spend any time in Austin without becoming a fan of Alejandro Escovedo.
Georgia Confidential 