February has been a good month for live music. I went and saw two very enjoyable shows - neither one was technically rock & roll but I like diversity and these were great.
On February 21, I went to see Tinsley Ellis (Blues) with my friends "the Michaels" at the Variety Playhouse. I'm not a big blues person historically and I was not familiar with Tinsley at all but when I read about him it sounded like a great opportunity to see a well respected blues player in a great small venue. He is actually from GA, went to Emory, and I think currently lives in Tucker (just a few miles a way).
In the last few years he has released an all instrumental (cool) and his newest album Tough Love. I must say I really didn't get too excited when I listened to Tough Love, so I really wasn't to sure how much I would enjoy the show. Once again I was shocked by the difference between recordings and live performance. He put on a great show live. It was just a trio (him, bass and drums) and they played a variety of tunes; including a few covers. he was very impressive on guitar and seemed very personable. When discussing his new album he said he had "high hopes and low expectations." I liked that a lot. I would definitely see them again live and want to go back and check out some more of his work.
On February 27, Diane and I went to see Willie Nelson at the Tabernacle. Back when I lived in Houston in the 90's I saw a variety of country acts but I never saw Willie. He was born in 1933 which means he is about 82. Not sure how many more opportunities I would have and seeing him in a mid-size place like the Tabernacle is just too cool. Diane and I didn't have great seats (2nd row of upper balcony) but nothing is too bad at the Tabernacle.
We stopped in and had dinner at the Wrecking Bar Brewpub in Little Fivepoints on the way in. Diane had never been to Little Fivepoints and she is always complaining that I get to go to all the cool places and restaurants (while at work). The restaurant was very good and I had a delicious Carrot Cake Oatmeal Porter. I definitely need to go back and try more of their beers.
Willie was pretty amazing. I thought he might look or sound frail but he did not. He played for about an hour, he never sat down or looked tired, and his voice sounded strong. I can't believe he still plays the old beat up guitar full of holes but it is classic just like him. He would throw his bandanas in the crowd everyone in a while and people would go nuts. I couldn't tell for sure from where I was sitting put I think people were either throwing cigarettes or joints up to him on stage :).
He played plenty of classics like Georgia, Mama Don't let your Baby's Grow Up to be Cowboys, and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. His son was playing electric guitar in the band and he may have had some other family members there but I'm not sure. Diane and I had a great time and now we can say we have seen on of the biggest legends in American music. Wow.
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