Friday, September 26, 2008

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO at Shady Grove 9-25-08

WOW, what a show! The 4 of us were in the front row and there in time for sound check. He asked if we minded if he played loud and we pretty much said "be our guests!" He brought the full band, including cellist Brian Standefer and violinist Susan Voelz. This band rocked for almost 2 full hours. The setlist was a great mix of the new Real Animal record along with his older work such as Put You Down, Rosalie, I Was Drunk, Castanets and Crooked Frame. To see this band in such a tiny space from the front row was beyond what I can describe.
He also happens to be a very sweet guy. We chatted with him before the show about several things. He played the DNC a few weeks ago and he told us it was the most exciting thing he's ever done because it meant so much more than just the music. He got to meet Jimmy Carter and that was very special for him. He told us about playing with Springsteen and the E Street Band. It was great getting to chat with him. He treated us like we were his next door neighbors. Afterward we each got a signed copy of the set list from him and he thanked us for coming. Can you imagine? Tomorrow he'll play one of the big stages at the festival in front of thousands.
Finally, because we were there in time for sound check, I filmed Always A Friend which turned out spectacularly! Check it out on my YouTube link from above.

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