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Minneapolis has a thriving musical community. If you enjoy the music of Prince or alternative rock, you can find a plethora of performers that fit the bill. Top Americana acts such as the Jayhawks, the Honeydogs, and widely acclaimed songwriter Kevin Bowe call Minnesota home. But when what you're hankerin' for is something with a little more twang, your choices are much more limited. Having not seen Charlie Robison perform in a club setting for more than two years, I was eager for a chance to see a top Texas act and compare his current live performance to past shows. Until recently, Charlie Robison was one of many acts who could pack clubs every night throughout his native Texas, but was a virtual unknown outside of the Lone Star State. Step Right Up, his latest release for Sony/Lucky Dog, has helped expand his fan base outside Texas, while creating controversy among his established fans who are fearful that he's "gone Nashville". Musicians have told me they always lead with the weakest song of the set, then finish strong to leave the audience wanting more. Robison kicked off his set with "I Want You Bad", the first single from his latest release. Leading with this number, rather than saving it for the end of the set, makes me wonder if Robison doesn't also consider this one of the weaker songs on his latest disc. Next up was "Desperate Times"; the story of a high school friend who joined the San Antonio Police and was then arrested for a bank robbery. This song was originally on Bandera, Robison's independently released debut, and subsequently reworked for inclusion on Step Right Up. Well Jackie got an idea The two recorded versions of this song differ with the newest having a fuller, smoother, more orchestrated sound. The same comment applies to the live performance. While the majority of his band appears to have been replaced in the last few years, lead guitarist Kevin Carroll, dressed in a suit instead of the eclectic dress of years past, is still there with his display of frenzied playing. The band sounds great, having polished their performance during the constant touring to promote Step Right Up. The remainder of the set consisted of a mix of songs from Step Right Up and Life of the Party including "I Don't Feel That Way" and "Barlight", which along with "Desperate Times" were songs originally on Bandera that were subsequently recut for his major label releases. Some of the other songs in the set included "Call Me a Fool" and "Right Man for the Job", ending with "My Hometown" and an encore of the Irish tinged "John O'Reily". If you think this sounds almost perfect you'd be almost right. While skipping "I Want You Bad" in favor of any in a long list of alternate choices wouldn't have bothered me, I'm sure someone in the audience would have felt slighted, and rightfully so since this is his most recent "hit". So what was missing? One of the secondary appeals of a live performance is the banter or stories between songs. The VH-1 Storytellers series, Songwriters Nights, and Bruce Springsteen concerts are all popular, partially because they excel in this area. In the past Charlie has always provided interesting and provocative commentary between songs. This night we got the assertion that all the songs he was singing were written by himself or his brother Bruce, conveniently choosing to ignore that the opener was an NRBQ cover tune, and we heard a safe attack against middle eastern terrorists. For the first time I can remember, there were no controversial remarks, no snide comments directed at Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, or other "Hat Acts". The rest of my group, who were less familiar with him, found him to be very personable and audience friendly. They agreed his remaining "rough edges" were part of his appeal. Ultimately I enjoyed the show; with my need for live Texas music satisfied, at least for the moment. As for Charlie Robison, I'm concerned. A large part of his appeal is the rough edges, the willingness to always say what he thinks. I understand the desire to broaden his fan base and making some concessions to do so. But with a little more polishing, both live and on record, he'll become just like those acts he despises. Charlie and his band will be on tour nationwide until at least
the end of 2001, culminating the year with a free performance
for tailgaters and ticketholders in the parking lot of Texas
Stadium on December 30th. Visit www.pollstar.com or www.charlierobison.com
for a complete list of concert dates.
Contact Al Kunz at kunz-at-rockzilla.net |
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