Well the night started out beautifully, I made the trek into the Big Smoke in pretty good time (I didn't even get all the way through Drive-By Truckers "The Dirty South). I got there in time to see Lucy Lehmann and was captured by her strength and vulnerability, the room wasn't as full as it would have been on a Friday or Saturday, but it was a healthy Tuesday night turnout.
Perry Keyes was up next after what seemed an unusually long changeover, considering all performers were performing solo and acoustic, Perry was in his usual very fine form, picking a set list must be a nightmare for Perry when he is playing support, he has such a wide, healthy repertoire to choose from, Perry did very well in his song selection, delving into past, present and future.
Then the long lean, southern boy Justin Townes Earle took to the stage, armed only with his trusty Epiphone flat top, a knowing grin and enough talent, charm and whit to disarm even the most cynical of folk who may be of the opinion that he is riding the coat tails of his dear old Dad Steve Earle.
JTE opened with a tune "They Killed John Henry" that will debut on his next album due out in March '09, next was "Ain't glad I'm Leaving" from his current release "The Good Life", both songs were welcomed very warmly by the now very full and very diverse room. This set the mood for the rest of the night, "The Good Life" was very well represented as were the yet to be released songs. There were the mandatory covers, Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams, Buck Owens songs were all in his arsenal along with many more.
JTE played for almost 2 hours and only got better as the night went on, then after the very vocally demanded encore, JTE invited all to the merch table for a meet and greet.
All in all, JTE is a true talent and I'm glad I was amongst the first to witness JTE in Aus, because when he tours again, he WILL be playing bigger venues and there WILL be a bigger ticket price.
Everyone I spoke with after the show were almost rendered speechless, the most common phrase was "Oh My God! How great was that!" and "Shit! That boy can play!"
Till next time... leave the dirt on!
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