Lyle Lovett premiers Lutcher’s 30th season

The Lutcher Theater kicked off a great 30th season Monday night with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. “Jim is really excited,” said Lynn Clark, wife of Jim Clark, managing director of the theater.

“He’s tried to get Lyle Lovett here almost from the time we arrived.”

Persistence paid off.

I must admit, I had never really listened to Lyle Lovett before, country is not my favorite genre. 

What Lovett started the evening with doesn’t fall into that category in my book. Country does Motown would be closer. There was a heavy infusion of blues with a little funk added.

I liked it. It had a good beat and would be easy to dance to... I’d give it a 95. (Giving away my age aren’t I?)

Lovett may end up amongst my collection of Prince, Santana and Bob Marley.

A patron seated near the middle of the orchestra said it was too loud. But it sounded great from where I was seated. During the performance I remember thinking it wasn’t busting my eardrums like some live performances.

Location, location, location.

During the second half of the show, Lovett played some country tunes, but the audience really came alive when he went to bluegrass.

Something else unexpected was Lovett’s dry wittiness. He could have a second career if the singing thing plays out.

However, I don’t think it will.

Never once did Lovett say anything about “writing” a song. He spends his days “makin’ things up” and said it’s “kinda weird” when doing so turns into a living.

Making things up as you go along removes boundaries and provides limitless possibilities. Countrified Motown...who’da thunk?

Lyle Lovett did.

Good job Jim.