Alejandro Escovedo -June 22, 2006 Irving Plaza, New York

Like it wasn't enough that Marah played that night, I also got Alejandro Escovedo, who I think is absolutley amazing. If you don't know his story, he has a long rich musical history which nearly came to an end in 2003 when liver damage caused by Hepatitis C nearly killed him.

Now with restored health, and a new album, The Boxing Mirror, he's looking great and reflecting on his new lease on life. Thursday's show was my second this year, and although it was great, I really liked the messy crowded feel of the Austin show more. At that show, he talked a lot. I felt like I was witnessing something like a revival show. The stage was absolutely packed with people and I was almost poked with the cellist bow several times. I thought someone was falling into the crowd for sure.

This show opened with my favourite song, Put You Down which you should download right now if you've never heard it. (Get the version from Disc 2 of "With These Hands") It sounds like a love song, but it's a love song to booze (I think). Lyrics are here, if you want to decide for yourself. Anyway, it was almost halfway through the show before he said a single word and although he was still the same amazing man, funny, and thoughtful, it felt like he was a bit tired of telling the stories. Of course, the music is where it matters, and although you can't tell from these photos, he had his full band of 8 with the two cellists, and the violinist, something you don't get from the usual rock show.

And of course he totally rocked this Steel Gray satin suit with the blue lace shirt.
To check out his story, See this great PopMatters interview and to hear more of his music, check out his MySpace site.