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Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely, Guy Clark

I saw these four gentlemen perform together last night. Four chairs, four guitars, and them sitting in a row on the stage. Each taking a turn playing their songs. It was an amazing performance. After last night, I want to expose myself to more of John Hiatt's music. He has a really quirky voice and a wry way of looking at the world, plus his guitar playing really impressed me. Can anyone recommend some of his music for me? I would love to get my hands on some of his work on vinyl, but CD/SACD will work as well. It was great to see a show in which everyone on the stage was an equal, each sharing, laughing, and applauding the other's playing. As usual, Lyles voice was wonderful, and Ely and Clark have always been a treat to listen to, with their songs of West Texas. What a great night! 2 1/2 hours of wonderful music making. If this tour makes it to your area, don't miss it.
slipknot1
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,751 posts
 
Hi Slipknot1:

Hiatt's body of work can be a real hit or miss.

Some of his best recent work can be found on an album that John did about four years ago on the Vanguard label entitled, "Crossing Muddy Waters." I feel that this album has some of his most expressive songwriting (What Do We Do Now; Take It Down); as well as some of his best musical performances (Lincoln Town; Only the Song Survives). Of his older albums (1987), "Bring the Family," also features equally strong songwriting and performances (Have a Little Faith In Me). When John is on top of his game, his combination of blues/folk/country/rock is magical. By contrast, I did not care much for his latest release "Beneath This Gruff Exterior," as I found the album to be missing that magic.

I only have CD's, so I do not know from vinyl. "Bring the Family" was recently released on SACD.

Regards,

Rich
lokie's avatar
lokie
528 posts
 
Where did you see this... and has anybody seen an other dates scheduled via web sites etc..
slipknot1 OP
1,423 posts
 
Sbank,
I know World Cafe and WXPN (I live in the Phila area), I first got turned on to Hiatt by David Dye.

Rich,
The "Bring The Family" from my wife's car is a hybrid, so I can listen to the SACD layer on that one. Thanks for the other suggestions!

Lokie,
I saw them at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ
They are playing tonight in Newark, NJ for you Tri-Staters
Next appearance by all four is is not until June at the Telluride Bluegrass festival. check out http://www.lylelovett.net for more info.
davebachmann
94 posts
 
Tops on my list are Bring the Family and Slow Turning followed closely by Crossing Muddy Waters.

I strongly agree with Rar1's comment concerning the hit or miss quality of some of his stuff. Many of the earlier albums (and even some recent ones like Little Head) are actually fairly painful to my ears, but the winners are true gems.
mmrog
101 posts
 
"Bring the Family" is Hiatt's best as far as sonic's go and was released by MoFi on LP and gold CD. Also has some of his best songs and great picking by Ry Cooder in an informal live in the studio set.

IMO his best rock releases are "Riding with the King" (also on MoFi gold CD) and "Warming Up to the Ice Age".

He has several greatest hits, but my favorite is the 2 disk "Anthology", cause it's got a lot of his older songs. Takes you up to "Crossing Muddy Water" which is great and his most acoustic release. Another live in the studio affair.

Anyone heard his latest "Beneath this Gruff Exterior" ? Guess it's another rock one with the Goners. I love Sonnny Landreth, but haven't been too impressed with Hiatt's recent releases with them.
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