Lyle Lovett News

On his latest album, Natural Forces , Lyle Lovett tells you, a oeHome is where my horse is.a Makes sense.

When a not-yet-30 year-old Lyle Lovett first broke out from the Texas songwriter scene in the mid-80s, he already carried with him a distinct voice, warm with wit and wisdom.

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band Lovett, always a favorite of the critics, is touring on the strength of his piping-hot, new Natural Forces , which is more of the same for the tall, cool drink of water: namely, melancholic mid-tempo heart-bruisers with a thread of the existentially absurd running through them to remind us that we shouldn't take ...

You gotta love Lyle Lovett. Even though he often sings about the wild west, looks good in a cowboy hat and has enough aw-shucks charm to make a clam smile, Lyle Lovett isn't exactly what you'd call country.

The common elements found within Lyle Lovett's albums and touring units are impeccably played instrumentation and his achy, reedy voice: a nimble instrument itself that winds its way through country or jazz.

"[Audiences] really listen to you in Canada. Thata s the most you can ask for. It makes you want to come and do your best for them.a "You are there to serve the song," Lyle Lovett says when asked whether it's more difficult to play someone else's music than his own.

There's something haunting about the way Lyle Lovett sings. His word choice and his distinctive phrasing explain why he was an instant success and why he is so imitated.

Across America, numerous cities are known for their musical heritage - Detroit's "Motown Sound," Seattle's grunge scene, Nashville's country "Music City" status, and too many blues towns to name.

Lyle Lovett closed his splendid sold-out show at the Orpheum Theatre Friday night with the raucous country gospel outburst "Church.'' But the long, tall Texan's entire 2 1/2-hour performance felt like the best kind of soul-stirring church service, full of joy, solemnity, reverence, and contemplation.

Two alumni of Houston's fabled folk scene return to Anderson Fair this weekend. Vince Bell lives in Santa Fe, N.M., these days, but he will always be associated with the heyday of the Houston folk scene and Anderson Fair.

There's no doubt about it. Lyle Lovett is different. Very different. His unique vocal character, along with an exceptional ability to write quirky but endearing material gathered from a wide variety of influences, has built a solid, worldwide cult following for the Houston-area native.

When Lyle Lovett sings "home is where my horse is" on the title track of his new album, "Natural Forces," there's no question what state he's singing about.

Although he has his share of country hits and awards, Lyle Lovett doesn't quite fit the Nashville mold of a country music recording star.

A A By GREG HAYMES A A Special to the Times Union A A ALBANY - Long tall Texan Lyle Lovett has had quite a varied bunch of bandmates in his Large Band over the years.

Lyle Lovett Natural Forces Curb / Lost Highway ESSENTIAL "Natural Forces'' Lyle Lovett & His Large Band play at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $36.50-$56.50 at www.livenation.com or 877-598-8689. Lyle Lovett lost some fans with his Large Band, an ensemble that extended his reach from country to big-band jazz and gospel.

Country singer Bill Anderson is 72. Actress Marcia Wallace is 67. Country singer Kinky Friedman is 65.

Singer Lyle Lovett believes in connecting with the audience. By Tad Dickens A 777-6474 One regular Lovett sideman, violinist Gene Elders, is a Roanoke native.

It is record-release day for Lyle Lovett, a Tuesday when his 14th album, "Natural Forces," is being unleashed on the world.

Keb' Mo' is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and a three-time Grammy Award winner for best contemporary blues album.

'Revolution'; Sony Nashville 4 stars out of 4 Miranda Lambert's 'Revolution' unfolds more like a rock album than the mainstream country CD it is.