Lyle Lovett News

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.

A tour with fellow songwriting pal John Hiatt ended two days earlier. In less than a week, he will be back on the road for a month's worth of shows with his Large Band, the brassy Americana army that has been his most visible performance vehicle for the past two decades.

Lyle Lovett has long come across as the nice guy who finished last. He's the dude who, against all odds, got the beautiful girl, then promptly lost her to some better-looking, wealthier other man.

I heard some songs from Lyle Lovett 's new album, Natural Forces , on a road trip earlier this month.

Alongside hip young Brandi Carlile's latest CD are records from Texas troubadour Lyle Lovett and country royalty Rosanne Cash.

SECOND EFFORT. Singer/songwriter Kristin Connell just released her second album, 'Dance of Love.' Kristin Connell's first foray into music was short-lived. In second grade, she talked her mother into letting her take piano lessons.

ROBERT EARL KEEN is more a legend than a celebrity. For more than 25 years, the Houston native has been writing smart, plucky songs about misfits and barflies and has recorded a string of well-received albums, including the landmark " A Bigger Piece of Sky " in 1993 and " Picnic " in 1997.

One of the original tracks on Lyle Lovett's new Natural Forces CD, "Pantry," brims with down-home goodness.