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So glad you enjoyed seeing Alejandro live. I caught the album release/tour kickoff show at Antone's in Austin. It was the first time I had seen Al live since seeing his show in support of "The Crossing" where he had a bunch of special guests including Wayne Kramer. That was a pretty special show. I dig his new album a lot, but I would highly recommend diving into his solo output further, as well as his Buick McKane and True Believers work. I caught him a bunch in the late 90s/early aughts. He called Austin home back then, so he played in town all the time. I was very lucky to catch him at some super intimate shows at The Cactus Cafe on the University of Texas campus. It's a small "listening room" that Townes Van Zandt considered his home club. Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, and so many other singer songwriters cut their teeth on that little stage. Al would pack his full band and a string section on that tiny stage, and they would create magic. The guy can rock pretty hard, but I love when he incorporates stings with his work. He's a really great bandleader. He did that "going into the audience" unplugged thing at many of those shows, and, at one particular show, he and his bandmates set up shop right in front of where I was sitting. They proceeded to play one of my absolute favorite songs of his, 'Last To Know', and I think I literally held my breath through the entire performance because I was almost afraid the sound of my breathing would disrupt the beauty of that moment. Definitely check out the original version of that song, or even the live version off of the "More Miles Than Money" live comp. As much as I like the new album, I prefer the original version of that one, and I also prefer the True Believers version of another favorite, 'Outside Your Door'.
The Bongos are excellent - Trish got me into them many years ago. Didn’t know James had a new record out. I bet Alejandro was great, I haven’t heard a ton of his stuff but I like what I do know. Haven’t listened to Pokey in a long time but I remember loving the first couple records a lot. Sounds like good times.
I highly recommend digging into Alejandro’s material a bit … I think you’d really enjoy his stuff. He plays the area often. Keep an eye out for dates. He’s worth catching live at least once. I need to keep my eyes out for that Bongos record now. Great stuff.
The album before Rhumba Country is almost a part 1 of that record. Rock Bottom Rhapsody is very, very good as well. Manic Revelations is almost a rockabilly record. Check it out!
