Another real treat was a very soulful cover of an old obscure '60s R&B nugget, “Losing Boy,” originally written and performed by Eddy G. Giles. Lowe also tossed in a few rockers including the encore “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)” and “Heart of the City”. The latter song, perhaps the closest Nick ever came to punk, was the only time that I really wished that he had a kick ass band behind him. Check out this scorching clip and you’ll see what I mean. The one surprise was that Lowe didn’t play “The Club” — the song off of his new album that has garnered the most airplay and is the closest thing to a single.
After the first encore, the organizers tried very hard to bring the concert to an end, but the crowd clapped and hollered for about 10 minutes and finally Nick relented. He closed a magnificent set with “Beast in Me” (from The Impossible Bird). Afterwards, Lowe graciously stuck around for quite a while chatting with people and signing copies of his new CD. There is a special bond that is forged between older artists in mid-career and longtime loyal fans. In an intimate setting like this, it can create a magical musical experience for both audience and performer.
Article comments
1 - Holly Hughes
Cool review, Dave! Boy, do I wish I'd been in New York that night; you can bet I'd have been there rocking out along with you. Nick Lowe shows so much integrity these days, and I for one am glad that his enormous -- and underrated -- songwriting gifts still find an audience.
2 - Artifact
Nice review, I love that venue. They do a nice job coordinating an eclectic line up! As it should be.