The second disc of this set features a real treat, a gig at The Roxy from 1986. Finally getting his big break, Dwight is in playful mood, joking with the audience and just having a good time. There is such unbridled joy in the playing that this listener had a smile on his face from start to finish. From the opening twang of Pete Anderson’s guitar on “Can’t You Hear Me Calling” to the closing notes of “Since I Started Drinking Again” this is a blistering live set.
On top of Yoakam originals are such treats as a storming version of Hank Williams “My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It” and “Mystery Train” dedicated to John Fogerty and Emmylou Harris (both in the audience). Playing in from of such legendary artists you might expect a little nervousness but there’s none of that, what we get is a man who knows his time has come and he’s damn sure going to grab it with both hands.
Put simply this is a magnificent release and even casual Dwight Yoakam fans should pick it up, it’ll take you back to a time when country music got a much needed kick in the pants. “It’s just old hillbilly stuff” Dwight says modestly at one point. It’s that alright and more besides.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites and Boston.com.
2 - Rick
Excellent review, Ian! That "old hillbilly stuff" sounds better than ever, especially in light of the dreck that is passing for "new country" these days!