Lyle Lovett: Large and in Charge at City Winery

May 29, 2022 by Kyra Kverno

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at City Winery NYC / photo by Kyra Kverno

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band kicked off their 2022 tour with a four-day, sold-out run at City Winery in New York City.

The four-time Grammy-winning singer, composer and actor hit the stage on Thursday, May 19, with his stellar band consisting of Jim Cox, piano; Luke Bulla, fiddle; Will Lee, bass; Buck Reed, steel guitar; Jeff White, guitar and mandolin; Russ Kunkel, drums; Professor Brad Leali, alto sax; Mace Hibbard, tenor sax; Charles Ross, trombone; Mitch Matkins, electric guitar; Steve Herrman, trumpet; and Francine Reed, Willie Green Jr., Lamont Van Hook and Jason Eskridge, vocals.

Pedal Steel and Guitar Duo / photo by Kyra Kverno

Lovett opened the show with “Pants Is Overrated,” from his latest album, 12th of June, to a cheering crowd of hard-core fans. Lovett’s music catalogue is large, with 14 albums to date. His music incorporates jazz, gospel, swing, folk and blues. His witty lyrics and crowd-pleasing banter kept the audience mesmerized.

Francine Reed with The Large Band /photo by Kyra Kverno

Playing many tunes from 12th of June, such as “Pig Meat Man” and “Gee, Baby Ain’t I Good to You?” — a wonderful duet with the incomparable Francine Reed — he also performed fan favorites from previous albums, including “If I Had a Boat,” “She’s No Lady,” “What Do You Do/Glory of Love,” “Cute as a Bug” and “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas).”

The audience was also blessed with a stunning performance by Francine Reed doing “Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues.” The crowd sang and danced as Lovett and his band closed the night with “Church” from his Joshua Judges Ruth album — completely fitting, as I’m sure the audience left feeling like they had been taken there.

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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