Alejandro Escovedo

with Kelly Hogan

The Star Bar, Atlanta, GA • December 1, 2001

James Mann

It’s a treat catching either one of these performers, so getting to see both in the cozy confines of the Star Bar was an early Christmas present. Kelly appeared with longtime co-conspirator Andy Hopkins on guitar, and made material off her new Bloodshot release, Because It Feel Good, come alive. Her version of Randy Newman’s “Living Without You” was greatly moving, and the witty tribute to Benjamin and the Atlanta scene, “Sugarbowl” had those in the know clapping along. It’s one of the mysteries of our age why such a superb performer like Hogan isn’t more well known, but to those of us who have heard her, we’ll just keep her, how’s that?

Alejandro was, well Alejandro is always a cut above. Drawing heavily on material on his Bloodshot release, A Man Under the Influence, and older numbers, Escovedo and his band – Hector Munoz on drums, longtime cellist Brian Standefer, and Brian Solomon on keyboards and guitar – went easily from the tender “Follow You Down” to a grinding, gritty cover of The Gun Club’s “Sex Beat.” Escovedo seems at home playing most anything, and he doesn’t seem afraid to take chances. His most recent venture is mounting a play based on his father’s life By the Hand of the Father, and he promised the packed house that the play would indeed play Atlanta, which is something to look forward to. Come to think of it, anytime Al is around is something to look forward to.

Bloodshot Records: http://www.bloodshotrecords.com ◼