R. David Shew
If you were in attendance last night at the EKU Center for the Arts, you were entertained for two hours and half by Lyle Lovett & his Large Band, 14 incredible musicians. Lyle kicked off the show with a few gospel tunes such as “Do Not Pass Me By,” “I’m a Soldier in the Army of the Lord,” and “Church” which very much impressed this writer.
Lovett & his Large Band played several songs with unusual titles like “Pants on Fire,” “Cowboy Man,” “Don’t Touch My Hat,” “This Old Porch,” “North Dakota,” “She’s No Lady,” “I Will Rise Up/Ain’t No Cane,” “I’ve Been to Memphis,” and “If I Had a Boat.”
Lyle talked to his audience between songs and told stories about his 8-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. Lyle told a story about his son sitting down beside him when he was watching a football game. When a political commercial came on the television, Lyle said that his son was very attentive and watched the entire commercial with increased interest. When the commercial was over, his son said “Dad, when I become President, you will be dead.” Lyle told the crowd that this made him sad because he would not be at his son’s inauguration. Many other stories about his children were quite entertaining and very funny.
His large band did not disappoint either. One of my friends texted me during the show and told me to pay attention to the bass player, or Leland Sklar. Leland is 78 years young and still touring. He was a member in James Taylor’s band and traveled with Carole King and countless other artists. According to PS Audio, Leland has played on 2,600 albums.
Lyle had four gentlemen playing horns in his band last night. One was a professor at Georgia Tech, and another was a professor at North Texas. Another member went to Murray State. His piano player was fabulous as well as the three singers who sang harmony with Lyle. There was a pedal steel guitar player along with two other guitar members of his Large Band. His drummer did not disappoint the crowd either. Along with Lyle, there were 14 members on stage.
Lyle ended the show with “I’m Going to Wait” for my Savior to come. Thank you, Lyle Lovett, for coming to Richmond and the EKU Center for the Arts.
