I do occasionally listen to Ray Wylie Hubbard's music, but I can't say that he's on my power rotation - I like his albums, but one good listen is enough for a while. His live shows, on the other hand, are a different story altogether and it's much more than just the promise of getting to see some unannounced high-caliber guests, as was the case a few years back with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.
This was my third time to see Ray in concert and let me start by saying that there were no famous guests this time around. Yet the concert was so good that it made me seriously contemplate staying for the late show as well, which I ended up not doing.
Ray came out with drummer and percussionist Rick Richards, bassist George Reiff and a young guitarist who turned out to be Ray's son, Lucas. The latter surprised me very much. The sounds of his electric guitar dominated the evening, a welcome departure from the exclusively acoustic character of Ray's earlier shows at McCabe's. Although only eighteen, young Lucas can play. I liked his bluesy sound, but he can rock and can play classic country as well.
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| Lucas Hubbard |
(VERY) PARTIAL SET LIST
Mother Blues
Namedropping
Without Love
The Messenger
Snake Farm
You Got To Move (encore)
Drunken Poet's Dream (co-written with Hayes Carll)
Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother
Canadian up-and-comer Brandy Zdan sat in to sing backup vocals for just one song, so I could not form an opinion. She looked great, though.
All-in-all, it was a fabulous evening with a true treasure of the American music scene. I will definitely catch him again.
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| Ray Wylie Hubbard, with son Lucas (January 29, 2012) |
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| Ray Wylie Hubbard, with son Lucas (January 29, 2012) |
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| Rick Richards and George Reiff |
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| Chatting with fans after the early show |
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| Ray Wylie Hubbard after the early show |
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| The stage before the show |
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