Lyle Lovett
The Road To Ensenada (1996)

review by: Glenn Pfeifer
Date: 6/5/01

The defining moments of youth are so often shaped by music and, particularly in this writer's case, live concerts. Certain visuals from
exact concert moments are etched in my brain – destined to forever dwell beside my useless trivia knowledge and siblings' birth dates. One of these moments was in the first row at the feet of Stevie Ray Vaughn – looking off stage for any semblance of a rhythm guitarist because we could not believe that one man was actually creating the sounds that were coming from his Strat. The funny thing about memories like these – Cowboy Junkies and Big Head Todd at Toads Place, Paul McCartney at Giants Stadium, another first row experience at a wild 1983 Van Halen show, and even Pearl Jam in their secret "Saturday Night Live" concert back in 1994 - is you think that, at a certain point you will stop having them. My advancing age and growing distaste for so much new music made me feel that my concert amazement was all behind me.

Enter Lyle Lovett – part country, part big-band jazz, part bluesy texas crooner and full, 100% songwriter. Beside owning 1 cassette of his from the late 80s, I knew of Lyle mostly as Mr. Julia Roberts. People who knew me always told me that I would like him because of my affinity for the aforementioned musical genres, so when he played Central Park Summerstage a few years ago, I picked up some tickets. I had one of THE BEST concert experiences of my life that night. Taking part in all the foot-stomping, hand-clapping and singing was only part of this great, great show. I was even more amazed by the quiet, pensive moments where his full talents as songwriter and storyteller become so crystallized. I proceeded to purchase as many Lyle Lovett CDs as I could find from that point on. I think I may still be missing one or two from his portfolio, but you really can't go wrong with any of his discs. All of them carry an eclectic mix of sweet and sorrowful tunes that have their feet firmly planted in Nashville but strut with their head in the clouds. If you gravitate to Lyle's traditional country sound accented by his Large Band, you'll want to try "Pontiac" or "Lyle Lovett & His Large Band." If a mix of gospel-influences and honky tonk and pensive folk ballads sounds interesting, pick up "Joshua Judges Ruth." If you prefer quick and quirky 2 and 3-minute folk ditties, you'll love "I Love Everybody." However, since I enjoy all of these entertaining sides to Lyle lovett's music, I'm featuring his Grammy-Winning The Road to Ensanada.

It's all here folks – the interesting and funny lyrical stories, the catchy tunes that linger on the edge of pop but still seem so fresh and original, and the whole myriad of mystical styles that is truly Lyle's magic. Plus, you can visit my concert-utopia this summer because Lyle is again playing Central Park Summerstage in August. I may have to pass this time due to the new baby but that's OK. I have my memories. Enjoy. -gpfife