saw live: George Jones and Lucinda Williams

Went to the Paramount in Oakland to see George Jones the country legend. CMT Bio page

On the bill also was Lucinda Williams.

The crowd was really into Lucinda. Maybe 1/3 were there to see her I would guess. She did a twangy set, didn't sing any of her radio hits, but the crowd loved her. She writes great songs, and tells nitty gritty life stories. Sex, drugs, and twangy rock and roll. She seemed pretty honored to be on the opening slot for George. She introduced her band, and said the drummer and bass player had spent time with Dwight Yoakam.

Dwight has always had a great band behind him. I first saw him at of all places The I-Beam on Haight St in SF. Famous for their great Monday night live shows, Cathy Cohn was their excellent booker. Early on Dwight was in with the "cow punk" crowd and he played there. Get his early Guitars, Cadillacs Etc Etc cd and also check out his Dwight Live one, hey they're all pretty good.

anyway...

George had an off night. His trademark voice was cracking, and he apologized many times during the show. He stil had the great songs. His war memorial song 50,000 Names was really moving with the slide show in the backgound of people at the various memorials in Washington D.C. He did some other hits, changing the keys with his band to suit his voice issues, and of course he did what I think is the saddest song EVER by ANYBODY He Stopped Loving Her Today.

As the show went on, George's voice got a little better, but the Paramount sound system started to cut out! Well it just wasn't to be that night I guess. He did Choices and he closed out with the upbeat I Don't Need No Rockin Chair.

George has had quite a life. (quick bio here) It might be a miracle that he is alive at all. He has one of the greatest voices ever. People who left after Lucinda, or early in his set because his voice was off that night should see him in full voice. You ought to see him live sometime. Probably a good thing you didn't this night. He said he'll be back to make up for it. I'll be sure to get tickets.