I've definitely gravitated away from music in general over the past few years. And live shows are no exception. I've seen most acts I've wanted to and many legends have left us. There are a few like, Neil Young, Shooter Jennings, that I'll always turn up for. But lately, it's gotta be somebody different or somebody that breaks from the mold.
My dad has always talked about wanting to see Dale Watson and there was an announcement for a CoMo concert at Rose Music Hall, and not at the crowded Roots 'N Blues Festival, it was a must. Alas my dad was in the fields, but I had my brother lined up to go in his place. And it wasn't like we wouldn't have been able to get tickets when we got there. With nice hot weather, they moved the show outdoors to Rose Park next door and also gives them the ability to see more tickets.
We got there with time to spare and finding a parking space easily. We noticed most brought their lawn chairs, and sat behind a dirt area in front of the stage. Me and my brother sit for a while and moved back behind the people in their lawn chairs, not sure of the protocol and not wanting to be the only ones standing around looking like dorks up front.
A little after 7:30 Dale Watson and his Lone Stars hit the stage. No dreaded opening act! About a third of the way through the show, I made my way up front after a some people had filtered down front and my brother joined me bit later, after a beer run.
I'm not super familiar with many of Watson's songs and I didn't brush up like I should have before, but I love the sound, attitude and spirit Watson brings to his music. And it carries to his shows. He doesn't make a set list out beforehand, or so he says, and kind of wings it to audience or what they shout out. (I told my dad later, he should have went and he could have gotten the songs he wanted to hear)
Not being familiar and no comparable set lists, I can only piece together some songs he played. He played around 25-26, including a four song encore, over and an hour and 45 minutes,while also throwing in several hilarious jingles/ads for Lonestar Beer. There was a nice mix of his more well-known songs, covers and everything. He also brought his girlfriend, Celine Lee, to duet on several songs, which gave a nice change of pace and added something different.
The only minor complaint was while the three piece band and Watson were tight and knew their stuff, with the same format; electric guitar, stand-up bass, pedal steel and drums, throughout there was sort of sameness feeling. But even then Watson, runs the gamut, from country, honky-tonk, western swing, truly his vision of Ameripolitan music.
And the crowd was very low-key. Maybe being outside, slightly older and having enough room made for the experience. And not having douchey college kids or "cool country" kids there was a plus.
After the show was over, Watson positioned himself at the exit, and took selfies, and shook hands. The most hilarious thing, was Watson himself figuring out how to work a man's camera to take a picture, after the owner was having trouble doing so. I shook his hand and thanked him for a great show. I would have stuck around for an autograph, but they took our tickets when we entered.
Dale Watson is a definitely an act you should see if you like country music. Well real music that is, not the fluffy pop stuff of Maren Morris and bro-country. Definitely an artist I'd have no problem seeing again.
Songs Played (That I Can Remember) In Random Order
Call Me Lucky
Tupelo, Mississippi & a '57 Ford Fairlane
I Lie When I Drink
A Real Country Song
Blessed or Damned
Flowers In Your Hair
The Dumb Song
David Buxkemper
Mama's Smile
That's How I'd Miss You
Truck Stop in La Grange
South of Round Rock, Texas
Give Me More Kisses
Jonesin' For Jones
I Hate These Songs
Mama's Don't Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to Be Babies
Exit 109
38-21-34 ?
Johnny & June
Long Legged Guitar Picking Man
Jackson
You're the Reason Our Kids are Ugly
Silver Wings
Bubbles in My Beer
