That’s right, they ARE from Texas
A superior song works in virtually any arrangement and, as such, there’s probably no bad way to experience the triumph of Texas hero Lyle Lovett in performance.
The shows with his aptly named Large Band are dazzling in their Swing-era-styled and multifaceted presentations. Lyle Lovett and his Small Band — diminutive only in the context of Large Band personnel — are intuitively special and interactive in a different context. And Lovett solo or in a roundabout setting with other artists is also breathtaking — and perhaps the best way to absorb the rich intimacy of material like “Pontiac,” “That’s Right You’re Not From Texas,” “Don’t Take My Hat” and “Farther Down the Line.”
That Lovett is on the road with Austin’s Shawn Colvin is particularly fantastic. Colvin is a terrific singer-songwriter way beyond the scope of her superb hit “Sunny Came Home.” Investigate, for example, “You and the Mona Lisa” and “What I Get Paid For.” Her latest album, “The Starlighter,” based on the children’s music book “Lullabies and Night Songs” and featuring “Many Million Years Ago” and “Night,” is a very good record.
Oh, Lovett and Colvin are great friends and very witty and charming entertainers. That means their show Saturday in the Garde Arts Center, playing acoustically and sharing songs and stories, should be indelible.
For more fun: the Garde has just added a preshow “Speakeasy Experience” with gourmet food, beer, wine and cocktails curated by Chef Robert Ramsay of RD86. Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin, 8 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $55-$85; (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.
Speakeasy Experience, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Garde Mezzanine; $35; (860) 444-7373.