Large Band, Big Deal
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band show the depth of country music in 3-night Austin residency
Lyle Lovett represents the best in country music for three nights at ACL Live.
Fortunately for Texans, this state is obsessed with its history. And thanks to programs like Austin City Limits, there are constantly influential Texans onstage for Austinites' education and enjoyment. Still, it's rare to see a Texas legend three nights in a row.
Lyle Lovett, a country troubadour famous for his nuanced take on country music that included lots of folk, blues, and even jazz sensibilities, is playing ACL Live with his Large Band on August 21-23. This intimate venue is a great place to see the beloved singer-songwriter and screen actor close-up, where his witty lyrics and stage charisma can be appreciated in full.
The Houston-born musician is a Texan though-and-through, with two degrees from Texas A&M (in German and journalism), and a strong relationship with Austin's patron saint of country music and really, everything, Willie Nelson. By 1997, Lovett had won four Grammy awards and been nominated for 13 more.
In 2009, Lovett joined Nelson and other greats — Ray Benson, George Strait, and Kelly Clarkson, among others — in the very prestigious designation of Texas State Artist Musician. Only one per year is awarded by the Texas Commission on the Arts.
The singer specifically drew attention to his other players in the 1989 album Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, which garnered strong support from critics for its simultaneous seriousness and levity. The New Yorker praised the album for reviving "whole swaths of neglected popular American music."
This isn't the first time Lyle Lovett has played Austin City Limits, and some tapings really highlight just how large the band really is; They're barely able to fit on the iconic stage. This time around, the band is joined by Sierra Hull the first two nights, and Hayes Carll the third, as openers.
Some tickets are still available at acllive.com.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri