Lyle Lovett And His Large Band

Has this ever been done before? If it had been done before, I had never heard it. In a truly courageous manner, Lyle opens this CD with the track "Blues Walk", an instrumental. Then, the next few songs are a wonderful array of blues and soul music serving as an excellent showcase for his songwriting talents and the amazing musicians he has backing him up in his "Large Band".

There is love, confusion, and humor...and then all of sudden, Lyle lets loose with a version of "Stand By Your Man". Hearing him sing this song, you would think it was written for a man. With this song, the rest of the disc (save for the last song) is all traditional country music. The transition makes sense. The mix of the soul and country songs make sense. The themes travel seamlessly throughout the entire disc.

Do yourself a favor and buy this disc. Lyle Lovett is one of those artists who, when he is gone, people will finally realize what they have been missing. He has one of the best voices in music today, his songwriting is at once humorous, touching, heartwarming and sad, and his "Large Band" is a collection of the finest musicians working today.


If you by this album you will become a lifetime fan!   October 31, 2000
Darren Burton (Ogden, Utah United States)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

This man can do it all! He writes the most clever lyrics, composes his own music, and can hop from one musical genre to another effortlessly. He has an incredible voice and impeccable timing when delivering his subtle lyrics. This is not your twangy country, and it is not the 50's rock sounding country of today. I saw Lyle Lovett in concert and was blown away. He has 12 excellent musicians that tour with him and they are so tight! Lyle Lovett has a big band sound on about half his songs, then goes into blues on one, then throws in a gospel song to grab your attention, and then will do a twangy county song just so it is impossible to pin him into a category. You have to listen to his music to understand because there is no adequate way to explain the incredible combination of his music and lyrics except to say it is like a breath of fresh air.


Stand By Your Man   September 21, 2003
prisrob (New EnglandUSA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

Lyle Lovett is a diamond among the rough. In this album his true talent shines through- he starts with a bluesy sound and ends with a more folk rock country style. He writes the lyrics, understands the simplicity of country music and is able to blend the lyrics and music with his marvelous melodic voice. He is a shy man and when seen in concert suddenly appears on stage in a brilliant white shirt, jeans and cowboy boots with his guitar in hand; the big band behind him making his music come to life while wearing white shirt and jeans. They are superb and easily swing from the blues to country.
A favorite song from this CD is "Here I Am" and "Nobody Knows Me But My Baby". He sings "Stand By Your Man" as if written for him.
The big band behind Lyle Lovett is able to exemplify his true voice- a simple man, singing a simple song, loving every minute of it. One of his best. prisrob


If you like jazz with intellect............   June 20, 1999
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

Lyle Lovette is one of my very favorite artist of any kind. I didn't know he was classified as country for a long time. He can write lyrics you MUST listen to (and then laugh). I know he loves his country roots, but he is one of the rare artist who can combine the talent of good music & actual story telling. Which is what a melody is supposed to do anyway. Try it and you'll love him.


Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!   June 14, 2003
Batmanbrb (Seymour, IN United States)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is an incredible release by one of the most talented and most overlooked artist of our time. This is a great combination of jazz/folk/rock/country that has ever been assembled on one disc. I really enjoy "Crying Shame" and "What Do you Do". However, the last 3 songs are my favorites and get the most play in my CD Player: "Nobody Knows Me", "If You Were to Wake Up", and "Once is Enough" - easily 3 of my all-time favorite Lyle songs. This CD is breath-takingly fresh in its instrumentation, writing, and delivery. Easily one of the best releases of late 80's.