Alexjandro Escovedo

Escovedo 101: Songs Of Alejandro Escovedo Roots / Rock Various Artists

An inspired and fitting local tribute to the well-loved and respected Texas singer / songwriter musician, fighting the effects of Hepatitis C. Alejandro Escovedo is a huge influence on many in the local music scene. Some of his most ardent fans turn up on this album in every aspect from the singers to the players to the cover art to the production. Any time, money, blood, sweat and tears anybody could spare went into this labour of love. This album serves as a fine a primer if you aren't familiar with his music. The artists here have also put their own spin on Alejandro's muse, as opposed to just performing straight cover versions.

Highlights include: Ray Condo (in, sadly, his last session) gives a jovial reading of "Everybody Loves Me" in fine shuffling, rockabilly style. Herald Nix (expect a new album from him on the new Northern Electric label) offers his chunky and melodic guitar in a slow waltz to "Nickel And A Spoon".The Sadies (not so local, but indie) along with Blue Rodeo's Basil Donovan and Glenn Milchem (The Goods, the Baz & Stumpy Joe) take a seemingly unassuming turn at "Crooked Frame" which later shows its enviable charms. A marvelous Beatles - Tommorrow Never Knows treatment is given to "Home By Eleven" by members of The Modernettes and Pointed Sticks. You can hear the humbled respect in Butch Murphy's voice, as him and his Bughouse 5 ride the highly memorable, driving melody of "Rhapsody". "Wave" is given an atmospheric slant by Bob Egan. Brian Goble (Subhumans) takes the lead vocal on an old school Punk version of "Pyramid Of Tears", backed by an encouraging bunch of youngsters known as Solemn Fist. Joe Mavety's cool rendering of "About This Love" includes finely punctuated, gentle wah-wahed guitar, timely mandolin fills, later hammond organ touches and warm backing vocals from Joani Taylor. Other highlights: Kevin Kane's gorgeous version of "Follow You Down" with later trumpet inclusions by the Salteens' Rob Caldon. Linda McRae and Cheerful Lonesome's punchy go at "One More Time". Heather Griffin's ( and Good Wood ) fearless, full-throated vocals on "Paradise". Another grouping of Modernettes and Pointed Sticks members under the guise of Captain Morgan on "Last To Know". And finally: the most unusual version on this impressive album: The Minimalist Jug Band, making the most of a stressed out, talking voice and washtub bass on "Thirteen Years". All money raised from sales of this album go directly to assist Alejandro Escovedo in his recovery. If you need more info on this project, please visit: http://songsofalejandro.com