Is there more of a feel-good double bill than Nick Lowe and Mavis Staples? Probably not. The two acts may seem like an odd pairing, but their show at Austin’s historic Paramount Theater on Sunday – the second in a handful of dates together – proved that these two legends are as complimentary as wine and cheese.
Getting the evening started with a touch of class was the “silver fox” – as Mavis Staples would later call him – Nick Lowe. Armed with just his acoustic guitar, Lowe kept his audience enraptured with a selection of songs spanning a career that has lasted fifty years. A handful of tunes came from Lowe’s 2007 album At My Age, including the charming “Stoplight Roses”, “Long Limbed Girl”, and “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”. Lowe lent his velvety, soothing voice to his catchy songs, showing the audience why he is a master of melodies. Longtime favorites like “What’s Shakin’ On The Hill”, “The Beast In Me” and “Cruel To Be Kind” also found their way into the set, which moseyed along at a smooth, relaxed pace interspersed on occasion with Lowe’s stories and witty remarks.
Besides his ability to craft tasty morsels of pop perfection, Lowe also knows how to make tales of heartbreak and failed relationships sound truly charming. He’s able to paint a vivid picture with words, and even if it’s not a pleasant picture, like on “I Live On A Battlefield” and “House For Sale” – both clear highlights of his set – his lyrics resonate in a way that is uplifting. But, never one to close on a low note, Lowe bid goodnight with the upbeat rockabilly number “I Knew The Bride”, leaving the stage to a standing ovation.
There’s something to be said for an artist who has dedicated her entire life to making music that elevates the soul. At 76, Mavis Staples still radiates positivity and it came as no surprise that the singer’s mere presence had the entire audience on their feet before she even sang a note. Mavis was flying high and all smiles as she led her band through songs old and new, kicking off with “People Change” before going into a spunky, dazzling cover of the Talking Heads’ “Slippery People”. Guitarist Rick Holmstrom kept the legacy of Pops Staples strong with his precise guitar playing that balanced out funk, blues and even jazzier elements while never overpowering Mavis’ voice. Although, that would be hard to do.
“Can You Get To That” stood out with the rich baritone vocals of Donny Gerrard, while “Friendship” – a song by Pops – was one of the more tender moments of the set. The title track off her new Grammy-winning album Livin’ On A High Note was climactic and enlightening with its strong gospel sound, made even more so by the presence of producer M. Ward in the audience. Following the tune, Mavis stepped off stage while her band treated the crowd to a rousing, funkified intermission jam. She returned a few minutes later for two more songs, including a sing-a-long of the song she is best known for, “I’ll Take You There”, which had the whole theater grooving along and smiling right back at Mavis like a scene from one of the many films it’s been featured in.
Uproarious applause made it impossible for Mavis and her band to escape without playing one more song, and they cheerfully came back for a moving rendition of “The Weight”. The song was a magical cap to an already special night, as Mavis Staples showed everyone why she truly is an American treasure.
Nick Lowe Setlist:
People Change
Stoplight Roses
Long Limbed Girl
What’s Shakin’ On The Hill
Crying Inside
Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day
Has She Got A Friend?
Trained Her To Love Me
I Live On A Battlefield
The Beast In Me
Cruel To Be Kind
Sensitive Man
House For Sale
I Knew The Bride
Mavis Staples Setlist:
If You’re Ready (Come With Me)
Slippery People (Talking Heads cover)
Respect Yourself
Love And Trust
Can You Get To That
Friendship
Livin’ On A High Note
Instrumental Jam
Take Us Back
I’ll Take You There
Encore:
The Weight (The Band)
