My favorite -
Recorded in a series of live, intimate performances during July of 1973, Live at the Old Quarter was first released on Tomato in 1977. The Old Quarter was a tiny venue in Houston, approximately 18 by 38 feet, operated by Rex Bells, the man made infamous by the song "Rex's Blues," and Dale Soffar. On any given night, the Old Quarter could only hold about 60 people. On the night of the recordings, according to the liner notes, over 100 people jammed into the venue, voices hushed, to hear Townes sing. The recordings are very clear - little to no clapping, no extraneous noise that oftentimes blurs the quality of a good live bar album, and Townes voice is young, optimistic over his blues-drenched chords. The album features old classics, like "Pancho and Lefty" and "If I Needed You" and "Loretta" but also rarities like "Two Girls" and "Talking Thunderbird Blues."
The record begins with a man speaking to the audience, presumably Rex Bells. He says, "Few announcement for people who just came in - other people who've heard it five times, i'm sure. The restrooms are upstairs. Pay phones, upstairs. Pool tables, upstairs. Foosballs upstairs. Cigarette machines, upstairs."
And then Townes comes in, introduces himself. Says, "Sorry about the air conditioners being off, but, it wont be very long. If it gets really hot, I don't know what we'll do." And goes right into "Pancho and Lefty," the song that made him the most famous he's ever been.
Between songs, he tells jokes. Makes the audience laugh. Comments on the absolute silence that hangs over each song.
I've said it time and again, Townes was a real musician. He was humble, self-deprecating. He didn't believe in entitlement or rock-stardom, which is maybe why he died as early as he did. His music touched people. You can hear it in the silence on this record. Every member of that packed audience in the tiny matchbox Old Quarter watched him play with complete attention and reverence and awe. They watched him play, solo on stage with only his guitar, a legend before his time, playing just for them.
I'm not a big fan of live albums. I prefer to experience live music live. But I back this one. It's a gem.
And then Townes comes in, introduces himself. Says, "Sorry about the air conditioners being off, but, it wont be very long. If it gets really hot, I don't know what we'll do." And goes right into "Pancho and Lefty," the song that made him the most famous he's ever been.
Between songs, he tells jokes. Makes the audience laugh. Comments on the absolute silence that hangs over each song.
I've said it time and again, Townes was a real musician. He was humble, self-deprecating. He didn't believe in entitlement or rock-stardom, which is maybe why he died as early as he did. His music touched people. You can hear it in the silence on this record. Every member of that packed audience in the tiny matchbox Old Quarter watched him play with complete attention and reverence and awe. They watched him play, solo on stage with only his guitar, a legend before his time, playing just for them.
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