Alejandro Escovedo – Echo Dancing
As usual, the ever-dependable Alejandro Escovedo turns out another set of reshaped music that can be both gnarly & melodic. Alejandro never runs out of ways to reinvent his art (“John Conquest”). I have never found this artist to compromise his significance as a singer-songwriter of consequence. I often play San Antonio’s musical son’s music alongside Richard Thompson – since there’s something about these 2 singers that resonates with me. The well-placed aggressiveness, the innovation & their imaginative performances.
The song that first nailed my ears to the speakers was “Gravity/Falling Down,” from his 1992 “Gravity” LP. It’s one of those immediate songs that made an unfamiliar ear whisper “Who the hell is this?” I know now.
This new tapestry of tunes features 14 past songs reintroduced & newly realized on Echo Dancing (Dropped March 29/Yep Roc Records) produced & arranged by Alejandro (vocals/guitars) with Don Antonio (guitars/bass/bass VI/organ/mellotron/electronics) & Nicola Peruch (piano/Hammond/Farfisa/Wurlitzer/programming/modular synths). This showcase is embedded a little deeper into a grungier electronic melodic creation rather than a wholly pure acoustic setting.
The drama’s still there, the process without getting too bogged down in the bells & whistles. He knows just when enough is enough to get his desired effect. For loyalists, some songs may be too harsh in places but listen closely & the reason will be apparent. Alejandro knows how to progress without entirely altering his image or art. He doesn’t dip too deep into his alt-country Rank & File blend, but has more experimentation, rawness & electronics but the message is still explicitly in an Escovedo discipline.
Alejandro applies much of his music to a wide range of genres. On this set, he out-punks the leather & spiked hair crowd without lacing up a pair of Doc Martens. “Too Many Tears,” has that attitude. There’s a trace of German-industrial progressive rock just under the surface & it’s an evolution – an uppercut punch without losing his ability to maintain his roots.
Highlights – “John Conquest,” “Sacramento & Polk,” “Too Many Tears,” “Outside Your Door,” “Sensitive Boys,” “Thought I’d Let You Know,” “Last To Know” & “Wave.”
Musicians – Sergio Marazzi & Nancy Rankin Escovedo (bgv) & Gianni Perinelli (soprano sax).
Color image courtesy of Nancy Rankin Escovedo. CD @ Bandcamp + https://www.alejandroescovedo.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Alejandro Escovedo in Toronto w/James Mastro opening
