It would be easy to concentrate on Nick Lowe’s past when reviewing his current live show, but his new CD “The Old Magic” shows him to be as sharp as ever. Lowe hit the stage on Thursday with a sharp four-piece band that has been with him over the last year as support act to Wilco and regaled us with songs old and new. Vintage Lowe favorites such as “Peace, Love And Understanding” were given a run out alongside the new album, which has received strong reviews.
With such a large catalogue, there was something here for everyone, including those who came to hear vintage Nick or those only familiar with his more recent albums. We saw country-tinged Nick, and Rockpile Nick, (though nothing from the Little Village supergroup) but mostly we saw Nick the consummate entertainer. Clearly, he still enjoys doing what he does very much, and it comes across in his performances.
Nick has finished shows on Elvis covers before, (notably Indoor Fireworks ) but tonite he gave us “Alison” in all it’s soft glory as a final encore. All in all, this gent gave us a great show to remind us just why he has survived so long in the business.