Valentine’s with Justin Townes Earle & Jessica Lea Mayfield

Justin Townes Earle played First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN on the day of love, Valentine’s Day.  Between his traditionally fashioned southern twang, he spoke of his loves — young women, fried chicken, alcohol, and cocaine (not necessarily in that order).  He kept the atmosphere light with his stories of tribulation and the mostly middle-aged crowd smiled along all night as he poured out his songs, oftentimes discussing their origins between.  To say his heart was on his sleeve would be an understatement.

Townes Earle was supported on stage by Nashville talent, Josh Hedley, on fiddle.  With heavily-tatted arms he bowed along unenthusiastically,  but across the stage, Bryn Davies balanced the energy as she flung around the upright bass.  Justin stood in the middle, tall and gaunt in a suit and tie, nodding to each side of the mic stand with an unwavering country drawl and realization of the past.

Twenty-one year old Ohioan, Jessica Lea Mayfield, opened the show.  On a night of Hallmark love, her lyrics swam in the dark side of relationships, and the silent feelings hidden beneath.  But the beauty of her persona lightened the mood dramatically.  She was soft-spoken and grateful, and she and her band were completely impressive.

Photos taken for music blog, Reviler.  Check it out.

Justin Townes Earle

 

Justin Townes Earle – First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN – 02.14.11
Move Over Mama
They Killed John Henry
I Don’t Care
Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving
Mama’s Eyes
One More Night in Brooklyn
Ain’t Waiting
Christchurch Woman
Wanderin’ (start of solo set)
Slippin’ & Slidin’
I Been Burning Bad Gasoline (Lightning Hopkins cover)
Won’t Be the Last Time (new song)
South Georgia Sugar Babe (bandmates return)
Someday I’ll Be Forgiven For This
Halfway to Jackson
Midnight at the Movies
Learning to Cry
I Won’t Cry When You Walk Out on Me
Harlem River Blues
ENCORE:
Racing in the Street (Springsteen cover)
Can’t Hardly Wait (Replacements cover)

Jessica Lea Mayfield