Alejandro Escovedo comes from a musical family- his brothers played with Santana and his cousin, Sheila E., with Prince- and AE cut his teeth as a guitarist in the punk band the Nuns (who opened for the Sex Pistols during the latter’s final concert in San Francisco in 1978). Escovedo’s music defies classification- which is a good sign- and to me it sounds like he draws inspiration from everything from Vivaldi to Beethoven to Frank Sinatra to Paul Westerberg to cowboy, doo wop, and even psychedelic music. You name it and the guy probably has it stashed away in his house somewhere- on vinyl.
Escovedo writes and sings it like he’s lived it, and in a music business career nearly as old as I am that’s a lot of experience. While not overtly political, after listening to his songs for a while you begin to discern Escovedo’s views on life, love, and how people should treat each other. He supports the underdog, sees beauty in sadness, and knows each of us carries a broken heart. He’s an optimist (he’s American), believes music can help point the way toward salvation, and- like most good artists- he eventually comes to the sensible conclusion that love- real love- is the only thing worthwhile. Here are some more of my favorite Alejandro Escovedo songs. Enjoy!
01. Alejandro Escovedo – “Headstrong Crazy Fools” (2012)
03. Alejandro Escovedo – “Across the River” (2001)
04. Alejandro Escovedo – “Rosalie (Live)” (2001)
05. Alejandro Escovedo – “Pale Blue Eyes” (1999)
06. Alejandro Escovedo and Bruce Springsteen – “Always a Friend (Live)” (2008)
07. Alejandro Escovedo – “Irene Wilde” (1999)
08. Alejandro Escovedo – “She Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1992)
09. Alejandro Escovedo – “Last to Know (Live)” (1994)
10. Alejandro Escovedo – “Silver Cloud” (2010)
Listen to the playlist on Spotify...
Alejandro Escovedo – Live on The Bridge – PBS
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