Lyle Lovett has always been a bit of a country music outsider. When he released his self-titled debut album in 1986, his folk influences were out of step with the country mainstream, although that didn’t prevent him from achieving critical acclaim right from the start. Since then, he’s expanded his musical palette with elements of jazz, swing and gospel, often recording and touring with the ensemble he refers to as his Large Band (with whom he’ll perform in Vegas).
As mainstream country has gotten slicker and more heavily influenced by the bombast of arena rock and hip-hop, Lovett has remained resolutely low-key and unassuming, writing and performing charmingly simple and intimate songs even when accompanied by more than a dozen musicians.
Over the course of his career, Lovett has won several Grammys. He’s collaborated with musicians ranging from country group Asleep at the Wheel to soul legend Al Green and fellow country rebel k.d. lang. He’s also had an eclectic acting career, including appearances in several movies by iconic filmmaker Robert Altman.
In recent years, he’s embarked on joint tours with both Vince Gill and John Hiatt, in which Lovett and his touring partner swap stories and jokes as they perform acoustically. Throughout all of it, Lovett has retained his own unique sensibility, a bit wry, a bit goofy, a bit melancholy. Whether in his own songs or on covers of other artists or even playing a role on TV, Lovett is unmistakably himself.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. July 25, $25-$99 plus tax and fee. 702.749.2000
