The music of Lucero is tough to define. They wind through so many sub-genres of rock – centered, mostly, on a southern roots-rock vibe – that people have a hard time describing their prolific back catalog. They have a reputation for raucous live outings and, as a newcomer to the Lucero fan base, I was excited to check it out. To say that they rocked the house with their nearly two and a half hour set would be a massive understatement.
Photo sets and details after the jump.
While there were two openers on the bill, the responsibility fell solely to Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcom, who opened up the night with a fiery set of Mississippi blues rock. Cedric Burnside, the drummer of the duo, has a storied history. Grandson of blues legend R.L. Burnside, you can tell that blues rhythm is just a part of who he is. Burnside is one of the best drummers I’ve seen in a long time – if ever – and had a wicked punch to his vocals that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Lightnin’ Malcom, who’s performed with many of the greats of southern blues, held his own in the duo as well with a bluesy guitar and vocal combo that hit just right. It proved to be a perfect warmup for Lucero, getting the crowd stoked for some serious rockin’.
Click here for a slideshow of Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Maclcom’s set.
By the time Lucero took the stage the crowd was pretty well stoked. Their two and a half hour set covered vast amounts of their back catalog with highlights from their new album standing out quite well. Some in the crowd commented about their new brass section – which they appear to be excited to tour with – and the “E Street Band” sound that it gave some of their songs. Not having seen Lucero previously I can’t comment on the difference but I can definitely say that the set had flashes of Springsteen and Hold Steady with the music wholly standing on its’ own, apart from these influences. It was a rockin’ good time for everyone in attendance and, after a very long set and some wicked encores, Lucero called it a night.
Click here for a slideshow of Lucero’s set.
i would have loved to see this show. i was also recently introduced to their music and was plesantly surprised at how much i liked it.