Although their styles may be disparate, the intensity and focus of both Nick Lowe and Mavis Staples were on equal display Friday night at the Kessler Theater. A sold out crowd was treated to two sets of completely different genres that were tied together in spirit and mutual admiration. They'll be back on that stage for one more round on Saturday.
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For the uninitiated, Lowe is one of the founding fathers of new wave. As a singer, songwriter and producer, Lowe has had an enormous impact on several decades of alternative music. If known only as the writer of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" and co-writer/performer of "Cruel to Be Kind," Lowe's stature in the lexicon would be well earned.
But on Friday night, Lowe demonstrated he is much more than those two hits. Performing 16 selections from his vast catalogue, Lowe focused on songs that demonstrated a mastery of form along with a poet's touch. Hi lyrics ache with humor, loss and redemption.
"Some of my songs have been rather successful," said Lowe, "but most of them have not, but I am going to give you both kinds."
Beginning with "People Change" (from the 2007 album At My Age), Lowe quickly moved from gem to gem. "Stoplight Roses" (from 2011's The Old Magic) came across like an old Frank Sinatra chestnut. "What's Shakin' on the Hill" (from 1990's Party of One) sounded like a classic Ricky Nelson break-up song.
Like many lumped into the new wave category, Nick Lowe has proven to be simply a great rock 'n' roll revivalist. Channeling Johnny Cash, Elvis and even Dion, Lowe took the Kessler audience on a thrilling trip on what it means to be a consummate songwriter.
Not to be outshined, Staples took the crowd in an entirely different direction with her fascinating take on soul, gospel and blues. At 76, she is an amazingly powerful performer. "We want to leave you feeling good," Staples announced early on, and her and her tight five-piece band did exactly that on song after song of upbeat, spiritual R&B.
Beginning with "Take Us Back" (from the just released Livin' on a High Note), Staples was locked on her band's tight groove and the audience responded with shouts of glee. Next up was a rousing take on the Talking Heads' "Slippery People." Rarely has a David Byrne song sounded so soulful. Standing-room-only fans in the balcony of the Kessler were dancing as if partying at Mardi Gras.
Then came "Respect Yourself," the classic gospel standard that was first released in 1971 when Mavis was part of the Staple Singers with her father, Pop Staples. The song has lost none of its self-help luster, as her powerhouse vocals on Friday took the song to new heights.
Later in the set, Mavis and crew delivered a stirring version of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" before diving headlong into the classic groove of "I'll Take You There." As the crowd swayed and shouted, Mavis Staples held court like a minister with a flock of true believers.
Darryl Smyers is a Dallas freelance writer.
