Lyle Lovett – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – Celtic Connections – January 19, 2025

Last time I caught Texan LYLE LOVETT in action was in an air-conditioned venue next to a bowling alley on Nashville’s east side, a far cry from this  show in a plush, all-seated concert hall in Glasgow city centre.

But, it’s perfectly clear that this charming, polished and engaging gent performs in his signature relaxed style no matter where he’s invited to appear.

Embedded in his shows are the gentle family tales about his seven-year-old twins, the droll, humorous asides, his heart-on-his-sleeve admiration for his band members and a playlist that weaves seamlessly from swing to jazz, country to lightweight rock and, this time round, a chorus of “Happy Birthday’ to a lucky chap in the audience Lyle had chatted with in his hotel.

Suited and booted – Nick Cave and Bryan Ferry are always similarly attired frontmen – his stagecraft is second to none and he is in captivating form throughout, buoyed in no small measure by his top-notch Acoustic Group of Bill Cox (piano), Jeff White (guitar and mandolin), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Leland Sklar (bass) and Russ Kunkel (drums.) Wow, can they play.

There is no misfiring moment – 12th of June is a caressed beauty pushed hard by South Texas Girl from 2007’s It’s Not Big It’s Large for song of the night. These songs encapsulate his command of words and the group play them with a delicacy and a vibrancy that only crack musicians can muster.

The Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs’ Head Over Heels is a gem from early in the strong set and his encore brings the crowd pleasers, North Dakota and If I Had A Pony from The Road To Ensenada.

His first visit to Glasgow was in 1987 and he tells us he’s been fitted for a kilt on this one. He’s promising to wear it next time round. We can’t wait.

MIKE RITCHIE

Image – Sam Fawcett