Lyle Lovett may be moseying away from his record label, but don’t expect him to slow down musically — as if his fans would let him.
The four-time Grammy Award winner’s February release, aptly titled “Release Me,” is his last for Curb/Universal Music Group, which he has been on throughout his career.
“I was just being a smart aleck,” said Lovett, referring to the title of the album. “Curb is infamous for keeping people in their contracts to the end, which is also good. Hank Williams Jr. did 72 records for Curb.”
While Lovett praises the artistic freedom and support the label gave him, he’s anxious to see what’s around the musical bend. It’s not difficult to imagine that more collaborations — such as he did on his latest album with guests k.d. lang, Kat Edmonson and siblings Sara and Sean Watkins — will be part of that plan.
| Onstage |
| Lyle Lovett |
| When: 8 p.m. Tuesday |
| Where: The Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna |
| Info: $25 lawn, $42 in-house; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org |
“What I mainly think about is trying to write songs I’m proud of playing and recording,” he said, ticking off how long he’d known each of the guest artists and why he chose to have them on his album. “It is fun to remain active and engaged and playing with people you really like to work with.”
That certainly includes the A-list group of musicians in his band including John Hagen (cello), Luke Bulla (fiddle, guitar), Keith Sewell (guitar, mandolin), Viktor Krauss (Alison’s brother plays bass) and Russ Kunkel (drums). Not only does Lovett continually praise them, but always goes out of his way to give each of them long moments in the spotlight during the shows.
As Lovett speaks, it’s clear that his affection and admiration for the members of his band is as genuine as the bond that his very supportive and protective fans have to him.
“It does feel that familial to me, as well,” he said of the warm relationship he has with his fans who truly “get it” when he plays. “I remember when I was first touring, opening for people, I thought how cool it would be if I was the act I was coming to see. I just feel incredibly comfortable with them. It’s great to have people come to see you who really want to be there.”
Little wonder Lovett’s star continues to shine so bright.
