Live: Steve Earle and Allison Moorer, Houston

“I grew up around here,” said Steve Earle, as he began a mellow in-store performance April 24 at Houston’s Cactus Music.  He launched into a long story about hangin’ with Texas songwriting legend Townes Van Zandt, then picked through on Van Zandt’s “Blue Highway,” which in turn segued into Earle’s own “Fort Worth Blues.” 

Earle then beckoned a honey-haired lady to the stage, and Allison Moorer suddenly stole the show.  She lent ethereal harmony to  Steve’s “City Of Immigrants” off his latest Washington Square Serenade, then took a few solo spots.  She killed on Jessi Colter’s “I’m Looking For Blue Eyes,” which closes Mockingbird, her excellent new album of (mostly) cover songs.

“Grandpa” Steve then came back onstage, but it was too late — his wife won all of our hearts.  If you missed ’em at Cactus, catch them Friday night (April 25) at the Verizon Wireless Theater in Houston, or down the road through July.

MP3: Days Aren’t Long Enough by Steve Earle w/Allison Moorer

Steve Earle official website

Allison Moorer official website