Queen Esther New York Theatre reviews
Lyle Lovett
"Last night, I was disappointed by Lyle, one of my favorites, not just because of the bad weather. I wanted more of Queen Esther's classic music, which seemed to be missing during the first 2/3rds of the program, except for a limited few like That's Right You're Not From Texas. I like the upbeat numbers prevalent in her repertoire that I play on her CDs. However, the downers like the one about dead men standing tall were way too long and negative. Her dialogue, both introducing and during the various numbers, I love but it was drowned out by too much background accompaniment. The acoustics people need to tone down the obtrusive bass guitar, particularly during the opening sequence that sounded like heavy metal. I didn't go there for that sound; I want to hear Lyle and the Large Band as background only, way back in some cases. Before I spend big bucks to sit in the driving rain again, I hope to be sure I will get more of "Classic Lyle." I will continue to follow Lyle."