Olympia Theatre, Dublin
Lyle Lovett whispered into the mike as John Hiatt prepared to play another song at their joint performance at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin: “This is a great show. I get to listen 50 per cent of the time. And I have a great seat.”
It was a typical tongue-in-cheek remark from the understated Texan at what was a pretty unique show; it is not every day that two giants of Americana spend well over two hours shooting the breeze, telling jokes, interviewing each other in between performing classics, generally separately, from their extensive back catalogues. It was an unplugged show with a difference.
The set is pretty basic – two chairs, two tables laden with bottles of mineral water and a few harmonicas, three acoustic guitars and two performers who clearly admire each other’s work and who, crucially, enjoy each other’s company.
We found out that Hiatt’s mother brought him to all Elvis’s movies and that his father remained true to mono when his son wanted stereo; Lovett’s life seemed more shrouded in mystery but that too felt right. It was casual, jocular, low key but highly entertaining – and that’s before they played.
Both men are master songwriters, fine guitarists and hugely distinctive singers. In their own way, each has a vivid persona. Hiatt is the extrovert, a joyful fount of colourful stories at the ready with Lovett filling the role of his deadpan foil with remarks to match. (One such story concerned the late Jim Dickinson: Hiatt recalled that the legendary Memphis producer asked that on his tombstone be written “I am not gone. I am just dead.” – cue Hiatt’s rasping chuckle.)
They have been doing this two-man show in recent years in between their own solo commitments and it clearly has a life of its own. Though most songs are performed solo, Hiatt does play some neat guitar on Lovett tunes.
Hiatt has a new album out shortly, and a few songs were previewed from it, including a rollicking Go Down Swingin,' which predictably prompted a discussion on Hiatt's boxing skills. Certainly, Hiatt admirers got their money's worth with hard-edged versions of Riding with the King, Icy Blue Heartand Tennessee Platestopped with a memorable Have a Little Faith in Me.
And while Lovett was quick to lead the applause for his partner he too was no slouch on the night. Many of his songs were welcome revisits of early classics such as If I Had A Boat, LA County, She's No Lady, Since the Last Timeand Fiona.
They played just one tune each as an encore – Hiatt finishing with Crossing Muddy Watersand Lovett hitting just the right note with Closing Time.
