Lyle Lovett

He last dropped a studio album in 2012 (Release Me, harboring both his iconic sound via a plethora of cover tunes and a not-so-subtle jab at the trappings of life on a record label), but Lyle Lovett remains as busy as ever on the road. He’s struck on out his own in the ensuing two years, writing and touring with a vigor similar to his peak years. Do check out “Garfield’s Blackberry Blossom” and “White Boy Lost in the Blues” from that last album. Pontiac, from 1990, remains Lovett’s songwriting high-water mark. “If I Had a Boat” is immersive and delightful; “I Loved You Yesterday” casts his dolorous strumming amid the sea of contemporaries that came up alongside him (Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, etc.). Here in 2016, Lovett’s still a force. If his last show at the Rocksino is any indication, he’ll bring the passion once again tonight. (Eric Sandy)