The Wagner Noel in Midland, Tx hosted Texas Country, and Blues Man Charley Crockett last night. The show had been rescheduled from it’s original date of July 3rd. In the beginning I was kinda bummed because when I had purchased the tickets, Vincent Neil Emerson was set to play with Charley.
Since VNE didn’t make curtain call last night in Midland, due to the changes in the date, the opening act last night was instead Emily Nenni.
It took a few songs before Nenni warmed up the crowd. She threw a blend of Honky Tonkin and fast paced lyrics out there to be heard. I had never heard her nor did I even know she existed, but she was worth the listen.
Charley Crockett and his band soon took the stage and livened up the Sunday evening crowd with horns, keys , the steel guitar and an old fashioned stand up Bass guitar.
“I’m from San Benito, Texas,” Sang Charley.
Crockett comes from the same place in South Texas as Freddy Fender. Although, His music began at a young age and evolved in places like Deep Ellum in Dallas and on the Streets of New Orleans. It still has many of the sounds and vibes of his south Texas roots. The mariachi type tones can be heard through accordion and keys and in many of Charley’s ballads. A lot of the music that Charley pens sounds like the old west, these are like the gunfighter and cattle driving songs from a time long forgotten.
Charley often helps other independent musicians find their own beginnings in music. The first time I saw Charley Crockett live, Jesse Daniel was on the bill. More recently, Jesse has become a force to reckon with on the music scene.
Often times Charley can be found on cowrites with other aspiring musicians. One of my personal favorites by this artist is “Lily My Dear.” I was super excited when Charley wielded his banjo last night and began strumming out the song.
Lily My Dear was co-written with South Texas Tweek and Vincent Neil Emerson. After I posted a video clip of the song on Twitter from last nights performance Tweek reported how much the song has evolved since they wrote it so many years ago.
Crockett’s catalog continues to evolve. He is a true showman. After the concert last night, my girlfriend who had never seen him perform was in awe. She said “He’s got the moves!”
I will gladly continue to follow his music and see him every chance I can.
Pancho.