Living in Austin has given me an even deeper appreciation for the Texas artists that I have loved from afar through the years. Take for instance, Joe Ely, who has served to define the Americana genre through his musical explorations. He's had inspired choices in tour mates, that have included Bruce Springsteen, Los Super Seven, The Clash, The Clancy Brothers, and the songwriter's dates with John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, and Guy Clark. Joe Ely has spread his wings, and grown his catalog, keeping his eyes fixed on the skyline, while mining music of the heart. I am so glad that he and Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, aka, The Flatlanders got to become the entity they are; they were just a little ahead of their time when they put their first album out in 1972. After reuniting on the Horse Whisperer Soundtrack, they put their second out in 2002, followed by two more CDs in 2004 and 2009. There are new Flatlanders tour dates this month.
Joe Ely, Jessie Scott - New York City, 1978Joe has been doing some appearances with his legendary 1987 band; Davis McLarty, David Grissom, Jimmy Petit, and Bobby Keys. They are a "not to miss!" And in his spare time (!?!), he writes books and journals, and will have two art openings featuring his photography, paintings, and drawings - one in Lubbock and one in Dallas, this January. In advance of Joe's new CD, Satisfied at Last, which also comes out first of the year, he has posted two new songs to iTunes, "Mockingbird Hill" and "You Can Bet I'm Gone." When Joe Ely first started his recording career, I was on the radio in New York. And when he played a date in 1978 at The Bitter End (which was briefly called The Other End) I was there to enjoy the show, and then afterwards for the obligatory photo op which we fondly call a "grin and grip."
A note about Joe's wife, Sharon Ely, who is a force of nature herself. With a never ending smile, and a heart as wide open as the Texas sky, she has been cooking her Holy Posole for friends for years. Holy Posole (manna from heaven) is about to hit the shelves of several stores! A visit to her website finds that her Holy Posole is sold out, but you can get put on the "notify" list. It would make a great Christmas present!
Joe Ely visited us during SXSW 2010 for a short yet magical set at Threadgill's South. "Hard Livin'" is today's Music Fog video offering. And Joe, you make it look so easy!
- Jessie Scott
