The Flatlanders

NOBODY rocks harder than these guys. They get better and better.

Really enjoyed being back at Birchmere. Had not heard Joe Pug(opening act) before and really liked him. Looking forward to seeing him again. Have seen the Flatlanders before and they never disappoint!! Did some great songs as a group, then did some individual songs. Back-up band was very good.

Been to many Flatlanders and Jimmie Dale Gilmore shows since the early 90's. I expect to hear the standard, colorful Americana music I love, enjoy the interaction between the band members, and tolerate Jimmie Dale Gilmore's now tired shtick about digressing. Jimmie was surprisingly reserved and kept his rambling monologues to a minimum, which made for a more pleasant show. Joe Ely was impressive with his guitar work and solos, especially when the backup band was dismissed and the three Flatlanders played acoustic from bar stools. I had high hopes for this part, but found Butch Hancock taking up way too much time with his bizarre song choices and had to mark time until Jimmie and Joe played again. Butch's songs are almost all Sesame Street wordplay on opposites (I was up now I'm down....love the earth and the sky...things are crooked but some are straight......trees grow high but roots are deep.....blah blah blah) and are tiring. I do love his guitar work though. I was taken back by how many people left the show early during this part of the show. On one hand, the show needs something more as I left convinced I'll pass when the Flatlanders come through town next year. On the other, there were easily a thousand (?) gray haired folks in the crowd just like me, who come every year and plunk down $50 each to see the same show over and over. That probably happens in 50 cities every year. If the Flatlanders never gain another fan, and with shows like this they won't, I'm pretty sure their business model works and they will fill road houses until the day they die. That said, with such a deep catalog of really poetic music, why play novelty nonsense like "Pay the Alligator"?

Great combination of songs - The acoustic stuff, with each of them picking out a song to play, was wonderful.

This was a fun, entertaining concert with great songs and storytelling. I was still smiling after the concert was over. Great job by the Monterey Three.

I come to the Flatlanders by the way of Joe Ely's material and was glad to see that his stuff was highlighted for most of night. But Jimmie Dale Gilmore's voice was a beautiful revelation and I'm looking to delve into what I picked up from the show of his catalog. The round-robin performance of songs seemed to undermine any rhythm developing in the sure, and it seemed that only Joe Ely was comfortable working the crowd. Still, the Odessa Tapes hold up on front of live audience and it was a genuine treat to watch three pros weave their voices together when they had to. Also, Butch Hancock really strong on the harmonica.

We've seen the Flatlanders on (3) previous occasions and I think this show was one of the very best. Each of the three leads have very unique voices and they blended together so well. Also, each of their own songs were great. The addition of the guitar players and the drummer made their show even better.

If you've never been to a Flatlanders concert, you should treat yourself better!! Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock are The Flatlanders. These guys have been together for 40 (!) years and are the founding fathers of alternative country music. The three of them have successful separate careers - and a great back story as a group - but they get together every few years to write some songs and to record and tour for the new album. They're as comfortable with each other as a pair of your favorite old socks as demonstrated by their on-stage repartee, and their song-writing is superior, just superior. And guitar sideman Robbie Gjersoe and Joe Ely play some great dueling guitars. This is great music, real music, just real great music!! Go to a Flatlanders concert and see what I mean for yourself!!

Last Friday, the Flatlanders (Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock) put on an incredible show at the Birchmere. Armed with an extensive catalogue of well-crafted songs and an ace backing band that included Robbie Gjersoe on guitar, Pat Manske on drums and Jimmy Pettit on bass, the Flatlanders brought the house down. Individually, each of the Flatlanders are known as Texas music legends. Together, they bring something even more special. A show not to be missed! Hats off to talented show opener Jason Eady, too.

I first saw Butch & Jimmie Dale when I was 11. To get to see them with Joe as the Flatlanders was a great event. One that I will cherish forever.

Better than good ... the Flatlander's were terrific (as they always are).

The musicians were so unbelievably skilled and tight and rockin'. Loved the optimism of the stories and feelings of the lyrics. Just lovely and inspiring and peaceful.

The venue was excellent, the service was spectacular, the food was forgettable but the band made my day/week/month/year. Ive always wanted to see these guys live for years. And they were worth almost every penny, I only wish they would have played longer. Maybe when they were a little younger they may have gone the distance but what can you do. Memorable I hope it's not the last time they roll through town.

First time at venue...great place! Nice to see Texas music getting support in VA. Huge Bingham/Flatlander fan from Texas; made me happy I could mix business with pleasure. Thanks, Birchmere for making this Texas Music Supporter happy.

I loved the show, but i thought my ears were going to bleed out. When the base guitarist got carried away with the moment, it was obvious that his guitar was amped beyond all the "stars," and that really made me sad. Love Jimmie Dale, ut it was my first time seeing the group and I'm glad we went. The Birchmere's sound set-up is usually excellent, so i was just a bit miffed with the amps on this. Cool it, guys, and it would be MUCH more enjoyable.

The Flatlanders put on an absolutely amazing show at BB King's last night. It was the best I've ever seen them perform live and I've see them a number of times. The energy level was incredibly high from beginning to end, they were all in fine voice and their musicianship was impeccable. Particlarly impressive was Robbie Gersoe, their lead guitatist. The man can get some amzing sounds out of his instrument. Hard to pick out highlights but I finally got to here them perform "Dalls" from their very first record and the closing number, "Pay the Alligator" , turned into an amazing kick-aas-and-take-no-prisoners rock performance. Can't wait until they are back in town.

I always love a Flatlanders concert. They give it their absolute ALL. Each is unique. All are great songwriters. Together, they are dynamite!!! The Flatlanders always are giving some newbie a chance by letting them open. This review would be five stars, save for the opening act.

The Flatlanders were wonderful. They looked and seemed as if they truly enjoyed playing music with each other, and for us, the audience.

The Flatlanders never cease to amaze. These guys just get better with age, like a great Bordeaux wine. The guitar of Robbie Gersoe adds such a wonderful lonesome out West kind of melancholy sound - the echo they use is so evocative and suggestive of the vast flat region where the wind moans high and wild. The synergy that's produced on stage by these three is unmatched, and I look forward to seeing them again soon. But I really went to hear and see Ryan Bingham, who I think is a major talent and one of the most original performers to come along in a long time. His songwriting abilities are developing rapidly, and his onstage presence and personal charisma are remarkable. He oozes sexuality and authenticity, a powerful combination. Watch out for this one!

The show was very good, as usual. I am a Jimmie Dale fan and wish I could hear more of him and also more acoustic music. But the Birchmere is always fun.

After 40 years the Flatlanders are still fresh and exciting.They played lot's of old one's and plenty of the new.The lead guitar player was excellent.

The Flatlanders were, as usual, fantastic. The songs they write touch the heart and tap the toes. Jimmy Dale's voice is as clear and sweet as ever. The band was very good, particularly the lead electric guitar.

Awesome show. Jimmie Dale has a tendency to talk a little too long during shows but not at this one. Great music, great job by the Flatlanders. Nice cover of a Colin Gilmore song.

The Flatlanders were in fine voice especially Jimmie Dale Gilmore. It's a shame that he hasn't done a solo show in Dallas for a long time. They played lots of tunes from their new CD and a nice sampling of tunes from their prior CD's plus some that they each have done during long and storied careers. The backup band was good particularly Rob Gjerso (sp?) who has played lead guitar for Gilmore in shows dating back many years. I was not fond of House of Blues as a venue. If you want to get up close and personal you have to stand and I'm too old to do that anymore. It makes me pine for the good ole days at Caravan of Dreams.

Joe was awesome!! Sorry Butch and Jimmie Dale, but you guys need to drink some red bull to get energized. Next time let Joe take the lead. While Flatlanders have a great history, they are best suited for reflecting on their past

these guys have been around so long they can just crank the music. no hoop-la and funky moves, just solid country-rock balladering. their ease on stage carries into the audience and you can not help but feel their sound and the music's story. they come out of a time when the music and words were what it was about and they still won't give it up. i would see them again, in a heart beat.

We have seen the Flatlanders play together several times before, and we have seen Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, and Joe Ely pay individually many times, but they all just keep getting better and better! I like Texas country/folk music a lot, and this group is the best around. All from Lubbock originally, they have been living in and working from Austin for decades. This show was fantastic, especially the music! House of Blues is a great venue, too.

A small but enthusiasic crowd welcomed the legenday Flatlanders to the House of Blues on Friday, June 5th. The show featured many songs from their great new CD "Hills and Valleys'.

This was soul music for the border crowd. The crowd between country and rock and folk and nothing but the best damn songwriting and vocal harmonies anybody could ask for. I liked the new and the old songs and especially hearing Jimmie Dale really lean into his forlorn pitch with a smile in his heart. I'll go see the Flatlanders every chance I get from now until I die.

Yes, it's true, the Flatlanders were more of a legend than a band. Now, they're a legend AND a band. Three impeccable Texas songwriters, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock are life-long buddies and write songs about making your way in the world with integrity, pride, and humor. Any of them can carry an entire evening by themselves. Together, they made for an evening I'd love to have more often. Bukka Allen opened for them and played the squeeze box later in the set. He is the son of another Texas songwriting legend, Terry Allen. It seems that Bukka has come by his wry humor and songwriting chops honestly. His short set with guitarist Rob Gjersoe was heartfelt and lovely. If you get a chance to see the Flatlanders, don't miss it. You will be rewarded with an evening of insight, honesty, professional excellence, laughter, and ... dare I say it ... art.

Having seen and enjoyed the Flatlanders on each of their Porland visits, as well as having seen Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore individually many times over the years, I can easily say this was the best shows yet. The first half of the show was a strong, but somewhat laid back affair, and in the second half, everyone cooked! And Rob Gersjoe was once again the anchor holding everything together. Never miss an opportunity to see this group.