Joe Ely

I spent some time in Texas where I first saw Joe Ely and have probably been to see him at least 5 times over the years. This is the first time I have ever seen him without a band but I am glad that I got to see him perform solo. Joe has been around so long and played with so many people that he has a lot of good stories to tell and like the stories he tells with his music, he tells them well. I'm so happy to see him looking and sounding so good. Joe is a Texas original.

Joe Ely hasn't changed. He is still that Tex-Mex country/folk highwayman he's been for 40 years. I saw him at The Bottom Line back in 2000 with the Flatlanders. Now, 16 years later, I saw him solo, with one vintage electric guitar, at BB King's. It was a very un-New York performance. It was more like open mic night at a Texas roadhouse.. Joe took at least 3 song requests. He improvised his set list. He told great stories. He began with "All Just to Get to You," so there was no chance at a dramatic encore (although it was "Dallas," by audience request!). He sang and played just for 100 people in the room. It was a special performance. You've got to see Joe on this tour. He's still got it.

We loved every minute of this show. From the time Lucette started to sing, to the last song by Joe Ely, we were mesmerized. I would recommend this venue and these artists to anyone who truly appreciates live music and the rich history in this building. The 'feel' of this place is such that you just know there would be no words to completely describe the experience. We will travel the miles (4.5 hour drive) to attend this venue again. Our new favorite. LOVED IT SO MUCH.

Joe Ely could sing the phone book and I would hang on every name! The chemistry on stage between Ely and Joel Guzman is amazing.

PERFECT! A great evening with Joe Ely and Joel Guzman at the Burchmere

Joe was in great form. This time through it was without a full backing band, however, he did have Jeff Plankenhorn at his side. Lucette was the opening act and she does have a great voice, but still needs a little seasoning performing out in front of everyone. She's on her way up. As for Joe, he did much from his 'Satisfied At Last' and 'Letter To Laredo' albums, and even did some 'Flatlanders' material, too. I was just happy that he dusted off 'The Party Never Ends' which I hadn't him play live before. It was a shorter set, but then, it was a school night, and no one was really interested in staying out late. Plus, the stories between the songs were priceless. If anything, Joe is a wonderful reminder of my time in West Texas, and that's why I never miss him when he comes through.

An awesome two man show! 1.5 hrs plus of true West Texas grit and soul. Highly recommend seeing Mr. Ely!

Tuesday night's show at The Birchmere with Joe Ely and Jeff Plankenhorn was a delightful evening of songs and stories! Ely is a fantastic performer, and aided by gifted multi-instrumentalist Jeff Plankenhorn, he held the crowd spellbound. From start to finish, a must-see show.

Joe Ely did a great show. He is so original. Had lots of energy and appeared to enjoy the audience and making music. He played guitar on all songs. His guitar player was amazing. Played dobro mostly but also mandolins, classical guitar on the Spanish type songs . Also played regular electric guitar on a few numbers . He was also the backup singer. I woud have given this 5 stars but the music of the opening act was repetitive and borking in spite of her beauty and lovely voice.

The road goes on forever for one of the best to ever come out of the great state of Texas.I've followed Joe thru 40+ years of his career..from the rock & roll laden years with guitarist David Grissom to this show that featured Joe & his dobro/mandolin player.I rate this show at the top of my list.The songs capture your imagination as Joe sings with a voice that has remained constant thru his career.He's the real deal every time he does a show.Treat yourself to a nite of meaningful music the next time he's appearing near you.

Joe Ely was amazing at the Birchmere! It was a wonderful night of songs and stories from Joe, accompanied by gifted multi-instrumentalist Jeff Plankenhorn. The evening began with a great set of witty tunes from Paul Thorn. If this show comes to your town, don't miss it!

My first time to the Birchmere after hearing about it for years. Had heard the music of both Paul Thorn and Joe Ely, so was looking forward to seeing them. The venue is unbelievable...exceeded my every expectation...and the drinks just kept coming and coming as did the wine. Both performers were outstanding. Paul Thorn connected immediately with the audience and only got better. Joe Ely was like he was playing in my living room. My wife hollered out a request and he played it...now that's what I'm talking about! After the show, I thanked him and he said he had not planned on playing :West Texas Waltz" but did. I'm in 100%. Hope to get back to the Birchmere and hope to see both artists again...if the stars line up for them to be there, I will be, too.

On any given night Joe Ely can draw from a phenomenal catalog of material. Sunday night in Portland he drew upon the vast quantity of outstanding material to totally deliver a great show. He is still in great form and sounds as good as ever. I Highly recommend any opportunity to see him perform live. He is a master singer songwriter.

Gone are the days of Joe's 7 piece band,the blazing guitar solos & the bigger venues. But the talent is still very much imbedded in Joe's music. The vocals are strong as ever and the song selection is tailored to todays 4 piece band. You won't be disappointed if you take in a show with one of the finest musicans Texas has offered.

The last time I was able to see Joe live was the early 80's in Dallas,TX...that's been quite some time. I can honestly say he's maintained his abilities to their fullest. The band members have changed over the years...but the quality of the performance is still top-notch.You're not going to get the blazing guitar solos of the past..now you'll hear a fine dobro player. There's no loss of energy in today's presention of Joe Ely.If you enjoy his music,don't hestitate to indulge in the latest lineup. I'm happy I did.

Joe Ely is on the road now promoting his stellar new album, "Satisfied at Last", and these live shows - featuring songs from the new album as well as many old favorites - are not to be missed. Wednesday's show at the Birchmere, featuring Joe accompanied by guitar whiz Jeff Plankenhorn and the ace rhythm section of Pat Manske (drums) and Jimmy Pettit (bass), crackled with energy from start to finish. If Joe is coming to your town soon, run, don't walk, to get tickets! Opening act Fred Eaglesmith, accompanied by the Fabulous Ginn Sisters, delighted the crowd with wise lyrics and droll wit. A great double bill!

Fred Eaglesmith is a great songwriter, singer and performer and we love his music and shows. He played a lot of his more well known songs and did his usual banter with the crowd. Very very enjoyable. First time for us seeing Joe Ely band and while he was ok, it is not our cup of tea. His songs all sound so much alike it is hard to judge them. Bass player looked like he was on coke and guitar player had an attitude, "I don't recall Mr Ely asking for requests" in a stern voice and unsmiling face.

I have been attending Joe Ely shows for the past 25years and have never been disappointed. The only let down is when the show ends. Last night was no exception. The big surprise of the night was the Fred Eaglesmith Bnd. After one show I am now a devoted fan. I don't know how to describe the sound of the new band--country noire perhaps? All I know is they are all extremely talented. Fred's stories in between songs are hilarious. I can't wait to see him again.

Great show. Joe Ely was excellent and Fred Eaglesmith was a riot.

OMG! We had such a blast! Band was great, Joe is hot! BB Kings is an awesome venue! Great wait staff. People at our table were friendly and out going! Couldn't have had a better night!

The show seemed to go by fast but truly the band came out on time played for 90 minutes straight. No fault of the band but on a Sunday night I think it was harder to get the place rocking. Ely doesn't say much--only a bit of banter but that's fine with me. The band was tight and there was a balanced mix of old and new songs. The band member on a dobro or slide guitar was fantastic.

I had the pleasure of seeing Joe Ely a number of times back in the 1980's in Houston TX and was amazed to see that he is still at the top of his game. Like the new album, and loved hearing the classics. Would recommend Joe Ely to anyone who likes music.

Well, I was hoping to hear "Letter To LA," my all time favorite Ely song, but when I saw David Grissom wasn't at the show, I knew I was going to be out of luck....Joe debuted his new CD, released that day and it is indeed great. Song lyrics really hit home...the playing was tight and good (including the band having to pick up on Joe starting a song in the wrong key!). Guess I'll have to head to Austin sometime to catch a version of "Letter To LA."

This was my first time seeing Joe live. I bought "Live at Antone's" a few years back and loved it, and was thrilled to see him coming to Ann Arbor. The Ark is an intimate venue, Joe played music from his new album. You can see he loves what he's doing, and so does the band. Lot's of fun.

What an incredible show! Great songs played by a legendary Texas performer.

A great songwriter, a great performer and a great storyteller. It doesn't get much better than that! One of the best solo shows I've seen in a long, long time. Looking forward to his return. Traveled from Toledo, but I'd go much further to see Mr. Ely!

As always, Joe proved why he is one of the best. Great voice, great entertainer. He seems to really enjoy putting on a show for his fans, and at The Ark, in Ann Arbor - an amazing venue - you know it was his true fans who came out to see him.

Joe Ely re-united with the band he recorded LORD OF THE HIGHWAY, released 20 years ago. The show was unforgetable. I have seen many shows at Billy Bob's Texas, this one had 2 encores.

It's been several years since I'm seen Joe and neither he nor I is getting any younger. But the years haven't slowed Joe at all. The whole band was full of energy, and it was just a fun night. These guys hadn't played together for years, but you would never have known it. I love to listen to Joe's music, but I had forgotten just how much of a showman he is.

The reunion of the band was a wonderful surprise. I saw the line up 20 something years ago and if possible they are a tighter unit now. Joe's voice was as strong as ever and the switching off of leads between Bobby Keys on sax & David Grissom on guitar was incredible. Davis McLarty on drums & Jimmy Pettit on bass made up a cohesive rhythm section that never missed a beat. It's like they have been playing together every day for the last 20 years instead of just getting back together after 20 years. Over the years I have seen Joe Ely perform north of 50 times but this was one of my favorite, if not mt favorite show.

Joe never disappoints-its was great to see him w/his old band members-David, Jimmie, Davis & Bobby! Very hard to have to sit thru the show-need to be up moving & dancing but @ Billy Bobs they don't have room or allow it!! Still loved to entire show!