Lyle Lovett Mixes Bluegrass, Country and Rock

For a country and western singer, showed a lot of variety as he and his Large Band mixed in some blue grass, rock, blues and a little gospel Sunday during his 16th annual performance at the .

See photos from Lyle Lovett's performance

“I loved how they blended blues, bluegrass, cowboy and rock,” of Wilmette said. “It was so much fun and the sounds were so full.” 

The 10-piece band—five guitars, two sets of drums, a piano, a fiddle and a cello—and four vocalists added variety to the evening. Lovett was quick to recognize the talent and individual achievements of the musicians. 

“These musicians are stars in their own right,” Lovett said partway through his set. 

Lovett singled out a performer in his group after each song, like singer Francine Reid. 

Reid was born in Cook County—now Stroger—Hospital and lived in Chicago until she was 12. The crowd gave her an enthusiastic “Welcome back” after she and Sweet Pea Atkinson added a unique flavor to “Choke My Chicken.” 

(In addition to some outstanding music, Reid and Atkinson added rather authentic chicken sounds.)

Midway through the concert the band and vocalists left the stage except for Lovett, Ray Herndon on guitar, Keith Sewell Mandolin on guitar and Luke Bulla on fiddle. That is when the heavy bluegrass began. Lovett explained some of the idiosyncrasies as they huddled together on stage. 

“In bluegrass it’s traditional for everyone to sing into one mike,” Lovett said. “We look at each other and sing to each other so you can keep up with each other. If you don’t sing with somebody on a regular basis I suggest you try it.”

Lovett also paid tribute to the crowd and Chicago. 

"Welcome to the folks out on the lawn who we can’t see," Lovett said. "We can’t see you but we can feel you.” 

With that Atkinson, Reed and their vocalist partners—Harry Bowens and Willie Green, Jr.—came on stage to lead “Rise Up From the Dead.” The audience responded with thunderous applause; many in the Pavilion stood. 

Lovett’s friendliness was not lost on audience member Lori Kaplan of Wilmette. “He was so responsive to the band and the audience,” she said.