by David Artavia
West Texas was alive and well Saturday night at Carnegie Hall, with The Flatlanders performing as part of WFUV’s Live at Zankel concert series. Before
the show even started, the energy was palpable with excitement, as the trio imported loyal fans unlike I’ve ever seen lately at a concert. With decades of experience in the industry between them, the group welcomed the Carnegie audience like first timers—grateful and enthusiastic.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, and Joe Ely walked out
on stage to roaring applause, and just by listening to the tone of their voices, you knew that The Flatlanders had experienced life and all its virtues. One might not think that this grassroots acoustic band would be able to make
the prestigious Zankel Hall into something country, but they absolutely did. And, although each member has achieved success in their own right as pioneers in country music, the
night was an homage to growing up in Texas together as childhood friends—a
great reminder of how the genre was born.
The audience knew every word that they sang, and it wasn't long before Zankel became a county
fair, full of “yeehaws” and screaming requests. During their first set they
sang audience favorites like "Julia," "Not That Much Has Changed," and "Hopes Up High" with tremendous response. Afterwards,
they came downstage and sat on bar stools—each with their guitars, of course. One by
one, they told stories of the old days and played a number of their newly recorded songs.
Their persona as a group represents everything great about
country music: charm, humor, and honesty, and from beginning to end, The Flatlanders pulled us
into their world of remembrance; one could almost hear the echoes of laughter
and music that they have built together. In fact, most of the audience didn’t need
to hear, but remembered from their
childhood the comfort that great music gave them.
The Flatlanders will always be one of the strongest collection of
songwriters country music has ever seen, and it was quite a treat to witness this moment, with some
of the most revered artists to come out of Texas playing better than they’ve ever had. The group continues to deliver the promise that their music will always be the benchmark that
turned the grassroots sound into the symbol of a generation—achieving a place in history as big as the smile on their faces.