NICK LOWE
THE FRISCO KID

Nick Lowe occupies a unique place in British popular music. Emerging in the late 1960s with Brinsley Schwarz before becoming one of the defining figures of the pub rock movement, he went on to enjoy enormous success as a songwriter, performer and producer. As the architect behind landmark recordings by Elvis Costello, Graham Parker and Dave Edmunds, and as a founding member of Rockpile, Lowe helped shape the sound of British rock during the late 1970s. His solo catalogue has consistently demonstrated an effortless gift for melody, wit and craftsmanship. Respected by critics and fellow musicians alike, Lowe remains one of popular music's finest and most influential songwriters.

By 1989, Lowe had spent over two decades refining his distinctive blend of rock 'n' roll, country, soul and pop into a style that was unmistakably his own. Although commercial success had fluctuated throughout the 1980s, his reputation as an outstanding live performer and songwriter had only grown stronger, earning him an intensely loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic. His performances had become leaner and more assured, showcasing an artist whose understated delivery and effortless musicianship concealed a remarkable depth of talent.

Captured at Slim's Nightclub in San Francisco, California, on 23rd April 1989, this outstanding performance comes from one of the highlights of Lowe's extensive UK and American tour. Joined throughout the evening by an impressive cast of guests including legendary guitarist James Burton, Elvis Costello, Kim Wilson, Scott Matthews and Austin DeLone, Lowe delivers a superbly paced set that effortlessly blends his own classics with inspired cover versions. Costello would perform his own set later that evening, making for a memorable double bill, but it is Lowe who commands centre stage here with one of the finest performances of the tour.