I saw Ryan Adams last night, opening for Willie Nelson. I didn't actually stay for Willie, although I know from past experience that he puts on a fine show; I was tired and really just in the mood for Ryan.

The set was too short, and I missed some of the catchier tunes from Cold Roses; of course, with a 50-minute slot, there's only so much he can do. But I thought it was a down-to-business, no-nonsense rocking outing.

Of note, it appears that JP Bowersock is no longer with the Cardinals. There is no official notice that I can find anywhere, but for the past several months, it seems that Neal Cassal has been playing lead guitar with Adams. He sang one song last night, and it was a highlight. He's played with Shannon McNally, a fine little country filly, and he seems well-suited to the Cardinals. The fanboys on the message boards seem pleased, although even they don't know what's up.

Adams's third album of the year is coming out soon, and if it is as good as the first two he will have totally hit for the cycle. I see from the track listing that some of the tunes have already made their way to my greedy ears, either through concert recordings or bootlegs of his numerous studio outtakes. And, oddly enough, Bowersock is on the album, even though it is billed as a solo record as opposed to a Cardinals record. Must have been in the can a while (the album; not Bowersock.)

TONIGHT: Tan Sleeve as part of IPO New York.

Labels: The tunes