Joe Ely

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More About

• Joe Ely
• Lubbock
• Paul Metsa
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media
• North-American Food and Cooking

Lone Star troubadour Joe Ely's journey from the wind-scoured plains around Lubbock to recognition as one of Texas's most talented and iconic songwriters comes full circle on his new solo album (due out this week), Satisfied at Last. Now closing in on his mid-60s, Ely takes stock of his life in this mainly reflective collection, metaphorically returning home ("Not That Much Has Changed"), contemplating mortality, musing about the past, and basking in the present, as well as grappling with spiritual and existential questions via Billy Joe Shaver's "Live Forever" and fellow Flatlander Butch Hancock's "Circumstance." The music, less raucous than Ely's been known to get, still conjures a satisfying whine while negotiating Ely's trademark border radio mix of rootsy rock, honky-tonk, Tex-Mex, and blues. Iron Range troubadour Paul Metsa will open.
Sun., June 5, 7 p.m., 2011