Foster & Lloyd
Saxon Pub, Wednesday, March 16They’re definitely grayer and perhaps a little huskier than the last time they graced a stage at South by Southwest more than 20 years ago. But Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd showed they still enjoy playing together. With just acoustic guitars, the duo highlighted a batch of songs from their first new album since 1990, which they promised will be released this spring, along with old favorites from their late-Eighties heyday. Newer tunes, like the set-opening title-cut from the new disc, “It’s Already Tomorrow,” and “If It Hadn’t Been for You” dealt maturity and adult love while retaining their near-Everly Brothers’ harmonies and country rock flair. Another foundational influence was displayed when they incorporated the Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” into their 1988 hit “What Do You Want From Me This Time?” A couple of times they appeared a little rusty, reaching for high notes and flubbing guitar parts. Still it was a thrill to once again hear them perform the final three songs, “Texas in 1880,” “Crazy Over You,” and “Faster and Louder,” with Lloyd showing off his ample guitar style and the energy in the room growing by the second.
This article appears in March 18 • 2011.