The beautiful Uptown Theater in Napa was where the hippest shindig in the Northbay went down on Saturday, March 1, and if you missed it, that’s on you, Daddy-O. Living legend Nick Lowe took the stage with his Lucha Libre mask-adorned backing band, Los Straightjackets, who proved the perfect band for Lowe to traipse elegantly through his musical catalogue that spans 50 years.
As silver fox men in black leather jackets and matching black Converse filled the glorious Uptown with their cool kitten dates, a knowing buzz started to build. Lowe is 75 years old and although he put out an album just last year (the swingin’ Indoor Safari which also features Los Straightjackts), at 75 years old, these nights won’t last forever. But Lowe strolled out looking every bit the Jesus of Cool he’s always been in brown slacks and a buttoned-up, long-sleeve shirt. I guess you could say the look was vintage, but it’s more fun to imagine the amazing closet of clothes Lowe must have.
A mere day after suffering through the embarrassing Trump/Zelenskyy press conference debacle, we were all in need of some musical salve, and Lowe more than delivered. He kicked the set off with a slower, more swinging version of his banger So It Goes. The lyrics (In the tall building/Sit the head of our nations/Worthy men from Spain and Siam/All day discussions with the Russians/But they still went ahead/And vetoed the plan) were sung straightforward but somehow packed a knowing and somewhat relieving punch. So it goes, indeed.
From there, Lowe kept the positive vibe going with the surf-music laced Went to a Party off the aforementioned Indoor Safari (a must-have album for this upcoming summer season) before veering over to some of his more lovely, introspective songs like Lately, I’ve Let Things Slide, House for Sale and a truly moving Blue on Blue. Even with these sadder songs, Los Straightjackets kept it chill and performed a few songs as Lowe took a break.
Admittedly, with such a rocking icon as Lowe is, I was concerned for the seated show at the Uptown. But as Lowe launched into his bevy of hits to end the show, the crowd made their way to the aisles to shake a leg to Cruel to be Kind, Half a Boy and Half a Man, and I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ‘n’ Roll).
The events of the day (and year, so far) were also quelled as Lowe launched into a gentle version of his song What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding were enticed out for a second encore, delivering a gorgeous, solo performance of Costello’s Allison, which he charmingly announced as “a vibe killer.”
It was a night to revel in and remember as Lowe once again proved every bit the legend he’s become.
