Joe Ely Band

From out of Lubbock, Texas, we seem to be getting a year-by-year sampling of an obscure, "outlaw" Texas group known as The Flatlanders. Last year we saw Flatlander alumnus Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and this year brings Joe Ely. The group broke up over 20 years ago, but the music still describes Ely's style: he's an outlaw Texas country singer-songwriter.

Since then, he's made a name for himself as far away as Britain, where he encountered The Clash. That association gave him exposure to the rock world when he toured with the group and opened up even more avenues of experience.

Portrayed as a "Panhandle Poet," his travels have introduced him to various cultures and music traditions. (Garcia Lorca is a premier poet in his eyes.) His most recent album is a 1995 release entitled Letter to Laredo. He last appeared at the festival in 1994.

Joining Joe are Donald Lindley on drums, Glenn Fukunaga on bass, Teye Wijnterp on flamenco guitar and Jesse Taylor on guitar.