As the '70s drew to a close, the reclusive and enigmatic Van Zandt abandoned Nashville to return to his home state of Texas, stepping out of the spotlight created by successful cover versions of his songs, and staying away from the recording studio. The recording of this 1985 Nashville performance marks Van Zandt's reluctant acceptance of the King Songwriter mantle so many were anxious to bestow upon him.
Accompanied by a second acoustic guitarist and flautist/saxophonist, he runs through songs that span his career, full of quiet determination. From the existential despair of "Nothin'" to the elegiac "Rex's Blues" and the outlaw narrative "Pancho and Lefty" Van Zandt lays it down subtly but forcefully, his laconic Texas drawl supported by the earthy melodies of his trio. LIVE AT THE OLD QUARTER is still the definitive live Townes album (mostly because its longer), but LIVE AND OBSCURE isn't far behind.
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