I caught these fine songwriters at McCabe's last night. Great songs in very different styles. Alvin's songs are paired down to the basics, Smither's words and music are blusey and intricate, and Case's songs are a mashup of roots and pop melodies. All these writers craft beautiful lyrics and it was an inspiring show. Rick Shea accompanied Dave Alvin with some beautiful guitar and mandolin playing--it would have been nice bonus to hear one of Rick's songs from his Shelter Valley CD.
If you don't know their music, check it out:
Ernest