I’ve seen hundreds, if not a thousand rock shows. People ask me often to name my “best show”.

After giving it some thought, I can safely say that a Chris Whitley‘s late night set at NYC’s Joe’s Pub almost 15 years ago is the best rock concert I ever saw.

On May 30, 2002, while visiting my dear friend Philly Dave, he brought me to see Chris Whitley at Joe’s Pub in lower NYC. I can still feel and smell the vibe of that night.  It had a magical feel. The lighting, decor, and anxious energy from the crowd.

Following a celebrated debut album in which this Daniel Lanois-approved Texas guitar wizard had two Billboard charting songs, Whitley melted under the uncomfortable spotlight. He and his buddy Alejandro Escovedo retreated and got lost in the music.

Chris was on the tippy top of his game this NYC spring night at Joe’s Pub.  It was lightning in a bottle for sure… and lucky for me and Philly Dave, we knew it at the time.

What we did not know though is this would be the only time we would see Chris Whitley play live.  He died less than 3 years later.

His daughter, Trixie Whitley, carries his torch in her own classy punk way. Her voice and whispery guitar sound so much like her father at times, yet… Trixie has developed a sound all her own. So crazy talented.

She’s playing in Brooklyn soon.  I plan on being there.

Trixie Whitley

My only exposure to Chris to that point was his “Home is Where You Get Across” on Ron Wasserman’s Trios album released in 1994 (a gem in itself.)

Here is a link to that song, which was recorded on the album with Les Claypool.

Armed with his freshly strung acoustic guitar Chris charged full steam ahead into his catalog of songs.  With his cowboy boots tapping time and a unique distortion on his guitar, Whitley played all alone, vulnerable and nude.  A devoted fan sitting in the crush velvet couch next to me (see pic of club below) told me that Chris was playing extremely well on this tour and was “peaking” after a rough stint where he lost his focus.

His songs are emotional and so was his delivery. Lucky for us, the vocals were clear too.

Chris’ release “Live at Martyrs’” captures his live show at the this time.  I’ve included tracks from this release on several Thunderbird Ranch Ramble cd collections, but do yourself a favor… buy the whole album and listen to it. It’s rich.

Here is Chris on Letterman with Paul and the boys backing him up (link).