It’s virtually impossible to write about Dave Alvin’s music without using the descriptive phrase “roots music”–a huge, genre-spanning category with no simple definition.
Alvin, though, could easily teach a class in Roots Music 101. Since his days in the Blasters, the band he formed with older brother Phil in the late 1970s, his music has been defined by a love for such distinctly American styles as acoustic Delta-style and raw electric blues, honky-tonk country, traditional folk, raucous R&B and flat-out rock ‘n’ roll. Put another way, if Woody Guthrie, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Cash, Big Joe Turner and Eddie Cochran were jamming right now in heaven, that resulting joyful noise would sound a lot like a Dave Alvin album.
Alvin, who appears with his band the Guilty Men Friday and Saturday at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, expertly mixes up his influences on his recent–and arguably best–album, “Ashgrove.” The 10-song collection makes a good case for Alvin’s elevation to the top ranks of contemporary American songwriters.
“Dave is one of the few people to create and redefine roots music in America,” says singer-songwriter Tom Russell, who has co-written a number songs with Alvin, including “Rio Grande” from “Ashgrove.” “He brings a blues-rock sensibility and literate lyrics to roots music. I’d put him up there with Dylan, John Prine and Guy Clark as one of the handful of people who are writing great roots-based songs today.”
Long before he was singing his own songs, California native Alvin was writing such pre-Americana format anthems as “American Music,” “Marie Marie” and “Border Radio” for his golden-throated brother Phil to sing in the Blasters.
Despite a rabid following and critical accolades, brotherly friction between the two Alvins and Dave’s desire for more recognition led to his departure from the band, which was followed by a brief stint in iconic punk rock outfit X.
Alvin’s first solo album, 1986’s “Romeo’s Escape,” provided a wake-up call to those who thought of him only as the silent, guitar-playing junior partner in the Blasters. Since then his albums have ranged from full-bore electric to stripped-down acoustic fare, characterized by his rough-hewn baritone, guitar prowess and, last but certainly not least, his keen storytelling ability.
In 2000 Alvin’s “Public Domain,” a collection of traditional folk songs, won a Grammy for best traditional folk album. The self-deprecating Alvin recalls his biggest moment in the show biz spotlight.
After accepting his award and going backstage for the obligatory “grip ‘n’ grin,” Alvin was grabbed by security guards as he tried to reclaim his seat in the auditorium. It was only after he showed them the winning envelope with his name on it that they let him pass.
“Yeah, I won,” he says, chuckling. “But I won in true Dave Alvin fashion.”
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Dave Alvin
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn
Price: $20; 708-788-2118
