Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Lately Jimmie Dale Gilmore albums and appearances have been about as rare as a Thomas Pynchon novel or sighting. It's been five years since the release of the Buddy Miller-produced One Endless Night, which included as many covers as Gilmore originals. Along with Lubbock/ Austin compadres Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, Gilmore has been involved as much with the art world and with the resurgence -- and marketing -- of the Flatlanders trio as with his solo musical work the past few years. The diminished solo presence of these three giants of the Texas music scene graphically illustrates the changing trends of the Lone Star musical landscape. While Gilmore and Hancock never toured as hard as Ely, changes in the industry have forced these superstars to a strategy of uncorking themselves rarely, like some coveted vintage produced only on special occasions.

Known as much for his serene personality, nimble intellect and artistic integrity as for his music, the mystical Gilmore remains one of the most important artists in the Texas music pantheon despite the rarity of his recordings and performances. A casual glance at his touring schedule shows that he's still widely appreciated around the country -- unfortunately maybe more so than here in his native land. Gilmore reportedly is working on an album of his father's favorite songs, and his performance at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts allows us a great opportunity to reconnect with one of our true state musical treasures.