There's a soulful, rustic twang to Dave Alvin's voice these days when he sings his rootsy new song "Harlan County Line."
Fans of FX's series "Justified" are familiar with the song and might have seen Alvin and his Guilty Ones band on the show earlier in the season.
The song is off his just-released album "Eleven Eleven," a record that includes a moving tribute to an old friend he respectfully calls "The Black Rose of Texas." It's a song that is dark and deeply sad, but brims with Alvin's signature burnished intensity.
Alvin brings The Guilty Ones to Tucson Friday for a show with Rhythm & Roots Plaza Palomino Courtyard Concert Series.
The Grammy winner and former Blasters guitarist creates a musical stew of garage rock, rockabilly, folk, Bakersfield country and tejano - an influence from his adopted hometown of Austin. Alvin in a written statement aptly describes his music as "a big, messy melting pot" resembling his native California.
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Friday's concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Plaza Palomino Courtyard, 2970 N. Swan Road, at Fort Lowell Road. Tickets are $27 advance from Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave.; all Bookmans locations; Dark Star Leather in Plaza Palomino at Swan and Fort Lowell roads; or online at www.rhythmandroots.org; it's $30 at the door.
On Saturday, hot, young bluegrass purveyors The Hillbenders play a 7:30 p.m. show with the series. The band snagged the prestigious band championship at the 2009 Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Tickets for the show are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; students are $10.
More concerts in the series
Kelly Joe Phelps with Corinne West, Oct. 7; Mr. Boogie Woogie, Oct. 8; The Carnivaleros 10th Anniversary Party, Oct. 21; Tango Orchestra, Oct. 22; Janiva Magness, Oct. 28; and Maria Muldaur & Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band.
Details: www.rhythmandroots.org
