Photo by Zoran Orlic

Nick Lowe
The Birchmere
Alexandria, Va.
April 30

Before Nick Lowe even sang a note, it was clear an edge-of-their-seats Washington, D.C.-area audience was swept away by his persona.

So it’s likely not surprising that when the London-based New Wave, Alt-Country legend began what can only be classified as a truly magical performance, the crowd only fell more deeply in love.

“It is great to be back in the glittering world of Alexandria at the Birchmere,” he joked from the stage.

Lowe may be a road warrior but he gave no sign of weariness as he worked his way through the 75-minute plus set list. Prior to the concert, Lowe said that although he’s aged – he just turned 63 — the success of his recent album which he said was boosted by a recent tour and special appearances with Wilco has made him hopeful that he can add to his fan base.

Although the median age of the Birchmere audience skewed to the 40+ crowd, there were plenty of 20- and 30-somethings in the mix as Lowe started the show with solo performances of some of his classic songs including “The Old Magic” and “Stoplight Roses.”

When his band took the stage, Lowe continued with classic songs including “Heart” and “Raging Eyes” before he and the players ramped up the vibe to something almost akin to a Texas roadhouse in which energy from the performers travels right to the audience and back.

Mindful of his audience’s mood, Lowe checked in with them throughout the show including before he launched into some songs.

“‘I know some of you are saying ‘What’s wrong with the old stuff?’ but I assure you that these songs were hand picked and road tested,” said Lowe, ever the gentleman. “The main thing is, thanks very much for listening.’”

As the group launched into the new songs including “Raging Eyes” and “I Read a Lot,” the audience grooved right along.

Conscious of the party atmosphere, Lowe cautioned the audience that he and his band planned to “press our luck with a slower tempo” playing the new songs “House for Sale.” “I know you guys are in a rock n’ roll mood, but we will play this because we like playing it.”

Master that he is, though, Lowe kept the energy exchange buzzing during the ballad before he burst right back into the rock n’ roll mode with his 1979 pop hit “Cruel to Be Kind.”

Nick Lowe has been in the music biz for decades, but his performance shows “The Old Magic,” is much more than an album title.