Tweedy’s Ace Hotel

By Jake Tully

After creating arguably one of the best albums of 2014, Tweedy – father Jeff and son Spencer – have hit the road in a large and critically acclaimed tour in support of Sukierae, with a two-night stop at the famed Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Los Angeles has historically greeted the elder Tweedy with open arms whenever he happens to breeze through and Saturday night’s show at the Ace was clearly no exception. Under the moniker Tweedy, Jeff, Spencer and the gang relate a dynamic that feels decades old and as relaxed as Wilco taking the stage to perform “Impossible Germany” for the umpteenth time. No gimmicks or hand holding – just some profoundly solid musicianship.

Jeff Tweedy took front and center with his usual reverence, tipping his cattleman hat to the crowd. With almost no delay Tweedy with Sukierae’s “Hazel” a peculiarly soft introduction through the night.

“Is there music still going on in the house?” the elder Tweedy asked of the songs blasting in the lobby to no one in particular? “Why?” he laughed. “This is like halftime at a Lakers game. Should we go ahead and do that one again?” Much to the pleasure of the crowd, the band ripped through “Hazel” once again sans muffled Motown pumping through the building.

Playing the majority of their debut record, the band seemed so cohesive it was as if one were witnessing some beloved Uncle Tupelo or cuts off A.M. There aren’t any qualms about the authenticity of Tweedy’s performance simply because the album is fresh. It was a veritable treat to hear “Summer Noon” to the infectious “Low Key” as father and son jammed.

And boy, somebody has got to mention the drumming. My god, the drumming! Spencer employs such an understated approach behind the kit that it’s mesmerizing how effortless it comes off. As musically adaptable as his father, Spencer’s gentle touch on the soothing “Wait For Love” is just as powerful as his channeling of Phillip Selway on the heavy “Please Don’t Let Me Be So Understood.”

The band departed to allot Jeff some solo stage time, allowing for rowdy renditions of “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” and “New Madrid.”

“We’ve got a very diverse crowd tonight,” joked Tweedy as he scanned the audience. “One man is standing up and there’s a woman asleep and the rest of you don’t know what to do.”

The band joined Jeff to round out the set with a smattering of covers including John Lennon’s “God” and the consummate west coast rock number “California Stars.”

As Tweedy departed for the night, his graciousness preceded him but not without allowing him to rib the immaculate Ace Hotel.

“It’s a pleasure to play here, even if this the place where Shirley Temple first got her period. Or at least that’s what they told me. You never know with people in this town.”

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