(Jeff) Tweedy in Phoenix

Julie and I saw Jeff Tweedy in Phoenix last night, at The Van Buren. Jeff is in parens because this is really the Tweedy band, with Jeff and sons Spencer and Sammy comprising half the ensemble.

Jeff Tweedy with son Spencer on drums

This was such a different show than I’ve seen Jeff in before. I’ve seen Wilco four times and Jeff Tweedy “solo” twice. This wasn’t a solo gig - it was a proper band that brought some very different vibes than Wilco.

The band played more Meat Puppets songs (2) than Wilco songs (0). There was serious harmonizing going on! It sounded very good. Wilco does this but on a small scale; this band was tight and would at times have five or six vocals going.

Jeff was charismatic as usual; his tone has turned so much warmer in the past few years. He seems so genuinely happy to be on stage with his sons and other young adults that grew up with his sons.