Paul Sanchez

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Langniappe, The Times-Picayune

Sunday night at Carrollton Station

Jan 3, 1997
Langniappe, The Times-Picayune by Keith Spera

Sunday night at Carrollton Station, Paul Sanchez turned in a solo acoustic set full of warmth and humor.

The setting was minimalist - a solitary figure with a black acoustic guitar perched on a stool on a tiny stage, alone except for quick guest turns by guitarist Chris Polachek and Better Than Ezra drummer Travis McNabb (who tapped out a beat on a guitar case).

The appeal of a Sanchez set lies in his ability to deftly mix uproarious drink-and-sing-alongs like "You Used To Be A Friend of Mine (But I Can't Stand You Now") and "Irish Boy" with poignant little gems like "Wasted Lives and Bluegrass" and "Jet Black and Jealous" (the title tracks of his two stellar solo albums) that held the packed audience in rapt attention.

His tender reading of the old Art Neville hit "All These Things" was a revelation, as was the new darkly seductive "Evil Can Be Lovely." 

Y'all think I'm doing you a favor, said a beaming Sanchez near the end of the three-hour set, when the audience still refused to let him leave. But you're doing me a favor.