From the ACL Taping Program on May 15, 2006:
The music of Alejandro Escovedo is one of many influences. Born in San Antonio and raised in Southern California, Escovedo drew upon the musical genres of the region to create his own style. “We drove between Austin and Los Angeles all the time, and that trip probably influenced my songs more than anything. It’s mi tierra — it’s where my people came from.”
“Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre,” said David Fricke of Rolling Stone. Throughout his career Escovedo has been an essential member of a number of bands, including the Austin-based Rank and File and the guitar-driven rock band The True Believers. Today will be the third time Escovedo has performed on the Austin City Limits stage, but life has changed for the artist since his last visit.
In April 2003, the Texas singer-songwriter was staring death in the face due to an ongoing battle with Hepatitis C. Escovedo was in Tempe, Arizona for a performance of the theatrical production By the Hand of the Father, a mix of music and storytelling about Mexican-American immigrants, when he fell victim to the disease and collapsed after the show. Now, three years after his health scare, Escovedo has a different look on life that is reflected in his recently released album, The Boxing Mirror. Produced by former Velvet Underground icon John Cale, The Boxing Mirror follows Escovedo’s journey from the brink of death to wellness. Billboard calls it “a masterwork from one of the genuine lights in rock music.”
