With a dad like singer/writer/actor Steve Earle and a name like Townes (after legendary songwriter Townes Van Zandt), Justin Townes Earle was pretty much destined to get into the music business.
And probably controlled substances, too. When Justin was 15, his "outlaw country" namesake Van Zandt died from complications of alcoholism. Throughout his childhood, his father spent a lot of time doing drugs or in jail. When Justin got older, he joined Steve's band, the Dukes -- only to be fired over his growing affinity for drugs. With friends like these, who needs enemies?
Needless to say, by the time Justin Townes Earle struck out on his own, he had some demons to exorcise. On the plus side, making great music has never been one of his problems, and hjs last two albums -- Midnight at the Movies (2009) and Harlem River Blues (2010) -- have shown he's more than just Steve Earle's kid. For a sample of his latest work, check out the titular MP3 "Harlem River Blues."
Earle's demons, fortunately, have been expelled. He had to sacrifice his fall 2010 tour -- including a stop at the Casbah -- but he's clean now, and his San Diego show has been rescheduled for this Saturday at 5 p.m.
Actually, the Casbah show has been scheduled three times -- from September 2010 to Feb. 27 to Feb 26. Earle seems determined to play San Diego, though, so you should return the favor and go see him do it. New York-based songwriter Dawn Landes will open. Get your tickets here.
T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
