Lucinda Williams Delivers a "Blessed" Performance at the Wellmont

Midway through her power-packed celebratory concert at the Wellmont, Lucinda Williams promised, "We'll make you cry, and then take you all up."

And that was the theme of the evening. From the opening bars of 'Don't Let Go,' the veteran alt country performer shared the lows and the highs with an appreciative near-packed house. 

Williams brought her characteristic blend of soulfulness, power and vulnerability to the stage last night, to the delight of her adoring fans.  Unadorned and honest in blue jeans and sneakers, she berated a lover who stole her joy and angrily declared, "I want it back."  She performed material from her new CD, "Blessed," a wrenching song about how the hero wasn't born to be abandoned or born to be forsaken, "You were born to be loved." 

The 58-year-old Grammy winner was backed by a kick-ass three-piece band, who exorcised the pain with a driving spare rock sound. The star among the trio was guitarist Blake Mills, hailed by Williams in an  as a "prodigy."

Fans familiar with Williams’ history knows she’s woman who has overcome a lot, but her songwriting voice has never become tarnished with cynicism.  In recalling the death of her manager while on tour in Copenhagen, she gave a shoutout to Bruce Springsteen's family and friends, still grieving over the passing of Clarence Clemons. 

And unlike many performers who will happily take their audience (and payday) for granted, she thanks the fans who were willing to pony up the cash to see a live performance during this time of "economic hell."

Judging by her audience’s response, it was money well spent.  The crowd pressed near the stage, swaying to the music as Williams sang some of her best-loved songs -- "Essence," "Change the Locks," and "Drunken Angel," as well as "Little Angel, Little Brother" as a duet with Amos Lee, who opened the show.  

She finished off the night on a spiritual note, starting her encore with "Blessed," the title track from her latest album," while sending everyone home into the humid Montclair air with a call to "Get Right with God." 

Lee, for his part, made plenty of friends with his 1-hour set, and overcame a bit of mild outcry when he donned a Phillies baseball cap.  The set included favorites such as "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight," and "Arms of a Woman," plus songs from his new album "Mission Bell."