Written by: Geoff Tischman

The legendary Nick Lowe played an intimate and moving set the other night at the Congregational Church in Montclair, New Jersey.

The singer/songwriter’s show was put on by Outpost In The Burbs, a non-profit organization which, according to their website, is a “non-profit outreach organization dedicated to building community through music, community service and cultural programs.” (You can read all about this terrific organization here:).

The Surrey-born Lowe reached back into his extensive songbook, playing numbers from his old band (Brinsley Schwarz, Rockpile) his solo career and even a few songs by Elvis Costello, Dave Edmunds and Arthur Alexander.

Lowe is a dignified presence, silver haired and bespectacled and he comes across as a Professor Emeritus of Pop. He’s dapper, elegant and as charming as ever. “People Change” was as perfect as it gets, “Cruel To Be Kind” was fabulous and “Tokyo Bay” was a killer.

Lowe played solo with no band behind him and his between song banter was intimate and charming.

Nick Lowe Setlist:

People Change, Stoplight Roses, Long-Limbed Girl, Ragin’ Eyes, Blue On Blue, Has She Got A Friend?, ‘Til The Real Thing Comes Along, Without Love, Crying Inside, Hope For Us All, I Trained Her To Love Me, I Live On A Battlefield, Shelley My Love, Cruel To Be Kind, Sensitive Man, When I Write The Book, House For Sale, Lonely Just Like Me, I Knew The Bride (When She Used To Rock n’ Roll), Tokyo Bay, What’s So Funny ’bout Peace, Love and Understanding?, Alison