Seeing Justin Townes Earle at Vancouver’s Biltmore Cabaret and Bellingham’s Wild Buffalo came hot on the heels of the weekend long Live at Squamish festival. I (and perhaps my ear drums) was suffering from a bit of music fatigue after that fairly amazing weekend but I’ve seen every performance Justin’s given in Vancouver and I didn’t want to miss this one. I’m glad I didn’t.

Justin’s been burdened by the baggage that comes with a famous name for some time. From the opening of the show it was clear that the baggage has been shed, and Justin has emerged as one of the finest singer/songwriters of the current generation. Artistically mature and amazingly talented, his Midnight at the Movies album is one of 2010’s best and shouldn’t be missed.

The video was shot at the Wild Buffalo House of Music in Bellingham, Washington and features Justin performing Townes Van Zandt’s Rex’s Blues as a solo acoustic number. Photos are a mix of shots from Vancouver’s Biltmore Cabaret and the Wild Buffalo, which offers higher ceilings, better angles and better lighting. Photos were features on Guttersnipe News.