Greg Oldson and friends - Wildish Theatre, Springfield, OR - June 27, 2025

 

[Colorado to Springfield, OR] Greg, my cousin’s husband, is unfailingly cheery, positive, and kind. He and I also share a sincere passion for Townes Van Zandt. But whereas I listen to Townes like a basic girl, Greg spins Townes’ spirit and tone into a tapestry of his own … and names his child after him. My cousin met Greg when he was a famous musician in Colorado (I think?). He’d deny his fame but please ignore him. That band, the Brown Brothers, (devastatingly) has no online presence – if you’re lucky, you’ll someday hear their best song “Where Can I Get Me Some of That Slack.” But this reinforces my point – Greg is infuriatingly and endearingly humble and not-self-promoting. Cousin & Greg spent a year in Chile and settled in Springfield, Oregon (next to Eugene). In the meantime, Greg has established a wide network of music buddies, a network that is a testament to his music prowess and good-heartedness. This night was in celebration of Greg’s 50^th birthday celebration. It was also my Uncle Kirk’s birthday, my guncle (gay uncle as he likes to reference himself) – this uncle was pivotal in my life – teaching me a love for debate, the card game of spit, and travel. Greg kindly expanded his party to be a celebration of Guncle Kirk too – Kirk and I manned the drink table. Despite of, or maybe because of, my pathological shyness as a youth, running a party has become my jam – so we had a good time soothing the fractious crowd while the show was delayed due to technical difficulties. 

There was a Springfield local wearing a Casey Neill and the Norway Rats t-shirt – nothing I like better than a random band run-in – and they’re from Portland. The schedule of songs moved through the various groups he collaborates with. Being Greg, he spent a lot of time expressing awe and gratitude that we were all there – apologizing for taking up our time – until his bandmates and the audience (50 people??) shouted him down: “We’re delighted to be here to celebrate you and your talent!!” The first collective included a wide range of instruments (mandolin, pedal steel). 

The second song “Down the River a Ways” was very Townes with a Durango, CO video…and the crazy disturbing saw-playing woman >< 😊 “Better Life to Live a Farmer” was more bluegrass – some humor. “Bisti Badlands” a ballad. And then a high pitched song that gave Sufjan Stevens. His sound has a soothing monotone drone. I kept wondering if he ever lived the lives he sings about (‘alcohol on the breath’ etc), as a Dara is wont to do. I also kept wondering where the video backdrop (desert vistas etc) came from. There was some Widespread Panic spirit (lord I’m obsessed with “The Waker” – the sexy affrontery of claiming none of us will ever be as high as he is). 

The next collective, Brothers In Law, was a little more outlaw country – the drummer used a brush. I noticed Greg’s leg involuntarily lifts as he’s playing, an endearing little musical twitch. “Heaven Hill” is a song about his dad. There was some rockabilly flair. “Leaving Aztec” was my favorite – Hawaiian or spaghetti western. Or maybe “Running Horse” was my favorite– upbeat with an off-kilter whine. They also had a Songs:Ohia sound. 

I fell hard for Ian Noe last week – claims Neil Young and Bob Dylan (ech) but I hear some Townes – and his music is currently not available for purchase because of mental health troubles – he’s only 39. I’ve always been disturbed by how the musicians that captivate me are hyper depressives (see my dad’s family) – Townes at 52 so not too bad – Jason Molina from Songs:Ohia died at 39, alcohol. Maybe pain is key for depth.