The genre-hopping work of Lyle Lovett has seen him blossom from a country-based singer/songwriter, to an assured artist unafraid to take on numerous different styles.

His country roots are partly explained by this Texas upbringing, but he soon branched out and enjoyed huge crossover success with his subtle blending of ideas from folk, jazz and rock backgrounds.

This spectacular live show sees him performing with the backing of a 26 piece orchestra, and a 16 piece band. The material mainly focuses on his album from 2003, "Smile," which was a collection of cover versions of music from American films.

Legendary singer/songwriter Randy Newman joins Lovett to duet on several songs, and he also sticks around to perform a couple of solo turns in Lyle's absence.

Trumpeter Mark Ishman is the other notable guest, ably helping to bring the show to a beautiful close as Lovett shows off his eclectic tastes by working his way through a number of gospel classics.

This really is a superb performance for lovers of fine music. The musicianship is second to none and the performances are electric.

The Songs:

Blue skies

Straighten up and fly right

Smile

Gee baby, ain't I good to you

Summer wind

Moritat (Mack the Knife)

Walking tall

You've got a friend in me (duet with Randy Newman)

Political science

I think it's going to rain today

If I had a boat

That's right (You're not from Texas)

Long tall Texan

What do you do

Church

What'd I say

I'm a soldier in the army of the Lord

I'm gonna wait

The Performers:

Viktor Krauss - Bass

Steve Jordan - Drums

Matt Rollings - Piano

Randy Newman - Vocals

Mitch Watkins - Guitar

Buck Reid - Pedal Steel

John Hagen - Cello

Lyle Lovett - Vocals

Stuart Duncan - Violin

Steve Marsh - Alto and Tenor

Harvey Thompson - Tenor

Vinnie Ciesielshi - Trumpet

Charles Rose - Trombone

Mark Isham - Featured Trumpet

James Gilmer - Percussion

Francine Reed, Sweet Pea Atkinson,

Sir Harry Bowens and Willie Greene Jr - Vocals

Credits

Director - Joe Thomas

Producer - Joe Thomas and Steve Dahl

Executive Producer - Randy King

Musical Director - Billy Williams

Special features:

Biography

Discography

Photo gallery

Meet the band