Lucinda Williams. Righteous, naked (figuratively) and stronger than ever.

Lucinda Williams played at The Wiltern last night.

It was the last stop on her long tour promoting her newest CD Little Honey, and yet, she sounded as strong and real as if it were their first show out.

I've seen her shows before, and I can tell you that her voice is even mightier now than it was in the past. She's expanded the intensity her range both musically and artistically. And talk about power. She's got it in spades, let me tell you.

This woman is my inspiration for how to Not Go Gently Into That Good Night. But, meet every stage of our journey with grace, love and a deep appreciation for what is good about this Sweet Old World.

Anyone who had wanted to be there, but couldn't make it? Well, sorry, but, you missed a fine night of great of great roots, rock 'n roll.

Forgot to mention that she was joined for a few songs by Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (who, for the record, has much better legs than Matthew.) for a cover of Cinnamon Girl. (Matthew Sweet is the guy who made many great albums, my fav being the early 90's Girlfriend, I still consider Girlfriend to be my personal soundtrack of one particularly pivotal year in my life. I digress. Anyhow, these guys joined Lucinda and Buick 6 and brought with them a tune off of recently put together collection of 60's covers called... "Under The Covers. Vol 1." We were told Friday by Lucinda that it is soon to be joined by a Volume 2. Cool.

And it was a moving night for everyone, it seemed, naturally for Lucinda and each of the amazing Buick 6 members. I was touched to be there at their band's final performance of their tour. It was clear this past journey together had been deeply meaningful to them coming as it was during our recent historic election.

but, her band (and opening band) Buick 6 was a powerful, atmospheric ensemble filling the Wiltern with a blues-fueled rock jam setting the stage for her entrance later that night. Their music is like one long, sexy Paris, Texas soundtrack. They have to get some work doing moody film music after this tour. Seriously, they were sizzling hot to hear as well as behold. I wanted to be Dave Sutton's bass. They all seemed to have a close and personal relationship with their instruments, which I only offer as the highest of compliments.

There was a lot of "Rightous" love at The Wiltern last night, with good reason. They are the best and give each other the space to do what they do; make fine music. Together they intuitively rose to musical heights on each and every song, as if it was the first time covered.

Lucinda was strong and vulnerable and open -- as always, but I have to say -- a bit more secure than I recall her being in the past. I don't know what it was. Her new contentment. Her body of experience. Her appreciation for having made it home safe and sound after a long few months...I don't know, maybe all of the above, but, her voice, I just felt it was at it's best that I've ever heard it. I was surprised it was this clear and supple after being on the road so long. She had some kind of range and power last night. You can also read my husband's "real" review of the show, here.

She had many poignant moments with the audience while introducing her work to us. I was impressed by her heartfelt dialogue at the end sharing with us just how engaged they'd been with her audiences over the past few months during our political turmoil, offering us a reminder that it is a new world.

And that we have only just begun to make changes. That we only now have begun to roll our sleeves up to get to work.

Last night she brought the audience a love for her work, her musicians and this country which I found inspiring and was grateful to be part of.

On a personal note: Also missed was the presence of singer and fellow-musician, Jim Lauderdale, because nobody's ever quite the same without him.   Nuff said.

Here's some photos of the show. My camera's battery was fried. Spent too much juice on photos of my second grader's school assembly earlier yesterday.

But, the crazy blur of the images also -- I think -- capture a certain raw spirit of how it felt being at her concert, as well.

I'll try to post more thoughts about last night when I get more time this weekend, but wanted to post this for now.

Enjoy.