Orion Read

Terry Allen

Live at Al's Grand Hotel

Four years before the release of his celebrated country concept album, Juarez, Terry Allen was invited by his friend Allen Ruppersberg to perform at the opening night of Al's Grand Hotel, an installation/exhibition where Ruppersberg converted a two-story craftsman house in Hollywood into a fully functioning hotel with seven themed guest rooms. Terry Allen set up his piano and played all original songs to a familiar and enthusiastic crowd, including early versions of the Juarez series and five songs that remained unreleased until now. Lost for almost 40 years, the original recordings have been restored and released as a new gatefold LP album with photographs documenting the installation and live performance. The record brings together sad songs and mad songs, songs about the past and the uncertain future... live, raw material from the beginning of this great songwriter's career.