Nine years after the release of his debut album, El Dorado, Dallas-based singer/songwriter Wesley Geiger celebrated his sophomore album No Cigar at The Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff last week, with supporting acts Dancey Jenkins and Garrett Owen.
The night was full of thoughtful performances, diving into the intricately woven tapestry of each artist’s psyche. The sheer amount of expertise on stage at any given moment dazzled the room with sonically playful melodies – to which at one point, as a song ended, a music lover in the back exclaimed, “SO TALENTED!”
“That’s the headline,” Jenkins laughed on stage with the rest of the crowd. “So talented.”
No Cigar is a precisely crafted musical journey; here, the itinerant spirit of El Dorado has become rooted, even familial, and more studied and inquisitive than ever. The music is detailed, yet open. Geiger’s main influence is country music, but the writing is informed by a love of jazz harmony and classic pop melodies.
There is a variety of textures and moods, created by a band of exceptional Texas musicians. The album was produced by Daniel Creamer (aka Dancey Jenkins), engineered by Matt Pence and recorded at the Echo Lab just outside of Denton, Texas. (You may also recognize these two as part of Shakey Graves’ band)
The songs on this record are joyful, lively, and occasionally reflective. They are born from finding hope and humor in the mundane, often difficult realities of life. They were written in the place where things didn’t go according to plan, where you are close, but no cigar.
Jenkins performed many songs from his 2023 debut album Nothingness, and Garrett Owen played fan favorites and new tunes as well.
Catch Wesley Geiger at the State Fair of Texas on Wednesday October 18 at the Yuengling Flight Stage – performing at 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
In a thank you letter to his friends, family, and collaborators, Geiger proclaims, “We’re just getting started!”
Wesley Geiger performed a moving set with a full band at The Kessler in celebration of his No Cigar album release. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Wesley Geiger in the moment. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The iconic Kessler Theater marquee. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The full show lineup was on stage to perform “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” with Wesley Geiger, a gospel song included on the No Cigar album in honor of his grandfather. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Dancey Jenkins’ set included Evan Jacobs (left, keyboard) and Matt Pence (drums, right). Photo: Jessica Waffles
Garrett Owen on stage at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Wesley Geiger’s band included several members of The Texas Gentlemen. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Guitarist Ryan Ake’s set lists for the Dancey Jenkins set (left) and the Wesley Geiger set (right). Photo: Jessica Waffles
Austin-based Dancey Jenkins’ performance was thoughtfully engaging at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Ryan Ake performed with both Geiger and Jenkins; you may recognize him from The Texas Gentlemen. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Wesley Geiger switched between keyboard and guitar during his set at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
The full Dancey Jenkins ensemble on stage at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Garrett Owen’s intricate guitar picking skills are iconic to his songwriting. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Wesley Geiger brought little bits of magic to the stage at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
So talented. Photo: Jessica Waffles
A sereneness overcomes the stage while performing Wesley Geiger’s music. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Wesley Geiger performed many songs from the new album, including “Houdini”, “Nervous Laugh” and “Blue Rose.” Photo: Jessica Waffles
Smiles were abundant during this show full of long-time friends. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Garrett Owen’s solo acoustic performance set the stage for a night full of talent at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Dancey Jenkins performing with Wesley Geiger at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
It’s not hard to be drawn into Dance Jenkins’ music. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Dancey Jenkins’ set was the perfect middle act to lead into the Wesley Geiger showstopper. Photo: Jessica Waffles
It was a pleasure to witness Wesley Geiger in full swing at The Kessler. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Give it up for Wesley Geiger, everybody. Photo: Jessica Waffles
Jessica Waffles is a freelance photographer/videographer and regular contributor to KXT.
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