Not many highs at Lowe's mournful holiday show at First Avenue

It's difficult to get into the holiday spirit when there's a death in the family. But Nick Lowe, a white-haired wise man from England, prudently used the afternoon death of Ian McLagan, his scheduled opening act, for inspiration on Wednesday night at his Christmas-themed performance at First Avenue.

After performing two selections solo on acoustic guitar, Lowe spoke of the heavy burden. He explained that McLagan, "our friend and hero," had died that afternoon of a massive stroke in Austin, Texas. "To say we're reeling backstage is an understatement," Lowe said. "But the show must go on. No one knew it better than Mac."

Lowe said his fellow Brit believed in the power of music and was renowned for cheering people up. "Mac, are you listening?" Lowe asked, his eyes gazing skyward. "I need your help."

Not only was Lowe saddled with a heavy emotional burden but it was the opening night of his holiday tour with a new backing band (Los Straitjackets) and he was having some issues with his voice.

His high notes eluded him on "Cruel to Be Kind," probably his biggest hit, and he apologized for his voice. And then before playing the second encore (a lovely and loving "Alison," solo acoustic) to close the 95-minute perforrmance, he confessed: "My voice needs some serious rest."

After the first night of the tour? Wow. Maybe he was rehearsing too hard at First Avenue on Tuesday.

Truth be told, Wednesday's show didn't measure up to Lowe's usual high standards. It wasn't just his vocal challenges but he also hasn't found his stride with Los Straitjackets (who played a 15-minute instrumental set mid-show, showing off their guitar licks and candy-cane-striped neckties) and the arrangements – more to the Tex-Mex and surf-rock style of the backup band – didn't seem lived in.

The crowd got more excited when Lowe and band rocked out. "Half a Boy and Half a Man" carried on like "Iko Iko" with a cheesy Tex-Mex flavor. "Somebody Cares for Me" connected with its vintage vibe and plenty of echo and reverb. "The North Pole Express" chugged along like Santa's twang-abilly theme song. After it received a loud, prolonged ovation, Lowe declared the performance to be "so pop-tastic."

More pop for the party people would have been fun. But, of late, Lowe has been exploring vintage sounds that express a love for '60s pop, '50s rockabilly and even older jazz-pop.

Lowe crooned "Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart," a classic-sounding ballad. "Raging Eyes" had sonic echoes of Buddy Holly, and "Sensitive Man" suggested Elvis.

Two yule tunes stood out even though they were hopelessly lonely. The well-crafted Christmas ditty "A Dollar Short of Happy" had a vaudeville vibe but a lyric referencing "nannies getting high in an SUV." And "Christmas at the Airport" spoke to the frustration of being marooned when schedules spiral out of your control.