Aaron LaCombe at Taos Lifestyle

THEY ALL START WITH SOME

truth, said Aaron LaCombe as the singer-songwriter described his songs. Like stories set to music, as if a chapter of his (or someone’s) life is being sung to you, the listener tends to lean in a bit to learn what happens next.

LaCombe explained the fateful moment that was the catalyst for inviting the truth into his music. “It all started with a Lyle Lovett concert my dad took me to. He played a song about cheating on his girlfriend and there was a line that was gut-wrenching to me. I felt it. The song may or may not be true but it changed the way I play music.” Back when he was listening to the Motley Crews’ of the world and seeing how loud he could play, the young LaCombe sat with his father and watched Lovett engage his audience. “I remember thinking that no one is talking during the pauses because everyone wants to know what happens next. I didn’t know you could do that.”

He undoubtedly knows now. LaCombe has figured out how to write lyrics and tell stories that are raw, funny, bittersweet and relatable — because there is truth woven in every song. He’ll be bringing his truth and more to Taos Lifestyle on May 27, where the secret is officially out. Mary Domito’s intimate venue has begun to draw local music aficionados, twosteppers and tourists. “At our last show, we had a couple visiting from Canada. They had read the article in Tempo and came in and loved it,” said Domito. “I am excited to welcome Aaron LaCombe — I think people are going to love his music.”

LaCombe has never been to Taos but has store-playing experience. “I’ve actually played in a furniture store in Austin,” he recalled, “I’m looking forward to playing in Taos. I appreciate people like Mary who love to showcase music the way she is. It takes someone who loves music to do that and support musicians.”

Born and raised in the Detroit area, the Texas-based musician is familiar with New Mexico, having owned a number of restaurants in Ruidoso. “I went to New Mexico for a visit and never went back and I dove straight into New Mexican food,” said the musician who initially preferred green chile but now chooses red and prefers both to Tex-Mex.

Part vagabond, part Airstream restorer, LaCombe travels to gigs with Potter, his dog and “soul companion” in a tricked-out van. Last year, with a motto to play as much as possible, he played 120 shows. “This year is different,” he explained. “I’m being more selective. I do really well when all the seats face the stage,” preferring not to be background bar music where beer and wings take center stage.

LaCombe will likely feel at home in Taos, playing in an intimate setting to a musically-inclined audience. He has opened and played with Stoney LaReux, James McMurtry, Gary P. Nunn and Randy Rogers, to name a few. Over the years, he has recorded many records, his last one was a full-production country album accompanied by a studio filled with session musicians. He has songs written for his next record, which is in the beginning stages, and plans to include musicians who know and love the songs.

“You may not notice in a rowdy bar, but if you listen to my music, you’ll hear real stories that evoke emotion. It’s much easier for me to communicate through song. When I’m on stage, I am more comfortable being vulnerable.” That ability to be comfortable with vulnerability is the key to the strength and truth in his music. “The truth is the shortcut to everything. I don’t have any wasted words in my songs. I try to make every word count.”

With witty lyrics that describe everything from an uncle coming out at a Texas Christmas dinner to a song about a friend who died too soon but, “lived more in 54 years than most of us ever will,” the audience will be in for a musical, story-telling treat — one that you can dance to. If you are undecided about the show, do yourself a favor and watch LaCombe’s “Uncle Carl” video on YouTube — you’ll likely decide this is a show you don’t want to miss.

The donation-encouraged concert will be in celebration of Dennis Hopper Days and is scheduled to start at

7 p.m. For more information, visit aaronlacombe.com.