Bob Schneider @ Crescent Ballroom

With his 12th solo album set for release, it’s as good a time as any to revisit the question: Who is Bob Schneider? It’s not an easy question to answer, however. Though Schneider has carved out his own unique niche as an artist, he’s always been difficult to define, straddling genres, finding a bit of mainstream success that didn’t necessarily play to his strengths, and possessing a songwriting style that’s equally comfortable being cheesy or thoughtful. Regardless, with Burden of Proof due in May on Kirtland Records, it’s fair to say that as both a songwriter and a performer, Schneider is a restless artist who keeps finding new corners to turn in his work. A beat-of-his-own-drummer type, Schneider had some success with two albums on Universal — Lonelyland (2001) and I’m Good Now (2004) — but is better-represented by his own Shockorama Records. In turn, Schneider is a good representative for (Keep) Austin (Weird), holding down a Monday night residency at the Saxon Pub and collecting two dozen Austin Music Awards over the years. Schneider’s current tour comes on the heels of Lovely Creatures (2009) and A Perfect Day (2011) albums, which combine elements of funk, country, and soul with his mellow folk-rock, creating varied arrangements and a lush and layered sound.