Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
April 2000
I started playing piano and writing music around 7 years old. As long as I can remember, Jackson Browne has been my inspiration to keep writing. After high school in 1979, I tried to get something going, but to no avail, I didn't have much luck getting a band together, other personal problems came up, so I put it off. I started back writing in April 1999 and although I'm still having a few problems getting a band, I am in the recording studio working on my first project, with about 16 hours recording time to complete.
Back in October 1996, October 18th to be exact, Jackson played a benefit concert for the Sacred Heart Foundation in Richmond Virginia. My girlfriend had a birthday, so I treated her and myself to the concert. To this day we still talk about the concert from time to time. Of all the recording artists I've heard, no one's music makes me cry like Jackson's. Every time I hear "Sky Blue and Black" from the I'm Alive CD it reminds me of someone very special to me that I used to write and sing music with---Bill--- he said he went to Morocco.... anyway, I have every CD he's put out, and still waiting for the next. I hope, no I know, that someday,... I keep telling everyone...that maybe after my CD is finished and I get to be known as an artist that my biggest dream will come true... to sing harmony with Jackson on his song from the Late for the Sky CD "Farther On.", my favorite. Thanks Jackson.... Will sing with ya somewhere, sometime, a pleasure!!!
May this letter find you in good health and spirit. Here, I would like to share with you and the other souls interested in Jackson Browne's music a "must see" cable network presentation on album covers and trivia on automobile coolant mechanisms of days gone by.
On February 26, 2000, The Learning Channel (TLC) aired a presentation called California Rock: Under the Covers. It was truly an educational photographic essay. The segment included Jackson Browne's story on how the album cover Jackson Browne (1972) had become labeled on the current CD release as Jackson Browne (Saturate Before Using.) I highly recommend anyone interested in the TLC presentation "Under the Covers", a historical photographic essay on the artistic work of Gary Burden and Henry Diltz, call your local cable network and request a re-airing of the segment. It was truly a historical gem of an essay on album cover design of the '60s and '70s.
According to Mr. Browne's story, water bags where saturated with water then hung on the front of the automobile grill for evaporative cooling of the engine while traveling through the Mojave Desert. During the same era, blocks of ice where carried in the cab of pickup trucks to cool the passenger compartment while driving in southern New Mexico. Just another piece of time and geographical trivia!
Thank you Russ for the email format as a forum for expression of thought on a great artist, such as Jackson Browne. I share a kindred spirit with Mr. Browne as a pianist and poet and hope he will continue to write from the soul. His music exhibits mindfulness, compassion and loving kindness, three practices sorely needed in this Western Culture.
Warmest regards
Webmaster's Reply: I posted about the "Under the Covers" program on the NEWS & UPDATES section of this web site in advance of the intial February 26th premier of the show on TLC (The Learning Channel). It has since shown several times on reruns. I want to thank Maggie for the opportunity to again let everyone know about this truly incredible show. Also, a DVD of this program is in the works in an expanded format (about 50% more footage!) and should be available soon. As Maggie said, this is a "must see" type of program for anyone interested in the music of Jackson Browne, Eagles, Crosby Stills & Nash, The Doors, Joni Mitchell, CSNY, America and other great music. There is extensive interview footage with members of all of these bands. A CD-ROM of the same title has been available for about 5 years now and is the one item I've often sighted as the very best reason for owning a computer. This new DVD is the best reason I know of to go out and get a DVD player if you don't already have one! Speaking of which, Jackson Browne's "Going Home" video is supposed to be coming out on DVD soon, as well!! Additional information on both of these items is available elsewhere in this Web site.
Hello everyone,
I«m so happy that you are able to see Jackson Browne on an acoustic tour but tell me where do I write to pursuade him to do one of these concert in my part of the world.
Looking forward to the next album...
Webmaster's Reply: I've gotten quite a bit of mail similar to this request. The most popular requests the past few weeks (besides Sweden), are for Jackson to do concerts in the U.K. and Texas. Ironically, California is probably the 3rd most requested location!
Hi Folks,
Just got in from the wonderful Charlotte show and I thought I'd post the set list and a few details while we try to calm down from all the Jackson excitement. Just a few details for now, though you'll probably get a more detailed review when I've had some sleep.
Jackson was in GREAT form, very relaxed and at his charming best. He was also delightfully forgetful and not at all phased by his inability to remember his own words. BTW his hair was much too short for my liking, but he looked happy and well. He was wearing the apparently obligatory baggy blue jeans, black t-shirt and black shirt, unbuttoned.
The show started at 8.30. Here's the (unusual!!) set list, with a few details:
I'm Alive - on guitar
Between songs he pointed out that he no longer has the two large monitors in front of him on the stage. He has a new sound system that requires him to wear small ear pieces. He was keen to point out that they were not hearing aids!! He also apologised for the show starting half an hour late because the soundcheck had over-run due to technical problems with the new sound system.
Farther On - on keyboard
Stay - on keyboard. This was a request. Jackson thought it was hysterical that somebody called for Stay this early in the show. He said he'd play it now and get it over with because he certainly didn't want to play it later!
For A Dancer - on keyboard
The Barricades Of Heaven - on guitar
Take It Easy - on guitar. In mid song he thanked the Eagles for making him a lot of money with this song
Your Bright Baby Blues - on guitar. He apologised for playing slide in the South, but said he enjoyed doing so and was going to play slide on one song. BTW, his slide playing has improved greatly since I last heard it.
Ready Or Not - on keyboard. Did you hear me? READY OR NOT!!!!!! Again a request, but I've heard it requested SO many times and he never plays it. He did say he'd only sing the first half and, sure enough, that's all we got, but it was wonderful!!!! :-))))
Rosie - on keyboard
Doctor My Eyes - on keyboard. This was a request amongst many shouted out at the same time. Somebody also called "play something new". As he began Doctor My Eyes he said "I'll play something old and something new". Half way through Doctor My Eyes he said "here's half a new song". The new song sounded pretty good to me, though some of the words were very hard to catch. The hook seems to be "but my imagination got me through some how". He said we'd have to wait for the rest of the song, and then finished off Doctor My Eyes.
Cocaine - on guitar
At 9.30 there was an intermission which Jackson said would be 20 minutes. It was 40 minutes. So, at 10.10, we began again.
For Everyman - on guitar
I Thought I Was A Child - on keyboard. A request. Jackson was delighted that somebody called for this song. He said he didn't think he'd remember it, but he certainly did, with just one slight memory lapse along the way.
Late For The Sky - on keyboard
Lives In The Balance and World In Motion - on guitar, and NO amount of requests was going to sway him from singing these two songs back to back
Too Many Angels - on guitar. Or, an attempt at Too Many Angels that took longer than Too Many Angels ever has, though we hardly got more than a few words. We got an "oh shit" after the first line, then numerous attempts to get back into it with lengthy guitar riffs. He tried and tried, bless him, but the words just would not come to him. He was most upset about it in a very good natured way. He'd so wanted to play this song because he felt it sounded so good on the guitar with the new sound system.
Then he told us he was going to play a new song, but he didn't tell us what it's called. It's certainly complete and sounded pretty good to me, though it was hard to hear a lot of the lyrics. From what I could make out the song *might* be called Better Move, but don't hold me to that. He played it on guitar and it's an upbeat song. I like it!
In The Shape Of A Heart - on guitar
The Next Voice You Hear - on guitar
The Pretender - on keyboard
Encores:
Fountain Of Sorrow - on keyboard. He messed up a little on the piano solo and was a bit upset with himself.
Something Fine - on guitar
It was all over much too soon at 11.15. After the show we had a brief chat with Jackson. He told us that he's working on the new album now and that it should be out by the end of the year. We all know what that might mean!!
That's it for now because Martina and I have to get some sleep for the rest of our travels around the US. BTW, many, many thanks to Linda and Lee for all their help with our tickets for the show tonight.
Just returned from a great evening with Jackson at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte. Wish I would have counted the number of times the chill bumps crawled up and down (no drugs involved). Here's the setlist:
What more needs to be said....See ya in Greensboro.
I have seen Jackson more times than I can recall during the past 25 years, in Indiana, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, and France, but had never seen him perform solo. He seemed to delight in interacting with the crowd in the relatively intimate setting in which he performed. He allowed his performance to be directed, to a surprising extent, by audience requests. He was particularly interested in performing tunes that he said are not frequently "called out" from the crowd during his performances.
Following a request from the audience, he performed "Stay" quite early in the first set. Noting that he was surprised that he could remember the lyrics after not having performed it for several years, he did a very nice rendition of "I Thought I Was a Child." He performed "Rosie" right after "Ready or Not," noting as he played "Rosie's" opening chords that he should never play the songs back to back again (because of the surprising similarity between the chord structure of the songs).
Meeting the request of several audience members, who wisely joined up in chanting "Something Fine" several times, he closed with that song. It was a perfect ending. I didn't even miss Crosby's harmonies (which are such a big part of the beauty of the recorded version).
It was a very enjoyable evening. The solo acoustic format attracted a devoted audience that understood and appreciated his music. My wife noted that he seemed to be more closely in touch with the songs while performing them with such sparse accompaniment; she said that his face seemed to reflect the mood of the time during which each song was conceived as he performed them.
The songs he performed were as follows (with a few comments from this listener):
He interspersed friendly conversation between almost every song. The show started at 8:30 (scheduled at 8:00), intermission from 9:30-10:00, and final song ended about 11:10.
I hope that many have the opportunity to appreciate his music in this unusually intimate format.
Set list: I'm Alive, Farther On, For a Dancer, Barricades of Heaven, Stay, Take it Easy, Bright Baby Blues, Rosie, Doctor My Eyes, "my imagination"? (new song), Cocaine (Rehab), INTERMISSION For Everyman, I Thought I Was a Child, Late for the Sky, Lives in the Balance, World in Motion, Too Many Angels, "better move"? (new song), In the Shape of a Heart, The Next Voice You Hear, ENCORE Fountain of Sorrow, Something Fine.
Well, all I can say is WOW! Jackson was in good spirits and talked with the audience quite a bit. Look at the song list; he took requests! ( Please note: the two songs with ? after are "new songs" and he didn't give the titles to them, so this is simply a guess on my part.) He introduced Take it Easy by thanking the Eagles "for making it such a big hit. It also made me a lot of money!"
He attempted Too Many Angels 3 times. The first, he "flubbed" the lyrics and started over. However, the next 2 times saw him draw a blank when he came to the second verse. He said, "I'm sorry I'm having an off night; I just can't get the lyrics to this one. It happens sometimes." I thought it was a good show; Jackson's voice was very strong and as I said earlier, he was in good spirts.
I drove 2 1/2 hours to see the show, and was rewarded IN SPADES! After the show, I waited by the stage door with about 15 other fans. At 12:45 AM Jackson came out and took his time talking to EACH person and signing autographs, posing for pics, etc. He really gave each fan his undivided attention, and didn't seem to be in a hurry. I finally got my long-elusive autograph and pic. I got home and in bed at 3:30 am and was back up at 5:15 am for work. Needless to say, it was rough. (We aren't as young as we once were!) But the chance to see Jackson solo, and then to talk to him and spend a few minutes with him, THAT was a moment I'll never forget.
Thank you Jackson, for the wonderful music you've given us over the years. And thank you Russ, for the info on tour dates, etc. that keep all of us JB fans so happy. Keep the Faith,
Submitted by: jkoger@d-k.com (Jeff)
I just got back to my home in Danville, Virginia from the opening nite of his solo tour in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was probably the 15th time I have been to his show and as always it was excellent.
While waiting for the show to begin, My wife and I took notice of what appeared to be a very mature audience. But we were wrong. There were too many people shouting out requests and interrupting him. My only disappointment was when he sang Take It Easy and he slowed down near the end as if to start into Our Lady Of The Well and the crowd sang along and turned it into the Eagles version, So he just faded out and stopped. In brief, HE WAS GREAT!
These are small arenas he his playing so people please tone it down a little and let him be at his best.
Solo Acoustic Jackson Browne Concert was a new experience venue....a performer who was comfortable enough with his music to take screaming requests from fans...young and greyheads....and to warn them....Hey, you'd better pace yourself (with a grin and laugh), after they called out STAY, RUNNING ON EMPTY, ETC. even before he could get into his own playlist......Yamaha electric piano and a number of guitars housed off stage and brought on AND his mellow rich VOICE brought smiles, screams, and applause for the performer who apologized for beginning a half hour late due to setup, since this was his first "back to touring event." I was glad he started late because my 19 year old son and I took a few wrong turns....As we sat down, HE came on stage........perfect timing for us!
With full back-up, he is a gracious entertainer. SOLO he is even better. You can see more of his guitar talent and his soul hugging piano style....really impressed me that the songs played solo were more personal because he had to produce it all....AND HE DID.
Some songs rarely requested were called out and he liked that....AND played them. After awhile he admitted he was really off the playlist and would bring one up himself before he forgot to play it. The first hour he was playful, witty, and glad to banter with the audience. After intermission, he continued...we heard two new songs he's working on...wait, just a little bit longer and we'll all get to hear them on a CD. He also said he had Part-timers, instead of "All-timers" when he forgot some lyrics.....which was funny for those of us experiencing the same...he said at least he wasn't using teleprompters like some of his friends.... I think his new "record" will be just that......a record of events of what's going on with him at this age, as he views the same issues we all want him to. He is a spokesman and chants harmony while writing verse.
I'll see him in Greensboro May 16 again...and can compare the first concert of the road to that one. It was like stepping into someone's living space and joining in the fun of making music.
Thanks for the show, Jackson!
Here are some highlights from last nights show. I do not have a good set list but remember most of the songs. Perhaps someone else could provide this for those that are interested.
First of all, it was a great show! Jackson's voice never sounded better! It seemed much stronger than I recall from other shows I've been to.
The audience immediately began shouting out requests to which he obliged. In fact, he played "Stay" his "encore song" as the third song of the night. He seemed very open to requests and in particular wanted to play the more obscure stuff. He played the first half of "Ready or Not" with a nice intro about getting his girlfriend pregnant and not really being "ready" when he was writing the song.
There were a few kinks in the program. Some "technical stuff" that he still needed to work out. His Monitor-Mixer/Guitar Tuner, a poor guy named "Dave" seemed lost. Guitars were out of tune; the sound was never right; he forgot to bring out the songlist, etc... Jackson was polite about the screw-ups but did seem to be annoyed. On almost every song he played, he had to motion off-stage to Dave to "turn it up!" He stopped completely in the middle of one song to tell him specifically what he wanted.
There were a number of instances where Jackson simply forgot the words to the songs (an endearing quality that was quite humorous). Sometimes he would just repeat the corrected line over and other times he would just continue playing until the next line came to him. He made several attempts to finish "Too Many Angels" eventually just stopping and apologizing that he could not remember the words. He commented that he had been playing the songs for 3 days prior as he really liked how it sounded on one particular guitar. It did sound good, he just couldn't get through it. He mentioned that the words were hard to remember as the song is written about an actual room and there were just "so many goddam angels!" He said perhaps it was "Alzheimer's or Part-timers" disease setting in.
He played a couple new songs. Actually, the first one on piano was only part of a new song. He began playing "Doctor My Eyes" and then went into a song I think would be called "Imagination". It had a similar beat to DME but different too. The second new song that he played on guitar was the highlight of the show for me. It was very up beat with some great guitar chord shifts. Now I really can't wait for the new album to come out!
Anyway, he played a lot of his best stuff. A must see if you're within, oh let's say, 500 miles or so of his next show!
By the way, it was great meeting Mona and John, Jan and Dan, Jeneanne and Alicia before the show at Jack Straws. Great to meet new friends and swap stories.
Thanks for listening. Sorry for the content length.
Just got in from the Mobile show, and it was wonderful. Only a few wrinkles left after last nights performance in Charlotte. Jackson, did his studying and didn't miss a single word of Too Many Angles. We also got the rare treat of Sky Blue and Black, along with Jackson's boyish grin when he forgot the starting verse. No Ready or Not though, nor did he play the Load out Stay. The only other problem was one of his guitars was not tuned right, so the new song he tried to play, didn't get there. He played the first little piece of it, and then apologized after a few choice words. Then he stomped across the stage and back, then laughed and smiled real big. Wish I had taken my camera! IF any one else got that picture, I'll pay good money for a copy of it!!!!!!!
My only complaint about the show: The ladies that jumped into the seats in front of us after the intermission. They didn't belong there! They talked too loud, Sang the songs so loud that Jackson was almost drowned out. But the kicker was, she wore a big straw hat! So big that it blocked our view! Now why would someone wear a hat like that to an indoor show? Do people just not think about the others around them? I had to control myself to keep from leaning over and reminding the woman that I paid $100.00 for us to hear Jackson sing and not her. So for the others out there that are going to see Jackson on this mini tour, PLEASE be considerate of others! This was my son's first concert, and he slept through the second half because he couldn't see nor hear the show. That really ticked me off!
The show was scheduled to start at 7:30, but didn't begin until 7:50, Jackson played until about 9:00 and then took a break until 9:20 or there about. The show finally closed at 11:00PM. I didn't write down the set list, but here are the songs he played
Someone else will have to supply the order they were sang in, I didn't think to write it down.
High Everyman,
And boy, are we! Jackson sounded as good as ever. His voice was as pure and clear as we've ever heard him as he played a solo, acoustic performance to a sold out crowd of 1900.
To start, Mobile's Saenger Theatre is beautiful and the acoustics were perfect. The show started 1/2 hour late @ 8:00 pm. The crowd was pumped - even in spite of the Saenger's "lost liquor license". There were no obnoxious drunks in this crowd. The sound was great - no matter where your seats were. We started out in the nose bleed section, but it wasn't long before we realized that the best seat (actually standing room only) was behind the sound stage. Dennis, bless you for trying - we know you tried, but David wasn't a big help in "tuning the strings" which led to several "special moments" betweem the audience and Jackson as he tuned his own guitars. He thanked the crowd several times during the evening for making him feel so welcome.
Here's the set list:
It didn't take much to get him back for an encore. He seemed anxious to keep playing; obviously enjoying the crowd's enthusiasm. He told us a story about how he wrote this next song for a Sylvester Stallone movie, but they didn't use it. He commented about how hard it was to write a song that would work for he AND Sylvester Stallone and then did "The Next Voice You Hear" on guitar.
The show ended with "Take it Easy," and to everyone's disappointment, the lights came up. We have no idea what time the show ended - nor did we care.
After the show (and finding a drink at a nearby bar), we waited on "Jackson Street" where the bus was parked and we got to meet "Queen" from the list. Jackson came out and talked to about 25-30 people waiting outside after the show. He spent about 30-40 minutes talking with us and signing autographs Finally, after all these years of my sister dragging her "For Everyman" album cover with us to concerts, she got it autographed. I also got a great picture of Amelie with Jackson, which I'll send to Anne for her fans webpage. He was obviously very comfortable chatting with his fans. Buddha came out to keep us all in check and is obviously very protective of our man. He was so gracious; especially with the kids who were there with their parents. He took several minutes and offered some encouraging words to one young girl, who told him she wanted to be a singer. She gave him a big hug before she left.
We did get the chance to ask him about the video we've been hearing about of his tour with Bonnie, Bruce, Shawn, David & Wally. He told us that there are definite plans to release a video, and that they had some great footage of the tour. Especially some footage of Bonnie, which was "hilarious."
We also found out from Buddha that there are additional shows being planned and he told us to keep an eye out for additional dates and locations. He also promised us that New Orleans is on the list. YEAH !!!!!
All in all, it was a majical evening. I hope you all get to see this show.
Take good care,
What a night in Charleston!!! If Charlotte was special then Charleston was something else, and way beyond anything we could possibly have hoped for when we went to the ticket office at 6pm to collect our 18th row tickets. Naturally we explained that we'd come 4,000 miles to see Jackson Browne and we'd appreciate anything they could do to find us better seats. The dear lady on the desk came up with 7th row centre. Whilst I absolutely disagree with better tickets being available on the day of the concert than they apparently were on the day the tickets went on sale, this time we're not complaining because it ended up working in our favour for once. And, thanks to a lovely man who we met outside the theatre, we eventually ended up in the orchestra pit in the second row. A huge thank you to Mike and Jo Ray from Charleston for the seats that made this show so special for us. Don't forget Mike, whenever you need a ticket for Jackson in London at the RAH, it will be my pleasure to get it for you.
Jackson arrived on stage at 8.15, only 15 minutes late this time. Again he was looking relaxed and content with himself. He was wearing beige cotton trousers and a black shirt. He greeted us with "how're you doing?" and went right into his first song. The set list:
I'm Alive on the guitar that he refers to as "the Cody Lee". Clearly they've resolved a lot of the sound problems they were having in Charlotte. So much so that Jackson didn't even mention the lack of monitors and his new ear phones. The sound in this theatre was really exceptional and, if I'm not mistaken, somewhat louder than it usually is at Jackson's shows. You won't hear me complaining about that!
I Thought I Was A Child. As soon as he'd finished I'm Alive he was quickly on his way to the keyboard. He told us that he was going to play a song that somebody had called for the other night, and he was amazed that he'd remembered it then, he'd try to remember it again for us. He did remember it, and he treated us to a stunning version of I Thought I Was A Child. Whether it was the acoustics in the theatre, or the fact that I've only ever heard this song as a request before, I don't know, but it was breathtaking.
For A Dancer. He went straight into this from I Thought I Was A Child and he played it perfectly as usual. When he'd finished he went to pick up a guitar and there was a quiet moment where I took the opportunity to call for Some Bridges. I had asked Jackson after the Charlotte show if he would play Some Bridges in Charleston. He said that he would if I reminded him. As I called for it he was turning away to do something with his guitar settings. Immediately I saw him nod slightly. When he returned to the microphone he said "you've just reminded me. I promised I'd do that" with a delightful little smile on his face. Then he asked how many people had been at the show a couple of nights ago and amused everybody by temporarily forgetting where that show was.
The Barricades Of Heaven. I love this song, so I'd have to say it was as beautiful as ever.
Your Bright Baby Blues. After a change of guitar Jackson went straight into this. I have to admit that I used to cringe when he played this song a few years ago. I do love the song, but I used to dread his slide playing on it. In Charlotte I was impressed by how much his slide playing has improved. Tonight he was improvising, having great fun with it, and it was a real pleasure to hear.
Rosie. Jackson was quick to explain that the song was not about him, but it "has a kind of universal theme". I've heard Rosie many times in concert, and I've been lucky enough to have great seats many times too. But I have never seen Jackson be quite so impish in his rendition of Rosie. His pauses after many of the lines and the expressions on his face were simply priceless. I'm not sure what captivated me the most, his facial expressions or the hearty stamping of his right foot below the keyboard. I *really* enjoyed Rosie tonight.
Doctor My Eyes. The first notes were greeted with great roars of approval from this audience who were generally more reserved than the lusty voices in Charlotte. Jackson was pounding the piano and seemed to be enjoying it just as much as we were. As he did in Charlotte, he took us into a new song in the middle of Doctor My Eyes. Tonight he was really into his new song, throwing his head back as he sang "but my imagination" a few times as his feet continued to pound the floor. He seemed very reluctant to let the new song go, but eventually he had to take us back into Doctor My Eyes as he explained "this song is not finished, you probably worked that out". He said he loves playing it. That was clear, and we loved hearing it too.
These Days. Jackson went straight into this and played it beautifully. I was a real pleasure to hear it. Then he left the keyboard and took up another guitar
Lives In The Balance. The guitar clearly wasn't tuned to Jackson's liking but he decided to tune it himself rather than returning it to his hard working monitor mixer and guitar tuner. As he tuned it he treated us to a long tale about the old days in the folk clubs when people had to tune their own guitars and usually told jokes as they sat on a stool tuning their guitars. He treated us to a quick impression of the correct pose to take up when sitting on a stool! Then he explained that this song was not very well received when he first recorded it, and that he'd made things worse by making a long speech about it before he played. He said he'd learned now that he should "just shut up and play it", so he did. Then he was tuning up the same guitar for another song when a woman called out "I love you Jackson" from the back of the hall. He appeared to be embarrassed and charmed, all at once, with that. It clearly captured his imagination because then he began to think outloud about how everybody should have a darkened room where they could walk in and................."it would say what you just said". He started to speculate about how something like that could be set up in shopping malls. He was having fun with this idea as he continued to tune up his guitar for the next song. There were several calls for songs during all this. Suddenly he decided to respond to one, so he put his guitar down and returned to his keyboard.
Looking Into You. This was perfect, that's all I can say.
Cocaine. He picked up the same guitar again, but this clearly wasn't the song he'd intended to play before Looking Into You, because he'd started to fit picks on his fingers, and he didn't use them for this song. He told us the tale that we've heard many times before about why he has to sing the "rehab" version, but it was clear that many people in this audience had never heard it before. He fed off their amusement and made sure that every line was slow and crystal clear. I hesitate to admit that I actually enjoyed Cocaine tonight, but I have to say that I did. Jackson even took a moment, after the line about Ron and Nancy, to say, rather apologetically, I thought, that he wrote that "before he was sick".
World In Motion. I admit that I'd hoped that the request for Looking Into You had distracted Jackson from playing this song. You might guess that I don't care for it too much! But he changed his guitar after Cocaine, fitted his finger picks and told us he was going to take a short break after this song. So it was World In Motion that ended the first part of the show at around 9.35.
The second part of the show began just after 10pm with Jackson striding on from the left of the stage, guitar in hand.
For Everyman. He went right into this without a word, just a nod to acknowledge the applause that greeted his return to the stage. He struggled a little to hit the high notes, but otherwise this was perfect, as usual. Each guitar rife was met with loud whoops of appreciation from the back of the theatre. As soon as the song was over Jackson went silently to his keyboard.
Late For The Sky. Jackson's voice appeared to be so powerful on this song that I almost felt that he didn't need a sound system. I guess that was an illusion created by the great acoustics in this theatre and the fact that they really did seem to have the sound set up perfectly. This was as crisp and clear as I've ever heard it. Wonderful, and it received very loud applause when it ended. Then Jackson took up another guitar and went right into his next song.
Miles Away. This is a song that I always have to skip when I play I'm Alive. I just can't listen to it. The first time I really *heard* Miles Away was when Jackson played it acoustically in Europe in '96, and I loved it. There was a huge smile on my face when I recognised the first notes of this song. I don't know what to say about what we heard next. It was certainly hardly recognisable as the song on the album. Jackson played some mean slide and I guess all I can say is that this was the most awesome version of Miles Away I have ever heard. If he'd recorded it this way it would be in my top five instead of my bottom five. Simply awesome and a real high point of the show for me. I didn't want this song to end because I felt things couldn't get much better than this. I was very wrong.
Some Bridges. YAY!!! Bless that man! As he changed his guitars between songs there were no end of calls for songs. Jackson ignored them all and then spoke for the first time in the second half of the show. He told us "okay, it's time for me to sing this song that I promised somebody a couple of nights ago". I don't think I need to tell you how big my smile was at that point. Okay, so the song wasn't word perfect but that always adds to the charm for me. It certainly wasn't the best version of Some Bridges you'll ever hear. But it's the first time I've been there when he's played it acoustically, though I first started asking him to play it back in '97. So it was a very special part of the show for me and will probably be the best version of Some Bridges that *I* will ever hear. I would never have forgiven him if he'd forgotten to sing "every day like sunshine". He didn't, and I wouldn't have cared if the whole world ended at that point. I think you've probably worked out by now that this was the absolute high spot of the show for me, and probably of my year: :-)
Too Many Angels. After changing back to his "Cody Lee" guitar Jackson went right into this. It's very clear from the expressions on his face that he thoroughly enjoys playing the guitar on this song. At times his face was a study in concentration. At others he would tilt his head back and slightly to the side and seemed to be simply enjoying the sounds coming from his own guitar. This song is not a favourite of mine but it was well received by this audience. Jackson managed to make it through the song this time, though there were times when his concentration appeared to be intense and the words came out rather more slowly than usual. When he'd finished he was quickly off to his keyboard again.
Sky Blue And Black. I'm not entirely clear whether this was what Jackson had in mind when he sat down at his keyboard. There were several calls for songs as he began to tinker with the keys. One of the calls was for Sky Blue And Black, and that's what Jackson went into, again without a word. Thankfully nobody yelled out "Jackson" during the song and, apart from a few hoots of appreciation from the back, the song received the full attention I believe it deserves. There was a minor stumble from Jackson along the way. His voice was powerful again on this one. I doubt I've ever heard him do it better. Another special part of an exceptional show.
Fountain Of Sorrow. Jackson went straight into this as soon as the applause had subsided. He was powerful again, and word perfect on this one. For me, his keyboard playing was particularly inspired here. Even when the song was done he was still lingering on the keys, playing on quietly as the applause bounced around the hall. When he eventually lifted his hands from the keys, pushed back his hair and put his palms on his thighs the calls for songs were flying at him again. After a moment he explained that he wasn't sure if it was the sound system "or your accents" but he couldn't hear anything that was being called out. The calls continued and Jackson seemed unsure whether he wanted to stay at the keyboard or take up a guitar again.
Rock Me On The Water. Just after Jackson had told us that he couldn't make out any of the calls there was a very clear call for Rock Me On The Water. That seemed to make up Jackson's mind for him, because he was very quickly into the song. Early on he played a very flat note which brought a delightful grimace to his face. After that he lifted his head towards the mixing desk a couple of times to have the keyboard turned up, and he began to pound the keyboard as he got more and more into this song. Both feet were bouncing up and down below the keyboard. He was a one man rock and roll band, and didn't we all love it! As the rapturous applause subsided he returned to his guitar.
The Next Voice You Hear. Before this Jackson told us the longest story that I believe I've ever heard him tell. He explained, as I've heard before, that he wrote the song for a film "but it didn't get used". He went on to tell us that his record company thought it was a great idea to have him involved in the publicity for the film and he was desperate "to have them like something about me", which had everybody laughing. He told us that, of course, there had to be a major problem with the script, though he did like the fact that the movie was a little surreal. He told us it had a great cast, including Sylvester Stallone and Robert Di Nero and that the original script had SS ending up with both his ears blown off, hence the title of the song, which was supposed to start during the final scenes. During this we were treated to an impression of SS staggering around holding his non-existent ears, and a couple of voice impressions. I can't remember when I've ever seen Jackson be quite so amusing before. Then he told us that movies go out into test theatres around LA, he didn't really know the details, but test audiences preview them and, apparently, they didn't like the ending so it was changed and his song got cut. He said he'd decided that they didn't accept his song "because it was too good", but that they could have told him that instead of just saying no. With that he put on a dejected face and got all the sympathy, and more, that he was looking for. He did tell us what the movie was called, but I'm afraid I know nothing about movies and I couldn't quite catch what he said. If I had to say, I'd say that he might have said "Cop Plan", but maybe somebody else knows a lot more about this than I do. He told us that he couldn't just write a song for a movie without equating it to something in his own life, and that he liked the song even if the film company hadn't. Eventually he got around to playing it. This is another song that is a long way from being a favourite of mine, but there was certainly something about the sound in that theatre because it sounded very powerful to me, and far less repetitive than usual.
In The Shape Of A Heart. Again he let the requests fly past him as he changed back to his "Cody Lee" guitar and went straight into this song. Several times various parts of the audience started to clap along. I really can't understand why anybody would want to do this on this song, and I get the impression that Jackson wonders too, though maybe I'm wrong. The clapping spoiled this a little for me, though I always love to hear this song. I agree with Martina when she said that she didn't think he sang it with as much passion as usual.
The Pretender. Jackson went quickly to his keyboard again and, after a little tinkering on the keys, he went right into this song. Oh I hate it when he starts this song because it means the show is almost over, and this show had no right to end. It should have gone on forever. When he sang "get it up again" he raised his right arm up to the sky and then went back to playing his keyboard with great purpose. There was only one "say it" towards the end of the song, but it was a purposeful one and he held the silence for a moment before he continued. I was amazed by how well the audience listened right through this show, even right through The Pretender. This was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most attentive audience I have ever experienced in the US. They were still more rowdy than a European audience, but it was the closest thing to a European audience that I've experienced over here. When the song was over Jackson stood and thanked us for coming to his show. He said he'd really enjoyed it, and it certainly seemed that way to me. He left the stage to a standing ovation, collecting some flowers from a woman at the side of the stage as he left.
Encores:
Take It Easy. He was back very quickly and soon into a rousing version of Take It Easy. There was no silencing the audience this time. I'm not sure who started the "oooh ooohs" at the end, Jackson or us, but everybody was very into it. By then there was a young boy standing at the stage to Jackson's right. Jackson made a point of looking at him and moving towards him as he was oooohing. It was a lovely moment. As the song rose to its conclusion Jackson suddenly changed his guitar playing and, for a moment or two, nobody quite knew what was happening.
Our Lady Of The Well. It soon became clear that Jackson was taking us into this. I don't think I've ever heard him play "the Eagles'" version of Take It Easy and then take it into Our Lady Of The Well. Maybe he has done it before, but I can't remember when. It was awesome how he took the audience from exuberant clapping and singing along to silent awe as we listened to this very unexpected pleasure. I'm sure there was one man who went home especially happy that night. He had called out for Our Lady Of The Well a couple of times, and he must have all but given up on it before it came along.
Then the house lights went up and it was over around 11.15. Several of us stood around chatting, not wanting to leave. This show was too special to let it go. I always find it hard to say which is the best show I have ever been to, probably this wasn't the best, but it was right up there with the best of them. I'm sure that a big part of it being so special for us was the wonderful, friendly people in Charleston. We were never short of lovely people to talk to. We felt right at home there! And, as Martina pointed out, we got 25 songs, not including the half a new song, and 11 of them were on the keyboard. I truly cannot remember when he's played so many piano songs in one show. Perhaps that's also a factor in why we enjoyed this show so much. Whoever knows? We had a fine time.
That's it until the next time!
Webmaster's Reply: I believe that the correct title of the movie that "The Next Voice You Hear" was originally written for is called "Cop Land". That should make a nice addition to the trivia quiz some day...
My husband and I drove over 6 hours to see Jackson in Charleston Friday night. IT WAS JUST WONDERFUL!! He came out on stage and it seemed that he immediately captured the audience. He started off with "I'm Alive" and it was a great start to a great evening! He immediately began to take requests and someone requested "Rosie" early on. He said "So you want to hear Rosie?" It was such a hit! MANY people in the audience seemed to know what it was all about and lots of screams and laughter were present. He received such a good reaction that he said " Well, that went over well!" He looked just great. I disagree with an earlier fan who said his hair was too short. It was just perfect! He had on a black shirt and looked as good as I've ever seem him. Remembering words were not a problem for Jackson Friday night.
I had a personal interaction at one point when things were silent, my husband told me to ask for "Looking into You" which is my favorite Jackson song. I told him that he needed to be on the keyboards and he had just switched one song earlier to his guitar. I thought for a second and realized how quiet it was and that this in fact would be a good time, so I yelled out "Looking into You". He looked my way and said "OK, I'll play that". He sat down his guitar and went to the keyboards. Boy, was I ever impressed and touched. This song always makes me cry. I was smiling and crying at the same time.
Jackson played a piece of one of his new songs (something about "My imagination") in the middle of "Doctor My Eyes". He simply told us that "obviously this isn't finished yet". I really liked what was there. Later, Jackson said there would be a 20 minute intermission. It lasted about 30-35 minutes. (We figured that this was to sell drinks since the venue allowed drinks to be brought inside.)
Jackson's audience was very responsive to all of his songs.ÊÊTheÊset list he played were most of those mentioned in the reviews of the Charlotte appearance. The following are songs he played that I can remember. (I wasn't making a list, only enjoying the show!) The surprises for me were:
For the Encore, he finally playÊ"Take It Easy" to appease a guy who had been asking for it all evening. Next, he played "Our Lady of the Well" (He went right into this after "Take It Easy" just like on the album).
I was disappointed with a section of the audience at one point when (I honestly can't remember the song) Jackson said "It's no fair clapping at 1 and 1/2 beats!" This was real obvious to many of us!
During the intermission, my husband overheard a guy behind us say what a great performance it had been and he couldn't stop crying. This made my husband feel better because he told me that he too, couldn't control the tears. Jackson, YOU STILL HAVE IT!
In summary, Jackson touched many hearts in Charleston. (Mine and my husband's in particular!) At the end of his performance (prior to his encore), I ran up to the front of the stage and gave him flowers. He took them with one hand and squeezed my other hand. Between this and him playing my special request at the moment I requested it, I was just on cloud nine!ÊÊÊÊI live in Richmond, VA and can't wait for him to come here on May 17th.
Oh, wow. I don't really know how to put it into words, my experience at this show. In fact, I know that nothing can describe the "love stirring in my soul" as I FELT Jackson's performance. I drove from Austin, TX (which happens to be the 'live music capitol' of the world- ha! What's it worth if JB doesn't play here, right?) to Mobile, AL by myself in order to catch this show... I knew it would be worth it, but I didn't quite know HOW worth it.
I am continually amazed at the way he can fill my soul to the very brim, unlike anyone has ever been able to do. His lyrics uncannily echo every thought and emotion my soul has ever had; his voice penetrates my heart and sends chills up my spine. And MAN, do I love him SOLO ACOUSTIC! That is the way I first saw him, alone and acoustic, when I was 13 years old. I was pleased to see that other parents are doing for their children what my parents did for me- passing along this wonderful music, and this wonderful man. I feel kind of alone in my generation sometimes; it is a true shame that my age group doesn't appreciate Jackson's music like they should. It is even a bigger shame because I don't believe I will be able to marry a man unless he shares my appreciation!! haha!
Anyway, the show was incredible, and I am so grateful that I chose to "hold out" :) and wait to see Jackson after the show... I wish I had thought to see who else visits this site!! I met Jackson in 1994- when I had just graduated high school- he was doing an AIDS benefit- and that was an incredible experience. I was taken aback even then by his obvious depth of character. However, this time meeting him was even more moving- I swear I think he can see straight into my soul. (am I nuts, or what?) :) Hey, there are only 30 years between us- Jackson, wanna marry me???
Well, I guess I should sign off- but my review of the Mobile show is A+++. I think his little "mess-ups" added character to his performance! The only songs he didn't play that I REALLY wanted to hear are For A Dancer and I Thought I Was A Child- my parents had seen him the night before in Charlotte, NC, and he had played those there. Hmmm... guess I'll just have to quite my job and become a "Browne-head". :~) heehee I think it is INCREDIBLY cool that there is a site that exists for Jackson fans- he most definitely deserves it.
Thanks, Russ, for making it possible. And tell me, am I the youngest fan that visits this site, at 23 years old?? :) Just curious!
Webmaster's Reply: Actually, I've gotten letters from fans who have visited this Web site as young as 12 years old... and quite a number of teenagers over the past 5 or 6 years. The Fans' Poll that this Web site did several years ago (results of which can still be found in the FAQ) included a question on age and more than 16% of the respondents were under 25 years old with 2.7% being under age 16. It's always nice to hear from younger fans as well as older fans. Jackson's music and lyrics certainly reach across the generations!
I have found and puchased Jackson Browne memorabilia on ebay. Just type in "jackson browne" and about 60 or more items will come up. You can get vintage posters, buttons, t-shirts, ticket stubs, LP's, etc. at this auction.
Webmaster's Reply: This letter is in direct response to some letters posted here in past months from people looking for Jackson Browne t-shirts. Thank you, Barbara, for the suggestion. I agree that http://www.ebay.com is one of the few places that you can sometimes find Jackson Browne t-shirts and other memorabilia. I've made a number of transactions through ebay and generally have been very satisfied with the results.
Just want to say thanks to Jackson Browne for the tremendous and lovely music he has made in my life and the lives of many others. I remember singing along to your music in college, typing term papers...I think you are partly responsible for me getting a B in psych class ---thanks.
Now I play your tapes in my car and my kids sing along with it. You are our favorite musical artist. They have asked me about politics and life because of things they hear in your words.
Thanks for your committment to the arts in public schools and good causes everywhere. You have done a great deal with your time and talent. You have touched people where they live.
Most of all I am glad you are still an individual after a life that often doesn't foster that in the talented and the road weary. Best to you and yours.
This was the first time I had seen Jackson in a solo performance, though I had heard how great they are. I was not disappointed!!! I must say that I don't make a good critic however, he could sit there and do nothing or sing off key and I would be happy!! I am so impressed with the setlists and comments that have been included for the previous shows, so I was hesitant to write this. But when I saw that no one has commented on the Greenville show, I knew I had to add my two cents.
When Jackson came on stage and greeted us he commented that he had just learned that there is more than one Greenville, and wanted to know if he had played here before. He has not. I've driven to Charlotte and Atlanta to see him many times, so it was fabulous to see him here especially in our beautiful PEACE CENTER.
I can't give you a setlist, just know that it was a wonderful evening. I've never seen him talk and interact with the audience as much as he did Sunday night. He still seemed to be bothered some by his new sound system, but as I said before, I thought it sounded great, and his attention to detail only shows what a true artist he is!!
Unfortunately, there was a redneck momma sitting somewhere behind us that was rather obnoxious, I just kept hoping that Jackson couldn't hear her. I'd hate for him to remember his first trip to Greenville with her in mind. Friends sitting further back said they couldn't hear her, again I hope he didn't either.
Someone in the audience asked him to play his McAlister (sp?) He was blown away by that. It's apparently a new guitar made by McAlister. He couldn't believe that someone would know he had that guitar. He sent one of the stage guys to go and get it from his dressing room. He said he didn't like the way it sounded when he hooked it up to the sound system, so they moved the piano mike over to pick up the guitar. The guitar sounded great and I think he was pleased. I'd like to hear if he mentions the guitar and plays it at upcoming concerts. I'll be going to the Asheville concert next month and may find out for myself.
Thanks, Russ for this great sight for those of us that truly have a special place in our hearts for this incredible artist.
My wife and I saw Jackson Browne on Sunday, Apr. 9 in Greenville, SC. I have always admired Browne and his music (I wish I had thought to contact a friend who works at the Peace Center where Browne performed to see if he could get me in to meet him). The show was great--what we were able to see of it. Unfortunately, it started 10 minutes late, and then he took a 45 MINUTE intermission, after telling us it would be a short one, only 15 minutes. We had to leave early to get home to relieve our babysitter who had school the next day.
The show was also slightly marred by his constant difficulties with his sound equipment, out-of-tune guitars, etc. All that stuff seemed to bother him more than it bothered anybody in the audience.
I think everybody present was amused at how he took request after request. He was very gracious and charming. Being used to hearing the recorded versions of his songs, I thought they came across a little weak with only a guitar, or only a keyboard. Still, I enjoyed the show, and am going to see if I can make it to the Asheville show on May 18.
Just wanted everyone to know what a great show it was. Sorry I don't remember the song list-he did a lot of songs that people in the audience requested. I yelled for my favorite,Late For The Sky, and he did it, as well as Something Fine,Cocaine(r.v.),Rock Me On The Water, all of which I also called for. Of course he did Doctor My Eyes,The Pretender, Fountain of Sorrow and he sounded great on all of them.
This was the 7th time I have seen him and the first time I can recall that he had an intermission. He said it would be 15 minutes but it more like about 45 minutes but I sure didn't mind. I would have waited all night to see him. He was funny, interactive and talkative as usual but you could tell he was getting ill with his sound equipment(ear pieces) and the guy(Dave) who couldn't get it right. It was new and he said they were having trouble with it but there was no trouble from where we were sitting because he sounded great. He looked great too- he never changes.
The best thing about the night was that we got to meet him after the show. My husband and I have to be amoung his greatest fans beacause we named our little boy Jackson and I got Jackson to autograph a picture of my 7 month old little Jackson so we can one day tell him we met the great man he is named after. I plan to take my Jackson in a few years to see him and hopefully he'll get to meet him himself. At 26, I am probably among his younger fans- one of his greatest fans- and I hope he knows just how much he's loved. My husband and I have been seeing him since 1990 when we were dating, I was 16 and he 18, and his music has been special to us ever since. That's how we ended up with our own little Jackson. We love him and want to hear more so we hope he keeps it coming.
Excellent concert, wish the Jacksonville fans had shown more class!. Keep on tuning your own guitars, we loved it! Come back and see us again.
The Peace Center is situated just off Main, and Greenville is a very pretty place. We went to the theatre early in the afternoon and pleaded and begged the theatre staff to try to do something about upgrading our 18th row tickets. Somebody was taking care of us again because we eventually ended up with 4th row. That certainly put smiles on our faces. The tickets sorted out, we decided to take a walk up Main and see if list member Jim Collins was in his room at the Hyatt. We found him in and about to take a nap, though he kindly told us that he'd rather spend the afternoon with us. I don't have to tell you what our main topic of conversation was throughout the afternoon! We certainly enjoyed Jim's company and even managed to find a little time relaxing by the river behind the theatre. By then we'd met up with soon to be list member Kathleen, who we met when she was sitting in front of us at the Charlotte show. On the river bank Kathleen entertained us with her guitar, playing some of Jackson's songs and some of her own. Pretty soon it was show time and the four of us headed to the theater where Jim amused us all by standing for an hour with a sign requesting a seat in the pit, row AA. He already had a seat in CC right in the centre that most of us would die for but Jim reckoned that it wouldn't do any harm to try to upgrade!!! :-)) Needless to say, he didn't get anything better and was just as happy with his seat as any of us would have been. I guess you can tell that Jim's a bit of a character!
The show started 15 minutes late at 8.15. Jackson emerged from the left of the stage wearing a browne shirt and dark blue cotton trousers. Not terribly well colour co-ordinated IMO!! Unfortunately that lack of co-ordination was reflected in other things during the show. The set list:
I'm Alive. On the Cody Lee as usual. It was immediately clear that the sound system wasn't functioning nearly as well as it had done for that wonderful Charleston show. Jackson frequently turned to his right, gesturing to his guitar tuner and mixer man, Dave, by raising his head or stepping back from the microphone to speak to him. The song was completed without a hitch and was appreciated by a mostly silent audience. There were a couple of whoopers high up at the back and, very unfortunately for me, one right beside me. I had chatted to this woman before the show and she told me that she lived in Fort Lauderdale and had travelled to Greenville for this show, and would be at the Fort Lauderdale show on Tuesday. I'm not at all sure why she travelled to Greenville because she and her friend shouted conversation at each other throughout the first half of the show. They whooped randomly, apparently too involved in their conversation to pay much attention to whether a song was over or half way through. Several people in the row in front turned around and gave them a stare in the hope that they would take the hint. They didn't, and I have to confess that they really ruined the first half of the show for me, so much so that Martina and I moved to the side for the second half where, lucky for us, there were a couple of empty seats.
I Thought I Was A Child. Jackson strode to his keyboard without a word. When he got there he told us it was a "pleasure to be here". I think he might have changed his mind as this show unfolded! He said he knew that there were a few Greenvilles, and a Greenburg too. He said he knew he'd been to Greenville before, but he didn't think it was this Greenville, so he asked the audience if he'd been there before and they told him he hadn't. Then he told us the same thing that he'd told us in Charleston, that this song had been requested a few nights ago, and he was amazed that he remembered it. This song seems to have replaced Farther On in his set list, and I'm glad. It was good to hear it again, though it was rather strange to hear him sing "shadows of my mind" instead of "boundaries of my mind". It was particularly strange because he didn't even seem to be searching for the words, he just came out with "shadows" as if that word had always been there. The song was lovely again.
For A Dancer. He played a few seconds of the piano introduction, then paused to ask if the audience were sure he'd never been to Greenville before, not even with the band. He posed the question with a charming grin on his face and a little cock of his head. Once he'd been assured that he truly had not been to Greenville before, he continued with the song.
The Barricades Of Heaven. As Jackson left the keyboard to take up another guitar there were numerous requests flying at him. Once he'd strapped on his guitar he told us that he couldn't understand what anybody was calling, maybe it was their accents, or maybe it was his accent. Then he told us that this was a "newer song". I may be wrong, but the way he said it made me feel that he might have had the impression that most of this audience had not stuck with him through the years. If that was his impression then I think he was wrong because the vast majority of this audience were the most attentive I've ever experienced in the US. It was just a real shame about the woman next to me and one high over my right shoulder who couldn't stop whooping and screaming out inane comments every time Jackson spoke, as if he was talking only to those two. Unfortunately it was during this song that the trouble with the sound system really started to invade the show. Jackson was constantly gesturing to Dave, wandering away from his microphone to talk to him, and so on. It's really pretty hard to appreciate a song fully when all that is going on and it's so clear that Jackson is very distracted.
The Pretender. Between songs Jackson walked to the side of the stage, out of the bright lights, to talk to Dave while he changed guitars. All kinds of requests were being called out during this exchange. When he returned to the microphone, with a different guitar, Jackson asked "what was that?" and the requests rang out again. I don't think he could make out any of them, not that they weren't clear, it was just another part of the sound problem. Eventually there was a very clear call for The Pretender from a long way back. Jackson seemed to be relieved to have heard something because he said "ahhh The Pretender" and immediately took off his guitar. Naturally this was greeted with happy applause as he made his way to the keyboard. Once he got there he tapped his microphone and had to tell the long suffering Dave to turn on the monitor. Then he told us that this song was one that he usually plays at the end of the evening, but that we wouldn't know that, and anyway there was no reason why he couldn't play it early in the evening. Throughout the song he was gesturing at Dave again, frequently throwing his head back, apparently trying to tell Dave to turn something up. Eventually, after he'd lost the words to the song once, he banged his left hand down on the top of the keyboard a couple of times. I assumed that he wanted the keyboard turned up!! Again it was hard to fully enjoy the song with all this gesturing going on.
Something Fine. As Jackson picked up his guitar there was another long chat with Dave. Then he told us that he did have a set list but he wasn't sticking to it. He didn't want us to think that he was playing everything we told him, but actually this was a song that somebody had called for earlier, so he was playing what we wanted, but not in the order we were calling for them. He told us that he wrote this song in England and that there was an earthquake in California at the time. This song was beautiful and received very hearty applause. Although Jackson was clearly having problems with the sound in his ears, this time it seemed to add to the attention he paid to the song. Just lovely!
Long Distance Love. I'm not really sure how this came about but, once Jackson got to the keyboard he told us he was going to play a song written by Lowell George. I hardly dared hope that it would be Long Distance Love. He told us how he'd tried to sing the song with Lowell's daughter a few years ago, but then he realised that he sang the song completely differently to the way it was written. He told us he really loved the song and "it's called Love Needs A Heart"!! Then he pulled himself up, asked somebody in the front row if it had been Love Needs A Heart that they'd called for. Apparently it was, and Jackson seemed to be a little confused himself about why he'd sat down to play Long Distance Love! He told us that he confuses the two songs because he wrote Love Needs A Heart with Lowell. Whatever it was that caused him to play this song, I really don't care because it was gorgeous. A real high spot of the show, and very much appreciated by the silent audience. Even the whoopers shut up for this one!
Your Bright Baby Blues. He headed for his guitar again, ignoring the requests. He told us that we'd got him thinking about Lowell now, and checked that everybody knew who he was talking about. I just don't know what went wrong with this song this time. Maybe it was that wretched sound system again, I don't know. Certainly Jackson's voice was powerful enough and, as he had done on Something Fine, he appeared to slowly caress the words as he let them go. But, to my ears, there was something very wrong with Jackson's slide playing this time. It was as I remember it from '96 & '97, and nothing like the great slide he was playing in Charlotte and Charleston. I found it ugly to listen to, but maybe I'm in the minority with that opinion.
Doctor My Eyes. After the previous song Jackson took another guitar from Dave as the requests rang out again. After a few seconds he appeared to accept one, put down his guitar and went back to the keyboard where he went straight into Doctor My Eyes. Once again we had part of a new song in the middle of this song. I found it very hard to make out many of the words to the new song apart from the "but my imagination" part that he throws himself into with such enthusiasm. He went briefly back to Doctor My Eyes before some great keyboard improvisation took us straight into the next song.
These Days. Jackson's voice was powerful but, again, it was obvious that the sound problems were bothering him. There was some unusual piano playing in the middle of this that I enjoyed tremendously but I'm not sure that it would have been there if Jackson hadn't been struggling with the sound. The woman next to me was paying such great attention (!!) to this that she started whooping and screaming "alright Jackson" towards the end of this piano playing. Apparently she thought the song was over.
Rosie. Before this he had picked up a guitar, apparently to play Cocaine. While he was at the guitar microphone he told us that he was going to play this song and then take a short intermission of about 15 minutes. Then the requests rang out again, and he smiled and queried "Rosie?" when he heard that call. So he put down his guitar again and headed for his keyboard. He told us the story that we've heard many times that the song was written about Leo, not himself. Then he told a story that I've never heard before about how there were 6 men in that crew, and a driver. He said they travelled in a camper, three men on each side, facing each other as they drove along. Then he put his hands, palms together, between his knees and did a truly delightful impression of how it is to be in a confined space while jogging along in a bus. Absolutely charming!! This song was the usual crowd pleaser, though I'm afraid I couldn't wait for the intermission so that I could get away from the woman next to me who screamed "alright" most of the way through this........when she wasn't whooping. Jackson left the stage at 9.15 to hearty applause.
He returned to the stage at 9.55 and went straight into the first song:
For Everyman. This was very well received as usual, but Jackson frequently gestured at Dave again, and it was immediately clear that the sound problems had not been resolved in the intermission. Personally Martina and I were delighted that we'd been able to change our seats during the intermission. Although we didn't have nearly such a good view, at least we could listen to the show and not the conversation of our neighbours.
Late For The Sky. Between songs Jackson spent a while in the shadows at the side of the stage talking to Dave. Eventually he returned to the stage and strode purposefully to the keyboard. This song went down very well as usual, and set the whoopers off again. For us it was nothing like the powerful rendition that we'd heard in Charleston a couple of nights before.
Lives In The Balance. As soon as Jackson collected his guitar and began to pick out a few notes it was clear what he was going to play. I confess that I really don't like this song very much, though I know it is often well received, particularly, it seems to me, by US audiences. I was so relieved when he'd told us in Charleston that he'd learned to "just shut up and play it". I can deal with him playing the song at apparently every show, but I really find it hard to deal with his speech about one critic saying this song was more of a speech than a song. After what he'd said in Charleston I really hoped I'd heard that speech for the last time. Unfortunately, probably due to the guitar being out of tune again, Jackson's speech about this song was the longest one I've ever heard, and I found my mind wandering onto thoughts of our drive after the show and so on. I'm not used to feeling distracted in any way at a Jackson show, so this was a real low point in the show for me, though the whoopers upstairs seemed to enjoy it!
Cocaine. This was on the same guitar. I got the feeling that Jackson wasn't going risk another change of guitar after all the problems he'd been having. Again he told us how he has to sing the "rehab verses" and it was clear that many people hadn't heard them before, so a lot of people enjoyed this. Then Jackson changed guitars and started to fit his finger picks. He tried several times to start World In Motion, but he'd only get a few notes into it before he'd try to tune the guitar again. Eventually he apologised and said that the guitar was not in tune so he pulled off his finger picks, undid his guitar strap and strode across the stage to return the guitar to Dave. Some words were exchanged between them at the side of the stage. I think it was probably just as well that we couldn't hear them!
Fountain Of Sorrow. Jackson headed straight to the keyboard and treated us to another wonderful rendition of this song.
Too Many Angels. He returned to his "Cody Lee" guitar for this and things seemed to be going reasonably well, or as well as anything had gone in this show, when I suddenly started hearing strange guitar noises coming from the left of the stage. Martina was sitting to my left and, as I looked across to the left of the stage wondering what the noises were, she confirmed what I had just realised........the noises we could hear were Dave tuning another guitar!! Clearly Jackson heard it too, as I'm sure everybody else did, because, as soon as he finished the verse he was singing, he stepped back from the microphone, turned to his right and said "stop tuning Dave". Apparently everybody but Dave heard him because these guitar noises continued right through to the end of the song. I have to say that I've never experienced anything like this at a Jackson concert, or any other. I found it very uncomfortable and really rather embarrassing. I wouldn't like to hazard a guess at what Jackson might have been thinking at that point! When he'd finished the song he seemed to think for a while, then he said he was sorry but he was going to have to take a few minutes to change the way he was doing things. He walked off to the side of the stage, the lights dimmed and most of the audience sat in rather stunned silence while the whoopers had a field day.
World In Motion. After just a few minutes Jackson returned to the stage with a different guitar and began to fit his finger picks in another attempt to sing this song. While he was tuning up Dave began to bring Jackson's guitars out onto the stage. He was trying to find stands for them when Jackson told him to "just bring the racks out". So Dave was seen bringing out a couple of racks and half a dozen guitars while Jackson made his way through this song. Not the kind of thing you see every day!
In The Shape Of A Heart. Jackson selected his own guitar from the racks that were all now on the stage. He went for the Cody Lee and told us that this is a quiet song. I imagined he was attempting to put the idea of clapping along out of this audience's mind before the idea came to them. If that's what he had in mind then it certainly worked because some sort of normality returned to the show and this song was just gorgeous.
The Next Voice You Hear. In the silence that followed the applause for the previous song a woman's voice rang out from high over my left shoulder "play your McAllister". There were a few other requests but Jackson's mind was clearly on that shout from the back. After a moment he rocked back on his heels and scratched his head, clearly rather taken aback as he asked the woman if she'd really said what he thought she'd said. He couldn't understand how she knew he had a McAllister guitar, saying it was "too bizarre" that she knew that. He told the rest of us that he had just got one but that he hadn't yet learned how to play it on stage because the pickup wasn't working. She told him she wanted to hear it anyway, so he sent the long suffering Dave off to the dressing room to get it. The look on Jackson's face told us that he was desperately searching for some way that this woman could possibly have known about this guitar. He came to the conclusion that she must know "Roy McAllister", though, if that was confirmed, I didn't hear it. By then Dave had brought the guitar to him and Jackson explained to us that it was hand made and that he'd put off spending so much money on a guitar for a long time. He obviously decided that he wasn't going to risk the pickup on it, so he had Dave move his vocal microphone from the keyboard so that it could be used to put the guitar through the sound system. I was rather surprised when he went into The Next Voice You Hear because he'd used a different guitar for it on previous nights. Whatever, it was wonderful. Like a whole new take on the song for me, and I'm still wondering why Jackson bothers with pickups for his guitars if they can sound this good over a microphone. Bless that woman for calling for the McAllister! There was huge applause after this one. When it subsided the lady called out "thank you", and Jackson thanked her even more heartily. I got the impression that he's rather fond of this new guitar.
My Opening Farewell. He stuck with the McAllister for this one, but he plugged in the pickup, which rather confused me because the microphone was still in front of the guitar. I could hardly believe my ears when he began this song. I can't remember when I last heard him play it on his own. Certainly I know that he hasn't done it very often in recent years. Everybody shut up for this one apart from a couple of unnecessary whoops along the way. Half way through the song I realised that I hadn't taken a breath for a while and perhaps I should or I might not be there for the end of it! This was magical, the only blemish being the, by now expected, gestures from Jackson to Dave to do something or other with the sound.
Rock Me On The Water. Jackson put his new guitar in the racks with the others and headed for the keyboard. He was about to go straight into the next song but he played a very flat note which brought a huge grimace to his face. He took that opportunity to tell us that Roy McAllister is his hero because he left a large company to set up on his own making guitars. He told us that it's only possible to make about six of these guitars in a year so this guy doesn't really make any money, he just loves his craft. This song just didn't compare, for either Martina or I, to the electrifying version we'd heard in Charleston. Jackson was distracted again, there was some innovative keyboard playing along the way, which I enjoyed, but all the changes in pace stopped this from rocking as it had in Charleston. He thanked us and bowed a couple of times before he left the stage.
Encores:
Take It Easy. He returned to loud applause and apparently endless requests which he appeared to pay attention to for a while. Sky Blue And Black was the loudest and most frequent call that I heard, though I did hear quite a few shouts for Some Bridges too, and none of them were from me! For a moment I thought he looked as if he might have been talked into Sky Blue And Black, but in the end I think he played what he'd planned to play anyway. Half way through the song he told the audience "I know you know this song". I imagine he didn't feel that he was getting much feedback. Things livened up a little after that with several people joining in, and plenty of help on the oooooh ooooohs.
Our Lady Of The Well. As he had in Charleston, he went straight into this, and it was a treat, though neither of us enjoyed it as much as we had at our previous show.
I hesitate to admit it, but I think it's true to say that we were both almost relieved when this show was over, and we think he might have been too, though of course we don't know. I just can't imagine the sound problems that Jackson was fighting with. It really did sound okay out in the theatre, but obviously he wasn't hearing what we were hearing. Whatever he was hearing was bothering him throughout the show, and it was certainly very distracting for us, and I imagine it was for everybody else too. You might have guessed that I quite like Jackson Browne (!!!) so I can't quite bring myself to say that this was a bad show, but it certainly wasn't a very good one. We both said afterwards that we doubted if we would want to see another show if they were all like this one. It was a very different, and sad, feeling to have after we'd left the Charleston show just a couple of nights earlier feeling like we would see a show like that every night of our lives if we could.
Of course there were high spots for us in Greenville, particularly Long Distance Love and My Opening Farewell, but we were glad that this wasn't the last show we'd be seeing. We hoped that things would pick up in Jacksonville. They most certainly did, and I'm afraid you'll be hearing about it soon!
Wow!! Jackson's back almost exactly 2 years after the rain shortened "Sunfest" show. Well he did promise and it was worth the wait!!
Well first of all the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a jewel of a place to see a concert. It is really more of a theatre and mainly used for Orcherstra's..etc. but it fit the JB solo acoustic show to a T!! I have seen Jackson 10 times including 3 times in Sedona, but this performance was so different and so "filling". His voice sounded so "powerful" for just 1 man on a large stage with six guitars and an electric piano (isn't technology something. I have never seen Jackson play any thing but the Grand Piano, but you wouldn't have known the difference here).
Well it was me, my husband, and my 5 year old daughter Carey. We had decent seats, but not great...right in the middle though. Jackson did 2 sets as he has been doing on this mini tour:
First Set:
It was really great. The crowd was really mellow (typical South Florida). Jackson did the first three songs without really talking. Then he commented on what a nice theatre it was..."more upscale than what he is used to"!! Said it caused him to have to "Dress Up" (yea right..standard attire, black jeans and green long sleeved button down shirt). He was about to do another piano number when he abruptly switched to guitar to do "Something Fine" by request. Again, his voice sounded truly awesome and completely filled the place. Before doing Ready or Not he did an explanation of how he had played this recently at another show...and that word had gotten out (said you can't do anything without everybody knowing thanks to the Internet!!! Guess he was referring to the "information sharing" that we do on the List). He started to "lose" his voice just a little on World in Motion and it turned out to be a perfect place to do a much needed break.
2nd set:
The second set just blew me away. Jackson missed 1 note on Late for the Sky....which seemed to upset him (usually he is joking about it when he misses a not a or a lyric). This seemed to make him even more resolved in his presentation. By now the crowd is getting a little more rowdy and yelling requests frequently. After Miles Away..with the whole venue listening, my Daughter Carey yells out in her little voice that could be heard across the whole center "Too Many Angels"!! I think everyone could tell it was a little girl cause everyone laughed...and Jackson picked up another Guitar and did the song!!! It was the highlight of the evening for my family!!
He did the two "heart" songs back to back and put a tone of "feeling" into Love Needs a Heart, despite missing one set of Lyrics. After Sky Blue and Black he picked up the Guitar again, but after a loud "Rock me on the Water" from the Back of the Room, he put down the Guitar and bounded back to the Piano!!
For the Encore, a bunch of people crowded the stage. I think this group in the front talked him into doing Redneck Friend cause he kept saying "you don't really want me to play that, do you?" before starting the song. At one point I think he got lost in the lyrics but the crowd at this point was singing along and he was able to keep it going without really missing anything. Then he went to the piano to complete what he referred to as a "matched set" by doing Rosie. Awesome. He made a point to comment during Rosie, that the song was "not about him" (laughter from all!!). Finished off with Take it Easy with everyone singing along!!
Was a great night. My husband was hoping to hear the "Load out" (his favorite), but had a great time nonetheless. My Daughter was very tired by the end and thus we did not try to stay after to say hello to Jackson. This was her third Jackson concert and she is only 5!! I think she is a lucky kid don't you!!
The improvisational format that we experienced was awesome....something we don't usually get on a "regular" tour. It is the most amazing thing...he just keeps getting better and better... I am proud to call myself a Jackson Fan!!
Well, back to "Struggling for the Legal Tender". Can't wait to hear a new album if the "Imagination" song is any indication of it!! Plus that would mean another potential visit to Sunny South Florida!! Thanks Jackson!!
Wow what a show. You really get a taste of the power of Jackson's voice and talent when you see him solo. I've been a fan for over 20 years, seen Jackson about 10 times but this was the Best. The sound was fantastic and the crowd seemed to sense the power of each song and was quite and absorbed by the music until the last note. It felt like we were hearing each song the way Jackson first wrote it. What talent and grace Jackson displayed for 3 hours.
Will the shows in Tampa and Orlando also be Solo? I'd love to experience that show again. Thanks to this web site I knew about the Fort Lauderdale show before tickets went on sale and had pretty good seats. Thanks again for all the information you provide. Keep the Faith
Webmaster's Reply: Yes, the May concerts are also scheduled to be solo acoustic shows. Ticket information can be found on the "Concert Information" section of this site.
Does anyone knows the tuning used on the acoustic version of "I'm Alive"? I can't quite figure it out.
Please email Peter at naughton@att.com if you can help me.
The solo show last night was wonderful and Jackson was on for about 3 hours! Some of my favorites he sang were, "Rock Me On the Water," "Take It Easy," and "Pretender." The crowd went wild!
Last night we had the pleasure of seeing Jackson at the Broward Theater for the Performing Arts (Ft. Lauderdale). What a rare treat to catch this intimate, solo show in this fabulous, acoustically perfect venue! Even Jackson remarked that he was unaccustomed to performing in such a beautiful theater and he appeared to have dressed up for the occasion with a long sleeved (green?) shirt and dark trousers - a switch from his usual black tee-shirt - and looking very handsome in his shorter haircut. After seeing JB live on 7 or 8 occasions, my friends and I agreed that this man has lost NOTHING over the years (okay, maybe a couple lost lyrics on Late For The Sky - but who really cared? Yes, we're getting older too!) His voice was so clear and true, bringing tears on For A Dancer, Sky Blue And Black, and Too Many Angels, amongst others. We had a good chuckle over the "Rehab Version" of Cocaine and the perennial favorite, Rosie. The two and one-half hour play list was inspiring and he was particularly chatty and accommodating. He took a couple of requests, quickly putting down the guitar and going back to the keyboard for an impromptu Rock Me On The Water. Though it was a "school night", we hated seeing this one come to an end. Until next time, Jackson, thanks for the music and the memories!
P.S. While I have many, here is one of my favorite lyric:
Where the touch of the lover ends
And the soul of the friend begins
There's a need to be separate and a need to be one
And a struggle neither wins.
(Sky Blue and Black)
What a great night! My wife and I have followed Jackson since we first saw him open for Joni Mitchell at Carnegie Hall so long ago I dare not try to remember. That was the last time before last night we saw him solo. After all the incarnations of the band from Dave Lindley on down, the true beauty of his body of work comes through best in an intimate evening like this. Don't get me wrong, I love when Jackson fronts the band, but last night was like being in his living room, sipping coffee and saying "Gee, I love that song, would you play it for me?"
I know now by reading the postings that he had already played Ready or Not on the tour, but my wife has been calling out that song for over 20 years now, to no avail. When she called it out last night, Jackson said that we must have seen on the internet that he had done it a few shows ago, and indicated that in this age of instant communication, keeping song lists secret was a thing of the past. He explained that he hated the second half of the song and then treated us to the first half. Thank you, Jackson. My wife will always believe that that was just for her. And after the years that she's spent looking for your smile, it is well deserved.
As I look over the playlists I see that many of the songs we heard were played around, but there was such a sense of impromptu response to requests, that Laura (my wife) commented that it had the feel of a "By Request" TV show. Jackson - you should do one. We were reminded of James Taylor's great bow to his audience "That's Why I'm Here".
On that note lets examine a few tunes outstanding by their abscence. I've been calling for The Late Show as long as Laura has called for Ready or Not, but I'm still waiting! I missed solo versions of the hits - like Boulevard or Somebody's Baby - songs like that take on new life in a setting like this. Running on Empty and the Load-Out were missing. And one personal favorite - That Girl Could Sing. Another one we hardly ever heard - Here Come Those Tears Again. Maybe next tour!
After the Pretender (Get it up again), Laura went to the stage for the encore, which she has done everywhere from No Nukes in the Garden to last year at Sunrise, and asked again for another one we always ask for. He looked right at her, while strumming the beginning of Take it Easy, and said " You really want to hear that, don't you?" Then he changed guitars, spent a moment working on the chords (I could have helped him there, having played the song millions of times myself) and gave us a ROCKIN Red Neck Friend. Thank You! I think the damage will do you good! Rosie was next, also with the disclaimer that the song is about someone else, and then the night ended with Take it Easy.
One last observation on the maturity of this impeccible artist. The end of Take it Easy on the album is a segue into Our Lady of the Well, and Jackson usually ended the song straight in concert. Last night the crowd began to sing the "woo-woo"s added to the end by The Eagles version. In an act of complete selflessness, Jackson sang it with us and provided the ending chords from the Eagles arrangement. Touche.
It was a relaxing, incredible experience for everybody.ÊAfter traveling to Atlanta twice in the last two years to catch Jackson, it was a privilege to drive 30 minutes up I-95 and see him. It also allowed me to take my 71 year old mother to see just what makes this man so special who has been such an influence on her son for so many years. From the opening moments of I'm Alive, to the closing chorus of Take It Easy...it was a night to be remembered.
Never have I seen Jackson so relaxed, and draw so much from the crowd as he did last night. The setting was special...."This is a step up from most places I play so I got dressed up" in his usual "formal" blue jeans and black shirt. The crowd was incredibly responsive, attentive and involved in seeing Jackson perform. Even though requests were made in between songs, which Jackson responded well to, once he started playing...there was quiet. And he seemed to really enjoy the opportunity. Obvious highlights were Late For The Sky, For a Dancer, These Days, an incredible version of Too Many Angels, Something Fine, Fountain of Sorrow, Farther On, Sky Blue and Black, Rock me on the Water, In the Shape of a Heart and so many others. Among the real surprises, Love Needs a Heart - one of my favorites. He fumbled a little with the words, but seemed incredibly relaxed and willing to try anything if the crowd wanted it, including the first half of Ready or Not - because he "really doesn't like the second half of that song." The encore was a riot as he played a "matched set" with Redneck Friend and Rosie. It was a night to remember For Everyman. Special Thanks to Russ, as always for being the source of so much energy, to Jackson for all of the years and inspiration, and to Mom, for allowing me to share a little piece of my soul with her. "Let the Music Keep our Spirits High"
Peace
We arrived at the Theatre about an hour early and were surprised to see his bus parked right out front. You could tell it was going to be an intimate night. Around 8:15 he sauntered out casually and jumped right in on guitar. Right off the bat I was amazed at the strength of his voice. I felt like he could have lost the mic and we still would have heard him great. God what a voice!
After a couple of tunes on the guitar, he switched to keyboards and impressed me even more. It a true sign of a great musician when they can make their art look so easy. He mentioned that in previous shows he had someone tune the guitars and bring them out to him but he wanted to try doing it himself. Was it ok with us? Of Course! He mentioned that this way there was no set list so what did we want to hear....a dream come true! He spent the rest of the night switching back and forth between 6 guitars and the keyboards seeming to have some songs he wanted to play and others he did on request. (I'm sorry for no setlist, it was very similar to previous nights) One song he said he didn't usually play but would give it a shot and did wonderfully! Of course he did Doctor My Eyes, Barricades, Rosie, Sky Blue and Black (I LOVE THAT SONG!!), Take it Easy, the Next Voice you Hear, and The Pretender. (just to name a few.) On Rosie he mentioned that it wasn't about him but that the guy who it was about was there. His break wasn't that bad and he played until 11:15 with 3 encores. He seemed genuinely touched by our standing ovations and really made an impression on me and my husband. We tried to stay behind to meet him but got ushered out. Maybe next time.
If anyone has a setlist please post it. I'd love to have a copy.
Jackson, please keep up the good work and by all means, tune your guitars if you want to. With talent like that, no one could do it better.
This is the third Jackson Browne concert I have attended in Jacksonville. He played here with his band about two years ago in front of about 10-12 thousand fans and was unbelievable. I did not know what to expect from his solo acoustic performance but felt it would be memorable. In fact, Jackson was easy going, comfortable, and accomodating to the strange crowd in Jacksonville. His voice was very clear and commanding. He seemed somewhat more at ease at the keyboard than the guitar. In short, his performance was top notch and a must for any of his fans.The song selection was very similar to the songs recently performed at other concerts. He did, however, play Call It A Loan, which I have not noticed elsewhere. It was very nice. I wish he had played Tender Is the Night or In the Shape of a Heart but he played so many songs with no break in between so who could possibly complain. Many times I had goosebumps when he played a song which I may have played well over a thousand times on my stereo. I've read that he stays after for photos with fans and I kinda regret that I left; that being said, I love and have always loved his music but at the same time recognize he's a regular man like many of us. So, I'm not in awe of him (like a groupie), but respect his art form of music immensely. He does his job well, just like many of us "everyman".
Let me say I was embarrassed by the crowd. The breaks between songs was filled with numerous folks yelling out requests and other bizarre things. Jackson seemed unbothered until somebody yelled something (which I did not hear) prompting a quick cursing response from Browne. Certainly, 99.9% of the audience was respectful and calm, but the balance was seemingly drunk and ready for a football game or a street brawl. I just felt bad for this city who obviously has many citizens passionate about Browne's music. Hopefully, he'll come back sometime, but who would want to. In closing, try to see this concert if you have the chance. Thanks, Jackson for your music and your concerts!
Attention: Jackson Browne Fans in Atlanta!
Would you like a ticket at a table in the front at the Jackson Browne show at Chastain on May 13th?
I would like to get a table (or two) up front with real great fans of Jackson Browne's music.
If you've seen a show here, you know how the people at the tables can be very distracting to the performer and the rest of the audience. I am hoping if we can get some real Jackson Browne fans at the front tables, that we will be able to counteract that and make it a more pleasant experience for Jackson nd everyone else.
I am currently going through several channels to try to obtain tickets. I will pass those tickets along at whatever price I get them for. (It's possible they may be reasonably priced, or they could be very expensive, depending on the source).
If you are a huge fan of Jackson Browne's music and would like to join other fans at a table at Chastain Park, please send me an email. I expect there will be a lot of people interested, so pease let me know your qualificationns as a Jackson Browne fan and why you think you should get the tickets. (Also, if you could let me know how much you would be willing to spend if necessary, that would be helpful).
(The idea is to get some supportive fans up front. I DON'T want any obnoxious or annoying fans sitting at the table. If you are the one that yells Running On Empty through the entire show, doesn't understand that people are there to hear Jackson sing not you, scream or talk during the performance, stand up and dance through the whole show when now one else is, keep trying to get the attention of the performer, or in any other way act annoying or disruptive, this is not the right place for you, so please don't ask for these tickets). This offer is for serious fans who want to have fun and thoroughly enjoy the experience, and hopefully enhance the experience for those around them.
Look forward to getting your emails,
Just wanted to let you all know...from Jacksons truest fan...of all the shows I've seen JB do..this by far was the best. The night was a special one which brought a tear to my eye during special songs...he was truly in excellent form!
If JB does read this sight...I just wanted to thank him for a night I will never forget!
In reading these reviews about Jackson's shows there is one thing that struck me.ÊFans who attend his shows must remember the reason why they went to the show... TO HAVE AN EXCELLENT TIME!!! This is all about interacting with fellow human beings who are on your "wavelength", smiling until you ache and letting go. Get up and danceÊif you can't see, sing along with those who are singing....no offense intended, but don't worry about the woman with the straw hat or people who are shouting requests. Jackson is a professional, and the concerts are to HAVE FUN!!!! Thanks for the updates on the tours...sure wish he would come to Indiana some time soon!!!