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Fan Letters & Reviews April 2009 CONCERT REVIEW: March 30, 2009 at Apollo in Manchester, England Firstly I must comment on the venue. I know that Jackson has spoken in the past of perfomances in towns where the population is poor and the theatre has poor facilities as a result, but that shouldn't be the the case in Manchester UK! Nevertheless this venue needs some money spent on it so that, when there are world class acts like Jackson's band, NOTHING detracts from the performance. Unfortunately the acoustics and the sound system at the Apollo were distorting, arousing criticism from some of the audience at the start of the show. But the band were completely professional and pushed on with the up-beat mood. The crowd were determined to have a good time and were largely enthusiastic, especially after Jackson's introductions to the first numbers. Their enthusiasm grew like an approaching wave, not just for the old favourites but also for the later numbers from 'Time the Conqueror'. The newest members of the band, Chavonne and Althea, were superlative - I've heard them seductive in 'Live Nude Caberet' but this was soul. One of the delights of live performance is the difference from the recordings rhat catch you unaware and grab your attention afresh. In some numbers this tended towards jazz, though it was probably not improvised, Jackson being well- kmown as a perfectionist. But this is not a band that just relies on the undoubted personality and talent of its leader - every member counted, everyone gave their all. This performance increased my respect for the band as musicians. The end came too soon and the standing ovation was overwhelming. Such a pity about the acoustics and the sond system though. Thank you Russ for giving us the opportunity to cotribute our comments. It's greatly loved. Submitted by: julia.charles@btconnect.com GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I am so happy to hear that Before the Deluge is back on the set lists, and I hope in stays through the summer USA tour! Submitted by: felstenj@uhls.lib.ny.us (Judy F., near Albany, NY) CONCERT REVIEW: March 31, 2009 at Apollo in Manchester, England Sadly, Jackson Browne and his band played to only a two-thirds full theatre on Tuesday evening, although it is perhaps not surprising given the current economic climate and that he had played the same venue the previous night with two other venues within 50 miles during the previous week. The lower attendance may have explained why I found it so easy to get served at the bar, which in turn may have explained the overly respectful audience, with no one making much noise or getting to their feet until right at the end, at which time Jackson felt it necessary to take off his guitar mid-song to remonstrate with the overly zealous security staff. Nevertheless, the show was very enjoyable with superb musicianship on display throughout. The full set list so far as I can recall was: First set: Boulevard Everywhere I go Barricades of Heaven Rock Me on the Water Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Fountain of Sorrow Second set: Something Fine For Everyman I'm Alive Sky Blue & Black Going down to Cuba Giving that Heaven Away Drums of War Just Say Yeah Far From the Arms of Hunger The Pretender Running on Empty Encore: These Days Before the Deluge Submitted by: simon.morrow7@googlemail.com CONCERT REVIEW: April 2, 2009 at Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, Scotland Hi again Russ ! CONCERT REVIEW ROYAL CONCERT HALL GLASGOW SCOTLAND APRIL 2. Well my partner and I saw at first hand, and as previously reported, Jackson conquer Ireland last week. By all accounts he has also taken England by storm, and now I can confirm that it is the turn of my native Scotland to fall at the great mans feet ! Or to be a bit more precise about it, a sell out crowd at the Glasgow Concert Hall witnessed yet another masterly performance from Jackson and his band ! As I expressed in a previous correspondence, it was good to be already aware that while Jackson obviously has a hard core of songs to play, he is not averse to changing the set from gig to gig. This is particularly good news for those of you who perhaps plan to see him on more than one occasion on this current tour, as indeed it was for us who saw him in Dublin last week and also tonight in Glasgow. While songs such as "Your Bright Baby Blues" and "Before The Deluge" were relegated from the Dublin show, others like "I'm Alive" "Drums Of War" and "Late For The Sky" were brought in off the substitutes bench, and had the same effect on Jackson's performance, as Rooney being replaced by Ronaldo would have on Manchester United's ! In fact, it was obvious to me that he was not for playing "For A Dancer" as he did last week, but threw his hands up in mock surrender as the clamour for it reached fevour pitch and he relented much to the joy of the whole hall in general, and to my 17 year old daughter at home in particular, who listened to it down the phone line as I promised her I would do this time after failing to do so in Dublin ! It is her favourite song, not just of Jackson's, but of anybody's, of all time ! Yet another example if one was required, of Jackson's music transcending all generations and touching young and old alike ! Again, the whole band and Chevonne and Althea were in fine form, and as on previous visits Jackson's interaction with his Scottish audience was well received ! In particular, his admission that one of his stage crew was missing due to his wife having given birth the night before, brought a collective "awwww" from female audience members and raucous cheering and applause from the menfolk when he also admitted that he and the rest of the band had every intention of wetting the baby's head with, "some of your local brew" after the gig ! So it's roll on Edinburgh and the rest of England before hitting Europe and the United States. I hope you have your tickets in a safe place, because you are in for a treat ! Incidentally, unusually in this day and age, there is a programme of the tour on sale for £8. I was not aware of it in Dublin but bought one in Glasgow last night, and contains an introduction to each of the band members by Jackson along with many colour photographs of them all, including Jackson and is really quite large in size too. It is put together in a real professional manner and is obviously an official tour booklet and in an industry of excessively high prices for merchandise, I actually thought it was well worth the money for a souvenir of what turned out to be an awesome night - yet again ! Regards. Submitted by: dunn.a2@sky.com (Andy D.) CONCERT REVIEW: April 3, 2009 at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland Just back from an absolutely magnificent evening at Edinburgh`s Festival Theatre. A superb sound doing justice to a band at their best and the maestro in relaxed mood and superb voice.The crowd were ready and eager to be part of a special night and Jackson and the band certainly obliged. Personal highlights were Fountain of Sorrow,including a really high powered energetic ending, About My Imagination, Sky Blue and Black and Running on Empty. Two hours thirty minutes of a fine mixture of old and new was kicked of with Boulevard, followed by: Everywhere I Go Barricades Of Heaven Fountain Of Sorrow Time The Conquerer Off Of Wonderland Live Nude Caberet Give That Heaven Away Doctor My Eyes About My Imagination Interval Something Fine These Days Sky Blue and Black Lives In The Balance Going Down To Cuba Just Say Yeah Bright Baby Blues The Pretender Running On Empty (Encore) My Stunning Mystery Companion (Encore) I Am A Patriot (Encore) A wonderful memorable performance from a brilliant band and the supreme talent that is Jackson Browne. Submitted by: harte160@btinternet.com (Jim, Edinburgh) CONCERT SET LIST: April 6, 2009 at Sage in Gateshead, England Set list from The Sage, Gateshead gig 6th April. Boulevard Everywhere I Go Barricades Of Heaven Rock Me On The Water Time The Conqueror Off On Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving That Heaven Away Fountain Something Fine For A Dancer These Days Taking The Trouble Lives In The Balance Going Down To Cuba Just Say Yeah I'm Alive Sky Blue and Black The Pretender Running On Empty Encore Deluge - Submitted by: anonymous GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Thanks for the forum, Russ. This is such a great tribute to JB. I've just made a cursory review of the many letters and reports. I've been looking to see if any of the play lists or comments of the songs performed include "Where Were You". None reported. I was at his Denver concert in November and, although there were many shouted requests for it - it was not played. It is obvious it isn t going to happen. He'll be in Omaha at the end of his tour in August and I hope he comes around to playing it there. Submitted by: rensch@rrplawyers.com (Dick R.) CONCERT REVIEW: March 28, 2009 at Philharmonic in Liverpool, England Superb gig last night (28th March) in the fabulous 'Phil'...Jackson was in fine voice and it was all excellent despite a few dodgy harmonies and some Beyonce style squealing from the two new backing singers, Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills, who sang on Time The Conqueror. He used the same set of musicians as on the CD as well and they were very good, but then they have been with him for a while: Kevin McCormick (bass), Mark Goldenberg (guitar), Mauricio "Fritz" Lewak (drums), and Jeff Young (keyboards and backing vocals) all did sterling work and although Mark is no David Lindley, he reproduces some of Lindley's guitar sounds from earlier work like 'Late For The Sky' almost perfectly. Set: (may have missed 1 or 2 through excitement) Boulevard Everywhere I Go Baricades of Heaven Fountain of Sorrow Time The Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving Heaven Away Doctor my Eyes (with a segue into one I recognised but can't remember the name of, About my Imagination, perhaps?) Interval Something Fine For a Dancer These Days For Taking The Trouble Lives in The Balance Going Down to Cuba Just say Yeah Sky Blue & Black The Pretender The Road & The Sky Running on Empty Before The Deluge great stuff, loved every second. Great site, keep it up! Submitted by: paul.cave@betfair.com (Paul C.) CONCERT SET LIST: April 8, 2009 at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, England Just for the record... Jackson Browne at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham (Wednesday, April 8, 2009): 1. Boulevard 2. Everywhere I Go 3. The Barricades of Heaven 4. Fountain of Sorrow 5. Time the Conqueror 6. Off of Wonderland 7. Live Nude Cabaret 8. Giving That Heaven Away 9. Doctor My Eyes / About My Imagination (interval) 10. Something Fine 11. For a Dancer 12. These Days 13. Lives in the Balance 14, Going Down to Cuba 15. Just Say Yeah 16. I'm Alive 17. Sky Blue and Black 18. The Pretender 19. Running on Empty 20. Before the Deluge (encore) Thanks! Submitted by: segaboyno@aol.com (Simon) CONCERT SET LIST: April 2, 2009 at Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, Scotland Hi Russ, Thank you for your site. I went to Glasgow from Paris to see Jackson in concert. We were not disappointed as Jackson and his band performed one of the most brilliant shows I have seen ever. The band is great and the sound powerfully energetic and moving according to the songs. The back up singers perform with beautiful and impressive voices, specially on Lives on the Balance and the Pretender. Jackson was in fine form, and had this moving voice of him. The show was perfect from begginning to end, and the mixing of classics and new songs turned well. The new songs gain in deepness being performed live. Jackson as usual told some stories about his songs, about where Barricades of heaven comes from, about how the idea of Live nude cabaret emerged on a stop at a traffic light, and about Cuba. He turned from guitar to piano Difficult to choose some highlights from this fantastic gig, however, Barricades of heaven, Fountain of sorrow the big final 1st set Doctor my eyes/About my imagination and new songs like Time the conqueror , Given that heaven away just say yeah were brilliant. The second set started on high moving songs such as Something Fine (perhaps the highlight of that night ), These days, and powerfull performances on Late for the sky, and For a dancer (the other highlight), as well as on I'm alive. The set ended with the always remarquable Running on empty, and the encore was The pretender. This show was an absolute marvel, and people were really happy after the 2h30 gig. As far as i can remember the set list was this : 1st set 1-Boulevard, 2-Everywhere I Go 3-Barricades Of Heaven 4-Fountain Of Sorrow 5-Time The Conqueror 6-Live Nude Caberet 7-Given that heaven away 8-Just say yeah 9-Late for the sky 10-Doctor My Eyes 11-About My Imagination 2nd set 12-Something Fine 13-These Days 14-Lives In The Balance 15-Going Down To Cuba 16-Off Of Wonderland 17-Going dow to Cuba 18-The Pretender 19-For a dancer 20-I'm alive 21-Running On Empty 22-The Pretender Regards, Submitted by: mathieu.maniaci@orange.fr (Mathieu) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi-CYFARCHION O GYMRU-GREETINGS FROM WALES Thanx for the JB site-just saw him for the umpteenth time in the coutry next door to us-England-he ust gets better! Hwyl-have fun Submitted by: tudurm@aol.com (MOjO) CONCERT REVIEW: April 12, 2009 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England CONCERT REVIEW: THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL - LONDON - 12 APRIL 2009 This is a great venue with as Mr Browne exclaimed "a certain mojo." The band were superb throughout. I have seen this band play more than a dozen times and still Mark Goldenberg's guitar playing mesmerises. On drums Mauricio "Fritz" Lewak was phenomenal, driving the band on and adding appropriate light and shade. The two vocalists, Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills, added another dimension to many of the songs. They were outstanding on "About My Imagination" and the extended "Lives In The Balance." The additional verse: I find it so strange and confusing They take God out our lives day by day But when tragedy strikes like 911 They call for the nation to pray But what should America pray for? For God to smite our enemies? Or to heal the wounds of history And to live with the world and in peace ...seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and heal their land" sung with added brio. Jackson was in fine form although there were fewer explanations/stories/ramblings between songs than on previous tours. The set list was similar to those reported in other postings. The Time the Conqueror songs do take on another element from live performance. Of those songs "Just Say Yeah" was my highlight. Other particular highlights "Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination". Even though I had read that the way the band moved from the former to the latter was particularly fine, hearing is believing. It exceeded my expectations. Highlight from the second set "Lives in the Balance" "your Bright Baby Blues " and "Stunning Mystery Companion." First set: Boulevard Everywhere I Go Barricades Of Heaven Fountain Of Sorrow Time The Conqueror Off Of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving That Heaven Away Sky Blue And Black Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination Interval Something Fine Late For The Sky These Days For Taking The Trouble Lives In The Balance Going Down To Cuba Just Say Yeah Your Bright Baby Blues Drums Of War Far From The Arms Of Hunger The Pretender Running On Empty My Stunning Mystery Companion (Encore) All in all a very professional show. An excellent concert. I can't wait to catch up with the band, next month, in Girona. Thanks for the great site Russ. Submitted by: philbassill@yahoo.com (Phil B.) CONCERT SET LIST: April 12, 2009 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England 1. Boulevard 2. Everywhere I Go 3. The Barricades of Heaven 4. Fountain of Sorrow 5. Time the Conqueror 6. Off of Wonderland 7. Live Nude Cabaret 8. Giving That Heaven Away 9. Sky Blue and Black 10. Doctor My Eyes / About My Imagination (interval) 11. Something Fine 12. Late for the Sky 13. These Days 14. For Taking The Trouble 15. Lives in the Balance 16. Going Down to Cuba 17. Just Say Yeah 18. Your Bright Baby Blues 19. The Drums of War 20. Far From The Arms of Hunger 21. The Pretender 22. Running on Empty 23. My Stunning Mystery Companion (encore) Thanks again! Submitted by: segaboyno@aol.com (Simon) CONCERT REVIEW: April 12, 2009 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England Jackson Brown, Royal Albert Hall, 12 April 2009 Jackson was in great spirits all night, really appreciative of everyone being there. The Royal Albert Hall was packed to the rafters - I couldn't see a spare seat anywhere. When he came out on stage though, he looked really thin, and a bit gaunt. His wit and spirit weren't though, and although he couldn't hit some of the notes to start with, he soon warmed up and then did! Jackson was quite chatty all night, and didn't seem to say anything about the barrage of all the flash photography that was going on around him. It was annoying me, and I was in the audience. L He introduced quite a few songs with long explanations, and introduced the whole band as well, which I was glad that I recognised all of them except the female singers. The brochure (£8) is mostly photos with an introduction from JB himself, written in March, with the details of the band and how they all met. They started just after 8pm, and played with a 20 min break, until about 11:05pm. Here's the set list, but I don't think I got most of it in the right order... Set 1: Boulevard Everywhere I Go Barricades of Heaven - JB talked about how the song was written about where he left home in Southern California, and how you go and make your own way in the world and "work out who you want to be." Time The Conqueror - saying it was off of his new album. Off of Wonderland - This was an interesting story. He said it was about all the freaks that came to this little part of Los Angeles, which is one of the few places you can live there and have some greenery around you, unless you want to live in a park! He corrected himself and said, "yeah, it was all the people moving in from Laurel Canyon!" and the audience thought that was funny again! Live Nude Cabaret -The song came to him at a stop light in LA. He was daydreaming, and when he woke up, the light was still red, but he saw this poster for a 'Nude Live Cabaret' but said it wasn't like all the other great big posters in LA for the "gentleman's clubs" (he did the bunny ears to show it was a quotation) and everyone laughed. He was quick to acknowledge that he didn't stop, and that this poster he saw was more hand lettered rather than professional looking. I think it was this song he said he wrote most of it in a hotel in London. Give That Heaven Away These Days During the intermission, there was this very cute little girl (about 2 yo I'd say) who came wandering onstage with a roadie, little backstage pass around her neck, looking at the audience and everyone on stage... then went off with the roadie to look at the guitars! So cute! Set 2: Something Fine Fountain of Sorrow Sky Blue and Black Going Down to Cuba - Jackson said that they were asking all the UK audiences if anyone had been to Cuba. Of course, nearly half the audience put up their hands, and he said "putting up your hands... like I can see that!" I think he was referring also to the fact that we were being so polite... so the house lights went up and he went on talking. He explained that as Americans, they weren't allowed to go to Cuba, it was part of the Cold War thing but it was going to change. He said it was because it was a Communist country, but as far as he could tell, China was still a Communist country and the US were all over them trying to do trade. He said that when he went there first time, he went with political-types, so they had 'special permission' which he said, in itself, is so Soviet. He said the second time he went with the band, and they got there on religious visas, because of course, if they say it's their religion, no one can say anything. Mark came back with some CDs (because, as he explained, you're not allowed to trade with Cuba either, which means not bringing back any goods) and Customs looked at them and said 'they better be religious CDs' and Mark assured them they were! Jackson said, "What are they gonna ask you to do, play them?" Just say Yeah Lives in the Balance - said that his youngest son, Ryan, had asked him to start playing this again a few years ago. The band were brilliant on this, and when the 2 girls were signing the lines in the middle, Jackson had the biggest grin on his face as they did brilliantly with the vocals. He was obviously very proud of them! Bright Baby Blues Doctor My Eyes - went straight into... About My Imagination Pretender Running on Empty Encore: Stunning Mystery Companion - He said something about running out of/having too much time before this song... I couldn't make out what he meant, but he did say something like they must have had a longer song in there somewhere. After some discussion with the band, they did SMC and everyone had their own solo in it. They were improvising... I think. People were calling out between songs as well, which Jackson was trying to hear. He said, "In a place as polite as London, I would have thought you would have all got together beforehand to decide what to hear!" Which we all found funny again! At the end, he really thanked the audience again and seemed so sincere in his thanks, and said he enjoyed playing tonight. We enjoyed your company too Jackson. See you on May 21? Same time, same place? Submitted by: e.rogers@ukonline.co.uk CONCERT REVIEWS: April 11, 2009 at Colston Hall in Bristol, England and April 12, 2009 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England Colston Hall, Bristol - Saturday 11th April and Royal Albert Hall, London - Sunday 12th April Lucky enough to get to both these Jackson Browne concerts. Great to see him with a band on this tour, adding new depth to some old songs and really bringing alive the new songs from Time the Conqueror. Jackson hailed Bristol as being quoted "the friendliest city" - whatever the truth in that, he seemed to be relaxed and enjoying the evening here. In a show spanning 3 hours, he played 25 songs - several more than recent dates on this tour. Set lists (below) were similar at both venues - a highlight in Bristol was the audience request for Jamaica Say You Will, which he played solo inviting the band to "join in if you want" - interesting to see if the rest of the band have picked it up by the end of the tour! To have something spontaneous in an otherwise well rehearsed show definitely added something to the evening. A moving Late for the Sky at the Royal Albert Hall was another special moment and, at both concerts, the updated Lives in the Balance (verses sung soulfully by Alethea and Chavonne) still packs it's political punch. He has an accomplished band with him - notably Jeff Young on keyboard and vocals - and some great arrangements that showcased the skills of all band members made both evenings real nights to remember. Set Lists: Boulevard Everywhere I Go Barricades Of Heaven Fountain Of Sorrow Time The Conquerer Off Of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving That Heaven Away Sky Blue and Black Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination ---- interval ----- Something Fine For a Dancer (Bristol only) Late for the Sky (London only) These Days For taking the trouble Lives In The Balance Going Down To Cuba Jamaica Say You Will (Bristol only) Just Say Yeah Bright Baby Blues Far From the Arms of Hunger Drums of War The Pretender Running On Empty My Stunning Mystery Companion (Encore both nights) Footnote: The sound mix was better at Bristol than the Royal Albert Hall - and whilst we (obviously!) know the words to all his songs, at times in London the vocals were particularly difficult to hear. It could have been our seats in the arena, but the RAH is notorious for having difficult acoustics. The guy sat in front of me was very unhappy with the sound - perhaps his hearing has aged better than mine, but sadly he seemed determined to be disappointed (Had to try hard not to let his grumbling cast a "shadow in my night"!). Anyway, perhaps the sound will be better when Jackson returns to the Royal Albert Hall next month...... Thanks Russ. Submitted by: evanstribe@blueyonder.co.uk CONCERT REVIEW: April 12, 2009 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England I will keep this review short. I have enjoyed the music of Jackson Browne for a long, long time. I have seen him in concert many times, both with band and solo. The concerts have always been great, until this one. The group I was with were seated in a Loggia box [25], the view was fine, the sound was not. If I didn't know the words by heart, then I too would have struggled, as did my friends, to make out what they were. The whole effect was too loud. The bass shook the floor; I had trouble hearing the lead guitar. When Something Fine began it was wonderful, crystal clear, then the band kicked in. My overall verdict on this concert was disappointment. The set list was good, I am really glad he played lots from the last record, as I love it. The two ladies were a knockout, a truly brilliant complement to the whole. My friends had previously heard of Jackson, but had never listened to his music. They are now converts. I am so sad to have to write this, but this is how it was on the night. Submitted by: patrick.hamblin@virgin.net (Patrick H.) CONCERT REVIEW: April 12, 2009 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England Despite only a 3 star review in the Times, this was a great show. Having seen him twice in Dublin, this was my last available chance too see him this time. The view from the 4th row, bang in front of Jackson was awesome and despite poor initial sound, from our spot ,the sound problems were soon sorted out and it all sounded great. The couple in the row behind sang along at top volume to half the songs which was a little off-putting but as a die-hard, nothing spoils it for me in the end. My personal highlights were Late for the Sky(not heard on either night in Dublin), real hairs on the neck stuff. What gets me every time is the age that Jackson was when he wrote some of the most intense words ever committed to song. How could he have known about stuff at that age, it still defies belief. My stunning mystery companion was a superb encore with an amazing version that soared above any previous versions I have heard. Last couple of observations, all the new stuff takes off live. The recorded versions are pale by comparison to these great live readings and lastly, you look so much better without the beard Jackson. As the Times reviewer remarked, he looks disconcertingly similar to the man on the 70's album covers. He seemed a bit tired but the intros and the voice still reach me like no other ever could, or ever will. Thanks for the platform russ In Jacksons ideal vision, harmony and peace to all Take it easy. Submitted by: terry@a1sportingspeakers.com (Terry B., Bournemouth UK) CONCERT REVIEW: April 11, 2009 at Colston Hall in Bristol, England Hi, just to add to some of the comments. I have been a fan of JB's songs since the 1960's so we were looking foreward to seeing him live at last. However where we were sat at the back of the balcony the sound was totally appalling; heavy metal guitar, thundering drums & muddy vocals. We in fact left at the interval as I would rather remember the songs as they should be. I would be interested to know if they were using the house PA system. These days there is no real excuse for bad live sound; technology has moved on hugely. I speak as someone who played in bands for years (in fact I even played at the Colston Hall,supporting Dire Straits many years ago!) so I know the perils of in house sound systems & I am well used to loud music. A huge disappointment I'm sorry to say. Submitted by: godeans@gofast.co.uk (Rob) CONCERT REVIEW: April 18, 2009 at Stadthalle in Tuttlingen, Germany Stadthalle Tuttlingen 18th April 2009 In a very nice quite new venue with great acoustic characteristics in this small South German village I witnessed the show along with about 750 people, mostly very decent baby-boomers (like myself haha). Sorry I don't have a full setlist, but 80% seems to be parallel compared to the UK-shows. Most important difference probably was that he ended in Tuttlingen with "The load-out / Stay", much to the satisfaction of the audience. I saw him play a couple of years ago in Amsterdam, and compared to that gig this one brought a little more variation and inspiration. The two lady singers surely add to the show and it is a real treat to hear them sing and see them move. "Doctor my eyes" definitely was the highlight in my opinion. Minor point: why an electric piano and why not a grand piano in a great hall like this one? Another very disappointing detail: he didn't play "Rosie" after my request although he reacted that he would. "Do I remember 'Rosie'? Sure I remember 'Rosie'. We'll do that one later on. There's always time to play 'Rosie'". Did he actually forget to play it eventually or was there another reason not to do it? Anyway, I surely counted on it after he had said what he had said. Anyway, it was a very enjoyable concert, although I do miss the energy that I'm used to at concerts of artists like Bruce Springsteen and Elliott Murphy. By the way, Elliott will be doing a small US Eastcoast tour next week. If you get the chance, go out and see him out. For further information see http://www.elliottmurphy.com Submitted by: keesmaan@live.nl (Kees M., Amsterdam Holland) CONCERT REVIEWS: April 20, 2009 at Theaterhaus in Stuttgart, Germany and April 21, 2009 at Heinrich-Lades-Halle in Erlangen, Germany I see two wonderful show. Two excellent concerts. Stuttgart was the better one. I can't wait to see Jackson again. I hope he will come soon to Germany again. Set-List Stuttgart: 1. Boulevard 2. Everywhere I Go 3. The barricades of heaven 4. Fountain of sorrow 5. Time the conqueror 6. Off the wonderland 7. Live nude cabaret 8. Giving that heaven away 9. Doctor my eyes 10. About my imagination Intermission 11. Something fine 12. Don't you want to be there 13. These days 14. For taking the trouble 15. Lives in the balance 16. Going down to Cuba 17. Just say yeah 18. Sky blue and black 19. My stunning mystery companion 20. The pretender 21. Running on empty 22. Somebodys Baby 23. I'm a Patriot Set-List Erlangen: 1. Boulevard 2. Everywhere I Go 3. The barricades of heaven 4. Fountain of sorrow 5. Time the conqueror 6. Off the wonderland 7. Live nude cabaret 8. Giving that heaven away 9. Doctor my eyes 10. About my imagination Intermission 11. Something fine 12. Don't you want to be there 13. These days 14. For taking the trouble 15. Lives in the balance 16. Going down to Cuba 17. Just say yeah 18. Late for the sky 19. The pretender 20. Running on empty 21. Somebodys Baby 22. I'm a Patriot Submitted by: rzl.lautenschlaeger@t-online.de CONCERT REVIEW: April 5, 2009 at Sage in Gateshead, England Hi, and thank you Russ for this forum for us Jackson Browne-lovers that I have just discovered. It is interesting to read the letters from people who have been to his concerts and I like to share my memories with you all. I went to Newcastle/Gateshead from Stockholm to listen to Jackson Browne at The Sage 5th of april. I have seen Jackson Browne perform a couple of times before but this was the best concert ever. Yeah, tender was the night at The Sage. Especially beautiful songs that Jackson sang - sitting at the piano - was Barricades of heaven and Fountain of sorrow. It really felt as if an angel went through the arena. Two other numbers that stood out was Giving that heaven away and Going down to Cuba. His last album Time the Conqueror is brilliant. Jackson Browne came on the stage with a big smile. He looked great, and was in a very good mode, charming us all. The band was also great and the sound perfect. The Sage proved to be a very nice arena and Jackson played for 2,5 hours. When the intro to Running on empty was heard everyone in the audience jumped up and remained standing for the rest of the concert and we never wanted him to leave us. I felt like we and Jackson Browne was united in a very warm atmosphere. You could say that our hearts danced together. I really look forward to see him again in Stockholm the 4th of may. Submitted by: ingegerdronnberg@comhem.se (Ingegerd) CONCERT REVIEWS: April 18, 2009 at Stadthalle in Tuttlingen, Germany and April 20, 2009 at Theaterhaus in Stuttgart, Germany Dear Russ, I just found some reviews of Jackson Browne's concerts in Germany. Thank you very much for keeping up this great website for the fans. Those who understand German will find the reviews at the following links: www.derwesten.de/nachrichten/kultur/musik-und-konzerte/2009/4/20/news-117493829/detail.html www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/stn/page/2005202_0_9223_jackson-browne-im-theaterhaus-jede-idylle-hat-ihre-tuecken.html www.gea.de/detail/1244392 www.nn-online.de/artikel.asp?art=1005846&kat=48 www.nz-online.de/artikel.asp?art=1006256&kat=49 The last time he has been down south was in '96. This time we were really lucky that four of six concerts have been in Southern Germany. My family and I attended the shows at Tuttlingen and Stuttgart. It has been Christmas and Easter at once to us: I managed to get 1st row seats for the show at Tuttlingen. So I had some perfect Christmas presents for my partner and my two daughters. Three years ago I returned from an absolutely brilliant Jackson Browne concert with David Lindley and Tico De Geraldo at Hamburg Stadtpark. I told my kids about it. They hung on my lips and said they would like to accompany me to his next concert in Germany. Being 19 and 16 by now they have become more interested in punk and industrial than in singing/song writing. The past year I tended to listen to his moodier songs which at times really put them off. So they were somehow reluctantly listening to the new album. Watching Jackson, the band and the two new vocalists perform the songs live just blew them over the top. It's been pure magic - that's exactly what happened to us in '86 at our very first concert at the Lives in the balance tour at Würzburg. I had not been into his music at all and got my very first record only one or two weeks before the show. But I became instantly hooked by those amazing songs. It was the Reagan Star Wars/Iran-Contra etc. era. Being based in Germany there were many US soldiers on the one hand and on the other hand quite a few liberal German fans at his concerts. This created a slightly bizarre atmosphere: the GIs frantically shouting for Jackson's early songs and he talking to us in between songs about everything that had been on his mind at that time. Some people might call it preaching . To me he has always been outspoken, audacious and candid. Apart from many songs of the new album his political songs are still my favourite classics and I have always been wondering how he could have fallen from grace by writing such marvellous songs. Of course, I have come to appreciate his earlier work and like to listen to albums like Late for the Sky, The Pretender, Running on Empty, Hold on Hold out, Lawyers in Love. There are most touching songs that might help me in distressing situations like For a Dancer, Take this Rain, Don't you want to be there, ... There are songs that instantly put a smile on my face, e. g. Everywhere I go, I'm the Cat, Somebody's Baby, Just say yeah, etc. Songs like For America, Lawless Avenues, Lives in the Balance, Before the Deluge, I am a Patriot (just awesome - not written by him but he easily could have!) just strike me holistically. Anyway, before I'm getting too annoying here are the set lists of our two concerts: 2009-04-18 Tuttlingen + set list: Boulevard Everywhere I go Barricades of Heaven Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving that Heaven away Doctor my Eyes/About my Imagination Intermission Something fine For taking the Trouble Don't you want to be there These Days Late for the Sky Lives in the Balance Going down to Cuba Just say yeah Your Bright Baby Blues The Pretender Somebody's Baby Running on Empty The Load-Out/Stay 2009-04-20 Stuttgart + set list: Boulevard Everywhere I go Barricades of Heaven Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving that Heaven away Doctor my Eyes/About my Imagination Intermission Something fine Don't you want to be there For taking the Trouble Lives in the Balance Going down to Cuba These Days Sky Blue and Black The Pretender Just say yeah My Stunning Mystery Companion Running on Empty Somebody's Baby I am a Patriot I hope I have not missed any song. The order probably is not quite accurate. Be sure to catch one of the concerts of this tour and you'll live to see something very special! Submitted by: (Petra) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Looking For Tickets Hello I am travelling to London in May and wondered if anyone has a spare ticket to the show in London on May 21st? If so, could you contact me at: hsalole@aol.com Thanks. Submitted by: hsalole@aol.com (Hermoine) CONCERT REVIEW: April 27, 2009 at Olympia in Paris, France Hi Russ, It was the first time I saw JB .... What a great concert at "L'Olympia", Paris !!!! 
See the Set List:First set 01 "Boulevard" 02 "Everywhere I Go" 03 "The Barricades Of Heaven" 04 "Fountain Of Sorrow" 05 "Time The Conqueror" 06 "Off Of Wonderland" 07 "Live Nude Cabaret" 08 "Giving That Heaven Away" 09 "Doctor My Eyes" 10 "About My Imagination" second set 11 "Something Fine" 12 "Don't You Want To Be There" 13 "These Days" 14 "For Taking The Trouble" 15 "Lives In The Balance" 16 "Going Down To Cuba" 17 "Just Say Yeah" 18 "Rosie" 19 "Late For The Sky" 20 "Your Bright Baby Blues" 21 "The Pretender" 22 "Running On Empty" ENCORE 23 "I Am A Patriot" 24 "The Load-Out" / "Stay" Greetings from France Submitted by: florian.laulhe0565@orange.fr (flo) CONCERT REVIEW: April 25, 2009 at QEH in Antwerp, Belgium Concert review: April 25 2009. Queen Elisabeth Hall Antwerp. Belgium Magnificent concert Saturday evening of my favorite singer songwriter Jackson Browne. It was 1982 when I saw Jackson for the first time at "ROCK TORHOUT" and since that moment the guy gave the exact words about my feelings. It was good to know that I was not the only sentimental fool in Belgium ( the concert was sold out, 2000 fine human beings mostly people of the fifties and sixties with a good sentimental hygiene who survived in the Liberal Belgium. When Jackson came on stage I could hardly believe he is 60 years old, how do you do to be so thin and in great shape jackson? The man played only 6 new songs of "Time the conqueror" and many classic songs mostly in a fine new arrangement. When the crowd asked to hear "Take it easy" Jackson gave it to us and a little bit later someone cried for Warren Zevon and Jackson improvised a really fine version of "Carmelita. Warren up above should be proud of this version of his song. "Boulevard" and "doctor my eyes" where the rockers of the evening and "Rosie" on the piano, especially for the Belgian people because it was not on the set list in earlier concerts. In the second part of the concert the man brought very good versions of "before the deluge, these days, fountain of sorrow, late for the Skye" The classics of Jackson who are still up to date. When he played "The Barricades of heaven" one of my personal favorite songs I thought I heard " I am sixty and no longer alone" but that was probably my imagination who took over. When the band begins to play "Running on empty" I closed my eyes and suddenly I was back in 1982 with tears of happiness in my eyes. I thought I heard Russel Kunkel on drums and Leland Sklar on bass, Graig Doerge on keyboards and Kortchmar on guitar.Rosemary Butler was replaced by 2 fine angel voices and the only one I missed was the "fiddler" David Lindley. Wouldn't it be great to put all these people together for a real "LIFE CD" and a new World tour in the future with the old guys? You can't live in the past but we can let a little of the past live in us. Thanks for the fine concert Jackson, there are no gradations of perfect. You're a great singer songwriter and a fine human being with the heart at the right place. Submitted by: pavanacker@skynet.be (Patrick V., a survivor of the fifties) Go To Jackson Browne Fan Letters and Reviews from May 2009 RETURN to Jackson Browne Fan Letters Page RETURN to Jackson Browne Home Page |