Just wanted to say that I saw Jackson at the Sacramento Community Center & he was unbelievable! The last time I saw him in concert was in 1982 at the US Festival. I've seen him on tv plenty of times with his band but I do have to say I liked seeing better acoustic. I read Tina's review & she was right on! Tina, I heard you yell Shakytown a few times! I was in row U right in the center & although I wish it were closer it was great. The Warren Zevon song he did was "Mutinteer" he also did "Don't You Want to be There" my favorite from the new album.

All in all the show was fantastic! I think the best way to describe it is it was like he was in a room with a bunch of friends just shooting the breeze & singing! A couple of times he would start something & say "Oh no now I remember" & get up & switch guitars. When he said he would sing Cocaine he was saying something about how when he sings it he has to do something & someone shouted "do some" & he laughed & said "no I don't have to do some!" It was the way he said it that seemed like the most "real" moment of the show, I don't know how else to put it! Anyway, he was awesome & I hope he comes back this way again!

Hi Russ,

As always, thanks so much for your wonderful site - I especially enjoyed your most recent concert review! Since Jackson's induction into the Hall of Fame by Bruce, there'd been some discussion on Bruce Springsteen's website "Backstreets" about Jackson and Bruce including similarities and differences, especially in light of Bruce teasing Jackson during his speech, explaining that Jackson "didn't have much of a show", and I thought I'd present a couple of the postings - the first is mine:

"I consider Jackson to be first and foremost a philosopher, second a lyricist, third a musician, and finally a performer - those that most appreciate his work are primarily into the first two, for which the last two are a vehicle. Bruce is clearly much more of a performer, which includes part acrobat - I still can't believe he somehow turned himself upside down on the microphone stand at Giants Stadium last summer! Jackson or you or I would've killed ourselves in the attempt!! WE'RE BETTER FOR HAVING BOTH OF THEM IN OUR LIVES!!"

"Saw Jackson this week at Symphony Hall in San Francisco. He played solo acoustic -- with the exception of two songs, for which he brought out Bonnie Raitt.

Jackson does something very cool live. People shout out requests and he plays lots of 'em and talks about 'em. He has 13 amazing acoustic guitars lined up (He's a collector.) and an electric piano. ... It would be cool to see Bruce play solo acoustic and do something similar."

Thanks again, Russ!

walmart has the new cd set for 18.88, but they didn[t seem to have it til about a week or so after it was out. I noticed it doesn't have "that girl could sing" on it in spite of the t.v. ad saying it did. but lawyers in love is on it althogh i thought people were saying that that song wasn't on it. also, i managed to find the Performing Songwriter magazine at two different stores around here (newport, ri) including Barnes and noble. havent bought it yet. is there any chance Jackson Browne will ever play at the Newport Folk Festival??? Maybe even this year?? I noticed on the schedule there's nothing down for August yet and that's when it is.. so..........

I have seen Jackson perform live about a dozen times, in a number of different cities, but never in one as beautiful as Santa Barbara.

The Lobero Theatre, with its seating capacity of 650, afforded us the opportunity to see him in an intimate setting with great acoustics, pouring out his heart and soul over the span of three hours. Some highlights:

Take It Easy. He treated us to a few lines from Kiko Veneno's Spanish cover (Tú Tranquilo), which is NOTHING like the original but was entertaining nonetheless. He also mentioned that although he had the album that includes the Chinese version, he had never been able to figure out which song was Take It Easy because there wasn't one that even remotely resembled his version.

Something Fine. He said that the apartment where he stayed in England had been lent to him (and a beautiful girl) by Stephen Stills, but that it had an "expiry date" which led to the events that inspired the song. A definite highlight.

Carmelita. People called for this a few times. He told us that for a while he was performing a different Warren Zevon song every night until he ran out of ones that he knew. I really enjoyed this. (It's great that he's including Warren Zevon songs in his shows.)

My Stunning Mystery Companion. Someone must have asked him to play a happy song because he said that he didn't have a lot of happy songs, just "songs of despair" or "songs of despair with a silver lining". Then he thought of this one. In his introduction he spoke glowingly of his girlfriend. My favourite song of the evening.

Lawyers in Love. No, he didn't actually play it, but he did toy with the idea for a few moments until he realized that he couldn't do the high part. He then spoke about how he had practically ruined his voice rehearsing this song for a tour several years ago. It was pretty amusing.

After the show, we were all (all 650 of us, that is) invited to attend a reception on the patio at the rear of the theatre---an unexpected and welcome surprise. Initially, about 120 people gathered there. But after an hour and a quarter, the number had dwindled to around 75. At this time, Jackson emerged and began signing autographs and posing for pictures. I watched as he listened intently to what each and every person had to say and marvelled at his seemingly infinite patience. How many thousands of times must he have done this over the course of his 30-year career?

After about half an hour, those of us still waiting were told that he was getting very tired (which to me seemed apparent) and we were asked to keep it short (which we did). It was obvious that he had put everything he had into the show but, nonetheless, he was every bit as gracious and attentive towards those of us remaining as he had been earlier on towards the others at the front of the crowd. I thanked him for the show, he signed something for me and then shook my hand. It was a moment I won't soon forget.

It may be that Jackson enjoys meeting those who he has touched with his words and his music, but whatever pleasure he may derive from these exchanges, it can't possibly come ANYWHERE close to what his fans feel upon meeting him for the first time. So, Jackson, if you're out there, THANK YOU. It was really great to meet you.

Hi Russ,

I recently discovered your website; how kind of you to maintain it and allow the fans to be connected and share stories. I'd like to share with you and the fans a story of how I got to meet Jackson after his wonderful performance at the Beacon Theater in New York . It's sort of a story/ fan letter/message that I'm hoping Jackson may also get the opportunity to read. If you feel it is okay, please post on your website.

Thanks,

"NYC, JB, JC, and Me"

I am from Redondo Beach California and from the moment I heard that Jackson was being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, I contemplated going to New York to somehow celebrate. As it turned out, I later decided to go to Indiana to see a friend of mine. She was the widow of my dear friend (Mac) and besides the sadness of her grieving, she has four small children she is now raising alone. I decided to take a 2 week vacation and help her out, but as a treat to myself I decided to stop in New York first and catch Jackson's show the night after his induction ceremony. My family and friends were a little concerned because I was going alone. I reassured them it would be okay; that Jesus was with me.

I was first introduced to Jackson's music in 1975 (I was 18), some friends took me to a show at Orange Coast Jr. College, I think it was in the gymnasium. As I listened to his music and watched my first Jackson Browne show a tremendous sense of tranquility washed over me, I was very lost at the time. He played "These Days"..."don't confront me with my failures, I have not forgotten them"; it brought me to tears. I was one of those teenage pregnancies and life was kinda rough at the time. Then he played "Ready or Not "; it touched me because I was in a somewhat similar situation. I thought he had to have a tender spirit to write such a cute song. After the show, my girlfriends and I somehow ended up backstage and had the opportunity to talk with him. Not only is this an extremely gifted man, a poetic musical genius ...................he's humble. A quality that, to me, clearly stood out during that meeting. (He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way; Psalms 25:9) I remember looking at him that night thinking that he was definitely destine for great things. I told him he was going to be really famous and I asked for a kiss so I could tell my grandchildren about it someday. He pointed to his cheek and he let me kiss his face. All of my friends have had to hear that story at least once...." I kissed Jackson Browne"... my son has heard me tell it about a million times. Anyway, after that night Jackson Browne music has been a staple in my home, my life. A source of pleasure during good times and comfort during bad. Life is much better now, my only child has blessed me with a beautiful daughter-in law and four gorgeous grandchildren (3 boys and one girl). A few years back I caught my granddaughter dancing to"Running on Empty" and thought about that night at Orange Coast Jr. College. I decided to spare her "the kiss" story for now; wait until she was older, when she would better appreciate it (she's 6).

Anyway, back to New York. As everyone knows by now the show was GREAT!! He was with his band and he even mentioned it would probably be the only time they would play together this year because of the Solo Tour he was doing. I had caught the show at UCLA's Royce Hall; the acoustic set with audience interaction is very warm. I'm Cuban so I particularly enjoyed watching him do "Juan Tanamera" at the end of that show. But seeing him with the band and the whole celebration thing was really wonderful. One of the moments that stood out to me, was when Marc Cohn congratulated him for the Hall of Fame honor and the crowd immediately got up and gave him a standing ovation. He remained seated at his piano for awhile, his humble quality showing itself once again, but the crowd wouldn't have it. We just keep cheering and he finally got up and took a bow. (For the Lord takes pleasure in his people , he adorns the humble with Victory; Psalms 149:4) When Bruce Springstein later came out and they played Take it Easy, the energy in the room was unbelievable. It was truly a celebration; Jackson was great, the music was great, New Yorkers are great. It was my first Jackson Browne show outside of California and a show I will never forget.

When the show was over, I kept hanging around by the stage. I had a standing room only ticket but with the grace and direction of my traveling companion (Jesus), I ended up watching the entire show in a seat in the third row that no one ever claimed. I was trying to get a guitar pick from the stage but the security guard on stage was not cooperating. I told him I came all the way from California to catch the show, he said he came all the way from Jersey to do security and told me it was time to leave. I was slowly making my way out when someone announced that everyone that was there for Jackson's private party should come sit in this back section. I casually walked over and sat down. I sat in an empty row next to this couple. They kept asking everyone to show their passes. The lady next to me noticed I didn't have a pass and told me it would be a miracle if I got passed security. I told her Jesus had performed far greater miracles then this. She smiled at me and we ended up talking about our grandchildren while we sat and waited. Security kept walking by checking passes. Thinking back on that moment I'm not really sure how I got to stay. I remember at the time thinking, this is incredible; do they see a pass? (I checked to see if one had miraculously appeared.) They announced that Jackson was really excited about seeing everyone and that we should go on into the lobby and enjoy the open bar. I got up and followed the couple to the lobby entrance; Mr. Jersey was at the door doing one last security check. When he asked to see my pass I slightly pulled open my v-neck top; he smiled at me and said "I still don't see a pass". Realizing I just didn't feel right about flashing my boob at this guy, ( plus the fact I don't really have that much boob to flash) , I looked down and said "please, this would mean so much to me". He looked at me, rolled his eyes, pointed into the lobby and said, "Get in there".

I was now in the party. I believe these were all friends and acquaintances of Jacksons. Everyone was hanging out at the bar and I was really thirsty but I didn't have that magical pass and I didn't want to push my luck. This guy came over and was talking to me and the couple I had walked in with, he asked if I would like something to drink. I said a bottle of water would be great and that I didn't have a pass so I didn't want to go to the bar. He smiled and said "Honey, we all know you don't have a pass" and then walked over to the bar. About then Jackson walks into the room and begins talking with all his friends. When the guy walks back with my bottled water, I find out he is a neighbor of one of Jackson's friends. He tells me that Jackson has an incredible memory and is really good at remembering people. I told him about my 1975 story and the guy said he wouldn't be surprised if he remembered. I didn't think that would be possible but I decided to go ahead and make my way into the crowd and talk to Jackson Browne. As I watched Jackson interacting with people, that humble quality was once again very noticeable to me. He appears to be a person that is really down to earth and has not been tainted by the whole fame thing. I finally got up to him, put my hand on his arm and said "excuse me Jackson". He looked over at me and I put my hand out. As he shook my hand I said, "My name is Tiki, do you remember me?" "I met you in 1975". He looked up and kind of laughed and said, "no way I'll remember that far back". Someone interrupted us and began talking to him and handed him some gum; Jackson told them to hold on or something. Then he looked back over at me, excused the interruption and asked me to continue. Okay, now I'm talking with Jackson Browne and have got his undivided attention. I'm relatively a confident women but at that moment I totally regressed into that 18 year old groupie from 1975 and began feeling very nervous. I was able to get the story out, how I had told him he was going to be famous and how I had asked for a kiss. I continued to tell him how much his music meant to me and how I had come all the way from California to catch his show. I told him how his music had gotten me through so many difficult times and then thanked him for it. When I stopped my rambling he put his hand on my face and kissed my cheek. I put one arm around him, gave him a hug, and told him I loved him. I thanked him one more time and began backing my way out of there. My 18 year old moment was now turning into a middle-aged hotflash and I needed air.

Once I was standing on the outskirts of the crowd catching my breath, almost in tears, Mr. Jersey comes up. With his Jersey accent and sarcastic tone he says, "So did you have your moment with Jackson? I saw the whole thing it was very touching". We laughed and I gave him a big hug. I told him how very special that was for me and thanked him for letting me into the party. I later mentioned to Mr. Jersey (Kevin) that I had a camera and that I should have asked Jackson for a picture. Kevin grabs my hand and says come on lets go get one. I told him that I just couldn't bother Jackson again; he had a room full of friends waiting to talk with him. He then told me that I would be regretting it on the plane flight home if I didn't at least try. He points out that Jackson is in-between people and gently pushes me out in front of Jackson. "Excuse me Jackson, do you think I could get a picture?" Jackson says, "sure". Someone that was with Jackson said something about not taking any pictures that evening. Jackson says "no this one is okay" then puts his arm around me to pose for the picture and says to me, "your getting the only picture of the night". I hand Kevin the camera and..................................Click.

I now have a picture to go along with my new story; "Jackson Browne kissed me!". What an amazingly unbelievable night for this life long Jackson Browne fan. Jackson was so kind. He obviously knew I was a fan that had slipped into this party and was so sweet to me; "the fan". How wonderful that after so many years he still appreciates his loving fans. What a truly humble spirit.

After that night I spent the next two weeks in Indiana helping Mac's widow and children get through life. I remembered during that time how I had once taken Mac to a Jackson Browne show and how he knew my "kiss" story and how much I loved the music and the man. I can't help but think that both Jesus and Mac had something to do with that evening in New York . I call myself a Christian and enjoy a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. However, I had just recently learned the word "surrender" and have been trying to be a faithful servant. I believe that the Lord sends messages; and that the signs are everywhere. To me, that was a message that I am in the Lords good favor and he blessed me with an evening that was so very special. I also believe that Jackson Browne is in good favor with the Lord and a humble servant. Jackson, if you are reading this I hope all your blessings continue to flow and that the Lord guides your talent to delivery the most important message of all; to love one another. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If any speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever, Amen." ; 1Peter 4:10-11. Jackson, I also believe your best work is yet to come. As Mel Gibson has provided us with film to stir up our "Passion", I truly believe you can provide the song that would stir up the very same Passion to inspire the world to love one another; to surrender. This devoted Christian fan will pray for your continued inspiration.

I've spent alot of time this past week drafting and praying about this letter. Not sure if a Christian fan letter was appropriate for a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'r and his fans. I asked the Lord for a sign. Yesterday, I was at a restaurant, picking up some lunch. A little boy was running around the restaurant and came over to me and began circling at my feet. We smiled at each other as he was being playful. His mother sees this and hollers, "Jackson, come over here", and then apologizes to me for his behavior. It was then that I decided I would hit the send button.

Love and God Bless,

When I firstheard that Jackson was coming to my home town to play, I couldn't believe it. I have been a fan since 1974, and here he was coming to my small town to play in a venue that seats less than 1,000. As soon as I heard he was coming I contacted the Turlock Community Auditorium and bought 4 seats as close to the stage as I could, And when the night of the show arrived I wasn't disappointed. We had a table seat 15-20 feet directly in front of Jackson where he sat down to play the guitar.

As the show started he strolled on to the stage without being announced, to a standing ovation. The crowd really let him know how much they appreciated him, and he returned the favor by putting on a show that lasted almost three hours, with one 20 minute break. The crowd shouted out requests and Jackson willingly obliged. I only regret that I forgot to take a pencil and paper with me so I could remember all the songs, but a few of the more memorable ones...For A Dancer, Sky Blue And Black, Before The Deluge, Lawless Avenues(when a lady asked him to sing something in Spanish), The Pretender, Something Fine, Looking Into You, Doctor My Eyes, Bright Baby Blues, In The Shape Of A Heart, Lives In The Balance. If anyone out there reading this was at the show and has a set list, can you please send it to me?

This is all I can seem to remember right now. He told stories in between songs. It was just great. He told one story about how he kept thinking he was in Visalia all day, and how when he was 16 he was hitchhiking down Highway 99 through Visalia and got arrested because the guys he was with all got in a fight. Every one got arrested EXCEPT the guy who started the fight. He said he had been thinking about that all day and was just in a Highway 99 state of mind, and was wondering if they had to go through Visalia after the show that night on the way to the next show (they did).Someone also shouted out congratulations on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the crowd gave him another spontaneous standing ovation, and he was very appreciative.

I have read other reviews that have said this Solo Accoustic Tour is like sitting in a living room and having Jackson take requests and play his songs for you. In Turlock on March 25 2004, 900 + people were treated to just that.

Russ,

Thanks for the great site!

As the years have passed I've gotten away from the real music that we all love and know. Not to say that every time I hear a Jackson Browne song on the radio I don't crank it up and sing my lungs out but sometimes it seems that time is lost too fast to keep up!

Then as I channel surfed last month I hit it just right as Bruuuuce was inducting Jackson in the R&R Hall and man did he hit the nail right on the head as his speech couldn't have been any better.I saw Bruce in 2003 and he was awesome!

I am now back where I belong looking forward to catching Jackson in concert soon and I'm finding time to keep close to the real music again.I just bought The Very Best Of Jacson Browne CD and will listen faithfully!!!

We dont many famous singer/songwriters up here in Cairns,Queensland,Australia.

Jackson Browne blessed us with a concert at Kuranda, 20km up the mountains from Cairns, at the Rainforest Ampitheatre.

Naturally it being the wet season it poured down at frequent intervals but not a person left or moved - it is an open air venue.

JB had 14 guitars and the organ.

He was by himself - ie no backing musicians.

He had no set list, instead letting the crowd suggest which songs to sing.

He covered all my favourites, and when he did Josy - which I had never really listened to the lyrics to before - I was totally captivated - I played it quite a few times the next day.

He played for a good 2 hours and a few minutes.

For the first hour and a half I sat on the grass slopes like most - then I moved down to the stage and got close enough to see the man himself - I know it sounds corny - but I wanted to see if he had aged - I am 58 myself.

It was a magical concert - one of the great memories in ones life - if only life was a Jackson Browne concert.

Before playing the concert he stated that he was enjoying singing in all the backwater sort of places.

I liked the way he talked between the songs - made many wonderful statements including congratulating us Cairns people on "living in our place of choice" and "southern press had told him Cairns people were people who had "slipped out of the big world". This, being true, bought the house down.

My neverending memory will be of a couple of thousand people all sitting/standing in the rain, totally immersed in the lyrics and music of Jackson Browne - totally magic.

They just dont make singers like him anymore.

Hi Russ

Wonder if you could possibly post this for me on the site. Thanks.

Just wondering if anyone knows whether VH-1 are likely to be showing the Hall Of Fame broadcast on VH-1 UK channel. If so, any idea when (probably missed it already!).

Failing that, roll on Autumn!!

After seeing Jackson in Melbourne in 2003, I promised myself that when he came back to Australia I would see as much of him as I could. So, the Sydney concert and one Melbourne concert later, I am looking forward to tonight's second show with a mixture of excitement and regret. After spending three evenings in the presence of this amazing man, it will be a wrench to let him go. Let's hope it won't be too long before we see him here again.

Russ,

After many years of following your excellent website I finally have an opportunity to provide a small contribution. Last night, Jackson provided just under 3 hours of perfomance to a sold out concert in Melbourne. Accompanied by 14 guitars and electric piano on stage, Jackson showed why he is one of the leading singer songwriters for more than 30 years. The pared back arrangements of the solo performance worked extremely well and I can only agree with other fans who would love to see a CD/DVD of the solo, acoustic tour.

Highlights of the concert from the first set were Late for the Sky, Something Fine, For Everyman, Before the Deluge, For a Dancer and How Long, a duet with Melbourne based singer and friend Renee Geyer. Renee Geyer is one of Australia's finest singers and Jackson and Bonnie Raitt both invite her on stage when they perform in Melbourne and elsewhere in Australia. I strongly recommend fellow Jackson Browne fans taking the time to listen to Renee Geyer and her 2003 album - Tenderland.

Highlights of the second set included The Pretender, Call it a Loan (Jackson took the opportunity to reflect on his long time friend & musical associate David Lindley), Lives in the Balance, Casino Nation, and the encore of the evening, My Stunning Mystery Companion. A tribute to Warren Zevon, comprising the Mutineer and Carmelita, was another highlight of this set.

Many fans, including myself, were delighted in the way Jackson responded to their requests and were touched when at the end of the concert Jackson thanked Melbourne with his hand over his heart. We look forward to welcoming Jackson many more times.

Regards,

As a long time Jackson Browne fan, I was delighted to attend his recent solo Sydney concert. Jackson was relaxed and chatty as he played many wonderful tunes spanning his 30 year career.

This is the play list from the night ...."G" denotes guitar, "P" denotes piano.

1st Bracket
Barricades of Heaven (G)
Man of Constant Sorrow (G)
Farther On (P)
Fountain of Sorrow (P)
Bright Bay Blues (slide guitar)
The Rebel Jesus (P)...he mentioned as an intro to this song that he had been chatting to his son (Ryan who lives in Sydney) that day about things including Christianity ... anyway he lead into a beautiful redetion of this song.
Love Needs a Heart (P)
Something Fine (G) ...chatted about when he wrote the song in England
Late for the Sky (P) ...responding to a request
Running on Empty (G)

2nd Bracket
This bracket had a more political flavour and the audience responded postively to his sentiments.

For Everyman (G)
Looking East (G) - wonderful slow acoustic version.
For America (G)
Lives in the Balance (G)
I am a Patriot (G)
For a Dancer(P)
Rock me on the Water (P)
Tender is the Night (P)
Somebody's Baby (P) ...mentioned that this was difficult to sing and play piano for at the same time and that he had been practicising it recently....he did a wonderful job.
The Pretender (P) ...great version...I always respond to the songs request to pray for "the pretender".
Song for Adam (G)...I think as a response to a request
Take it Easy (G)....after a great uplifting intro about how the song has been recorded in may languages with strange but true interpretations.

1st Encore
Shape of a Heart (G)
Stunnig Mystery Companion (G) ...after discussing his long term relationship with his "girlfriend"

2nd Encore
Rosie ...he laughed and commented that this was a very strange song to finish the night on .... but he did!

What a wonderful night for us Aussies! I am so glad he comes down under and blesses us with his music with us, especially so soon after he toured last year, normally we have to wait many years to see him ... "let the music keep our spirits high"

Thanks for great site Russ, and I am going to the Adelaide concert tomorrow night and will report on that as well.

Take care of yourselves JB fans,

Thanks for the web site, its a great tribute to a great guy - I've visited it many times - this is my first contribution.

Well Perth was blessed with the voice of Jackson Browne on Sunday 18 April 2004.

We were lucky last year to get Jackson and his band and have a wonderful family night in a magical setting. Unfortunately the outdoor venue had Jackson isolated over a pond in Kings Park. In the Perth Concert Hall I was fortunate to get second row seats. I have dreamed of being that close and seeing my favourite artist perform and he didn't let me down in fact he exceeded my expectations which were quite high. Remember Jackson is 56 now. I've been a fan since 1978 when I started listening to The Pretender and then bought rest of his albums and then CDs. I was also lucky enough to share the evening with my wife - my own stunning mystery companion.

He started with Barricades on acoustic guitar (he had 14 to choose from) sitting on a modest wooden seat. I was well received. He had an old Fender Amp on stage it looked like it came from the early 70's. He then played I'm Alive and then sat at his keyboard and said that there was no set list and we could determine his play list. "For Everyman" was yelled out and away he went. He voice was powerful and wonderful. Then Farther On and Song For Adam he said you can't do many death related songs together as I had yelled out For A Dancer (which didn't get played) and then he went and played two Warren Zevon songs as his way of keeping his memory alive.

Then he played what I think was the stand out number of the night In the Shape of A Heart - his voice and guitar playing were perfect. The he played Lives in the Balance another great rendition followed by I Am A Patriot again another great guitar song. He had a break and started with The Pretender followed by Sky Blue and Black - a request - this was another great version and I must admit made me revisit that song because it wasn't a favourite but my appreciation of it improved with this version.

He was very accommodating and would change his guitar if necessary as songs were called out or jump between the keyboard and the chair if he decided to play a song. He moved between the keyboard and the chair frequently. He used the slide when playing Bright Baby Blues and then played another stand out song Late for the Sky. He made a guy happy in the second row by playing For America - he said do you really want to hear that one? Then he played one no one had requested because he said most people won't call out so he hoped they might enjoy it - it was Looking East. Then Take it Easy and Running On Empty both great guitar songs. He said do we want Running on Empty as we yelled yes he said one night he asked if they wanted the Load Out and someone yelled out NOT to play it. Then he made MY night by playing the song I had called out earlier Sleeps Dark and Silent Gate (which is hard to call out loudly BTW) It was a great version. Then Dr My Eyes and Fountain of Sorrow finished off the his set.

He came back on for an encore and did the Naked Ride Home which he said was a follow up to Rosie ( a song called out many times - he played it last year after so many people called it out - but not tonight) and the last song of the night was Stunning Mystery Companion which Jackson said sounded better than Girlfriend especially for the elderly - HIS words.

Jackson said half way though the night that he had been choosing the songs very carefully and felt that he had to - he even had trouble expressing himself - he seemed uncomfortable, I don't know why because the audience loved everything he did. In the end he said thanks for making him feel at home. During the night he told us about the various version of Take It Easy and how it can get lost in translation. He talked to some Americans in the audience from the area he grew up in. He mentioned that Lawyers in Love is no longer on the potential play list as he can't reach the high note - he said he hasn't been able sing it since he recorded it. He said he couldn't play My Personal Revenge, a great song he said, but he wasn't sure he could remember it. He mentioned that artists had to specify coming to Perth otherwise it gets cut off by the bosses in London or LA when tours are arrange - he said NZ was the same.

I've read that he says that when he plays acoustic he sings better and the songs sound like they do as he creates them. I was blown away by his guitar playing. I always thought he was more of a pianist but now I'd say he more of a guitar player. He played and sang as good as it gets. His voice was sensational. The sound system was terrific it wasn't too loud or soft and allowed him to use quiet and loud pieces on the guitar.

How many artists around the world could captivate an audience for over two and half hours by themself with only a guitar (albeit 14 of them) and a keyboard and their voice? Not many.

Thank you so much Jackson.

sunday 18th april, a perfect autumn evening and the day jb came to town....again. our tickets, front row and dead centre (fluke, cos we bought them 3 days after they went on sale, i still dont know how we managed it). the man himself sat directly in front of me playing guitar, best seats we ever had!!!!

he started with 'the barricades of heaven' and continued the two mind blowing sets with the following in no order whatsoever (my apologies)'sky blue and black', 'i am a patriot', 'the pretender', 'running on empty', 'fountain of sorrow','the naked ride home', 'looking into you', 'im alive', 'sleeps dark and silent gate', 'a song for adam', 'in the shape of a heart', 'take it easy', 'looking east', 'for america', 'late for the the sky', 'lives in the balance', 'doctor my eyes', 'for everyman', 'these days', 'your bright baby blues', and two zevon songs 'poor poor pitiful me' and one other the title of which escapes me. he left us with an amazing version of'my stunning mystery companion'. at the end of the show i shook jb's hand with tears in my eyes....what a privilage!!! people did hang around after but unfortunately i had to retreat home with my partner to our baby-sitter and our three children. i have seen jb previously in canberra in '96 and in perth in '03, but sunday was something else.i found the solo perfomance to be far more intimate and moving. it will take me months to come down from this experience and is a night i will never forget. well i hope this has been a decent read.

cheers

Here is my second review of the Australian tour - this time the Adelaide concert - the last leg of the Australian Tour.

The Adelaide newspaper headlines "Browne takes it easy with a show full of crowd-pleasers" .... in this article Jackson is quoted as saying "...its been really fun in that every night is completely different ...there is no set list and I just do whatever I feel like doing and just do the songs that the people call for out for...it's a very liberating way of playing because you don't have a band and you have quite a few guitars which are set up in different ways so its fun for me"...The Advertiser Tuesday April 20,2004 page 13.

And so it was. Having attended the Sydney show a week before there were ten different songs performed at the Adelaide show. I am truly blessed to see him perform twice in a fortnight, and to even have a request of mine played ... Sky Blue and Black.

Here is the play list: G denotes Guitar - P Piano.

First Set
Barricades of Heaven - G
Rock me on the water - P
For a Dancer - P
Something Fine - G
For America - G - In response to a person from the audience who asked him what it was like to be an American...to which he humbly replied that he could make a difference because he votes, and that he felt truly lucky that he could perform his songs for us.
Jamaica say you will - P
Looking into you - P
Running on Empty - G
Call it a loan - G - He mentioned that he had been thinking a lot lately about David Lindley who performed on many of his records ...and that this is the only song that they co-wrote.

Second Set
For Everyman - G
Lives in the Balance - G
I am a Patriot - G - similar to Sydney....and a wonderful memorable version
World in Motion - G - after commenting about the blues festival he played at Byron Bay NSW as part of this tour - the arrangement was inspired from this festival...excellent!
Bright Baby Blues - G - I've noticed that he plays this regularly over the years ... I reckon it must be one of his favourites ... (it is also on his wonderful Video/DVD...being sung in 1974 with the Eagles)
My Opening Farewell - G
The Pretender - P - I offered a prayer for him as I always do!
Sky Blue and Black - P In response to my request - I think that this is one of his greatest love songs which captures his excellent keyboard, lyric and melody skills ... a highlight of my life!
Somebody's Baby - P
Mutineer P - after commenting about Warren Zevon and his songs...the crowd appreciated Warren's work and this was a nice touch to the evening.
These Days G - another one of my favorites
Late for the Sky - P
Take it Easy - G - he commented on the Eagles and the early days with Glen Frey and how broke they were ....he laughed and said they aren't broke now! He also commented how he would have like to be in the Eagles band but that he didn't have enough skills! I found this comment unbelievable...Jackson is his own man, and always has been. Who knows if it wasn't for his song "Take it easy" would the Eagles even have a signature tune?

Encore
Don't you want to be There - P. I was thrilled that he did this wonderful spiritual ballad from his latest record....what a great lyrics "Those you have wronged you know You need to let them know some way, and those who have wronged you, know You'll have to let them go someday...don't you want to be where there's strength and love in the place of fear".
Love needs a Heart - P
Before the Deluge - P - Great spiritual ending to the Australian tour - at the end of which he said "Hallelujah!".

I couldn't have hoped, prayed or wished for a better concert ... thankyou Jackson .... the great song traveler passed through here and he opened our eyes to the view.

Thanks again Russ for this great forum to record events ...as Jackson says on his video ..."I hope you're keeping some kind of record" ...and this site serves that perfectly...a record of events.

God bless all you JB fans,

Thanks for your wonderful work on the site, Russ.

It sometimes drives me nuts to read the hagiographic reviews on particular artist-related web-sites and I've enjoyed some of the more mature comments from some of your correspondents about Jackson Browne's ups and downs. It sometimes seems to me that we risk over-inflating expectations by ignoring some of the faults that come up in every performer's work. That said, for what it set out to do, this show was near flawless. If I were being hyper-picky, I'd Jackson's upper register is sounding a little worn, but in a solo performance this should be expected - esepcially from someone who wrote many of his post-1975 songs to be laid in with harmony from some of the most profound singers in the world. I reckon he could get away with dropping through some of the higher notes and working the arrangements a little more. One of Jackson Browne's greatest skills has been in writing to his own voice, and later to his own bands' strengths. He keeps messing around with his limits as a guitar player, too, which leaves one with the quite unexpected feeling of having developed along with him during the show. He has the knack of getting an audience to want him to succeed. Whatever, it works in his performance.

I won't worry about going through the set-list expect to say that it was not there.

Really strong show to round out the Australian leg of the tour. Jackson said "G'day" and then opened with Barricades of Heaven. Next up he played a few of the earlier songs (from Jackson Browne). Sometime near the beginning of the first set a young woman, who sounded a bit wasted, called out something like "lucky you're American" which seemed to stop him for a moment or two, almost as if he missed the context - which I couldn't quite "get" either. I don't think it was meant to be derogatory, but he stopped and thought for 15 or 20 seconds and then replied... "yeah, I am lucky to be American, and I'm lucky to be able to do what I do... you know I'm really I'm lucky to be here in your city tonight and I'm lucky that I can go home and vote in a democracy to get rid of President George Bush, who has done so much damage to my country".

This jumped the audience back for a few seconds, before they broke into a spontaneous "wish I'd said that" burst of applause. It all seemed to come up out of the blue, almost as if Jackson had made a decision to go out and play through some of his lesser known acoustic pieces for a lot of those who had been buying and listening to his music for more than 30 years, and then this line floats up from the audience... lucky you're American... having ridden the energy of the applause he seemed a lot more comfortable. All of a sudden he stopped tuning one of his guitars, stood up and walked with an air of purpose over to his guitar rack... everything stopped.

"I'll play you something I wrote a few years ago now..."

Jackson then settled back down, tensed up his shoulders and chiselled out an edgy, hopeful version of For America.

If there's anything I got out of this show it was in recognising just how over-used the word "inspired" can be when we discuss musical performance. I found that out during this song. This was a genuinely inspired reading, and I think it's the first time in the shows that I've seen him play that he's hit that level of really wanting you to understand what he's on about.

It was the perfect choice on the night and there in the splintered second between the audience and the writer. From then the whole show went somewhere I suspect none of us expected to go, including Jackson. It all fired in For America.

There they were, these really complex and conflicting ideas about America being played out with a sense of love and seething. It just brought that song's meaning into the whole room and was worth the price of the ticket alone. I spent a couple of hours interviewing Jackson back in the 1980s in Melbourne and he's one of those very rare subjects who really loves to talk and listen in almost equal measure. Back then he was enthusing about news that President Reagan was finally being called on the Iran Contra scandal. I guess the years that came along might have left a bit of that hope swinging in the breeze, but I think For America found the audience and left us feeling like there's still something good happening in all that US weirdness.

In other between-song instalments he had a bit of a light shot at the Eagles. Earlier in the evening he'd congratulated the audience for not requesting Eagles songs, telling a story about how he'd played an American desert city and the audience was wild for the idea of Jackson playing his great "hit" "Peaceful, Easy Feeling".

"I couldn't understand this, and then I thought about it and there's this line 'I want to lay with you in the desert tonight, with a thousand stars all around' ... it was like that idea about lying in the desert was what they wanted to hear... anyway I had a try at it" he played into a few chords and sang a few lines... 'but you know I had this thought, like Jack Tempchin wrote that song and I always though "a thousand stars? A thousand? I mean, why not... that's just wrong, there are millions of stars up there... but a thousand? Why not, you know, three hundred or something"

Much later in the night, someone called out for the song and he shot back a piano version about lying with you in the desert tonight "with a dozen stars all around".

On the Eagles, he told a few stories about living in Los Angeles with the players from the Eagles and said it was the one band he always wanted to be in, but that he was never a good enough musician.

"You're better off on your own, Jackson" someone called from back of house.

"Yeah, you know that's just what they said," he laughed.

Off into the last part of the show he said that he just wanted to "put them all in a garage someplace and ask them to write some more music".

"You know they go out there and tour and write, maybe, what? one new song"

It was Jackson's last night in Australia before flying up to Tokyo and he seemed to be in that genuinely conversational mood he sometimes seems to strike.

By the time the night was moving into its closing phase he was asking for the audience mike to be turned up and was laughing in a really warm, knowing kind of way about some of the comments being called out. He played a version of Sky, Blue and Black and looked pretty close to tears, as if something that informed the original song was still there, big in the room somewhere. Incidentally, the closing scenes in that song were so heartfelt "you're the colour of the sky, reflected in each storefront window pane etc." I don't think there were too many people not trying to fight off a tear. Someone in the audience was nice enough to ask him to play the oh-so-up Somebody's Baby straight afterwards and he said, "yeah, I think that's a really good idea" in a way that sounded as if really appreciated the kindness in the thought. He took another guitar and shook out some of the residual emotion.

His voice was miles better than the last time I saw Jackson play outdoors in Melbourne on the back-haul of a The Naked Road Home tour and there was plenty to think about in the show. He closed out and said amidst the second standing ovation that he wanted everyone in the Adelaide audience to know how much fun he'd had playing that night and how much he'd enjoyed them being there.

A genuine performance and a good win from a player and writer of real grace who continues to defy those who seem so keen to allocate a genre. He also made a really simple but quite affecting remark about how whenever he gets disconsolate he thinks about all the thousands of years we have been here as a race, and how many civilisations have been and are now gone and then said something like "I don't know why, but thinking about that makes me feel a lot better".

A ballsy night which was funny, spontaneous and quite deeply moving. This show would have been a bargain at twice the admission.

1. The Barricades Of Heaven
2. Looking Into You
3. The Road And The Sky
4. For America
5. Here Comes Those Tears Again
6. Alive In The World
7. Somebody's Baby
8. These Days
9. Late For The Sky
10. I'm Alive
11. The Crow On The Cradle
12. Cocaine
13. Too Many Angels
14. Running On Empty

- - - Intermission - - -

15. For Everyman
16. Jamaica Say You Will
17. Farther On
18. Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate
19. Your Bright Baby Blues
20. Linda Paloma
21. Before The Deluge
22. Doctor My Eyes / About My Imagination
23. Shaky Town
24. Poor Poor Pitiful Me (Zevon's song)
25. Mohammed's Radio (Zevon's song)
26. Sky Blue And Black
27. My Stunning Mystery Companion
28. Take It Easy