Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
December 2000
Folkscene Benefit Concert
Billed as a benefit to help defray the legal expenses of Roz and Howard Larman of Folkscene, TuesdayÕs concert at the Troubadour turned out to be quite an event. Getting there proved to be quite an event, as well.
We left our hotel at about 5:15 p.m., ample time, or so we thought, to make it to West Hollywood for 7:00 p.m. (The hotel concierge had told us, after all, that the Troubadour was a 45 minute drive, even in rush hour --- and we believed him). As it happened, the Ò45 minute driveÓ ended up taking l hr and 45 minutes. We arrived at the club only minutes before showtime and as a result, were faced with major parking woes. It seemed there wasnÕt a spot to be had in all of West Hollywood. Santa Monica Blvd. was under construction, the lot across the street was closing its gates at 11:00 p.m. and much of the remaining parking appeared to be reserved for those with permits. Out of desperation, we began soliciting advice from valet parking attendants outside restaurants, dog-walkers, ÉANYONE who might be able to direct us to an area where we could find a vacant space. Just as we were about to give up, a ÒlegalÓ spot materialized, seemingly out of nowhere. We parked, walked over to the Troubadour (tickets in hand) and headed inside.
At first glance, the Troubadour did not appear that different from any other local bar. It was smaller and more time-worn than IÕd expected, but had the typical dark brown painted wood frame interior of clubs from that era. A suggestion of what set it apart from the other venues could be found in a room to the left of the entranceway where Folkscene CDs were being offered to reserved-seat ticket holders and promotional t-shirts pitched to prospective buyers. Along side one wall several items had been laid out on a table in preparation for the silent auction that was to close at intermission, among them a Takamine guitar signed by all the performers, an autographed Bonnie Raitt CD/video/songbook and various box sets, posters and songbooks. Interesting, indeed, but not nearly as impressive as the photographic portraits mounted on the walls above that hinted at the TroubadourÕs incredibly rich musical history. If only those walls could talk.É
In another room, a few rows of chairs had been set up in front of the stage and supposedly designated as Òreserved seatingÓ. But there seemed to be a problem with the enforcement of the seating ÒruleÓ. Some, who had paid general admission, had apparently taken seats in the reserved area, leaving legitimate ticket holders seatless. Although the MC made mention of this situation later on in the show, no viable solution was offered. Instead, it was hoped, he said with a smile, that good ÒkarmaÓ would prevail.
If there were complaints, no one was particularly vocal about them. The atmosphere inside the venue was relaxed and decidedly casual. Many brought drinks and even plates of food to their seats. ÊInitially, this struck me as a little odd, but when you consider the traffic situation in LAÉ.well, suffice it to say, I guess you eat when you can. (We ended up having dinner at 12:30 a.m., on our way back to the hotel, a drive that, incidentally, took all of 15 minutes).
On to the showÉsince we arrived late, we missed the introduction of the first performer who was playing Bluegrass music. (I have to admit that apart from Jackson and Jennifer Warnes, I was not really familiar with the other musicians. Also I was not keeping track so I know there are omissions. Each performer/group played two or three songs and the show lasted over 4 ¸ hours --- what seemed like a very short 4 ¸ hours.) HereÕs a quick rundown:
Katy Moffatt. A self-described ÒhybridÓ, she was neither rock nor country but somewhere in between. Talented and striking. If it was true that she had graced the Troubadour stage in Õ76 as she mentioned, then she looks amazing for her age. At one point she was joined by John McEuen (formerly of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) who played mandolin on one of her songs.
Jim Lauderdale. He was introduced as an artist whose songs had been recorded by George Strait, Vince Gill and others. His set was primarily country.
Van Dyke Parks with David Jackson (bass) and Steve Young. Prior to this show I was not aware of just how many projects, movies, etc. that Van Dyke Parks had been involved in over the course of his career. But I had been aware that he had helped Jackson with the song, Linda Paloma, one that IÕve always liked. So I was interested in hearing him on the keyboards. His style was upbeat folk/contemporary.
John McEuen with David Jackson (bass) and a third musician whose name I canÕt recall. (Over the course of the evening he alternated between mandolin and banjo)
Jennifer Warnes with John McEuen, David Jackson and others. Initially, I didnÕt recognize her. Her hair was blond and considerably shorter but her voice was still the same. Great. She performed only one song, though, which was unfortunate as IÕd really been looking forward to hearing her sing.
Intermission - Silent Auction
IÕm not sure about the sequence of the acts in the second half, but I think it was as follows:
Judy Henske with Craig Doerge. Craig Doerge I recognized as the former piano player from JacksonÕs band, although the last time I saw a picture of him was 15 years ago. Needless to say, he did look a little older. He played the Yamaha and his wife, Judy Henske, sang. I have to say that I did not care for her material at all. She dedicated the song, Mad Dog Killer, to Jackson.
Peter Case. He played harmonica and guitar. His set was definitely high energy. I enjoyed it.
Lowen and Navarro. I really liked this band. I was not too familiar with their material, but had a chance to listen to one of their songs (Just to See You) a few days before the show. And as luck would have it, they happened to play it. Wonderful. I thought their vocal harmonies were impressive. A great live band.
Joel Rafael Band. After Lowen and Navarro, this was quite a change of pace. More folk-oriented, it featured Joel Rafael on lead vocals and guitar, his daughter, Jamaica on violin and backing vocals, Jeff Berkley on percussion and Carl Johnson on guitar. I hear Jackson will be appearing with this band and John Trudell at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica after the Dec 5th LA 4 kids benefit.
Dave Alvin aka The King of California with others. I understand that Curtis Mayfield was one of his influences. I really donÕt know how to describe his music, only to say that it rocked! My husband particularly liked this set.
FinallyÉ.Jackson
He was introduced as a legend, an institution and Éa man. Jackson said he wasnÕt sure about the institution part. He opened with Man of Constant Sorrow, which he played solo acoustic. This was quite a surprise as IÕve never heard him perform this song. I thought it was great.
Next he had Craig Doerge join him on stage for an incredible version of Rock me on the Water. Jackson said it was the first song they had played together. Simply magical. A real highlight. Truly inspired performances from both of them.
Craig Doerge remained and Jackson called out Jennifer Warnes because he thought it wasnÕt right that she had only had the opportunity to sing one song. They performed a song (not familiar to me) that Jackson said had been written by a friend of theirs. Jennifer took lead vocals, Jackson sang harmony. Wonderful.
Jennifer Warnes and Craig Doerge left and Jackson was joined by Hutch Hutchinson (bass), and Jeff Berkley from the Joel Rafael Band (percussion) who accompanied him on The Next Voice You Hear. This was dedicated to Roz and Howard Larman, who were in the audience. One of the best versions IÕve heard of this song.
The closing number was Will the Circle be Unbroken. Jackson called everybody back on stage for this (it was VERY crowded up there) and many proceeded to take a verse. Some read (or tried to read) additional lyrics from a songsheet, others improvised. It was great. The perfect finale song.
Throughout the show several musicians spoke glowingly of the Larmans whose supreme efforts to showcase musical talent and tireless devotion to Folkscene for the past 30 years have not gone unnoticed. At the end of the show, Roz and Howard took the stage and thanked everyone. Roz then added, amidst cheers, that as of last week, the show will now be accessible on the website
I don't usually do this, but since two of my favorites were mentioned, I thought I'd give an extra plug for Lowen & Navarro and the Joel Rafael Band.
Lowen & Navarro are an incredible duo that are sort of like an acoustic Hall & Oates or maybe a modern day Simon & Garfunkel. One of my favorite musical acts of the past decade. Check out their Web site at www.lownav.com.
The Joel Rafael Band is a top-notch, traditional-style, folk band that just happens to be on Jackson Browne's own Inside Recordings label. Check out the Inside Recordings link at the bottom of the main page to this site for more information on this exceptionally talented group.