Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
February 1999

I've seen Jackson a few times in the past few years, but mainly in benefit acoustic performances. However, I did see him on the Santa Monica Pier in April with his band, and it was great. Jackson at his easy-going best. So when I heard he was playing Tahoe, with his band, I quickly got reservations and on New Years Day drove eight hours from Utah just to see him and his band perform.

Todd and Christina H., my good buddies from Utah, have traveled the country this year seeing Jackson in acoustic performances. But I prefer him with his band. I don't think there is a better supporting band in the business. And no concert features better sounds and more clear music than that provided by Jackson and his band. And shows like the ones at Tahoe are proof. You could hear every instrument clearly and hear just how skilled each member of his band is. When Jackson performs with his band, in the intimate settings that he performs at, it is music at its best. You don't leave the show with your ears buzzing from a bunch of mixed together sounds blasting too loudly from amplifiers. You leave with the comfort of a great experience hearing very clear and very melodic and meaningful songs from best in the world at singing what we all feel. No one does it better, and for the right reasons.

I only saw the third show, which Jackson seemed to think was the best of the three because of how much more the audience was into it. He played the body of his best music, and my favorite "For Everyman." Just gotta love that drum segment toward the end. But he didn't play two that we all love, "For a Dancer" and "Rock Me On The Water." He did play "Rosie" which I don't think is one of his better songs, but seems to be a crowd favorite just because of the topic. (You perves) The best part of the show was that he added a few numbers not on the song list, mainly "Late for the Sky."

I think the place was full of true Jackson Browne fans in a real personal setting. And those who went to the show knowing little of Jackson, are probably now hooked. When I walked across the street from Ceasar's Palace after the show to the Horizon Hotel, the place was buzzing with people talking about how great the show was. The show was the conversation among everyone in the elevator ride. Jackson and his band left a great impression in Tahoe, and I suggest that the next time they perform in Tahoe, that any Jackson Browne fan should consider making the trip. A great experience.

And I wouldn't have known about any of it had it not been for Russ' page. The greatest source for Jackson Browne news for the real Jackson Browne fan.

It would be nice to hear Jackson Browne sing with Tracy Chapman. Their blend of urgency in this time needs to be heard.

I was a diehard JB fan in the early days of his recording career. I walked into a drug store in the early 70s and was browsing through the record bin, when I found "Saturate Before Using". I didn't know who JB was, at the time, but I bought the album because David Crosby sang harmonies. This album, and the follow-up ones, changed my life, as a musician and as a young adult.

However, I hate to say that now, 20 - 25 years later, in my adult life, I find Jackson's later music (and early music too) very depressing. I didn't like anything I heard on "I'm Alive" at all and was amazed at how much hub, hub the CD got. I'm sorry that I feel this way about Jackson's music, but I just think his muse is gone. His songs and inspiration were closely tied to the 60's/70's life style, particularly the southern CA/LA lifestyle, and that whole scene has just changed.

I would still love to meet Jackson in person, because I have a lot of respect for him. But as for his music, I don't listen to it anymore.

Webmaster's Reply: Jackson's music is thoughtful and inspirational. It makes us think. But with few exceptions, I wouldn't call it depressing. And I'M ALIVE is constantly mentioned by longtime Jackson Browne fans as the album that brought them back to Jackson's music. Personally, I think it's a great album and among his best. But that's the great thing about music, we all hear it in our own way. I'm glad Jackson's music had such a positive impact on you years ago, but it's probably rare that any artist's body of music continues to reach us after more than 25 years of growth and change. We often go off in different directions! I'm often amazed at how many people have followed Jackson's career for more than 25 years and tell me that they have continued to love his music and have grown with it -- in much the same ways that Jackson has grown in his views and approaches to life. Like them, Jackson continues to write the soundtrack to my life. (I've been following Jackson's music since 1972.)

I wish to reply to Mike, who posted a letter saying that when he was younger, he enjoyed Jackson's music, but now that Mike is older, he finds Jackson's music "depressing." Webmaster Russ replied "but it's probably rare that any artist's body of music continues to reach us after more than 25 years of growth and change." Well, I guess I'm one of those rare people. I first heard Jackson's "Doctor My Eyes" back in '72, and here I am, at almost 40, and more of an advocate for Jackson's music than ever!

I love to have what I call "a Jackson day," where I start with the first album, and go all the way to "Next Voice You Hear." Listening to the changes, the growth, is fascinating! My SO (significant other), who is not a huge JB fan, but who has willingly gone to concerts with me, and who knew of him before we met, says that "I'm Alive" is one of his best later albums. I agree.

I am not arguing with Mike or Russ, I just wanted to say that there are people who have been listening to Jackson since day one, and are continuing to do so, and who eagerly await the next album, tour, and hope that the music never stops.

I have listened to Jackson's music for over twenty some odd years and have never considered any of the music or the lyrics to be depressing, as "mcressey" seems to have. No offense, Mike, but, we only hear in the lyrics what we read into them, or what we apply them to in our own lives. This music expands on greater things than ourselves, and may bring things to our attention that have been too long neglected or ignored, or simply something that we would rather NOT understand. It is a true shame that the efforts of artists such as this one can be so misconstrued. As for you meeting him in person, what would be the point if you don't even listen to his music anymore? Change is inevitable. Jackson grew beyond the 60's and 70's. What exactly was it in JUST that era that inspired "Foreveryman", and "Before the Deluge", "For A Dancer" and "Fountain of Sorrow", that isn't also present in the world today.

There have been songs released since these masterpieces of Browne's that even I never got used to. We all hold onto the past in one way or another, and not all changes are accepted by everyone. But let's not criticize the entire past because of the simple fact that we're older.

Me, I just now found the Jackson Browne site. Shame on me for not checking sooner. I am genuinely surprised to see a comment like yours. Why find the site or even bother? Respect the man for his acheivements and accomplishments.

Over twenty years ago I hijacked my sisters "Late for the Sky" Album, snuck into my room, placed my speakers on the floor facing each other, laid down with my head between them and packed pillows all around. Turned up the volume to the perfect level, and really listened, not only to the lyrics, but also to the piano playing in my mind and the exquisite voice. What caught my attention to this album playing in my sisters room was the sincerity in the voice. What kept my attention through the years has been the voice, the music, the lyrics, and the changes as well as the ever-present sincerity.

Eleven years ago I lost the best friend I have ever had in my life, and will never have another like him. He had never heard of JB before he met me in the early eighties. My favorite song, which also became his, was "For A Dancer". I made it his song because he loved to dance, hated to see people sad, and lived his life to make others happy.

Never in my life have the words in a song hit so close to home in a way I NEVER expected. The lyrics to the song were left on his grave a fews days after he died. One year to the day he died, still extremely lost without him, a copy of the song on tape and 365 yellow roses, (the flowers he gave me now and then) were blanketing his grave. Two days later, his mother called me to thank me for finding a song so perfect to remember him by. Depressing? Absolutely not! A lot of the lonely times, it was music that I used to get me through it when friends couldn't find the right words. As for his mother, she finally understood that even in death, he was there to make us smile, pick us up when we were down... just by the memory.

Just after he died, I met someone with ties to Jackson Browne's band. He was very young and had no idea who Jackson Browne was, even though the father he just met was a player at one time or another. Heard me play it all the time, but didn't really like it. Wasn't his style. He had a lot of problems, one was depression, the other was cocaine. Tried suicide-kinda. Called me to stop him. A few months later, he met Jackson Browne after a concert... and apparently said "Thank You" to him. He told me why when he came home.

"...does it take a death to learn what a life is worth?" (From "Of Missing Person's" -Hold Out). He said that line..."Startled.." him into reality.....

What some would see or perceive as depressing, for someone else, it was a revelation.

I was at the West End in Santa Monica in September of 1998 to see the Song and Dance Society's weekly show on Monday night. I heard this from your, Russ Paris, internet site. Jackson Browne did not show up this time , but I did recognize his band there from the "Going Home" video.

I had a fun night there and I met Arno Lucas, the percussionist and drummer before they started the show. That was fun to talk about Colorado where you, Arno, had just played a show at the Broadmoor, and I had just come from there, living with my twin sister. Thanks for the Pineapple juice later in the show. I liked the songs the singer sang, his name I cannot remember. But I remembered the other drummer's face and also the piano/ keyboard guy, all from Jackson's band. People in the bar/club were dancing and I was asked to dance but did not. Thank you anyways to whom it may concern. I stayed till they finished and then went strolling down the street to another bar in Santa Monica, I can't remember the name either, and then went to my car and found a parking ticket. Yucky!

It was nice to drive to California, my second home, from Colorado and stay for a week at the Malibu Camping site which overlooked the ocean and surfers. I actually saw a concert tour bus in the camping area. Now I am back home in Maryland waiting for a Merriweather Post Pavillion show, Loadout/ Stay song. Thank you. P.S. Where was Jackson Browne?

Webmaster's Reply: The Song And Dance Society plays every Monday night at the West End bar in Santa Monica (5th and Arizona). The group is headed by Jeff Young, who has played keyboards and sung backup for Jackson for many years now. Jeff also plays with Vonda Shepard and can sometimes be seen in Vonda's band on the Ally McBeal television show. Also in the group are Jackson Browne bandmembers Mark Goldenberg (who has also played with Linda Ronstadt and Natalie Imbruglia), bassist Kevin McCormick and drummer Mauricio Lewak (both who have played with Melissa Etheridge), guitarist Stevie Gurr who has worked with Dr. John, and former Peter Gabriel percussionist Arno Lucas. Jackson has been known to drop by every once in a while and play a few songs with the band, but he's hardly a regular. And speaking of Jeff Young, I do highly recommend his 1998 solo album "Acting On Impulse". Ordering information is available on Jeff Young's Web Site.

I read the letter about JB's music being sad, and depressing. Well I think it is fairly obvious that his music would probabely not be featured on an exersise tape or on a Spice Girls tribute album. Yes his music can be depressing, but I think that is partly what makes his music so great. When I am sad I love to listen to JB I don't realy now why I guese I want to be as depressed as huminily possible. Also I think I'm Alive is as good as anything he has made. I must say I love that album it is almost always in me car CD Player. I have respect for everyone's opinion I guese I just can't imagine not loving JB's music.

After reading other letters/comments I'm compelled to send this thing I wrote a while back.... Jackson's work is phenomenal. It always has been and always will be....

Tribute to Jackson Browne

It was my sister, Valerie, who first introduced me to Jackson Browne. I was 11 yrs. old (1972), & Val was 14. I am the youngest of five kids; one brother and three sisters. I have witnessed much, and through it all Jackson has been there. He cares about what matters, and has a wise and empathetic perspective. He articulates his understanding so beautifully well that it applies to many people - and out of them only those who really hear.

Anyway, without going in to much detail, I would like to tell this true little account of why Jackson Browne, with every record, and every timing of each of those records, and with every word & note has had such an extraordinarily profound effect on me throughout my life. It's a small tribute to Jackson Browne for his 50th birthday. It's also dedicated to the memory of Valerie K. Pollock, (9/1958-8/1974) who cared about things too, and who was so cool, and who loved Jackson, and who gave this gift to me by reminding me to "listen". She lives on through us, her family, and (in a way) through him.

I remember well the day Val came home with the brand new "For Everyman" record. She said; "Listen to this·" She really identified. And after I listened, even as a kid, I could feel it too. I remember her saying to me; "Listen to the words"· and I believe that he brought me to an inevitable new level of awareness. She soon owned the only other album out at the time, which was his first, "Saturate·". We listened to them constantly. Neither of us ever got sick of it. It only got better & better each time we listened (all of Jackson's music has that magic). She really loved his work with such a passion. She liked other artists too. But this was a different kind of connection, and I understood it. She made me pay attention, and by doing so she passed her passion for Jackson along to me. It's a part of why I feel the same way today. His work never fails to remind me to listen.

As we all know, the times back in the early 70's were turbulent. There were many things going on, and some of it was ultimately good. There was lots of freedom, and protests, and changes, and so much drugs. I was younger than everyone that hung out all the time, so maybe I wasn't affected as much. But there are many good memories, the most profound of these was Jackson's works, and the timing of each and every album before and since Val's death has been absolutely uncanny. I continue now as much if not more (if that's possible) to be truly amazed at his gift of expression.

Val was the "middle" kid with a strong sense of who she was (albeit careless), and I think she really tried for a time to hold the family together while the parents struggled through some difficulties. In retrospect, all things considered, she did a really good job. During much of this time Jackson was playing on the turntable.

We moved in to an apartment across town that next year; I guess it was the beginning of '73. I started 9th grade at this time. My mom was diagnosed with cancer, and dad's private practice (he was a doctor) was in trouble financially, and there were a few other things going on in that time period that did not help the situation in our family. We had lived there about a year or so. Valerie was living with us but had not been home for a few days. At this point in time we didn't know if mom would live, but she was home from the hospital. On this hot Thursday in the summer of '74 Val had made a commitment to be there, but she never showed up. She had a lot of friends & no one knew where she was. Val always kept her word, so it wasn't like her. That was the first sign that things were not right. Later that same Thursday night, my mother had a "feeling." She couldn't sleep & was pale. She sat motionless in her deep purple bathrobe, and said she felt like Val might be dead. I remember the chill when the phone rang. There was a badly burned body in some garage, and dental records confirmed that it was Val. Someone had locked her in from the outside by putting a screwdriver through a padlock latch on the only entrance. Then there was an explosion. The newspaper said that the neighbors heard a "half scream". There was such strangeness about the situation that even now is difficult for me to articulate. Our older sister Jacque just unexpectedly showed up at the door from Denver that night, where she had been staying with her husband. She was oblivious to the whole turn of terrible events. I had never been as profoundly sad as at that time.

So Val was dead. My strong & protective young big sister was dead. It left the biggest most overwhelmingly devastating emptiness in my soul. I wanted so badly to know where she had gone and if there was any truth to the existence of God. I prayed for truth.

"These Days" was played at her funeral. So many people showed up. So many people had loved her. I still couldn't believe she was really gone. (I still don't in a way). A short time after her death I heard the record "Late for the Sky" for the first time. It absolutely blew me away. At that time I was still trying to struggle with, and make sense of her death. My heart hurt so badly. But every single song on that record had such an uncanny significance to me. It was like someone that knew me well was "helping me get up" by articulating what I could not, and at the same time telling me I was not alone. Every aspect about the whole record -and its timing -was/is ironic. It was as though some unseen force/power was letting me know that it really existed, and at that point I began to feel beyond any shadows of doubt that death was just a word. An overwhelming and unmistakable feeling of this never leaves me now.

With a big sense of empathy and irony I related so much to all the songs in each & every release (and their timing) since then (There are so many examples of songs & situations I could point out here). From those earlier - Saturate, For Everyman, Late for the Sky, Hold out, The Pretender - getting in to the later ones - Runnin on Empty, Lives in the Balance, World in Motion, Lawyers in Love (

A year after Val died in 1975 I got to see Jackson in Santa Fe, an outside concert (Wow). I was also able to attend a concert in El Paso, TX when he was on tour for the "I'm Alive" album a couple of years ago. Both concerts were the best I've ever seen, and unfortunately I have missed many other good ones, but have gotten to see some of them on tape. He does put on the best live show (and oh what piano, guitar, &drums), and he draws the most interesting and diverse crowd. Most recently the release of "Looking East" & then "The Next Voice·" (good mix of tunes - it could easily have been a two CD set - so much good work) was a great thing. But the same thing goes for each of his other records. I can't even describe how without sounding totally obsessed.

I feel like I know Jackson. I have come to know pretty much all of his work very well over the years. He has fought for a lot of years to change many injustices, and accomplished more than he knows perhaps. Through the experiences of life, and music, and Jackson, I have learned & benefited so much. On several levels he has influenced me and touched my life more than anyone, and been such a comfort throughout the time that has passed. He really is a gifted artist/writer/musician. I am 37 now, and Val would have celebrated her 40th birthday just a few days ago. No one was ever charged in her murder. But I have faith that the person that did it will have to "pay the Man" in one way or another. Meanwhile I'm still listening, which was one of the greatest things I've learned to do.

One other little irony is that my "middle" daughter Valerie, who is turning 8 now, named for my sister, was born on October 9th too, which is very cool.

Happy Birthday and cheers to Jackson with all respect. - Looking great too! (Belated) 1998 (I wrote this back at the beginning of October 1998. Maybe I will send it somewhere.)

'IT IS ONE'

Although I rarely get to a computor, when I do, I access your web site, as a long time Jackson Browne fan I can only compliment you on an in depth and thouroughly enjoyable fanzine site. Recently I journeyed over night to see Jackson playing up near Johannesburg, here is my account of the evening, please excuse all mistakes as I am not computor literate and greetings to all Jackson Browne fans where ever they are.

I was sure it was Jackson I saw pulling at cables and moving amps on the unlit "Real" stage while South African band Just Jinger raged to the masses at the other side of the park. WOMAD had finally come to S.A. bringing a diverse array of talented musicians from all over the world. These included Irelands Hot House Flowers, Senegals Baba Maal and South Africa's very own Johnny Clegg and Juluka.

Jackson was due to play at 8 o'clock and from the activity on stage he was getting ready all by himself - no roadies or band this time round. In between stressed preperations and guitar tuning he had time to answer calls from a few loyal fans who had gathered at the front of the stage - for many this was their first time seeing their hero and for many a female fan it seemed too good to be true.

Promptly at 8 o'clock the music ended on the far stage and the crowd melled over to hear Jackson Browne. For a lot of the younger audience he was an unknown quantity, even South Africas popular radio station, radio 5 joked that it is not Joe Jackson, Freddie Jackson or the Jackson 5. Funnily enough Jackson's greatest hit in S.A. is "Lawyers in Love" and he picked up on this while being interviewed earlier in the week. He commented how the satirical context of the song was lost on a lot of U.S. listeners and went on to say that often Americans are more aware of whats happening in their beloved soap operas than their own governments political policies. He also found time to joke about his song "Rosie" and did promise to come back to Africa with his band. He also mentioned a very high possibility of touring together with Bonnie Riatt sometime soon.

By now the crowd had thickened and the darkened African sky lit up as distant lightening signalled an approaching rainstorm. All alone, Jackson opened with "For Everyman" and then switched to the keyboards for a heart-rending version of "The Pretender" - in the final verse the amp played up but he simply got up played roadie for a minute and sat right down to persevere and finish to tumultous applause - this was the real thing and the crowd loved it.

Jackson then commented on the purpose and importance of international gatherings such as WOMAD, he said he was deeply honoured to be part of the international music community and was thrilled to be in Africa. He sang "World in Motion" with a purpose that wasn't lost on the audience - " You have a volunteer in me , now come on" A request for "Cocaine" was greeted with a grin and a story as he introduced his 90,s rehab version: " You'll take Nancy, I'll take Ron, heaven knows what those two were on" - it was brilliant.

Jackson then discussed the importance of Human Rights and Environmental Protection before performing a moving rendition of "Lives in the Balance." The wind had picked up and rain began to fall as Jackson stood alone holding the crowd in a silent grasp while the words to this excellent song echoed out into the night. South Africans had waited a long time for political change in their country and somehow seeing Jackson giving it his all brought everything home. We are all now part of something in the new democratic South Africa.

Jackson then invited Juluka on stage describing them as one of the finest group of musicians he had ever worked with. They broke immediately into "For America," followed by "Lawyers in Love" - the crowd were now rocking and loving it. There then followed an unbelievable version of "Tender is the Night" - Juluka gave it their all and to hear Jackson's excellent voice being backed by zulu harmonies was just out of this world. If anyone ever gets a recording of this they'll know what I mean. Even Jackson was visibly stunned as the applause subsided he said that "being here in Africa playing with Juluka is probably the greatest thrill of my life".

Keeping up the tempo they rocked to a crescendo with "Running on Empty." The rain belted down as Jackson and Juluka bade us good night, an encore was yelled for and we got an upbeat rendition of "Somebody's Baby" as we danced and clapped in the muddy park.

More bands played that night but Jackson Browne had left a lasting memory on many a young face and us diehard fans really felt that we had witnessed something special. He had taken the trouble to come a long way to play and and although it was short it was superb.

Later on Johnny Clegg invited Jackson back on stage to thank him for coming and to mention how his songs had influenced his own writings. They had last played briefly together in Wembley London for the Free Nelson Mandela concert. Reunited again they sang "Asimbonanga," a song rewritten by Johnny Clegg as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Fists held high we sang in unison for freedom and a better world. Long live the world of music and thank you Jackson for being a part of it. Come back soon. Sobonana futhi, ngiyabonga.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone by my comments about Jackson Browne's music - I didn't mean to. However, I didn't realize that I would be violating some rule if I wrote a few negative things about him (I also wrote some positive things too). I thought a forum was a forum, and that it should inspire some thought and discussion. It seems as though my comments did just that.

Please don't get me wrong, I still like Jackson's early music, I just find it a little depressing (as other people I know do too). I'll give "I'm Alive" another chance.