Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
January 1999
I was lucky enough to see Jackson on New Year's eve at Lake Tahoe. I throughly enjoyed the show. He started off with Doctor my eyes. He played from 1030pm to 1205am. We counted down the New Year's together. It was a thrill! I thought he did a excellent version of all his songs.
My only regret was that he didn't do Late for the Sky. He did do I'm Alive, and Fountain of Sorrow. I guess the problem with seeing him in concert is that their just isn't enough time for him for him to do all my favorites. I thought he looked wonderful. It was worth every $$$ to see him.
We were in the front row at Caesar's for the 1/1/99 concert. The first time in the front row and definitely a new experience for us. We sat next to some solid fans who were at the New Year's Eve show and thought the show on 1/1/99 was much better- Jackson more relaxed, talking to the audience. My favorites of the evening were Barricades of Heaven, Rosie, Fountain of Sorrow.
The play list was somewhat different than the previous night, as well. He also played Somebody's Baby but my husband said that's probably to make the casino happy (playing the big hits). He ended with Take It Easy, Pretender, Load Out/Stay. (Casino employees and roadies came out on Load Out). I enjoyed being so close to see/hear the band. Vey impressed with his percussionist/drummer even though we've seen them before.
Acoustic stuff very good. It's just a different experience being up close and personal. Hope we have a chance to do THAT again. Well worth the money. He played from approximately 9:45 to 11:45 p.m.
I was extremely lucky to attend Friday(Jan 1st) and Saturday nights concerts.
Jackson was truly incredible capturing the hearts of all his fans. He started off with Doctor my Eyes. We appreciated hearing alot of his old songs . He was very personal with the audience. The Saturday (Jan 2nd) show had many loyal fans in attendance. A good test of a crowd is seeing (hearing) how well they sing "Stay" with the band. On Jan 2nd everyone sang loud and enthusiastically.
His band was tight and into it. Valerie Carter was a highlight as she backed up Jackson on vocals. James Taylor fans will recognize her from his last tour. Jackson seemed happy and animated. The only strange thing was that on the 2nd he admitted he had not been out of his hotel room for three days. Why he didn't take advantage of the incredible scenery and recreation of Tahoe I cannot fathom other than to say get off your butt Jackson and be renewed by nature so that we can have more heart- felt songs about the earth! It was great startin off the new year with him. His compassionate songs fill my heart with joy and bring hope to the new year.
My wife and I had one of our first dates at a Jackson Browne concert in 1978 in Greensboro, NC while we were living in Durham. General admission with 8,000 others. Loud and crowded, standing on the basketball court. A really good show. We were engaged shortly afterwards.
We then saw him in concert at Shea's Buffalo (great old auditorium) in Buffalo, NY (while living in Kenmore) in the summer of 1983. My wife was pregnant with our first born (a son).
In 1986, we were living in St. Louis and attended his concert at the newly renovated Fox Theatre. We had balcony seats against the right hand wall; great view, poor sound mix (all bass, no vocals) but with "the section: Kootch, Sklar, Kunkel" who we had seen with sweet baby James. This was the best looking presentation, particularly as the whole stage and theatre was bathed in ruby red during "In the Shape of a Heart". My wife was pregnant with our daughter at the time.
In 1989, we went to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD (living there) and sat on the lawn in this great acoustic venue. David Lindley was particularly "on" this night and dressed in the loudest polyester ever made. We found out in the next few days that my wife was pregnant again (2nd son).
But we've since had to tend to growing children and moving out West to California and the associated "trying to make a successful home" for the kids and family. And Jackson wasn't touring very often around here. So when we heard that he going to put on a concert in a town near our home, we jumped at the chance. We now live in a small northern CA Sierra foothill community and last Saturday night (January 2nd, 1999) we went to his Caesar's Tahoe Circus Maximus concert. It was great!!! The best overall sound we've ever encountered at a concert. Impressive vocals. Wonderful guitars and keyboards. Precise precussions. Overall the best ever JB show we've experienced. And Jackson even pointed out that "it sounds great to me too!" when someone in the audience remarked how good it was sounding. He was particularly mellow and rocking and the show flowed well with hardly a stop except to say "thank you" or to change guitars (about a dozen times). It was a truly great way to start '99 and we look forward to the next JB CD.
PS. No, as far as we know, we're not expecting another child.
I'm sitting here about as tired and bleary eyed as a person could be, but completely euphoric and full of amazement over the concerts I've just experienced.
Oh my god, you guys - Jackson outdid himself. No matter what I say, my words couldn't possibly do justice to these shows. I've just had three nights of music and bliss that I wish could've gone on forever. I never even imagined these concerts could be this good. New Year's Eve was wonderful - but the next two nights were AWESOME and GREAT, in EVERY sense of the word.
First, I have to say the weather was perfect, and Tahoe's beautiful. I'd assumed that these concerts were simply an excuse to get Jackson on the slopes to snowboard (and maybe to earn a little cash for a change), so I was surprised when he said he'd been inside, watching movies ("17 of them") for three days... Though there was plenty of snow for recreation, contrary to all my fears of freezing my ass off, the skies were clear, and the days were relatively warm - in the 40s. I was one very relieved little cold weather wimp.
I didn't note the set list the first two nights, so the songs aren't listed in order. The New Year's eve show began at 10:30 on the dot, with the curtain raising as Jackson and the band exploded with Doctor My Eyes, with Jackson on his keyboard. This was one of only two or three songs that Jackson did sans guitar. The band consisted of Mark Goldenberg on guitar, Kevin McCormick on bass, the astonishing Fritz Lewak on drums, Jeff Young on organ and keyboard, Arno Lucas on percussion, and Valerie Carter doing back up vocals. To see and hear this band together again was SO FINE.
These shows were in a casino showroom (Caesars), where there were tables on different tiers. The room was real festive, with champagne, hats, confetti, noisemakers and stuff on each table. As I thought, most people were dressed in pretty typical concert attire, though there were a few that were dressed up. Jackson looked good - what can I say...? He had on black pants and shoes, and a silk or rayon navy shirt, that was very nice. Did I say he looked very, very nice??! There was a large, prop-like clock right in the middle of the stage, that told pretty accurate time, and was there to make sure we knew when THE moment arrived, as well as making sure there was no doubt that Jackson didn't play a second longer than the casino wanted him to. They were so concerned that we hurry up and get out of there, so we could get out on the tables and make them more money. Jackson noted several times that they were VERY concerned about this, so the show was timed to the minute.
Other songs in the set included:
I've never appreciated this band until now. Don't ask me why - I guess I just didn't pay them their due attention. They're phenomenal, and they add so much to Jackson's music. They were literally and figuratively in my face, and there was no ignoring them. Oh yah - I kinda negotiated the best seats in the house for all three nights. I was about 5 feet from most of those on stage - AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... There ain't nothin' like it - what an experience.
Jackson did Rosie on the keyboard, as the band stepped into the shadows, then came out for the all important chorus.
Hearing For Everyman with the band again, was completely intense and truly awesome. When that drum built up into a crescendo, and the melody began again, I can only describe it as orgasmic, and everyone on stage, and most in the audience got off. Absolutely incredible. My mouth was open, and I was genuinely stunned. This performance was equally shattering the following two nights.
Culver Moon was also an experience. Pure theatre. As Valerie was singing her part, and the stage had darkened, little tiny lights came up and began to twinkle in the back, as if stars.
At around 11:40, those long, thin, colorful florescent tubes were passed out to everyone, and people in the back started to wave them around. As more people got theirs, the room became very playful and festive, and people were getting excited. It wasn't until around 12:05, that Jackson acknowledged the new year, and we all raised our glasses to celebrate . We were in the midst of Everywhere I Go when the clock struck. At about 11:50, a woman from the audience had come to the foot of stage, and placed a cup of champagne a few feet in front of Jackson. He didn't really acknowledge it, and I didn't think he'd drink it. I was pretty surprised when we toasted, that indeed, he did pick it up, and take a sip. As we toasted, tons of beautifully colored balloons unexpectedly dropped all over the place. We were tossing them around like beach balls, and some were popping appropriately for the celebration. During the evening, 3 different woman jumped on stage to give Jackson a kiss (including one of our own...;-), and during our toast, Jackson's assistant, Cree, took the stage, dressed (or undressed) as mother time, with her 1999 banner across her chest. I figure Jackson must have put her up to it. This chick had guts - dressed in nothing but a loincloth, and a very thin tube top. Then Dianna rushed the stage, and gave Jackson a couple big kisses. One of the guys that grabbed the other women began his approach, and Jackson said "it's OK, she's with me."
I think there was something about the evening that was a little forced, and less relaxed, because of the New Year's thing, and the fact that the casino held such a tight reign on the timing of the show.
By about 12:15 it was over. No encores. Though we shouted for more for what seemed like 6 or 7 minutes - that was it. A wonderful beginning. God it was good to see the guys all together again.
Friday night was something to behold. The show began at roughly 9:45, and lasted about two hours - Now this was more like it. From the very second Jackson took the stage, he looked like the happiest man alive. He was smiling large, and got off on the music from the first few notes. We knew this was going to be special. In addition to the songs of the previous night, there was Black and White, Load Out/Stay, and For a Rocker. Jackson was dressed in black pants, a different pair of black shoes that someone thought might be Sketchers - I don't have a clue, and a blackish/navyish small pattern shirt that we've all seen a lot, but this time it was ironed, and it looked great! ;-) On the Load Out, we had Wayne Newton on the video, and Stay included a couple of the crew, Cree, and a suit from the casino, that apparently Jackson made nice with, cause he got to play longer!! :-))))))))))))))). Jackson kept joking about how he was sure this casino atmosphere was his audience's normal hang, so we'd do just what the casino wanted, and get out there and gamble after the show... sure.
Like I said, Jackson was in a phenomenal mood, and this was a GREAT show. He was up, he was on, he was as into it as I've EVER seen him. I've never seen him sing or play with more urgency, passion, effort, and energy then he did on this night. Jackson started it, but he definitely fed off of us, too. We were there for each other. It was an astonishing night. It's hard for me to compare, and say whether Friday or Saturday was better. If I had to pick, I'd probably say Friday, but Jackson thought it was Saturday.
The final show, on Saturday, started at about 9:45. The set list was:
Jackson wore black pants and shoes, and a great looking long brown(e;) shirt, that he looked fabulous in. He said it was a gift from the guy that Culver Moon was about.
Other than the concert having to end, the only bad note of the night came when someone shouted the question, "When are you going to have a new record?"... The answer wasn't good, folks. "I've got a lot going on - probably the end of the year." Now, I don't mean to be cruel, but if Jackson's saying the end of the year, well - you be the judge...
At the end of the show, Jackson wished us all a good new year, said to get ready for Y2K, to which I rolled my eyes, and Jackson kind of got this embarrassed but cute look on his face (I think we both must have been watching this seemingly endless report on CNN during the afternoon), and that was pretty much it.
The show was stunning and glorious. It ran about two hours, and these three incredible days of music were over. These final two shows were almost too good to believe. I figure I've seen Jackson play probably 160 times, and I love it that I can still get blown away like this. I think everyone was blown away. I know everyone I talked to was. I ran into Jackson at the airport today. (I was on standby on his flight - I didn't make it, but my luggage got to travel with him.) He was rushing, but very sweet, and especially pleased with the last show.
I hope I was able to give you guys at least a little, tiny taste of the feel of these shows, and how great they were. I am so, so proud of this man.
A great concert. The show got under way at 8:00 P.M. with speeches from Tom Campbell and reps from Carecen, Madre and Doctors Without Borders, the organizations the concert was benefiting. At around 8:30 P.M. the performers took the stage and the music began.
Keb' Mo' was up first. A relaxed, informal set. Very enjoyable. Some of the songs he played were "Jingle Bell Jamboree", "Henry" and "Hand it Over" (to which the crowd clapped along). In the midst of "Was I Wrong?" (I believe that was the title), Mo', as blues singers are wont to do, began to digress a little. Said something about having coffee in the kitchen with a woman (and something about someone being "naked"). At this point a person in the audience called out, "sounds like the President!" To which Mo' replied, "Oh no, you wouldn't want ME for President." He performed five or six songs altogether and then, just before his set ended, made a comment about a certain "surfing" singer, which drew cheers from the crowd. Everyone knew that Jackson was next.
Jackson opened with "Black and White" and if it seemed that he was warming up (vocally) on this song, the same could not be said of the ones that followed because they were performed flawlessly. He sounded as good as I've ever heard him. I think "Alive in the World" was the second song he played. (It seems to take on a whole new life when performed live). A particularly appropriate "The Rebel Jesus" followed. Then, (these may be out of sequence), "Lives in the Balance" (which received the biggest round of applause of his set), "Lawless Avenues" (about Highland Park where he grew up, he said) and a wonderful version of "Linda Paloma". On "Linda Paloma" he was accompanied by Strunz and Farah (I hope I got that right), two guitar virtuosos, whose names, Jackson said, sounded something like a salutation. He added that they had not been performing lately due to "legal reasons" but those of us in the audience felt fortunate that they were playing tonight because they were truly amazing. Jackson, as well, seemed impressed by their skill. (And his singing was SO inspired on this one). A very special version of a song I've always loved.
Sarah MacLachlan followed. She definitely sounds better live than on CD. She included among her songs, "Building a Mystery", "Adia", and "Angel". Quite a vocal performance.
Los Lobos were next. Though I was not real familiar with their material, I could tell that they were highly popular here. And with good reason. They showed tremendous depth and energy.
Then it was Bonnie's turn. She started her set with a duet with Keb' Mo'. Though I didn't recognize the song they performed, I did enjoy hearing them sing together. (Actually, I was hoping that Bonnie, Jackson and Keb'Mo' would do "Just Like You", which they recorded together for his album of the same name, but it was not to be.) Bonnie then did a very nice version of "Dimming of the Day" and called Dillon O'Brian out for "Fearless Love", a song he wrote and on which he sings backup on her CD, "Fundamental". Lovely. They did a second song together, but I don't recall the title. (I wasn't tracking the songs, so I know there are omissions here and that some events are out of sequence).
At some point, Jackson joined Bonnie for a spirited version of "World in Motion" and then, after some discussion, they played "El Salvador", which Jackson said was written by Greg Copeland. I enjoyed hearing him sing in Spanish on this (and on "Lawless Avenues" as well).
Next, it was "Angel from Montgomery". I'm not sure what was happening here. Jackson and Keb' Mo' were together at one mic, Sarah MacLachlan center stage and Bonnie to the right. I was expecting that Jackson and Mo' would sing backup on the chorus, but instead they only played guitar. It seemed Jackson was attempting to "coax" Keb'Mo' into singing (at one point he even turned the mic in Mo's direction), but to no avail. All I heard were a few words from Mo' and nothing from Jackson. Too bad. I missed hearing their voices. Still, Bonnie and Sarah (who took the second verse) sang beautifully on this one.
Just before the closing song, Jackson and Bonnie made the discovery that (unbeknownst to each other at the time) they had both seen Bob Dylan perform at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (in '64?). Jackson pointed to a spot in the audience and said, "I was sitting right there." Bonnie responded, "You were THERE? I was THERE, too! I could have been the mother of your children! But then we probably wouldn't be speaking. I like it better THIS way."
The song that followed was "Across the Borderline", which Jackson said was written by Ry Cooder and John Hiatt. Jackson sang lead and was accompanied by many, though not all, of the evening's performers. I thought this would be the last song, but then, as a grande finale, Bonnie called her father, John Raitt, out to perform a song (not familiar to me) that included some Spanish lyrics. A very powerful voice. You could tell that he was a Broadway singer. A memorable end to a memorable evening. Altogether four hours of wonderful music. What a way to celebrate the holiday season!
I just wanted to say I had a great time at the third show of Jackson's at Lake Tahoe, I felt the show was short compared to some of his other shows that I've seen. I felt great to be seated that close to the stage, I only wish I had the courage to had gotten up and walk up to the stage to shack his hand and say thanks for all the wonderful music that he has given over the years and I'll always be looking forward to anything new of his. I'll keep working on that courage I hope it comes soon and not too late at the next show I'll attend.
I was really hoping to hear some of his other songs that I've never heard in a concert of his, those songs are These Days, The Road and the Sky, Walking Slow or even Disco Apocalypse. For real on that last one I think it's such an under-rated song because of the title itself, I would almost suggest Jackson to rewrite the title and add a few things to it and omit some other parts of the song.
I couldn't blame him much for staying in his hotel room during his stay there, I wasn't there but the news report said thing got wild around there on New Year's Eve. I didn't arrive until Friday evening, stayed at Caesar's Tahoe, I wasn't even sure if he was also staying there. Anybody knows?
Well until the next tour I'll be takin it easy
A great concert. The show got under way at 8:00 P.M. with speeches from Tom Campbell and reps from Carecen, Madre and Doctors Without Borders, the organizations the concert was benefiting. At around 8:30 P.M. the performers took the stage and the music began.
Keb' Mo' was up first. A relaxed, informal set. Very enjoyable. Some of the songs he played were "Jingle Bell Jamboree", "Henry" and "Hand it Over" (to which the crowd clapped along). In the midst of "Was I Wrong?" (I believe that was the title), Mo', as blues singers are wont to do, began to digress a little. Said something about having coffee in the kitchen with a woman (and something about someone being "naked"). At this point a person in the audience called out, "sounds like the President!" To which Mo' replied, "Oh no, you wouldn't want ME for President." He performed five or six songs altogether and then, just before his set ended, made a comment about a certain "surfing" singer, which drew cheers from the crowd. Everyone knew that Jackson was next.
Jackson opened with "Black and White" and if it seemed that he was warming up (vocally) on this song, the same could not be said of the ones that followed because they were performed flawlessly. He sounded as good as I've ever heard him. I think "Alive in the World" was the second song he played. (It seems to take on a whole new life when performed live). A particularly appropriate "The Rebel Jesus" followed. Then, (these may be out of sequence), "Lives in the Balance" (which received the biggest round of applause of his set), "Lawless Avenues" (about Highland Park where he grew up, he said) and a wonderful version of "Linda Paloma". On "Linda Paloma" he was accompanied by Strunz and Farah (I hope I got that right), two guitar virtuosos, whose names, Jackson said, sounded something like a salutation. He added that they had not been performing lately due to "legal reasons" but those of us in the audience felt fortunate that they were playing tonight because they were truly amazing. Jackson, as well, seemed impressed by their skill. (And his singing was SO inspired on this one). A very special version of a song I've always loved.
Sarah MacLachlan followed. She definitely sounds better live than on CD. She included among her songs, "Building a Mystery", "Adia", and "Angel". Quite a vocal performance.
Los Lobos were next. Though I was not real familiar with their material, I could tell that they were highly popular here. And with good reason. They showed tremendous depth and energy.
Then it was Bonnie's turn. She started her set with a duet with Keb' Mo'. Though I didn't recognize the song they performed, I did enjoy hearing them sing together. (Actually, I was hoping that Bonnie, Jackson and Keb'Mo' would do "Just Like You", which they recorded together for his album of the same name, but it was not to be.) Bonnie then did a very nice version of "Dimming of the Day" and called Dillon O'Brian out for "Fearless Love", a song he wrote and on which he sings backup on her CD, "Fundamental". Lovely. They did a second song together, but I don't recall the title. (I wasn't tracking the songs, so I know there are omissions here and that some events are out of sequence).
At some point, Jackson joined Bonnie for a spirited version of "World in Motion" and then, after some discussion, they played "El Salvador", which Jackson said was written by Greg Copeland. I enjoyed hearing him sing in Spanish on this (and on "Lawless Avenues" as well).
Next, it was "Angel from Montgomery". I'm not sure what was happening here. Jackson and Keb' Mo' were together at one mic, Sarah MacLachlan center stage and Bonnie to the right. I was expecting that Jackson and Mo' would sing backup on the chorus, but instead they only played guitar. It seemed Jackson was attempting to "coax" Keb'Mo' into singing (at one point he even turned the mic in Mo's direction), but to no avail. All I heard were a few words from Mo' and nothing from Jackson. Too bad. I missed hearing their voices. Still, Bonnie and Sarah (who took the second verse) sang beautifully on this one.
Just before the closing song, Jackson and Bonnie made the discovery that (unbeknownst to each other at the time) they had both seen Bob Dylan perform at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (in '64?). Jackson pointed to a spot in the audience and said, "I was sitting right there." Bonnie responded, "You were THERE? I was THERE, too! I could have been the mother of your children! But then we probably wouldn't be speaking. I like it better THIS way."
The song that followed was "Across the Borderline", which Jackson said was written by Ry Cooder and John Hiatt. Jackson sang lead and was accompanied by many, though not all, of the evening's performers. I thought this would be the last song, but then, as a grande finale, Bonnie called her father, John Raitt, out to perform a song (not familiar to me) that included some Spanish lyrics. A very powerful voice. You could tell that he was a Broadway singer. A memorable end to a memorable evening. Altogether four hours of wonderful music. What a way to celebrate the holiday season!
Russ, I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for all the wonderful information you provide regarding Jackson. Because of the information on your site my wife and I were able to attend 8 concerts this year. From New York to California we attended both all acoustic benefits to the full band at Caesars.
Just a note to the fellow Jackson admirers. If you ever get the chance to see Jackson in an all acoustic setting don't pass it up, having seen many of his concerts over the years I feel that the best performances he gives are always in a smaller venue with just a few Gibson guitars or a piano as back up. His ability to feel the mood of the audience is a special talent. Thanks again Russ, Happy New year and keep up the good work it is very much appreciated.
I wish to send my deepest appreciation to Jackson Browne for continuing to create music that speaks to my soul. I'm probably one of your younger fans (22 yrs.), but have been truly touched and changed by your music and lyrics. There are very few artists that can truly speak from my heart and mind, but you have a special channel to humanity that I've not heard before. Your "I'm Alive" album got me through the worst time of my young life and gave me hope for the future. It was as if you wrote the album from my head and it all seemed relevant to my life.
Your consciousness and peaceful spirit truly inspired me and I'm a better person because of your music. I had the opportunity to play with your brother Severin at Cafe Lynee last year, but couldn't bring myself to tell him how thankful I was of your life and the personal impact you've had on my spirit. As a senior at Humboldt State University (Political Science and Psychology) I plan on venturing out to change the world with your music as the soundtrack to my life. Thank you for your continuing inspiring example of a beautiful human spirit.
Wishing you and your family peace and health throughout the new year.
Thank you for your Website. It's great to get this information I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else.
I have been a Jackson Browne fan for twenty-five years. His music has always spoken to my soul.
I lived in the Los Angeles area for several years, and was very fortunate to have been able to see many of his shows. About two years ago, an illness/injury forced me to move back to Atlanta. The two things I miss most about LA are the ocean and all the Jackson Browne concerts I got to see.
I wanted so much to make it to Tahoe for New Year's Eve, but wasn't able to, although I was there in spirit. I wanted to thank Russ Paris and all of those who have written in about the shows. I have seen enough of his shows, that listening to your descriptions, I can almost imagine being there.
Thanks again!
I have been a Jackson Browne fan for over 25 years now!!! God that seems like a long time ago. I had the honor to get up close and personal with him back in 1982 i believe at the Garden State Arts Center. One of his roadies saw me and loved the earrings I was wearing and told me and a friend of mine to come with him. We received back stage passes and was able to meet and party with Jackson Browne and company all for the cost of one feather earring. We had a blast. I will never forget that weekend and the fun we had. Jackson Browne is a wonderful man and I will love him always.
Just wanted to say to all you US fans that I,m deeply, madly jealous, here in sunny Belfast (not!) we haven't seen Jackson for around 18 months. Just imagine the agony! He's only played here twice, went both times, and boy he just about reduced me to tears.
Please, please come back Jackson, even though I'm not sure I can live through a live performance of Sky Blue and Black!
Nobody does it better!
Love you Jackson!