Without a doubt you have the most comprehensive and professional website for any artist I've ever seen.

And here is the concert review.......

I went to see Jackson at the Music City Texas Theater in Linden, Texas, home of Don Henley and Richard Bowden among ~2500 current residents. What a great music hall( http://members.aol.com/musiccitytexas/index.html ) and what a great show. I've seen Jackson on two other occasions with his band. I've been eager to see his solo acoustic show but haven't had the chance, partly due to my schedule and partly due to a shortage of Texas stops. Please come to Austin sometime Jackson.

Austin is a great town for live music. I have tremendous respect for a musician's craft. I hear lots of songwriters and musicians in Austin and love the local music scene. I find it more entertaining and even better music than the majority of radio fare. I rarely listen to music radio anymore. Where is this going you ask? Not yet. I've never really been into paintedart until last summer. I traveled down to Houston with my wife and kids (Kendall (8) and Jackson (6), yes-we named him after Browne) to see an exhibit of some of the finest art in the worldseen only on three world stops - Paris, NYC, and Houston. My wife and I wanted our kids to be exposed to art of all kinds. In the weeks up to our visit, we read books on the artists and reviewed pictures of their paintings we were to see there: Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Cézanne, Jackson Pollock, etc. All the most famous paintings (save Da Vince) one will see. We finally made the trip and of course it was worth the effort. It was a moving experience to be in the room with such greatness and history. It is the kind of thing that can choke you up if you allow yourself to ponder the artist, their art and the times. Some artists never get rewards in their own lifetime. If not, I hope they at least know that I was moved by their art. This is where I was going. I've heard musicians of all levels sing songs about being broken hearted, about love, about times gone by and times to come and about their ideals. Not to belittle them, because art is art. But being in the room with Jackson Browne in a solo acoustic setting was moving. He is the embodiment of musical art. His songs are written beautifully. His voice is the voice of my generation, but his verses are timeless. Everyone that reads this already knows that I know. I've listened to his music seemingly forever and its always moved me. Yet, seeing him solo is a totally different experience than seeing him with his band or simply listening to the music. There are fans out there that want me to write more specifically about him and his interaction with the audience I suppose. Requests from the audience poured out. It was a little annoyingbut found myself requesting one :) He made mention that he has to spread some songs out or it will be too depressing. Some one requested "Daddy's Tune". He said he'd try but it had been a long time since he'd done that one. The crowd pitched in with the lyrics when Jackson stumbled. He finally threw in the towel after breezing through the refrain and said "I think you all get the idea". It was humorous. He is one of a kind.

Here's a set list from what I can remember. The order may be off after World in Motion, but I got all the songs:

Barricades of Heaven
Looking into You
These Days
World in Motion
Red Neck Friend
The Pretender
For Everyman
Rosie
Daddy's Tune
Doctor My Eyes
Rock Me on the Water
For a Dancer
Somebody's Baby
In the Shape of a Heart
Late for the Sky
Your Bright Baby Blues
The Naked Ride Home
Two of Me, Two of You
Looking East
I'm the Cat
Running on Empty
My Stunning Mystery Companion
Take it Easy
Sky Blue and Black

Signed,
Another Happy Idiot ;)

Is it too late to post an account of how I came to meet Jackson in Santa Barbara this past March? It's a funny story and I even have access to a digital photo that shows him laughing at me! Here goes:

The concert at Santa Barbara's Lobero Theater was the second time I saw Jackson on his American acoustic tour. (I had also caught the show in Escondido and had second-row center seats!) This was the last night of the tour, and we were there to celebrate my sister's 50th birthday. She flew in from Amarillo, Texas, while my sister-in-law came in from Orlando, Florida. After collecting them both at the San Diego airport, we took a train up to Santa Barbara, where we had rented a hotel room for three nights. It was the start of a wonderful weekend!

It was also the first time my sister had ever seen Jackson perform live. (I have been lucky to see him at least 25 times in as many years, all over the country.) So, imagine her surprise when we were invited to go to the backstage party to meet Jackson after the show! After waiting for what seemed like hours, the man of the hour was led into the enclosed garden. There was a long line of people ahead of us and the anticipation was building. At one point, someone announced that Jackson's time was up and my sister pulled us over to where he was standing. She told him it was her birthday and she had come far to get a picture with him. He graciously obliged her, and we took a group shot. After chatting with my sister-in-law for a minute, Jackson turned and looked at me. Everything I ever wanted to say to him evaporated in my brain, and I felt like a mute schoolgirl. Finally, I had the presence of ming to ask him to sign the copy of Hold Out that I had bought in the lobby during intermission. He said sure but first I would need to remove the plastic cover. He looked so tired that I told him to forget it. The person who was handling Jackson took that moment to say he had to go, but Jackson said he wanted to sign my CD. I blurted out that "I never do this kind of thing," which started him laughing. He asked what I meant by that, and I said I made it a practice to never ask anyone for their autograph. That really got him chuckling and I got the sense that no one had ever said this to him before. The best part of this encounter was that someone got that moment on film. That picture of him smiling at me sits on my desk as I write this. In fact, it is one of my prized possessions!

Submitted by: lofshult@adelphia.net (Diane)

Hey Russ!

Thank you for this site. I have reservations about sending this email to you simply because I believe Jackson probably appreciated the low key nature of this concert, and if he choses to return next year (I hope he does!) I wouldn't want to blow his cover. So please post it or not---I'll let you decide.

And to Jackson--words cannot express my gratitude for your gift of poetry in song, and your willingness to keep coming out on the road to share that with us. Your songs have inspired and uplifted me for 30 years. I am also very amazed at how you are able to give and give of your energy to your fans, making us feel special--your humility is refreshing. Namaste.

Jackson at the Kate Wolf Festival:

I had heard rumor that he might show, and I'd been hearing great things about this festival, so on Saturday I headed up 101 to Wavy Gravy's ranch in Northern California. Lots of great musicians: Greg Brown, Steve Earle, Tom Paxton, Peter Rowan, Eliza Gilkyson, Chris Smither, Joel Rafael--with Joan Baez as the headliner Saturday night. Jackson showed up at the Woody Guthrie Tribute on a smaller stage after Joan closed the show on the main stage. (She was great---felt like 40 years ago). I waited patiently for Jackson to play on Sunday and about 10 pm he came on as "this year's rumor". Nina Gerber played with him (she was on stage alot of the week-end) and she was hot. When he invited her on stage in Santa Rosa in March her playing was a little tentative as she did not seem familiar with his songs. This time her beautiful playing was a great addition to Jackson. He was in fine form as usual--the songs he chose fit perfectly in this venue of "folkies with an attitude". It felt more like a call---wake up folks, we can't turn our backs this time!

I don't remember all the songs he played , but I think he started with Barricades of Heaven, followed by (not in any particular order...)

These Days
Take It Easy (with the Rowan Bros.)
Song for Adam
I Am A Patriot (with Eliza Gilkyson)

There were more--I was blissing out in the front row, singing my heart out--so I'm not remembering the set list.

Can't wait 'til he comes up this way again.

Peace

Hi Russ,

I want to thank you as others have done for keeping up such a great site...I check in from time to time to read the letters and had to respond to both Jan's letter with the photo of the bearded Jackson and herself and her daughter and of Diane's letter who describes the picture of her and a laughing Jackson (Diane, you need to post that picture!). I felt the need to respond because both of them describe exactly my experience with Jackson when I got to meet him a few years back.

Jackson was one of the performers at a charity show 4 years ago for Pets in Need, which is a foundation started by Tony LaRussa to help homeless pets find good homes here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Every year he puts on great shows with different singers and comedians. (Tony LaRussa now manages the St. Louis Cardinals but used to manage the Oakland A's and I think still lives here in the off-season).

Anyway, the year Jackson was on the bill along with Bruce Hornsby, I was able to go backstage because my husband, who is a stand-up comedian, had performed at the show the night before. I was sooooo nervous when we got there, because like Jan and Diane and most of Jackson's fans, I had been following him for many, many years (since high school-what-26 years ago? Yikes!). What would I say to him if I ever met him? How do you tell someone how much he has touched your life without you ever meeting him? How did he seem to know how I felt without him ever meeting me?

So, when we first arrived, no Jackson milling about he was in his dressing room. But then he did come out and was talking to different people-in fact Bonnie Raitt had come as a surprise guest. I was sitting at a table and he was standing right behind me. I was frozen-I couldn't even turn around to look at him I was so nervous. I could just hear his voice and I thought I would faint. I told my husband I couldn't say anything to Jackson, I lived in fear that if I did say something to him, it would be unintelligible. And my fear came true.

After the show, in desperation, my husband stopped Jackson before he left and asked if he wouldn't mind if he could take a picture of him with me. Jackson was very, very kind and said sure. He came over to me asked my name which I'm not quite sure if I responded or not. Then he put his arm around my shoulder and I put my arm around his waist. While I was having my out of body experience (was I really standing here next to JACKSON BROWNE?) I was squeezing Jackson's waist and then proceeded to tell him repeatedly, "I have really, really enjoyed your music." Gee, not the smart and witty repartee I had hoped I would have with Jackson...He probably thought I didn't speak much English and "hey lady, stop squeezing me!"

So like Jan and Diane and I'm sure countless others, Jackson has this affect on us that leaves us speechless...and acting like schoolgirls...but everytime I look at the picture my husband took of me and Jackson, I have to smile...Thanks again for the great site Russ!

Russ, in case anyone is interested in what Jackson sang at last night's Kerry for President fundraiser in Boston:

Lives in the Balance
For America
Don't You Want to Be There (with, I believe, the South Central Los Angeles Choir)
Next Voice You Hear (with choir)
I am a Patriot (with Michelle Branch)

Also, bassist Kevin McCormick came over from Spain to accompany him.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040713/480/magh11607130222
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040713/480/magh11207130137&e=14&ncid=
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040713/ids_photos_en/r3780676465.jpg
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/040713/482/magh11407130156&e=10&ncid=707

It was a near perfect day to be in Boston, overcast enough to prevent heat exhaustion while standing in impossible lines to enter Boston's Fleet Pavilion. Which is NOT the place where the convention will take place in two weeks (Fleet Center), but the pleasant waterfront concert venue $7.00 away by cab.

Because the seats were general admission, and everyone had to check in at the box office for tickets -- THEN pass through secret-service metal detectors and bag checks, it took about an hour to get in the pavilion. I hope this isn't a bad omen for the DNC security!

My "non-high roller" seat was about two-thirds back, but with good sight lines, and my binoculars gave me a virtual front row seat.

After brief speechifying by some local pols, and a short set by Michelle Branch -- whose voice was clear and strong but too shrill for my taste -- a man in a gray suit and long shiny brown hair strolls in from the side, with no introduction needed. It was the hair I noticed first, of course.

Yes Jackson still has the beard, which I don't understand as it's quite gray, without it he could claim to be 45 and those who aren't old enough to do the math would believe him. He wore a gray suit with white open-necked shirt (no tie).

"Lives in the Balance" and "For America" opened, performed in solo acoustic. Then a gospel choir from South Central LA joined him, along with keyboard, drums and "Kevin from my band all the way from Spain" on bass guitar for a stunning "Don't You Want to Be There", "World in Motion" and a jamming "The Next Voice You Hear". Jackson traded vocal leads with some fine young women from the choir.

Jackson went solo again, and brought out Michelle for the final "I Am a Patriot" -- "I ain't no Democrat, but I'm voting for Kerry"...

He was in excellent voice, the crowd was politely appreciative, but Jackson was a warm up for the "main event", and not everyone was paying rapt attention to what was happening onstage.

John and Teresa Kerry were introduced after Jackson's set, and Kerry brought him on stage for thanks, as an "old friend". I can definitely certify that Jackson is much shorter than John Kerry.

I had to leave to get back to New Hampshire before I turned into a pumpkin, and as I left I heard Kerry say that the Bush administration is "Running on Empty" and that Bush is "The Pretender".

The cab driver says "That's the next president speaking".

Hi all...

The show was pretty cool. I was thrilled to get to hear Jackson play virtually "all political" songs, which he rarely does in a normal concert. He came out with just his guitar and opened with:

-Lives in the Balance

-For America (I hadn't heard this one since I was 9 years old and he played it in Park City, UT as part of the World in Motion tour!!)

Then he said something to the effect that he was working on a CD with this group of gospel singers from South Central LA, and he realized that they were working on songs there that he wanted to sing here, so he brought them out! There were about ten singers, all fairly young looking. Kevin McCormick and another band member or two also joined him. The gospel singers sang with him on:

-Don't You Want to Be There

-World In Motion (The crowd got on their feet for this; it was a very fiery rendition; I loved it!!)

-Next Voice You Hear

Finally, the gospel singers and the band went backstage, and Michelle Branch (who had come on and played two "pop" singles before Jackson hit the stage) came out and it was the two of them with their guitars, and they played:

-I Am a Patriot (Instead of singing "I ain't no democrat/ Sure ain't no republican" he sang something like "Well I ain't no democrat/ But I'm here for Kerry"... it was a little cheesy, but I'm glad he sang the "I ain't no democrat" to the crowd... good ol' Jackson!)

That was it; seven songs. He was bearded and casually cool, as always. He seemed really happy to be there. John Kerry couldn't say enough kind things about him. He said that he's known Jackson for "awhile now" and that (according to Kerry) most artists don't like to get involved, but Jackson always will. Then he made a slew of kinda corny jokes about Jackson and how he's been writing songs for this election for a long time. He said something like, "He wrote 'Knock on Any Door' for all of you out in the crowd who went door to door for me in New Hampshire, he wrote 'Running on Empty' about the Bush Administration, and 'The Pretender', well.... (the crowd laughed) I'll be nice..." The crowd laughed heartily. Jackson and Michelle Branch came on stage for a photo op and then left again...

It was fantastic all in all..

Cheers,

Hi Russ - Would you please post this for me? Thank you so much! What would we all do without you? :)

I have two extra tickets for the July 24th show at Konocti Harbor. They are in section B row 16 seats 9 and 10 and they include the pre-show BBQ dinner. You can check them out here: www.konoctiharbor.com/menus/amphitheatrefloorplan.pdf I would like to sell them for what I paid ($189 including fees) but I will take offers and I will pay the shipping. The show is in 9 days! I hope someone can use these ................... Peace ................

To All Guacamole Fund Supporters:

This is a difficult letter to write, but we are in difficult times. Due to the state of the union and the economy it has become increasingly difficult to raise the funds that cover our operating budget. As most of you know, last January we closed the office that we had been working in for 18 years. We have been working from our homes since then. At this point, we are no longer paying staff ? Debbie, Carol and Tom are donating their services to keep the Guacamole Fund working.

We are asking all of you receiving this letter to make a donation of any amount (tax deductible) to The Guacamole Fund so we can continue to do this work. We realize that everyone is asked for donations by the many great organizations out there working to make this country a better place. We hope to be able to continue playing our small part in this work, but we need to raise money so that we will be able to continue raising funds and providing publicity and networking opportunities for organizations working in the public interest. The artists with whom we have worked throughout the years have continued to be supportive of our efforts. In fact Bruce Cockburn and Sam Phillips will be doing a benefit in our local Hermosa Beach theatre in August, but we need your help too. With the severe decrease in donations from foundations and other entities, we need to broaden our base of support in order to continue. We are now asking for assistance from good people like yourselves ? individuals and grassroots activists committed to social change and to building a better world.

We have set up a place on our website where donations can be made in amounts by credit card from $10.00 up or you can send a donation in any amount directly to The Guacamole Fund at Post Office Box 699, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Our website address is www.guacfund.org where there is more information on our fundraising effort.

Thank you for your consideration.

Peace.

Dear Russ:

As you likely know, Guacamole has been a leader in social change issues for many years. As an ardent fan of Jackson Browne, I've been pprivileged to sit in 10-4 seats donated by Jackson Browne, to Guacamole, and resold by Guacamole as a way of funding their charitable mission.

Jackson Browne's commitment to social change through organizations like Guacamole is something I've long admired. I've also enjoyed your website as a means of keeping abreast of Mr. Browne's career. It seems to me that in light of Guacamole's current circumstances, now is a good time to put your access to Jackson Browne's fans to work in a positive way.

Accordingly, in that hopes that you will publish this on your site, I am challenging all Jackson Browne fans who take advantage of your site, to show their support by helping out Guacamole. I will certainly be doing my part to help them.

It is my hope that Jackson Browne's fans will take his message to heart, and speak with their pocketbooks to support a very important and worthwhile cause.

Kind regards,

Hi Russ,

Many thanks for your wonderful Jackson site!

This is last minute, but I was wondering if you could post it for me on the fan mail.

I have 2 extra tickets for the Pacific Amphitheater on Tuesday, July 27th with Jackson and Shawn Colvin: Orchestra, Section 1, Row L, seats 25 & 26. I will sell them for what I paid for them, $117.95 (Ticketmaster) for the pair.

Please email me if you are interested.

Thanks again,

A nearly sold-out audience gave Jackson Browne an enthusiastic reception for his first visit to this venue. He seemed quite pleased to be here, surprised even that he had not previously known of its existence, and several of his remarks between the early songs were about the striking view from the stage overlooking California's largest natural lake.

Earlier postings on this site referred to a gray beard, but Jackson was clean shaven last night, and he looked not a day older than any of his album photos. And I've been around since the beginning; I have some of those albums on vinyl. But I had never seen him live before, and was highly gratified to find him every bit as genuine and committed to his music as the records would suggest.

A high point of the evening came when Jackson referred to the news accounts of rude treatment inflicted on Linda Ronstadt by the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. He expressed his support for her right to freedom of speech, and the crowd roared its agreement. (Ronstadt is playing Konocti tonight, July 25.) This was followed by Lives in the Balance, which completely brought down the house.

Here's the setlist (these titles are sometimes abbreviated from the ones we know from records, but just for the historical interest, this is exactly how they appear on a copy of the setlist retrieved from the stage):

Night Inside Me
Fountain
Somebodys Baby
Everywhere I Go
Barricades of Heaven
Bright Baby Blues
These Days
Naked Ride Home
For Everyman
Taking the Trouble
Lives in the Balance
For America
Doctor My Eyes
Pretender
Running on Empty

and encores of
Take It Easy
Stunning Mystery

I have to say that I have vast respect for this artist who, for so long, has maintained his integrity and professionalism, and can play songs you know he has played a million times before but still do it with freshness and power. Thanks Jackson! It was a special night.

WOW--the Konocti show was fabulous!! Sean Colvin played a great set first, but surprisingly she didn't sing at all with Jackson or vice versa! It was a very warn evening and Jackson and band were just awesome. Scott Thurston was sitting in for Jeff Young for some reason.

I lucked out with center 2d row seats and was in heaven. Near the end of the show we were able to move up to the very edge of the stage for a few songs!!! I can't remember all the songs in order but some of those he played are: Barricades of Heaven, Fountain of Sorrow, Everywhere I Go, These Days, For Everyman, Late for the Sky, Bright Baby Blues, Doctor My Eyes, For Taking the Trouble, My Stunning Mystery Companion, Somebody's Baby, Lives in the Balance, For America, My Stunning Mystery Companion, The Pretender, Running on Empty, Late For the Sky, Take it Easy. The most memorable moments were when the audience sang along with the "There are" chorus to Lives in the Balance. It was particularly welcome to hear since just moments before, as Jackson was saying how important this election year is and how he admires Linda Ronstadt for speaking up as she has, some jerk behind me in the third row yelled "Just play some music--that's what we're here for" and I'm pretty sure Jackson heard him because his face went a little dark. It was gratifying that the rest of the audience didn't seem to agree as there was a hearty and very positive response to Lives in the Balance and the follow up song For America.

I also was able to speak briefly with him as I ran into him when I was with my husband and two kids the night before the show outside the lobby. He was getting into his waiting car and I didn't want to hassle him or intrude on his personal space but I had to say something to him. I just called out to him and he turned and smiled and I said I love your music, we all do (meaning my family) and am really looking forward to the show tomorrow. He said thanks and looked like he was willing for me to go on but I was just too shy and worried about bothering him. So I let it go at that even though saying I love your music is such an understatement. His music has meant so much to me for so many years that I wish I could have somehow better conveyed that. Next time, maybe. I sure wish he had an address where fans could actually write to him.

The next day I went down to the outdoor theatre where he was to play to see if I could catch sound check and I and one other big fan--Hi Lori!- got to watch him for about 4 songs before we were booted out by security. He knew we were there and seemed OK with it, but then security showed up to get ready to open the gates for the general admission seating and booted us. As we were leaving, JB gave us a very friendly wave.

He was involved with a family party after the show (apparently Mark G. had lots of family there) and wasn't coming out to see fans after the show. (That was a bit disappointing, but understandable.)

Just a very memorable weekend!!

Just saw Jackson and Band at Konocti Harbor Inn this weekend. I have seen many, many Jackson shows before, but this one was my favorite. Maybe it was the sunshine, the small venue, the gorgeous lakeside setting and the good vibe of people on vacation, but it was sublime.

Jackson was totally relaxed, loose and funny. He not only connected with the audience musically, but personally as well. The band was great (Scott Thurston of the Heartbreakers on keys/vocals was awesome) and the background vocalist (a beautifully sweet "California hippie girl", as Jackson joked) was a real light on stage.

When Jackson, with a powerful, but minimalist, political statement launched into "Lives in the Balance", it stirred the house. As usual, every one of us middle aged rebels and wannabe rebels living a mainstream lifestyle understood EXACTLY what Jackson meant when he sang "I'm gonna be a happy idiot and struggle for the legal tender" in his masterpiece of alienation, "The Pretender." For me, his final encore, "Stunning Mystery Companion" was an emotional watershed. As I sat there with my husband , I was reminded of the love, acceptance and tolerance he's given me in our 10 year relationship - despite my own weaknesses and damage. Jackson's beautiful song brought it home.

Great show.

Hey thanks Russ, for keeping this site going!

Hi--Just wanted to add that in addition to the other songs I mentioned in my prior e mail, he also did Night Inside Me and Naked Ride Home. I sent the e mail before I had checked and I think I forgot to mention those.

Does anyone out there know of any way (other than trying to hand it to him which sometimes seems impossible) of getting a letter to Jackson? I know there are may people who would like to write him. I just want to have the opportunity to write and let him know how much his music has meant to me and I really feel that I blew it by not seizing the opportunity when I had it to say more. It was so unexpected, running into him the night before the show that I didn't have time to think and I didn't want to bug him!

Does his management discourage fan mail or does he just not want to get it? I definitely don't want to just write to them and have it go in the circular file!

I had waited over 28 years to see Jackson Browne and last night (July27th) the wait ended at the Pacific Amphitheater in Irvine, CA. It was incredible. I was there with some friends my wife and my 12-year-old daughter who is as big a fan as I am.

A couple of minutes after Shawn Colvin mercifully left the stage. A big gray helicopter landed just outside the backstage entrance. My daughter excited asked, ?Is that HIM?? ?Could be,? I answered, and I think it was because not five minutes later Jackson Browne strolled onto the stage.

He looked great, relaxed and happy. He said a few words then launched into ?Night Inside Me? If that place had a roof that song would have blown it off. He flat out rocked! He was flawless, and his band was even better, showcasing some guitar work I?ve not seen in decades.

Sadly Jackson was performing for an oil painting rather than an audience. As he ended the opening song I sprang to my feet with applause. The other 7 or 8 thousand supposed fans sat and clapped politely. At first I thought, ?Well they?re just getting warmed up.? I should have said ?Thawing out? the audience could have just as easily been at a golf tournament. Even when Jackson lit into Doctor My Eyes, just barely half the group got to their feet. It really was sad. Finally I realized that as time has marched on, this group had become exactly the kind of people that drew me (and probably them) to Jackson Browne in the first place. It seemed like they simply had sold out.

Nonetheless, it was an incredible show, and it was equally incredible watching my beautiful daughter, eyes as wide as the moon overhead take it all in and softly mouth almost every single word to nearly every single song.

We check this site earlier in the day to see if we could get a peek at the set list. The set last night was pretty close to the set list posted from the Clear Lake show on the 24th, including the two encores.

Regards,

Hi, Russ. Jackson gave an enormously entertaining show last night at the Pacific Amphitheater in Orange County, CA. He seemed to be very at ease with his audience, even laying aside his guitar to accommodate a request for "Late for the Sky". He played "For America", which I hadn't heard in concert. The song really makes you think about what is happening in our country (again).

I saw him at the Greek Theater last year, but I thought he was much more personable and comfortable with his audience last night. It was a real treat.

Jackson had a great homecoming last night at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Orange County. I think he was even a little surprised by his reception and the enthusiastic reaction of the crowd there. The music was superb as usual with some different arrangements of his songs. Mr. Goldenberg and the other musicians were inspiring with their interpretations of Jackson's music.

Mr. Browne was quite chatty and told a few good stories, one of the funniest towards the end when he was talking about the interpretations that have been given in translation to his song "Take it Easy." He told of his favorite being a Chinese version that said something like this and I paraphrase, I'm looking for a lover that isn't dangerous, isn't religious but will eat me like lobster in pink sauce. (Of course he got a huge laugh from that one.)

He admitted to the crowd that he was from Orange County but he declined to say exactly where because when you're from Orange Country, you are basically from everywhere, in other words saying Orange County says it all. He mentioned that he thought that there were a lot of people that attended high school (Sunny Hills, in Fullerton) with him at the concert.

Jackson also gave an introduction to "These Days" where he mentioned that he had written that song when he was 16 years old! He said that a friend from high school had recently passed away and that this friend had been active with him in singing and songwriting back then.

He also sang "Barricades of Heaven" with an introduction that he had a little stretch of beach in mind just south of Seal Beach and North of Huntington Beach when writing the song, although he said he didn't spend a lot of time at that beach it was just an image he had in his mind.

It was interesting that he said before he started to sing "Lives in the Balance" that he used to have to introduce the song but it now required no introduction. The crowd gave him a standing ovation after that song and seemed very supportive of him voicing his views on our world situation through his lyrics or if he wanted to use his freedom of speech. After that song the fans were on their feet dancing and clapping to the music for the rest of the night. Jackson mentioned that the guy that ran the place was a friend of David Lyndley's and was allowing him a little more time.

One of the the last songs he sang and someone will probably provide you with a more complete set list, was "Take It Easy," which he introduced as possibly his most famous song because of the Eagle's rendition, although I always liked Jackson's better. The whole O.C. crowd was singing along with him in what was like a campfire song atmosphere, really a fun moment!

Jackson said at the beginning that he always felt funny playing a fair venue because he was never quite sure who was there for the livestock, the pies, or whatever....He said he could smell the cotton candy wafting through the wind, among other things. I have never heard him make so many funny comments during a concert and he was definitely in a happy mood.

Want to say that we thought the backup singing of Jennifer Grace was memorable. Her voice was strong and yet blended so well with the others and she does look like an "Orange County hippie girl."

Apparently, Jackson heard several people upfront request "Late for the Sky" and his keyboard playing was exceptional for this song and you could tell this was an old favorite for the crowd as was the Pretender,

Finally, during the encore he also played "My Stunning Mystery Companion" where he said that calling his girlfriend his "girlfriend" just didn't sound right after 8 or 9 years so he picked up this other description from a paper in Spain. He also said that after that amount of time with someone there's a question hanging over your head about the status of the relationship from family and friends and that both he and his companion were ambivalent toward the state of Holy Matrimony.

My husband and I both noticed the crowd looking somewhat older and some possibly heading toward retirement. I said to my husband, "We can't possibly be getting older," and he said "No we are on the tail end of the baby boomers." For all of those in denial, yes we are maturing and most of us are getting those gray hairs that Jackson has talked about. From my view Jackson does look older but I like his more mature look and he still looks fine to me. He still has the same slender build and great bone structure but the laugh and expression lines are definitely there and how could they not be on a person that has truly lived out their life to the fullest?

Jackson, thanks for the performance we enjoyed it as much if not more than you last night. I hope one day to meet him in person as I'd have to say that he is my favorite lyricist and musician to come out of California during our era. A close friend of my husband's from his ski bum days in Sun Valley, lives in Hawaii and runs a scuba instructing business there. He told us that he took Jackson and his Stunning Mystery Companion out a few years back for lessons and he found that he's a great guy to get to know and very generous in spirit. He gave him an open invitation to his home in Santa Barbara, so please take me with you when you go Chris! It is clear to see that Jackson has found his voice again and it is as relevant to our culture as ever.

Finally, thank you to the great fan named Eric from Calabasas that sold me his tickets at face value, as he was taking the bar exam yesterday! I bought the tickets for my husband as a graduation present for his Master's degree in June and he was also in awe of Jackson's concert and his band's musicianship.

Don't stay away so long Jackson, it is evident that you are much loved in one of the areas you grew up in!!!

Best,

Seeing Jackson Browne last night was again an exciting, amazing, lovely, happy, sad and all of the above experience. I have been following him since the 70s when he played in small clubs all overOrangeCounty. Last night he seemed so at ease performing the songe we've heard a million times but are just as excited as the first time we heard them. My favorite song is These Days & he performed it with such feeling I'll never forget it. I have never seen him smile as often as he did last night. He has been around so long & has so many songs that we can never get enough, always going home wishing he could have sung just one more. Having the pleasure of meeting him several times, I always feel that he is singing just to me. Thanks againJacksonfor a wonderful & memorable show. I look forward to seeing you next time & next time & next time... Thank you Russ for a great website.

Wow... what an evening. It was a little short - 90 minutes, and the sound was bad for the first song (The Night Inside Me), but from the second song and beyond Jackson and band were fantastic! As reported by others, he was in a great mood, very relaxed, chatty and laughing a lot - probably the most relaxed and engaging I've ever seen him while playing with his band (as opposed to the recent solo acoustic shows where he interacted a lot).

The momentum kept building throughout the night and the entire audience was standing and dancing for the last five songs. He received standing ovations after Lives In the Balance and For America - both politically driven songs that could have been problematic to perform in a Republican dominated area such as Orange County. As mentioned in another review, Jackson said he used to have to introduce the song but it now required no introduction and that it was as relevant today (if not more) than when he first wrote it. As he was speaking and using the word political, several people around me started shouting, "Don't do it Jackson!" but as I mentioned he received standing ovations for both songs (more for Lives In The Balance) as the music and lyrics did all the talking. I was pleased the audience reacted to the songs the way they did - freedom of speech is an important civil liberty and it was respected unlike the incident that happened to Linda Ronstadt.

It was awesome to hear For America. I heard him perform that song once 18 years ago on the Lives In The Balance tour and it sounded great. He even played a request - Late for the Sky, something he did exclusively during the solo acoustic tour but something I've never seen him do with his band and a set list. These Days was beautiful. The whole show was just magnificent!

I enjoyed Jennifer Grace and Mark Goldenberg was amazing as always. Scott Thurston was sitting in for Jeff Young. Scott, who we all know has played and written with Jackson for years was great but I must admit I missed Jeff Young whose vocals really add an element to the songs that goes unmatched. Nonetheless, the band sounded great. I was thinking about that when it occurred to me the band was probably "thrown together" more or less. I don't mean in a day or two and I know the core has been playing with Jackson for over ten years now, but they are not on tour with Jackson right now so I bet they had to come together in short notice much like the performance at the R&R Hall of Fame ceremony. After all, Jackson is still doing the solo acoustic tour worldwide. But again they were tight and sounded great - just goes to show you the level of professionalism and musicianship.

The set list was almost identical to the one performed at Konocti Harbor which is another indication the band was on a tight list of songs they all knew:

The Night Inside Me
Fountain of Sorrow
Somebody's Baby
Everywhere I Go
Barricades of Heaven
Late for the Sky
These Days
The Naked Ride Home
For Taking the Trouble
Lives in the Balance
For America
Doctor My Eyes
The Pretender
Running on Empty
Encores:
Take It Easy
My Stunning Mystery Companion

As he walked off stage for the last time it occurred to me that this show was really a defining moment for him. He filled an amphitheater that he probably couldn't have a few years ago, but tonight was a culmination of renewed interest in this great artist and a marked resurgence in his popularity and recognition of his wonderful contribution to music and humanity. I think the solo acoustic shows really struck a personal chord with his fans that may not have seen him in awhile. I was fortunate enough to have seen three performances and to meet him, not only once behind the venue in Iowa before his sound check, but also on the plane back to Los Angeles (yes he is as kind, gentle hearted and accommodating has everyone reports - it was an amazing moment for me to meet him twice, shake his hand, get his autograph and get the chance to thank him and tell him how important his music has been to me throughout my life. He was so cool - I'll never forget it!!).

I also think his induction into the R&R Hall of Fame brought him back into the public awareness. So between that and the solo acoustic shows in which he played popular and obscure songs, here he was in Orange County playing to a packed house, playing all the favorites and the audience loved it. To further the point, I saw him last July at The Greek Theatre during the controversial tour with Steve Earle and Keb Mo and while the audience was great that night and so was he and the band, as someone else stated in their review I thought last night was much, much better. I was happy for him and again it seemed to me to be a defining and wonderful moment. I heard nothing but great comments as I walked out of the venue.

To mhrnewport@yahoo.com (Michael) I'm glad you and your daughter got to see Jackson and that you enjoyed the show. I'm not sure where you were sitting but the audience was into it from my vantage point - singing and dancing etc. When they turned the lights on the audience during the last five songs I didn't see too many people who were not standing - just a sea of people standing and clapping with their arms in the air. I do admit it started off a little slow i.e., The Night Inside Me, but after that the audience got going. I guess it goes to show you one vantage point can be different from another.

Final thought - regarding the age thing, I saw a pretty decent mix of age groups and there were a fair number of young people in the crowd. Jackson is timeless and I was happy to see his music being experienced by an up and coming generation. Jim Ladd on KLOS had a nice set of Jackson for the drive home. As only he can do, Jim accentuated the musical and social importance of Jackson's music.

Peace

I was at the Pacific Amphitheater show and though I prefer Jackson acoustically, I really enjoyed Jackson & his band...they rocked! Here's a nice review (with a photo) of the show from The Orange County Register:

http://tinyurl.com/5wucy

(Registration is required to read article...its free)

Thursday, July 29, 2004
Long live Jackson
Review: The singer-songwriter presents a retrospective of his three-decade career and shows he can still move an audience at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
By GENE HARBRECHT
The Orange County Register...

Thanks again Russ!

I'm so excited to have found this wonderful website to send my fan letter. I'll keep it as short as possible. I call this my "Broken Heart Story." My wife just said: " are you sure you should share this personal story on the Internet"? I told her that any Jackson Browne fan would probably enjoy hearing it, and besides, I like telling it. So here it goes.

I was 12 years old, and at summer camp in 1980. I was sitting behind my cabin in tears. My little two week hand holding romance had been put to an abrupt stop. How could she do this? It was all very traumatic. Everything is when your twelve. Anyway, the arts and crafts director walks over and hugs me until I stop crying, and walks me into the arts and crafts hall. As we sat, I heard the most beautiful music playing in the background, but I didn't know who it was. Fast forward four years. I'm back at summer camp, and I'm going through some old boxes of stuff when a Jackson Browne album falls out at my feet. So, I put it on the turntable and play it, and I realize at that moment that it was the music I listened to four years earlier as I recovered from my first broken heart. Fast forward 14 years. On what I thought was a whim, I move from Wilmington Delaware to Napa California. I start working, and meet a man who was a roadie for Jackson in his hey day. I was subsequently introduced to Jackson, and have had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times since. I even couriered a package for him to one of his shows.

The first time I met Jackson he said: " How was your wedding." ( I had just been married). I did manage to have a descent conversation with him, but I remember feeling like I was going to burst out of my skin at any moment.

Peace,