Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
June 2000
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The concerts in the south have kept me energized.....BUT.....the storms blew out my computer.....I really had withdrawal symptoms...couldn't get the postings nor the Home Page....gads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How did this medium invade my life???????????
Well, it has kept me updated on Jackson's tours, so much so that I was able to get 4th row tickets for Greensboro....see him in the first stop in Charlotte.....what a show....order music books that sound just like his piano version...download news articles of performances and stalkings, see photos of performances, and put me in touch with wonderful fans. Now that he is wandering away from the south, I'll get info through trusty RUSS....thank you for helping me get to the digest version of the egroups...finally got the update version for my computer and back on the postings for AOL, KEYWORD: MUSIC. This is my favorite quick update....I have joined the new group.
Jackson has also introduced me to other artists....those he has produced records with: Warren Zevon.... I.like the way Jackson and group are called The Gentlemen Boys and sing back-up....also John Trudell...Blue Indian...very different, but I like it. Jackson seems to appear in many supporting roles, and I like that. He really looks for the joy in song. It was a great spring tour. Hope he's treated well in all his journeys.....he's most deserving.
I'd like to be able to record all his collaborations onto one tape or CD....what great hours of listening that would be. Keep our imaginations flowing,
Webmaster's Reply: I think you'll find that Jackson Browne has way too many collaborative efforts to fit them all onto a single CD! For a complete listing, check either the FAQ Section of this Web site or the COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY subsection of the DISCOGRAPHY & LYRICS Section of this Web site.
Jackson's newest collaboration is a version of "For A Dancer" backed by the wonderful harmonies of the group Venice. This appears on Venice's new European release 2 Metre Sessies. Additional information on this and all new Jackson Browne recordings can always be found in the NEWS & UPDATES Section of this Web set.
Just got video of "Road Tested" by Bonnie Raitt. Jackson, Bruce and Bryan duo with Bonnie. Jackson's first song is Opening Farewell.....he is so endearing, hearing Bonnie's lead -in is worth the video, plus Jackson and Bonnie's rendition made me go to Saturate Before Using to the original version.......this is a great song. Later, he sings trio backup for closing song.....and some chatting frames of all the guys backstage. I like these impromptu moments.....his glasses and casual remarks to Bruce and always a calm joke and smile......I like Bonnie,too, so this was a great addition to my music. Bonnie can really play the slide.....................ooooooooohhhhhh so slick!!!!!!!!!!!! Jackson did some good work on slide on southern tour...but I think he knows he got by with it because the BAND was absent...HaHa! But we loved it, every bit. Branching out to find the threads....any suggestions from out there?
The following is a concert review of Jackson Browne's May 14th, 2000 solo acoustic performance at the Johnny Mercer Theater in Savannah, Georgia as perceived by J.B. fan Ross Blair. Let me start by saying that, although this was the first time I've seen J.B., I've attended approximately 100 concerts which includes all the top name performers, and this was the best concert I've ever attended. I'm sure it didn't hurt that I scored front row seats (I took my camera with me, so you can imagine the photos I got - too cool!). No opening act - just Jackson - for about 3 hours! He obviously had no set list as most of what he played was requests from the audience (he even had a hearing aid-looking device in his ear so that he could clearly hear the requests). I swear to God, folks, it was like he was playing in my living room. I've never experienced a show like this before and I'm sure I never will again. An incredibly intimate setting (the theater holds about 2,200).
I didn't take notes, so I'm sure that I am leaving some songs out, but I'll list the songs that I recall him playing. The highlights of the show for me were the two songs I called out for which are my two favorite J.B. songs: (1) Sky Blue & Black which he did to perfection, and (2) In the Shape of a Heart, on acoustic guitar, which I could swear sounded better than the album version. Others included: Jamaica Say You Will, For a Dancer, The Next Voice You Hear, Doctor My Eyes, These Days (on piano, definitely a highlight), I Thought I Was a Child, Something Fine, Fountain of Sorrow, For Everyman, World in Motion, Call It a Loan, The Pretender, Barricades of Heaven, Take It Easy, Lives In The Balance, Rock Me On The Water, Farther On, and five more songs that had memorable moments. (1) Cocaine which included anti-Reaganomic lyrics such as "You take Nancy, and I'll take Ron - no tellin' what drug these two were on...", (2) Too Many Angels - when he was getting started, the crowd got the wrong idea and began clapping in unison; he had to stop playing to say "I'm sorry, but this is definitely not a clap-along song" and went on to state that it was a song of insurmountable depression,
(3) Being in Georgia, he dedicated the night's performance of Your Bright Baby Blues to friend and Georgia native Gregg Allman. He stated that Gregg, like most musicians, unsuccessfully travelled to Los Angeles with his band where they tried to make it big only to return to Georgia where they made a name for themselves, not only here but world-wide, (4) after playing Rosey, which was highly requested, he pondered what to play next and stated "You know you have to be careful choosing what order to play these songs in - I mean you couldn't very well do a song about death right after one about masturbation", and (5) Earlier in the evening he told us that in his recent shows in the south, a group of restless guys, which he assumed were following him around, had been loudly asking him to play Red Neck Friend even after he explained that it would be rather difficult to play acoustically. He said he finally broke down and played it at one of his last shows despite the obvious obstacles. Well, it came time for the final song of the evening and he asked us if he forgot anything. Everyone began calling out requests. When we stopped, and there was silence - one lone voice, in a heavy southern accent, yelled out "Red Neck Friend". He laughed, as did the audience, and he played it - very well I might add.
I don't write reviews, but I did indeed attend the Jackson/CSN/Tracy Ullman benefit for the Brentwood School on May 6 (I think) and the following day, CSN, for a benefit for The Family School (in Santa Ynez where David lives) at the Santa Barbara Bowl.
At the Brentwood School they were all in fine form. They called it the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Browne show, it was great. They were all in a very talkative, upbeat mood. The atmosphere was very relaxed which I'm sure helped a lot. The crowd was very subdued, mostly families from the school, a lot of children running around, a bright sunny day, lawn chairs in the grass, etc. At one point Jackson looked up from his piano and said something like, "You are all so quiet, oh, that's right, they're not serving beer here." It was pretty funny. He played for over an hour and although I couldn't give you a set list if my life depended on it, he did sing "Lives In the Balance" with CSN and, at the end, with children from the school, "Teach your Children Well." (as well as, Pretender, For a Dancer, oh it's all a blur!) Tracy did comic relief between sets and a good day seemed to be had by all.
The following day in Santa Barbara was pretty much the same CSN show sans Jackson and Tracy. It, too, was a very nice day.
I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the concert was tonight in Birmingham, AL. I have waited many years to see Jackson again, and I was extremely excited. The show was outstanding!!! Jackson has a voice I could listen to each day of my life, as it is as beautiful as could be. Every song he sings is remarkable; he should definitely be in the music hall of fame, as no one could ever do lyrics like him. I am his all time biggest fan in Alabama and I want to thank him for entertaining me tonight with the most beautiful songs and voice in the world. It was the greatest concert I have heard, and would very much like to let him know that his voice is as great as ever... and his songs are timeless. Thanks.
I have been a huge Jackson Browne fan most of my life, and I've had the priviledge of seeing him in concert four times through the years. It's funny, but the older I get and the more that my tastes become more "sophisticated" (read as NARROWMINDED), the more I'm feeling the need to get back to my "roots," both musically and in other areas of life. I feel as if I'm rediscovering my youth and all that was beautiful and pure in life back then. And listening to Everyman was a huge part of my growing up.
On to a more serious subject, we are starving up here on the East Coast. We need more that just "Looking East." Come see us Jackson, we love you in NY, NJ, Boston, Philly, etc. We miss you!!!!!
Russ, I just wanted to share my concert experience with you.
My 6 year old daughter just couldn't figure out why we were hanging out inside Robinson Auditorium at 4 in the afternoon. I tried to explain to her that I was trying to meet Jackson Browne and get his autograph. She couldn't understand why I just didn't go up to his hotel room. Anyway, the head of security told me he would try to help me. Unfortunately, the guy from Fantasma, (nice guy named John) told me Jackson was not signing or doing any Meet and Greets this tour, but if I left him something he would put it in his dressing room and he would probably sign it. Sure enough, during intermission I went to the office and picked up my autographed JB and Hold Out covers. So totally cool in my book. It's going with my Springsteen and Billy Gibbons. Still looking for Neil's though.
Anyway the show was great. Very intimate, and he responded eagerly to almost everything that was shouted his way between songs. He was sitting at the piano when someone shouted "Linda Paloma". He said..."You wanna hear "Linda Paloma"? And he stood up and picked up that certain Spanish sounding guitar and played it perfectly. After he sang "Ready or Not" I felt brave and yelled out "How are your kids"?. He heard me and said his "kids are fine, but thank you for asking". A few songs later while everyone was shouting out for his songs, I shouted out "Freebird"! Since this is the south and big Skynyrd country, I just wanted to see what kind of reaction I would get. Once again he heard me and laughed. He said he liked that song and used to play it with his band, but they would laugh at him while he tried to play it note for note. He said he'd practice it during the intermission. We all thought yeah right. Well the encore went like this..."Take it easy/Our Lady of the well/Freebird"! He only sang the verses about "would you still remember me" and "I must be traveling on now". The perfect song to end on actually. Russ, Do you know if this is a first?
One more note, He asked us if we were ready for Hurricane Season, and the crowd all kinda went Huh? Since we are not really directly affected by Hurricanes. Someone shouted out Tornadoes, and he seemed a little surprised. Since I am a local weather man everybody turned to look at me. Like I was suppose to set him straight. Yeah right!
Anyway thanks for letting me give my review, I felt like he was talking to me...and he was!
Russ, Feel free to publish this as my review of the Little Rock show on the site. First of all thank you for the web site because without it I would have missed this opportunity...
My wife and I managed to get front row tickets which was a first for me for any show - it was a real treat. I have to say that I don't believe their is another artist out there who embodies the life of the quintessential musician like Jackson Browne. This guy has not stopped touring or making music either for himself or for somebody else since I really don't know when. That alone defines his integrity and professionalism. Jackson, I know you didn't hear me say it after you thanked the crowd but I thanked you.
Jackson's voice is getting better and better. To go on night after night and belt out notes such as ... "There are!" in Lives In The Balance is uncanny. One note to this during the show: At the last line of Linda Paloma where he sings "...Fly away... he didn't quite hit it the way he wanted to and did it over. He hit it the second time and I just smiled to myself knowing how good he must have felt after that.
I inquired to you, Russ, about how to go about meeting Jackson Browne and had heard through the site how other fans have tried successfully and unsuccessfully to capture a moment with him. After thinking about that though I must admit I am guilty of putting Jackson at way too high a level in my life. I reached a point of idolatry and to me that's not right. When it comes to a point of consuming all there is to know about one person and the time spent focused on that, then I have to re-evaluate my time and energy and say to myself "OK, he's just a man who makes music." For me it's a growing thing. I used to say to friends and family that the most important things in my life were God, family, and Jackson Browne. But I had those skewed from time to time.
Anyway, something for the audience to ponder...
Dear Russ,
I write this letter with a full heart and a smile in my spirit. Months ago my sister Sue wrote to you asking for a picture of Jackson Browne. You were gracious enough to respond immediately. You mentioned you had an autistic nephew, which is what my daughter Sarah has. The form of autism she has is Asperger's Syndrome, a rare kind. Since last summer Sarah's big obsession has been Jackson Browne. She has done his whole biography, copied all his songs down, copied his band members, the instruments they used. On October 9th in honor of Jackson's birthday, I decorate her room, bake a cake and we have our own celebration right down to balloons and what she thinks are his favourite food.
But until last summer it was very hard for Sarah to communicate her feelings. Her world is so different from ours that children like this form their own world and withdraw to a place that seems so safe. But, suddenly Sarah shyly brought one of her scribbled yellow legal sheets, left it beside me and left. I knew it must be important as she wanted me to read it, but almost couldn't give it to me. There in her childish handwriting, was the lyrics to" Fountain of Sorrows". I played the song as I read it, and a lightening bolt just hit me!. Here was Sarah trying to communicate to me HER feelings, how she felt. I cried, as my husband and the entire family. It was a first huge step with her reaching out! >From then on, she has studied and listened to anything by this wonderful singer. His songs touched her in a way no one ever could and brought her into the light. Her world was dark and lonely, and she really wanted to break out. And Jackson Browne was the key she has been searching for, taking sixteen long years to find. Anyone that knows Sarah, knows all about Jackon Browne!!!! It's the one thing she openly discusses with anyone and everyone.
Last Tuesday night Jackson Browne came to Birmingham, Alabama on his solo tour. The same wonderful aunt ordered the tickets and off we went for a magical night. The concert was fantastic! Jackson did a terrific mix of our favourite songs. His ad lib and jokes, playing what he wanted when he decided what to play, all seemed so fresh and complete. Not many musicians at all could do this, a concert with just themselves and have it so much fun and sound so beautiful.
Now sister Sue is a very determined young lady and wrote a letter to Jackson Browne before hand asking him to please meet with Sarah after the show. John (JB's associate) took this letter then told her that Jackson wanted to meet Sarah. So that's just what we did!! Backstage passes in hand we stood behind the scenes for just a few minutes. Sarah was in heaven by then. Several people came up and said "Now please stay right there Sarah, Jackson wants to meet you" which made her feel so welcome and special. Then time stopped in her world......she was invited in to see THE JACKSON BROWNE! She ran into the room, immediately hugged him, animated and grinning from ear to ear. Such a gracious, gentle man. He served us all water and Sarah and he talked for about 20 min. He autographed the concert tee shirt she had in her hand , also giving her a large photo, which he signed "To Sarah, Your Friend, Jackson Browne". He and Sarah then posed for a picture together. I have NEVER seen Sarah that happy or animated. He was so friendly and just made her feel special. My sister and I were there the whole time just watching them and listening to their conversation. Now to add a personal note, I have loved all his songs since he began. I can say this because I am 48 yrs. old and he played the music of my day. His music and lyrics touch my heart and spirit, why should it be a surprise that my daughter not feel the same way? So Sarah's dream came true at the Alabama Theatre on June 6, 2000.
Mr. Jackson has given so much to our world. His music and songs stir our emotions and are a soothing comfort in the storm of unfortunate violence that our world can sometimes be. To know such an artist that takes the time to make one special 16 year old girl feel she is important, is truly a blessing. These are rare souls in time and we treasure the hope he gave to my daughter.
Thank you for taking time to read this letter, I wanted to thank someone and let them know.
Sincerely,
You recently posted Mzbs' comments regarding my May 13th concert review.
What I've said is that I wish Jackson would drop the Reagan lyrics. This is not about politics, or whether you agree with what is being said in his song or not...it's about timing... and now is not the time to be saying it. This is about human decency. I'm thinking that Jackson has a lot of it - so his continuing the verbage under the current circumstances seems incongruous. Jackson has the the ability and power to write about, act upon, and promote his heart felt social and political conscience. That sense of consciousness should also be manifested on one's own personal day to day life. For me, I was disappointedŹthat Jackson would continue the Reagan verbage during a sensitive time. I feel that on a basic human level it's a self contradiction. Like when the rumors were flying that Jackson beat up his girl friend.
That just didn't fit - it was a contradiction. My hope is that Jackson will come toŹsee it as just that and demonstrate his true spirit of grace and love.
The show was supposed to start at 7:30 but Jackson didn't walk on stage until 7:50. He was met by a tidal wave of applause and he seemed pleased by it. The Robinson Center will hold about 2200 people and I would guess it was nearly sold out. The only lights in the place were on Jackson. I had a pen and a small pad and I scribbled notes in the dark. I will attempt to decoded them as I write this account. He was wearing gray slacks and a black shirt with 3/4 sleeves. The light on him was so intense I could see two individual hairs sticking up from the place where he parts his hair. I was in attendance with list members Eric, Sarah Leslie. Our view from the front row was unobstructed, but there is an orchestra pit between the front row and the stage. I think I might have been closer when I saw him at Riverfest Amphitheater.
He plugged in a guitar and started in to "I'm Alive." The sound was clear and well mixed but it was a little to loud in the front row. It would have been much more intimate if he had turned the volume down a little, but still he looked and sounded great. A few people took flash photos as he sang. If it bothered him he didn't let it show. At 5:56 he started "Shape of a Heart" using the same guitar. This was different from the Riverfest show in '96 where he changed guitars for every song. He had half a dozen guitars on stage but he used that first one for most of his songs. Next he played "Colors of the Sun" with the same guitar (I think). He may have missed a chord or two on that one. He improvised so much during the evening you couldn't tell what was a mistake and what was a new lick. At times he seemed to be struggling with the fretboard like his hands wouldn't do what he wanted them to.
At 8:02 he sat down to the keyboard to play "Rosie." At some point he said, "did I mention this song is not about me." The crowd cracked up. At 8:06, still at the keyboard, he played "Looking Into You." I glance over at the girls and they seemed completely absorbed by the experience. He seemed to be considering his next song when someone called out Linda Paloma. He said "you want to hear 'Linda Paloma?'" and he slipped on a guitar and started right in. At 8:18 he went back to the keyboard to play "For a Dancer." At 8:22 he changed guitars and started to play "Barricades of Heaven." The crowd was eager to participate and started to clap along. Jackson stopped playing and said "whoa, whoa, whoa, this is a quiet song and you're going to overwhelm it----besides you were rushing it." The crowd cracked up again.
He was using an "in-ear monitor" and he also had an audience mike pointed at the crowd so I think he could hear every comment right in his ear. He could certainly hear everything shouted at him from the front row. Eric has a clear and booming voice and would shout out requests for lesser known songs. Each time Jackson would immediately respond with a comment. Eric and the two girls hatched a plan to yell out "Anything Can Happen" in unison. It was so well done that most of the audience heard them and laughed. Jackson responded by saying "now you're just trying to get on my good side." At 8:29 there were such varied requests that he described the crowd as a "full spectrum audience."
Someone called for "Ready or Not" and he gave a rather lengthy explanation why he doesn't play the second half anymore but then he played an abridged version at the keyboard. At 8:34 he picked up a guitar with that capo thing on the neck and put a steel slide on the little finger of his left hand. To me it looked like a 9/16th Craftsman deep well socket. Anyway he attempted some slide work on "Your Bright Baby Blues" and the crowd approved of the effort. At 8:42 Eric called out for "Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate" and he launched right into it. Because of the album, "The Pretender" always follows this song in my mind and so I called out for it when he was down. He said "I'll play that later," so I guess you could say I had a conversation with him.
He discussed the importance of song order and at 8:46 played "Lives in the Balance" on guitar. At 8:50 he played "Cocaine" and from the laughter in the crowd I think it was the first time many had heard the rehab lyrics. At 8:55 someone in the back (later I learned it was our own Ed Buckner) called out for "Freebird." The crowded howled. Jackson talked about the song for a while and kidded that he would learn it during intermission. Everyone laughed.
At 8:57 he played "World in Motion" on guitar and at 9:02 he left the stage for intermission. Patty Griffin's fist album played all during the break. I was sitting on the orchestra railing looking back over the crowd and a few minutes later a man came up to me and said he remembered me from the 1996 concert. I had promised to send him some pictures of that first concert, but none of them had turn out. I tried to give him my email ( dsocher@aristotle.net) but the lights were going down and we got separated.
Jackson walked back on stage at 9:35, picked up a guitar and played "For Everyman." He did a great job but it only served to evoke the memory of the Riverfest tour when his band blew everybody away with their God Almighty stupendous ending to this song. At 9:40 he sat down to the keyboard to play "Late for the Sky." He left this one out of his setlist last time he was in town and I was really looking forward to seeing him perform it. At 9:45 he told how the next song was written about a girl who worked in a vegetable garden. He said the elements of the song were a metaphor for vegetables. Then he said he realized the song was really about the girl he dated before the vegetable girl. The song was "Jamaica say you Will." This song was hilarious because he forgot the lyrics and the crowd had to help him out.
At 9:50 he talked about his son going to Amsterdam and how that was the new Morocco. This segued into "Something Fine." At 9:57 he was back at the keyboard for "Fountain of Sorrow." At 10:04 he said," this next song was co-written with David Lindley." This prompted Eric to ask about the polyester store in Cincinnati. Jackson stopped and told all about the shopping spree at a place called "House of Adam." Then he played "Call it a Loan." At 10:12 he played the medley of "Doctor my Eyes" and his new song "Imagination."
At 10:16 he played "These Days." At 10:20 he talked about writing the next song for a Sylvester Stallone movie. He wouldn't name the movie, but said it was similar to "High Noon." Then he played "The Next Voice you Hear." At 10:25 he played "Sky Blue and Black" at the keyboard and ended the show with "The Pretender." He did a three song encore: "Take it Easy/Our Lady of the Well" and to everyone's surprise the song he promised to learn during intermission: "Freebird." The applause was thunderous. He left the stage with a huge smile on his face. I think he was as happy as we were.
We tried to meet him after the show, but that never worked out. I was tired the next day at work, but I looked spiffy in my new Jackson Browne t-shirt.
Jackson took the stage at approximately 8:10 p.m. The theater was fabulous & the acoustics were outstanding.
The show was a sellout. *We got the last 2 tickets*. This tour is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you can, go. If you can't, go anyway.
The show was approximately 2 1/2 hours long with about a 25 minute intermission. Jackson was a gracious performer & who took the somewhat rowdy crowd in stride. It would seem best to not sell alcoholic beverages in an acoustic show. The nearby proliferation of gambling boats probably didn't help the sobriety factor.
The selection of songs performed seemed to a flexible agenda as he would change on occasion to play a song screamed out by the fans (Tender Is The Night was one example). His voice was exceptionally clear & strong. His range was phenomenal.
We heard a new song we had never heard before, written for a movie soundtrack, but apparently, not selected to be used. A rendition of DR MY EYES seemed to be new as well. We drove 3 hours from Dallas & it was well worth it.
Texas could benefit from a Jackson stop as there are many fans here!
HERE COME THOSE "CHEERS" AGAIN
Jackson WOWED the audience in Shreveport last night with a warm and intimate show, singing with stunning clarity-(his voice is better than it's ever been) Not to mention his adept self-accompaniment on guitar and piano. His stories and humorous chatter with the audience were an added treat as he took requests from the crowd and told the origins of some of the songs. And what better setting than the refurbished Strand Theatre ...(to which Jackson referred to in his first comments to the audience: "this is a beautiful theatre".) All of this culminated in a night of pure Jackson Browne musical bliss. From his opening song, "Im Alive", to his encore, "Take it Easy", each song was followed by "rattle the rafters" cheers. Of special note were "Fountain of Sorrow", "Too many Angels", and "Sky,Blue & Black" and a song he did during "Doctor My Eyes"; ("Imagination") I hope we hear this song in it's entirety on the forthcoming album! Also of note was the "rehab" version of "Cocaine" to which my girlfriend & I and the couple who went with us could RELATE! (We are all in recovery!) Thank God for this man & his music, his humility, and his causes. I don't know of another artist who embodies the spirit of caring or can touch the soul the way Jackson does. We could not be more grateful to him for the performance he gave last night. During the song "Sky, Blue & Black", I heard sobbing, and looked over at my girlfriend,...and the tears were flowing....I put my arm around her, quietly smiled, and thought to myself,not at all surprised: Because his music is that powerful.
Always,
Just a quick note about the Memphis show. I didn't get the set list because I couldn't take my eyes off Jackson long enough to write anything down.
He looked really tired and mentioned that he slept instead of walking around the city like he usually does. I didn't feel the audience was very attentive. Jackson was his sweet self and gave it his all. Very few sound problems, he asked for a few adjustments the first half and I felt the sound was better the second half.
It appears that JB cut out immediately after the show. Security cleared the hall and the bus was gone off the streets before we got out there. All in all I loved the show, the man still has IT, and I am going to see more of IT in Springfield. Oh, did I mention I was front row center?
Thanks again .
Just a note on the Memphis show. I have seen Jackson 6 times throughout the years, but never solo acoustic and to be honest I had apprehensions about the show. After seeing the acoustic show I don't think any of the other shows can compare! Jackson's' voice was impeccable and he played for 2 1/2 hours. I don't think he has a set list , but he does do many of the same songs from previous shows. He shared many memories and stories with us. Over the years I've seen the Who with Keith Moon, The Eagles before "Hell froze over", Bruce, Supertramp, Elton, Bonnie, J.T., but this show would have to be one of my all time favorites. Thanks for the webpage and here is the set from Memphis.
That's about it, couldn't ask for more!!!
I took last Friday off work and we drove to Shreveport (from Dallas) to see Jackson at The Strand Theater - which is a beautiful old restored "historic" theater. It was great and I'm really glad I got to see him in such an intimate (1636 seats!) setting. He sounded great and played great - lots on the piano!!
I am busy playing "catch up" today since I was off Friday and will try to post a review in the next day or so; I was disappointed that he was on the bus before we could get out of the theater, since I've never had the opportunity to meet him - it's my birthday and I'm from Culver City so wanted to ask him to sign the "Looking East" CD book at the Culver Moon page...but it was a great show and definitely worth driving 4 hours in the rain!!
more later...
Shreveport was primed and ready for a Jackson Browne concert. An hour before the show, it was obvious that we were in for a memorable evening. The Strand Theatre, a quaint victorian styled theatre in downtown Shreveport constructed in the 1930's, was packed with fans. It was the perfect setting for an accoustical Jackson Browne concert!
The crowd was so excited that when one of the members of the road crew walked on stage to check something, he was welcomed with a nice round of applause. Soon the lights went down and the ovation was deafening.
As Jackson paused between songs, he was pelted with requests from the audience. I noticed that several times he would pick up a guitar, hear a request, turn around and get another guitar and play the requested song.
He commented on the Louisiana accents coming from the fans hoping that he was understanding correctly. Several times, he laughed at the comments. Once, a fan yelled "Rock and Roll!" Jackson sort of looked towards him, then turned and looked at his rack of accoustic guitars. Enough said!
I thought the songs Late for the Sky, The Pretender, and Too Many Angels highlighted the evening.
He ended the evening with Take it Easy. The audience continued to call for another song even when the house lights came up! Unfortunately, the show was over.
Perhaps the loudest applause came when he was playing the intro to The Pretender and said; "Hey Shreveport. Thanks for coming out to hear me sing tonight."
My wife and I waited by his tour bus, with about 20 other fans, in hopes of catching a glimpse of him after the show. The bus driver told us that he was already on the bus and would not be making an appearance. Naturally, we ignored him and kept waiting. However, he was right and the bus eventually began its trek to Memphis.
I've seen Jackson with a band, and now, withouta band. I loved both concerts, but I prefer the accoustical show even if I don't get to hear Running on Empty!
A road manager, or someone like that, came out of the bus and told us that the audience was great and that Jackson would be coming back to Shreveport. I hope it's soon!
Hey Russ! A posting for the website. First concert I attended? JB, I was 15, it was a little club in Huntington Beach a long, long time ago. Last time I saw him? Last September, a benefit concert for the Environmental Law Center in Taos, NM with John Trudell. The first time I saw him, he gave me something magnificent. I saw myself in the mirror of his music. Sounded familiar and he soothed my beast. No small feat at 15 as my soul was savage and looking for wild. Last time I saw him...again...something magnificent my way comes. "We" had lost the fight to keep the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Project) site closed. Westinghouse (We Bring Good Things to Life) had sucessfully purchased the planet and buried nuclear waste in her belly in the salt caverns in Carlsbad, NM. After many years I found my soul once again savage and looking for wild (for all the wrong reasons this time), and much like the first time and all the times I've seen him in between, he soothed my soul in a manner etherial by nature. I write this letter not just to praise the music (as it speaks to the heart of every man for itself), instead I write to thank Jackson for his politics and willingness to be seen. I've spent my life "runnin round" from Kathmandu to Cayucos and the last 20 years walking the medicine path and finding my own protest song, all the while listening to the music and knowing from the manner in which the man displays his politics and his soul that I have never been alone in my consciousness, not even once. Suffice it to say that Jackson Browne is willing and strong and has always stood to be counted. There is no better pairing between music and message in the world or for the world today. Thanks Jackson. And if that weren't enough, Jackson also brought me my own personal moment where the veils between the world of parent and child were torn away. I took my very own 15 year old daughter for her first concert and a girls night out that September in Taos. I now have proof in her big blue eyes that the music and the message is timeless and transmits. We have girls nights out planned in Springfield and Saratoga while we're walking our paths this summer. As always, spiritual experience to follow JB concert. I've never read or written a fan letter before this one, but think I'll keep you posted.
As usual, Jackson Browne was incredible last night! It was such a beautiful setting for this great concert. Jackson performed as part of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. They stopped at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO before heading down to Telluride. It was awesome! Bela Fleck and the Flecktones played many great sets of their bluegrass music, then Bruce Hornsby played for about 45 minutes followed by some more great bluegrass music and then Jackson took the stage. He looked and sounded fantastic!!! I couldn't believe how clear and brilliant his voice was. During his set Jackson invited Bruce Hornsby on stage to play piano on "The Next Voice You Hear" and then Bela Fleck and the Flecktones added some fine pickin; to "Take It Easy". All in all it was a pleasure to see Jackson in such a beautiful setting, playing all of his great songs. Thanks Jackson!
What a show. What a city. Jackson described Memphis as one of the great music cities and great it was. HereÕs a setlist (in random order, though, as I was not keeping track):
Set List
Although it was the first time my husband and I had travelled to Memphis, it was not the first time we had seen Jackson perform solo acoustic. Despite great reviews, we did not expect that he could outdo his performance at the Purchase, N.Y. show in Õ96, which was very memorable. But without a doubt, the Memphis show was better.
It really seems that this tour has allowed him to attain a new level of creativity, both musically and vocally. I loved hearing Call it a Loan solo acoustic. I last heard him do this (acoustic) in Ottawa, Canada in Õ97 and at that time, I must admit, I missed hearing David LindleyÕs guitar. But not so tonight. I thought his guitar playing complemented his vocals perfectly. The song just seemed so complete.
I heard a few people comment on his guitar playing. It was, indeed, impressive. You could pick up on the Bonnie Raitt/David Lindley influences at various times, but itÕs obvious he has a style all his own.
I also loved what he did on Looking Into You. Although this song was never one of my favorites, the version tonight was absolutely stunning. It just seemed that, vocally, he took these songs to new places. Too bad the shows are not being recorded.
He was, as usual, open to requests, pausing every now and then to allow someone to make a point or call for one of their favorites --- connecting with the audience in a way that only he can. Twice he raised his arm to shield his eyes from the stage lights so that he could look out into the crowd and "see you".
His transitions from guitar to piano appeared seamless and the setlist perfection....well almost. There was one unfortunate omission (for me, anyway). It was a song that IÕd really hoped to hear, a song that IÕd never heard him do live, actually, my favorite Jackson Browne song--- I Thought I Was a Child. He had been performing it frequently, IÕd heard (at almost every show, it seemed) so every time he sat down at the keyboard I thought he was about to play it. But when I heard him say that he needed to make a few changes tonight "it wonÕt make any difference to you, but it will make a difference to me", I knew I was in trouble. As the minutes ticked away, it became readily apparent to me that I might not get to hear it after all. Towards the end of the show, when we heard the fateful "I donÕt know how long IÕve been up here" there seemed to be a frenzied rush of requests. I tried to call for it then but it somehow got lost amidst a sea of other requested songs (everything from Freebird to The Birds of St. Marks to Shadow Dream Song).
He closed the show with the Pretender, left the stage and then came back for an encore of Take It Easy/Our Lady of the Well. Really beautiful. He left a second time and then house lights came up. People seemed to express mild shock (Whaaat? No second encore?) but then filed quietly out of the theater. He had, after all, poured his heart and soul into twenty-five songs for almost three hours, providing us with what IÕd have to say was the best show IÕve ever seen him do. As regards I Thought I Was a Child.....well, I guess that the next time he does a solo acoustic tour IÕll just have to implore someone with a very loud voice to request it for me. Either that, or bring a megaphone.
Footnote: We had a great time at the show and a great time in Memphis. I imagine some may think it excessive to travel over 2000 miles (return) for such a short period of time (30 hours) to see a Jackson Browne show. But letÕs be honest here. If he had been touring Alaska, we would not have been inclined to go. (WeÕve already done our share of Ōcold timeÕ.) On the other hand, we were not drawn to Memphis solely by virtue of its warmer climate but also to reap the benefits enjoyed by all who attend a Jackson Browne concert. In my mind, these shows are a highly effective (if alternative) form of ŌtherapyÕ. Granted, this form of ŌtherapyÕ is getting to be a little expensive. I have no idea how much the conventional variety costs....but ....letÕs calculate the expenses incurred by this particular ŌsessionÕ. Hmmm.....airfare, hotel, meals, concert tickets, taxis, Elvis memorabilia, voodoo things.....IÕd estimate a total of $1000.00. On a monthly basis (we really only do this kind of trip once a year) that works out to about $80.00 or $40.00 per person---actually a paltry sum when you consider what you are receiving in return. Besides.... there are some things in life that you just canÕt put a price on.
Submitted by: anonymous
It has always been a dream of mine to see a concert at Red Rocks, and ideally a Jackson concert. Well, that's one dream that absolutely came true Tuesday night. It was a beautiful night with lot's of great music, highlighted by an unforgettable version of Take It Easy/Our Lady of the Well with Bela Fleck's banjo adding the perfect touch. After two years of solo tours and the tour with Bonnie & Bruce, Jackson came with a drummer and bass player which added a nice change of pace. Hornsby joined him for The Next Voice You Hear, which was fine. I was also relieved that Hornsby's set was short & sweet. The guy is incredibly talented on the piano, and I have a lot of respect for his talent, but he tends to lose the crowd in his sometimes lengthy solos. He gave us the perfect dose on Tuesday. But back to Red Rocks....there were several time I just looked up at the sky, felt the cool mountain breeze on my face, glanced down at Jackson singing The Pretender, or These Days, or In the Shape of a Heart and felt blessed to be "Alive". It was also a little bit of a throw back for me as the Colorado crowd, with their assorted enhancers filled the mountain air. I thought I was back in the seventies for a while there. As usual...GREAT SHOW JACKSON. If you go back to Red Rocks....I'll make the trip from Miami AGAIN!
Thanks to Russ for his endless work, and thanks to Karen for her kind e-mail before the show. "Let the Music Keep Our Spirits High"..............
Following is a review of the Jackson Browne performance at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival on 6/15/00.The day really got going with the Lindley/Ingram (The so-called Bevis and Buthead of world music!) in the early afternoon. After watching (and laughing, I might add!) from the side of the stage for quite a while, David was joined by Jackson, Hornsby and Raitt for "Pay Bo Diddley", Lindey's typically silly interpretation of the old classic.
In the evening Jackson was joined by Kevin McCormick on Bass, + a drummer( it was supposed to be a solo acoustic set).Cruised through I'm Alive, Shape of a Heart, Baricades of Heaven as a trio. Joined by Bonnie on acoustic slide they performed World In Motion. Then Lindey and Wally sat in for the rest of the show. Songs I remember included Bright Baby Blues, These Days, Doctor My Eyes, Rock Me On the Water,and a song he siad he wrote with Lindley that I didn't recognize. Jackson split his time at the piano and guitar as did David between Electric steel, violin and guitar. Lindley's work sounded extra sweet, I think as a result of the great sound system plus the small band. On the tour last fall, as great as it was , the large produced sounding band I believe took a little away from Mr. Dave.The highlight was Before the Deluge with Lindley on the fiddle.Hornsby sat in for a long, improvisional Next Voice You Here Might Be Your Own (Is this a recorded song?) with Lindley on the lap steel,and Hornsby just dragging it on Dead stlye on the piano and Jackson not really knowing what to think! Just killer. He closed with the Pretender. I forgot to mention him bringing out Bonnie again for her and Bruce (only) to sing I Can't Make You Love Me, extremley moving.
The first encore was Take It Easy/Our Lady of the Well with Lidley on fiddle, Sam Bush on mandolin, and Bela Fleck on banjo(no, I'm not making this up, I promise!)Next, and last was Red-Neck friend with Lindey swapping leads with Jerry Douglass on the Dobro.
Of all the times I've seen Jackson play, this topped the list by far. They all seemed to totally enjoy the spontanaity of the situation. These types of jams are the norm at Telluride, so to see these folks all envolved was something to remember.......After all of this,we were treated to 1 1/2 hrs. of Michelle Shocked to close a smoking first day of the 2000 Bluegrass festival.....
For Immediate Release
A GATHERING OF THE CLAN Š LINDA RONSTADT, EMMYLOU HARRIS BONNIE RAITT, JACKSON BROWNE, DAVID CROSBY & GRAHAM NASH IN A SPECIAL FRIENDS OF FRED WALECKI BENEFIT CONCERT
Respected producer, Glyn Johns and former Eagle, Bernie Leadon announced today that there will be a "Friends of Fred Walecki" benefit concert on August 8th at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, David Crosby and Graham Nash will perform along with special guests David Lindley, Randy Meisner, Warren Zevon, Chris Hillman and Colin Hay (Men at Work).
Tickets will go on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets on Saturday June 24th at 10 a.m. Special Golden and Silver Circle ticket packages through the Guacamole Fund at 1-800-728-6223.
The Friends of Fred Walecki are donating their time to do this benefit concert to raise money to help Fred and his family. Fred has had serious surgery causing disability, due to throat cancer, has two young children and has incurred many medical expenses, not covered by insurance. Fred Walecki, the proprietor of Westwood Music has been a friend of the Los Angeles musiciansÕ community for over 30 years. Westwood Music has been a gathering place for many musicians who have gone on to have very successful careers, including those who will be appearing at the Santa Monica Civic on August 8th.
According to Bernie Leadon, one of the organizers of the event, "We are trying to create a neighborhood feel. Fred has spent his life serving the Westside, so the Santa Monica Civic seems the perfect place to celebrate this community of musicians, which he had a big part in nurturing." Bernie went on to say, "The house band will include Ry Cooder, Jennifer Condos, Andy Fairweather Low, Ethan Johns, Wix and myself. It should be a great musical evening."
Webmaster's Addition: Sources tell me that there will be two (2) shows, August 8th and 9th.