Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
March 2001

Hi Russ,

Just got back from the Rainforest Alliance benefit. Here's my take:

The Rainforest Alliance was a star studded event featuring Keith Richards at the end. Jackson went on around 9:45 pm I think wearing all black including maybe a black vest. Keb Mo introduced him as "a young man"! - He traded lines of "World in Motion" with Keb Mo backed by the all-star band. I like Keb Mo a lot- he did this wonderful solo acoustic tribute song to someone who had recently passed a way (something about death as a new beginning). Jackson said it was wonderful to hear Keb sing his song.

I was sitting in the last row of the orchestra in the Beacon Theatre so Jackson didn't sound too clear (or loud enough). I think nothing beats Bonnie Raitt and Jackson on "World in Motion" even though I like Keb Mo - he didn't seem too comfortable with the song. I think even Jackson's voice wasn't too strong - unless it was the sound.

After that, Jackson sang "Your Bright Baby Blues" with the band which was really great. He played acoustic guitar on both songs by the way.

Then he sand this Dixon song called "Crazy Mixed Up World" with Kim Wilson on blues harp. So it was 3 instead of 2 songs we got!

Then Keith went on (introduced by Jackson as one of the best singer/songwriters ever) and everybody stood up and went wild. The audience was pretty mellow for Jackson though I heard someone woman shout "I love you" and he got a nice applause.

For the encore with literally everybody from Southside Johnny to Dr. John, Jackson started off the song Rock 'N' Roll Music and that's all folks!

I prefer Jackson at his solo acoustic shows but it was great to see him sing with Keb Mo and "Your Bright Baby Blues" which was an awesome surprise because I was expecting one of his hits.