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Fan Letters & Reviews March 2008 FROM YOUR WEBMASTER: Jackson Browne's "Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2" was released on Tuesday, March 4th to great reviews and an enthusiastic fan response. The sound quality is amazing. It's like having Jackson in your living room singing to you. My full review of the CD is posted here. I've been told that sales the first week have been "phenomenal." Especially at Amazon.com and iTunes. The CD just might hit 19,000 sold in the first week. That's really great in today's market, especially for an independent release. Two issues have come up that I want to address: (1) A few people have written in that they are disappointed that they paid more for the CD on Jackson's website than what they could get it for now on Amazon.com. Here are the facts as I understand them: All of Jackson's CDs are a flat $15 on his webstore -- and on tour. Many retail outlets choose to discount the CDs, for a period of time, but that is so they can make money getting someone in the door to buy something. The artist is the one who ends up losing, not the retailer. The retailer gets the same cut while the artist gets cut out. The artist has to play this game today so they can be positioned in retail. (Remember, Jackson is on his own label now, so he's working in partnership with some record outlets to get the publicity for this CD.) So, if you REALLY want to support the artist, buying direct is better, even if it costs you a few dollars more. Besides, Jackson's website was the only place where you could get the T-shirt with your order. (2) When the CD is first released, both Amazon.com and Best Buy will have an EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACK for a short period of time. They will be downloadable and not part of the package. Amazon.com's bonus track is "Sleep's Dark And Silent Gate" and is available with the MP3 download version of the album only. (It can be downloaded by itself for 99¢.) Best Buy's bonus track is "Walking Slow" and will come in the form of a password inside the package that will take people to a downloadable track on Jackson's website. In addition, the Japanese version of the CD will have "Shadow Dream Song" (recorded live in Japan) as its bonus track. I hope everyone is enjoying the CD. I'm still hearing that a new studio album is expected for this autumn. Jackson's U.S. tour supporting "Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2" starts March 7th. I'm looking forward to reading some reviews. Please be sure to remember to send them to me to post here. I'll also post your review of the CD if you wish to submit one. Best wishes, Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: We want Jackson at the Brit Music Festival in Jacksonville, OR!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Is JB going to add more solo acoustic tour dates for the midwest or upper west cost: OR, WA, etc. What about Kansas City and Dallas? Places I saw him on the last solo acoustic tour. We want Jackson. Devoted Fans, Submitted by: cassie.landdrn@gmail.com (Cassie and Gennie) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I was surprised to read the other fan's experiences of ticket buying for this tour. I experienced a similar "problem" with my purchase. I've been a huge fan for decades and I always am on top of the ticket on sale date until this year. I totally missed the JB website's presale, couldn't afford to support the guacamole fund this year, but was ONLINE for the on sale at 10 a.m. on the designated public sale date. For the Nashville show, I'm up in the balcony. For the Jacksonville show, I'm up in the balcony, but closer to the front of the balcony. I don't think I've ever been further back than 10th row for Jackson and I'm really sad about my luck this year... especially since both shows I'm attending are out of town which means travel time and costs. I don't know why I am writing except to let those folks know that they are not alone... And on the Ticketmaster front, yesterday Tom Petty went on sale and I got locked out online while refreshing the screen waiting on the magical 10 a.m. on sale. The pop up said that the lock out was to avert automated ticket buyers... but what they did was avert somebody who was just trying to get a decent seat... which I didn't get... I ended up buying a random seat in the back via phone... Submitted by: nitatlanta@bellsouth.net GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Dear Mr. Browne, My name is Michael and I live in the San Francisco area. One month ago I was introduced to your music by a family member. I bought the solo acoustic vol. 1 for my father because it was on his list. When we put it on in the family room and the first song began, the whole room went quite and for the next hour, all I could hear was the CD playing. Since that day I have bought five other albums of yours. The lyrics and the music that you play touches me deeper than any other artist. The way that you sing, I can tell that you really feel what you portray and it is so inspiring. I don't know where else to post this so here will have to do but... I found out a couple days ago that you are coming to the San Francisco area and immediately I searched for tickets. To my dismay, I found that every concert is sold out and the cheapest ticket is over $200 per person for the back row. This may sound crazy but is there any way to add a concert or find tickets elsewhere? It would be the chance of a lifetime to have the opportunity to see you live in concert. It would please my dad to no end and it would most certain make my year! If there is any chance of this happening, you can reply to this e-mail. Thank you for being such a role model, Submitted by: tennisstud@comcast.net (Michael C.) CD REVIEW: Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2 Allelluia!! Solo Acoustic Vol.2 is finally here!! What timing too, as I'm preparing for Jackson's visit to Reading, PA next month!! Great set list, great sound, great JB chatter, etc. Jackson's at his self-effacing best when he says, "Do you want to hear a tender song filled with despair or a weary song laced with hope?" Classic! I sent you an email two years ago with what I thought would be on this disk and I was way off. I anticpated Late For The Sky, I'm Alive, Farther On, Before The Deluge, Running On Empty and other tunes that seem to pop up at most solo accoustic shows. Instead, Jackson surprises us with somewhat rare solo performances of Casino Nation (sounding completely different here in the stripped down version), All Good Things (one of my favorites...boy was I psyched he included this one!), Somebody's Baby and The Night Inside Me. I was surprised he chose the guitar over the piano for My Stunning Mystery Companion but the twist is welcomed as it gives the song a whole different sound. I love the fact that we never know where most of the show was taped. We found out that most of Vol. 1 was taped in Ireland. I'm thinking alot of Vol. 2 was taken from overseas as well the way the audience is quiet for the most part at the begining of the songs (instead of hooting and holloring the way us ugly Americans do when we recognize the first note.) I wouldn't be surprised if alot of the audience shout-outs (which their are a ton of on this disk) were taped in the States since we're a little bit more raucous during his shows. Do you, or anyone else know where most of this was taped? It might not be too hard to figure out since he rarely does some of the songs. In the meantime., I'm going to wear this disk out in the next couple of months or so, and hold out until the upcoming studio album. And will there be a DVD of the solo stuff coming out any time soon. We can only hope!! Great job, Jackson! "Go out and make a joyful sound!" Submitted by: tburgoyne@verizon.net (Tom) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: hi everybody i am in houston texas and am going to saenger theater in mobile alabama next week to see the solo acoustic tour. It doesnt get anywhere closer to houston so my lovely wife and i will go to this beautiful venue and enjoy the show from the sixth row!!!! i have seen him many times over the years and my wilfe is a jb freak. i am 50 years old and am looking forward to this like christmas for a five year old. did anybody see the first two shows???? i am dying for a set list!!!! also we are looking for fun things to do in mobile and would welcome any input anybody from there has. but please somebody a set list!!!!!! Submitted by: jimmylee74@hotmail.com TICKETS AVAILABLE: Someone has written in with 4 extra tickets to the L.A.C.E. benefit concert March 31st in Barre, VT. The seats are NOT all together, but they are good seats. Email me for the contact information. Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) CONCERT REVIEW: March 7, 2008 at The Kentucky Center - Browne Theatre in Louisville, KY Concert review: Jackson Browne: Solo Acoustic Tour II Guacamole Fund Benefit, March 7, 2008 Brown Theatre, Louisville, KY Louisville had its share of weather in the form of snow this week, however Brown Theatre was filled with anxious fans in the anticipation of his first Solo AcousticII Concert for 2008. The pre-show began with the usual chit-chat among fans and anticipation from the audience that is prevalent with Jackson's Concerts. Fans finding their t-shirts and millling about. Upon gazing toward the stage, the fantastic view of Browne's 15-count them, guitar set up was a sight that fans were immediately drawn to once seated. Browne's stage entrance drew cheers and shouts of endearment, electicity was in the air last night! He had obviously planned a great line-up of songs for the fans enjoyment, but didn't hesitate to improvise when fans asked for songs. His demeanor was warm and friendly as is always in his concerts. Barricades of Heaven-- Each note so prolifically played by Browne was easily distinguishable by everyone. With the fine acoustics the stage and instruments were his and he took full advantage it. Running on Empty requested by one of the fans was visiblly and enjoyment for him to perform for us. He remarked to us.... "Hey, if you want a song, say it".Smiling and laughing visibly loving the audiences requests. He took his second instrument from its stand and did "Never Stop" . This also brought a great response from the crowd. "Late for the Sky" was requested with audience clapping hands and throughly getting into the experience. Jackson's general mood was one of happiness, a desire to keep the audience of fans very happy. "My Opening Farewell" came next and the audience was very quiet, almost transfixed upon Jackson as he sung and as the aucience made no sound as he sung this most popular song that he and Ms. Bonnie Raitt have done so many times for audiences in the past. There could be no disappointment as he did his song solo and quite touchingly. The Pretender was done beautifuly in his style that is unmistakable. The audience loved every note! One could see while he played that he was totally enjoying touring and looking forward to more of the same! Jackson related to the audience a story of Austrialia and how Bob Dylan's reply to a friend was "if you are looking for songs look in the songbook! humor was evident! He chuckled, and resumed speaking to the audience about his colleague, Paul Dieter and how they discussed together that one of his guitars wouldn't co-operate!! Browne also found a bit of humor in this and shared this with us. He secured his guitar on the rack which was set up with 15 of his guitars, beautifully done! Running on Empty had all the fans in the audience in rapt attention, no matter when a song was initally done his fans are exhuberant when he does one of his songs from his younger days! In the tender, almost soulful, and very expressive style so evidently displayed in Browne's work, he sung "In the Shape of a Heart" to an audience that clearly could have never tired of this song. Browne's Keyboard performance, of Rock Me on the Water added more tempo to some of the more slow slections. Fans were into the song as if it had been recorded last week! Browne's connection with the audience while making remarks and laughing with them made for a wonderul experience for the fans. Everyman- He began tuning his next guitar and went into "For Everyman" and I must say, I have listened to this song repeatedly throughout the years since '74 and Browne did it with the finesse that is so prevalent of his songwriting and vocals as if it were his first time singing the song! In the concluding minutes he spoke of clean energy and some of the concerns he and many have for the enviroment; then going into Casino Nation ending the first concert of this tour with a positive and energetic tone. The concert was indicative of his work and career that speaks of the talent, expertise, and love for his music. I spoke to many people after the concert waiting to attend other of the concerts on the list this year.As a fan I am quite confident that this tour will be a memorable one for everyone. THANK YOU JACKSON BROWNE. Set List: Barricades of Heaven Running on Empty Never Stop Late for the Sky Opening Farewell The Pretender Rosie Casino Nation These Days Intermission:15 minutes For Everyman Rock me on the Water I'm the Cat Your Bright Baby Blues RedNeck Friend Shape of a Heart Our Lady of the Well Lives in the Balance The Birds of St. Marks Take it Easy Farther On The Naked Ride Home Doctor My Eyes Somebody's Baby Something Fine Encore: I am a Patriot Submitted by: diane.wilkerson@yahoo.com (Diane W, Newburgh, Indiana) CONCERT REVIEW: March 8, 2008 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN I attended the JB concert Saturday in Nashville. Had seats in the 7th row. Tickets were being sold outside at cost. Furthermore, there were a few rows up close unoccupied. It snowed heavily the night before which may have prevented some people from attending. Regardless, Jackson was remarkably engaging on stage, and his voice flawless. He took many requests including at least two from my wife who was there celebrating a major birthday. I won't publicly acknowledge which one. Anyhow about three hours before the show Jackson pulled up to the Ryman in chauffeured vehicle. My wife and her three sisters just happened by... He hugged them all and allowed for pictures. He then graciously entered the side door noting he had to dry his hair. He now sports a thick graying beard which my wife described as "soft, sensuous". All and all it was truly a remarkable performance. He played two new songs which were exceptional. When I clamored for Casino Nation, he responded by noting how much he enjoyed the song and how rarely it was requested. He also played Drums of War which begged for audience participation and except for my rants there was none. I was disappointed that the audience was not more appreciative. This guy really is not only unique with his song writing and voice but also his guitar playing is beyond good. Finally, I got to speak to Manny Alvarez who tunes Jackson's 16 guitars. The guy is great and he seems like a really decent person. Amazing musical ear. Should be on stage himself. Also met the tour manager Crook, again seems like a real genuine human being. I just came away thinking this group of people renewed faith in humanity. Great concert and I will bet if you want to see anywhere on tour tickets will be sold before the show at cost. Submitted by: john.haram@va.gov CONCERT REVIEW: March 8, 2008 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Hello there! I am writing for a couple of reasons. First off I would like to say that I saw Jackson last Saturday, March 8th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. It was truly one of the best experiences of my "concert-going" life! I have waited for years to get the chance to see him in person. Over the years I was not able to see him, typically because of a lack of money that prevented me from traveling to where he was playing at. Nashville is only 3 1/2 hours from my home in Southern Illinois so YES....I GOT TO GO!!!! He DID NOT DISAPOINT!!!! It was fantastic. He performed as if there were just a few friends hanging out while he jammed. He made the concert feel like a personal visit with him. I cannot even begin to put into words how awesome the evening was. I was also able to speak with a few people sitting around me that were huge fans like myself. There was one couple from Canada that sat behind me that I would like to say hello to and hope that they will somehow see this email posted on the site! I believe her name is Arelle, Arielle, I am not certain how to spell it. If you are her, please email me. For that matter if there is any other fans that would like to correspond please feel free to contact me at: maroa71@hotmail.com Secondly I would like to know if there is any way to mail fan mail to Mr. Browne directly. I read on a website that there is a mailing address for him somewhere in California but the website is a couple of years old so I am not certain how current the address is. Any further information about this would be greatly appreciated! Again...I loved the concert. Anyone who hasn't seen him LIVE should do so! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!! PEACE TO ALL! Submitted by: maroa71@hotmail.com (Kim) Webmaster's Reply: CONCERT REVIEWS: Here are a couple more concert reviews. March 7, 2008 at The Kentucky Center - Browne Theatre in Louisville, KY: www.courier-journal.com March 10, 2008 at Von Braun Center Concert Hall in Huntsville, AL: blog.al.com Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) CD REVIEW: Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2 Hi, just got JB's new cd, great sound & songs. The pix of him is beautiful. The love the cows, wonder what they are thinking?? We are moving to Jalama Road by Lompoc,CA on a ranch, & we have already met some of the black angus cows on the land, as long as they are on the other side of fence. My take on the pix of cows is jackson was driving & came upon to the cows on the road & they wouldn't move so he got out to sing to them, you know those Californian cows, the commercials on TV. Hey free concert, lucky cows. I count 25 cows, how about you? Look at them they are all looking at him. The back of cd is cool, he can just go out on his land & climb a tree. What a dream life he is living. There just is no one elses music that fills me totally. Take it easy, Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Ann in Santa Barbara, CA) CONCERT REVIEW: March 14, 2008 at Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN This was about the ninth time I've seen Jackson Browne in concert and I must say he was in rare, fine form here in Knoxville, Tennessee. I think this was probably the most enjoyable of all the shows I've seen-which range from four in the Philadelphia, PA area where I grew up to Long Island to San Diego to Florida to here in East Tennessee. It had to be one of his best solo acoustic shows, too; his voice and playing were just about perfect. As many fans have noted, he somehow just seems to get better with age. There were also some special touches that I thought made the show really unique. I think this may have been the first time Jackson ever played Knoxville (although I could be wrong-maybe a reader can confirm this). I did a little Internet searching and didn't find any record of concerts here. Being fairly new to Knoxville myself, I was a little worried that the audience might not be so warm to Jackson's views, as this part of Tennessee is decidedly right-wing conservative, with guns and church dominating conversation around here-Bush country to the hilt. But these concerns were soon to be dispelled. A word about the venue: The Tennessee Theater is a gorgeous, 80-year old building with high, ornate ceilings featuring mosaic inlays; it reminds of a stately old opera house. The seating is intimate though, and the acoustics are excellent-no seat is a bad one. Jackson was not late for the sky. He came out at about 8:05, still sporting the thickening gray beard and looking kind of rugged and laid back, maybe in honor of Tennessee. He opened with "I'm Alive" and among the next few songs (sorry, like Jackson, I don't write them down) were "The Barricades of Heaven" and "These Days." After the opener, Jackson went on to talk about how he'd had a rare two days off and used it to catch up on much-needed sleep and also drive around and see Knoxville. He said he stopped into a local music store and was really impressed by the playing of a young kid who worked there, named Will Carter. Then he surprised everyone by inviting this kid, who looked about 20 years old, to come onstage and play along on "Barricades." The kid came out in a suit jacket and bare feet (!!) and proceeded to do some stunning guitar soloing, in perfect sync with Jackson. He said the kid looked very much like his son Ryan, noting ironically that Ryan also likes to walk around in bare feet. He later brought Will Carter back again for the two encores. It seemed that Jackson really liked Knoxville. He also talked about how lucky we were to have a school which he'd just learned of that offers free music lessons, and how he is an avid supporter of similar organizations for youth in the L.A. area. Among the other highlights were "The Pretender," "Doctor, My Eyes" (particularly rousing with the power chords on electric piano), "Your Bright Baby Blues" ("This is Tennessee-don't send the slide police out after me, OK?") "Rosie" ("Why is it always the men who request Rosie?") (I think I've heard him say this every time he plays it), "Before the Deluge," and "For a Dancer." He poignantly dedicated "Late for the Sky" to Dan Fogelberg. He mentioned that although Dan had sung on "Before the Deluge" and others from the third album, Jackson had never sung on any of Fogelberg's songs. He talked about how blown away he was by Dan's voice; he added that right after the Late for the Sky LP came out was when he gave up on the idea of his own live song performances sounding just like the record, since no one in his band sounded like Dan Fogelberg. He also played "Somebody's Baby;" all right, not vintage, introspective Jackson Browne, but a fun song nonetheless that reminds me of my own misspent youth; his voice STILL hitting those crazy falsettos. He played a new song from his upcoming album, which sounded as though written in a similar carefree vein, adding that he'd written a couple of the verses right here in Knoxville. The song actually has a line that says something like "Come on baby, let's go to Tennessee." (Of course that might have been just in fun-we'll soon find out.) Then the predominantly age-55ish crowd of accountant and lawyer types, surprisingly, really got into "Lives in the Balance" and "Drums of War," thumbs-uping and hooraying the anti-Bush lines. People were shouting out requests throughout the night, among which was "Rocky Top," the University of Tennessee/Knoxville's fight song, a really corny country tune both loved and hated by this college football-crazed city. A woman yelled out "Play Rocky Top, Jackson," and another guy near me answered, "Please don't!" So fittingly, Jackson's last two songs of the night, along with young Will Carter, were "Take it Easy" and "Rocky Top," the whole crowd singing along. A perfect way to end a truly memorable show. Submitted by: curt.klinghoffer@lmunet.edu (Curt) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Looking for Tickets Desperately wanted: 2 tix for jacksonville show March 22-sat. You can see I'm a true fan-look at my screenname. Jacksonita Submitted by: jacksonita@aol.com GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Looking for Tickets Russ-I got tix so you dont need to print the letter. But you could print how I got them. I called the ticket office and it was sold out but they gave me the number of someone who had tix for sale-cool huh? what a great idea to do (if the ticket office would do it of course) The website was very folksy so I suspected they might be helpful. Submitted by: jacksonita@aol.com (jacksonita) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Dear fans, all my thanks for posting the reviews about JB show making me feel like I was there too. special thanks to Diane for posting her review with the set list it's always great to read about Jackson, the emotions you have before and after the show it's kind of solace i found reading you.. with your writings, you release in someway the grief I feel. I had been a fan since 27 years and I'd never seen and met him. Submitted by: silverlake_ma@yahoo.fr (Karima) CONCERT REVIEW: March 8, 2008 at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN I've been a fan for many years. Just saw acoustic solo 2 show at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville the other day. Jackson sounded like he was battling a cold but I along with several thousand others in the packed house still loved the songs old and new. Whether or not one agrees with his politics or not you have to enjoy the energy. Absorbing as much of his lyrics as I have and then hearing him interviewed too many times to remember I know going in that he is an activist and he seems to be a caring gentleman in his demeanor. In one of his classic spoken exchanges with yelling fans he launched into a story about "Take it Easy", and how many times others have recorded that song and how different companies have approached him and asked permission to use that song in commercials. One such story, told with aplomb and winsomeness, was about some company in China getting permission to record the song in Chinese for an advertisement. He spoke at some length about the effect of hearing his song in Chinese for the first time, much to the delight of the fans. All that was fun and good. Then he said Pennzoil wanted to record the song. He tagged that with the one word criticism, "polluters". Wild applause. Then he performed a new song which asked the question repeatedly, "Who Lied". The song spoke of how we Americans torture people and turn away from the needs of 3rd world countries, and a general diatribe at how we suck as a country. What struck me was the contrast between those "fun loving, Take it Easy singing Chinese" and those "torturing, polluting, Pennzoil producing Americans". I'm no political scientist and in no way an activist on these matters, but it seems to me Jackson and many others (though I love their music and their spirits) should give our country a little more respect and credit for the good we do here and all over the world. They should take the Chinese government to task and expose them for having the single worst record on abusing the environment and their own people. Torture? How about the radical Islamists brand of torture - cutting off people's heads and sending mentally retarded women strapped with bombs to blow up civilians. By the way, America is (BY A MILE) the largest benefactor when disasters strike around the globe. I realize "in our nations interests" gets all kind of stretched by crooked politicians and greedy corporations, but there was 'Ol lying George, cutting a check to African nations for Billions of American dollars for research, education, and medicines to ease the AIDS crisis there. No other country has or will ever do that. And our evil military is ALL VOLUNTEER. Nobody duped them into enlisting to throw them ill-equipped into wars for profit's sake. There are grieving (and mostly proud) mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters and wives and husbands who have to live with the reason and the rationale of how and why their loved ones sacrificed their very lives and/or their limbs doing what they promised to do when they enlisted or got commissioned. I agree with Jackson that "there are lives in the balance" and that we need to throw the crooks out of Washington. How about term limits and a total ban on lobbyists for a start. Whew! I had no intention of going on a rant but I guess that's what passion in and for art does. Jackson Browne is a man who has earned the right to talk about activism. That plus we live in this wonderful free country where he and all of us are free to express our thoughts. I just wish he'd give America a little credit once in a while. Submitted by: fmooney@fpc-gt.com CONCERT REVIEW: March 15, 2008 at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre in Montgomery, AL Dear Mr Paris, I saw Jackson's show on tuesday 3/11/08 and it was a day to remember. I made a last minute decision to go to his show and drove to Chattanooga from a suburb in Atlanta, Ga. I arrived at the Trivoli theatre approximately at 5:00 p.m. and immediately went to the ticket booth to check on tickets. Much to my suprise some tickets were released last minute and I obtained FRONT ROW CENTER tickets for myself and my wife. We went to the show at 7:30 and the theatre was beautiful. Jackson vocal's sounded great and the accoustic and piano music was unbelievable. After intermission he came back for the second part of his set and fan's were requesting some less known songs and Jackson seem to enjoy the changes including Warren Zevon's "Lawyers, Guns and Money" where when he sang the line "the shit has hit the fan" and immediately one of his strings broke. Later he was asked to play "I'll do Anything" off the I'm Alive CD and was struggling with remembering the lyric's. That is a great Album to me and I remembered the lyrics and helped him by singing a phrase or so. He immediately thanked me and told me I have a good voice and I thought I was going to freak out. After the show I went around back of the theatre and waited a while and eventually got his autograph before he loaded on his tour bus! He is a cool guy and a class act! Thanks for your web site and your support of my favorite artist! peace Submitted by: dwp1059@yahoo.com (Daryl P., Lawreceville, GA) CONCERT REVIEW: March 15, 2008 at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre in Montgomery, AL Jackson Browne Review Concert Performing Arts Center, Montgomery performing Arts Center Montgomery Alabama. 2-15-08 1st set .... 1 He began with a beautifully done arrangement of Barricades of Heaven the guests as if they were his friends and laughed as people called out songs for him to do, in his usual charming way he asked for them to hold on, ok..... He never is too busy with the set his plan may have included before the show began, and is charming and youthful in his happiness in playing the songs set or not!! ~~~~~~~ Barricades of Heaven, a beautiful song that is so loved by fans he sang very very nicely, The beloved late, Warren Zevon did this song and so many artists, in the past speak of the songwriting appeal; that others have for Jackson's songs~~~~~~`~. 3 Redneck Friend was requested by an audience member....great work as always on Jackson's part~~~His songs never become tiresome or repetitive. He remarked that he did this song at 16 and began a happy rousing and beautiful version of his own," These Days" Accompaniment on the keyboards and really was very energetic in his playing of this song. The crowd was so very receptive. He did an instrumental lead in to the song" I'm Alive" that bought down the house!! This song is usually brought with a true reception by the crowd. No difference here! He then remarked that it would have been great to play with Mr. Ronny Milsap and have fun; however they had gotten in at 4 a.m. the night before. Next Somebody's Baby No comment, except that its beautiful and may I add that his voice was of great clarity and a clearness tonight that exacerbated the beauty of the song. "Late for the Sky" a true Browne classic he sung with the quiet and soft fervor that he displayed in his music during the the 70's. Amazing. He remarked to the crowd that this will appear on his next album for release this fall. Next Mr. Browne did a song he wrote just recently and gave no title. We can look for this one!! (on his next recording which is forthcoming within about one year, he remarked) Under the Falling Sky Mr Browne did with the energy that I so very characteristic of his song writing. If one has listened to this song on CD, well it was even more meaningful, if possible. He has perfected so eloquently this song, and sung all of his own songs which is rare in some sets that artists do. The word is magnificent. Ready or Not was done with a joke to lead into the song, and went over well with the crowd even though this song is one of his older songs. He remarked about the subject of what the circumstances were that gave the idea for the song, the audience loved this. "Take it Easy" a song which he collaborated with the" Eagles" on years ago, he did beautifully and so energetically that the audience stood and applauded before he could complete the singing of the song! My observation as a listener for years, is that he does this song so well solo, that he resonates beautifully all alone and puts the crowds in awe, as he does with all his songs. He gave this his characteristic stamp that identifies him as a superior artist that has endured with the passing of time and the addition of listeners and devoted fans. That's a characteristic seen by this writer in his work consistently. For Everyman, a classic Browne song was well received and drew much applause from his audience. He interjected thoughts of his own and impressions of memories of past friends who love this song before getting this underway and making the song sound like one just now written, produced edited mastered in a his own studio. He picked just the correct guitar to set the tone. As a fan for the years from "75 to present I am constantly amazed at the finesse and class this artist displays in his work and with the audiences he plays for. He is at home no matter where he seems to travel and loves the people who love him and his music. Intermission "I am a patriot" Personally one of my very favorite song's: was done with a passion for the lyrics andso much true meaning unsurpassed by his own past performances on CD. This song was the high point of the concert for this writer and fan of 33 years. "In The Shape of a Heart", as always, a song so beautiful of love lost and regret for past mistakes that could have been made by anyone, but were objectively sung with a love for the music that many artists don't have gained applause and a quiet reception from the fans. The very tone of relaxation and happiness to be playing for this audience and the great venue made for such a great experience. *His audience showed how much they loved him and his great tone and relaxed mood with resounding applause and many requests for songs throughout the evening. "Doctor My Eyes" done with keyboard accompaniment by Browne was a classic received by the audience, who cheered, screamed, and applauded, Browne showed his appreciation by thanking the crowd in his characteristic fashion of class and appreciation after which more applause followed! So Memorable for everyone!! (Next a new song which was untitled to the guests but much enjoyed by everyone, a song of Life in general and how you'll be real someday.....fades off....) A classic "Sky Blue and Black" he did with the keyboard while singing his heart out and giving so much meaning and energy to this as well.. My Stunning Mystery Companion was well received and is another very popular song that so many ask for during his concerts. A beautiful love song. "Rosie" he did next and he remarked " I can forget Rosie! Jokingly of course. The song was done with key board accompaniment by Jackson.. "Farther on" Here he told us a story of 12 to 13 people who all lived together doing music, having raucous and hilarious experiences, and how that he moved back to the place where this had occurred around the time that his son was born. Keyboard accompaniment was done by Browne with the expertise musically that is so evident in all songs he has done. "Looking into You" was done so beautifully, displaying emotion in his representation of the story telling of love, as he does so many times in his songwriting. Music is not work at all, for him as it seemed to this write. He was not showing any angst to finish or hurry the least at all through any of the songs in this show. I have witnessed that in some concerts of others in the past. He again gave it all he has and sung " Rock me On the Water" for the last song of the evening, everyone was applauding and showing their love and appreciation for this great artist and his energy and execution of the songs that they all had learned and loved in the time they'd listened to him, whether new fans or older.. Encore: " Your Bright Baby Blue's was very touching and the audience was happy that an encore was done after much applause was so very well deserved by this so popular an beloved artist. It was great to see the audience participation throughout and the audience was so very appreciative, this was quite refreshing to me as a writer and a fan of so many years. I have to say this artist keeps surpassing himself as a performer and songwriter. Submitted by: diane.wilkerson@yahoo.com (Diane W, Newburgh, Indiana) TICKET AVAILABLE: Someone has written in with 1 extra ticket to the April 1st concert at the Calvin Theatre & Performing Arts Center in North Hampton, MA. Email me for the contact information. Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) CONCERT REVIEW: March 20, 2008 at King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL As all the reviews are saying, the man still has it. He's golden. He's Sky Blue and Black. He's Jackson Browne. I saw him in Melbourne tonight. He owned the house. Owned. His voice was deep and soulful. And the charm - overflow on the charm --oh my word, does he own stock in the word? And he answered the question, once and for all, does he like the fans yelling out - he gave the answer in a story of a fan's questions to him. He said a guy at the Ft. Myers show had asked him, "Can you stand that?" Jackson told us laughing that, "apparently he couldn't stand it, but for me it's different. When people are yelling out songs you wrote, and asking you to sing them, well yeah, I like that." When he first walked out, the way Jackson does, with that sweet sway, so relaxed, I'm tellin' ya', it just makes you smile like an inside joke. The genuine applause began, many people (me) on their feet for the standing ovation. And why not? For heavens sakes, it's Jackson Browne, with shiny hair and a ... a ... what is that on his face? A beard! Still there for all those curious. It took me by surprise. So big and full there on his face. And grey. Actually, it took me about 6 songs before I could really get used to it. The crowd to the left seemed to lead on the Call Outs - sometimes their timing was bad, and once during the beginning of a song, he whispered 'Shhhhhhhh' to one lady who hollered WHOOO, probably when she realized the song. During the intermission I tried to write down the songs we just heard. I'm so terrible at this -- These we could remember, but not the order certainly, were: Barricades of Heaven (he opened with this one) Rosie (He said it was early to be singing songs that are so depressing and went into a long diatribe about how this song was definitely not about him) Looking Into You (just wonderful) Looking East (not one mistake) Sky Blue and Black (melting) These Days (He said he wrote this when he was 16 and then again at 20) I'm Alive BIRDS OF ST MARKS (Special treat) Lives in the Balance (this he sang, after he told a story of meeting someone in Ft. Myers the night before, who had said to him, "No Bush bashing tonight?" He said he really didn't know how to answer this question. "Well, do you want me to?" he said ... laughs, laughs everywhere - then after a long pause of a little head shaking, he said, "There is really no need." Very sophisticated answer, I thought. And then ~ the big remembrance of the evening, someone called out Brown Eyed Girl. And he stopped soberly and said distinctly, "What?" Everyone froze. I think you could have heard a pin drop. No one wanted to take the chance of upsetting the mood - and he said, "Did someone just say Browne Eyed Girl?" And he began to play it! LOL The audience sang along - loved the Shala la la la lala lala la ti da. He did great until he couldn't remember the second verse. He called back stage for help, but someone up front gave him the line, he sung right back into it. I thought at first he was just going to stop the song, but he was going to finish that song even if he had to call Van Morrison - all those little stops and he did a lot of lines like "And when the hummumble, mumble, hum, hum,down in the hollll low" -- it was funny, but you know us, we eat that stuff up!! That's our boy out there being one with us! Playing with us. It was great. He did take some time to introduce LeRoy and Cody Lee to us, two of his guitars with names because a guy asked him if his guitars had names. Maybe he likes them best, as I have been introduced to those guitars before. He took his 15 minute break, and I decided I would keep a set list for the rest of the show. On what, I have no paper. I did find a pen and an envelope that the tickets came in. So I began to write in the dark. I am not so good at this. I am looking at my notes now and thank goodness it's not buried treasure we are looking for. But regardless, I listed the songs I could remember and the order is surely incorrect, but hopefully, there won't be a test. He came back with Everyman. Jamaica Say You Will (he made you love it if you forgot you had) Carmelita (he said he was playing this for his girlfriend) The New Song that he called "Song with No Name unless we call it de de dah dahda da da" he said -- that's exactly right, but he's working on it. The Pretender Doctor My Eyes (He does some crazy foot tapping during this song. It's difficult to keep up with him! I tried.) Linda Paloma (Most beautiful guitar playing!) Bright Baby Blues Cocaine Rehab Version (Said that's the only one he will do now) Two of Me Two of You (excellent) In The Shape of a Heart (at this point he complimented our audience saying we were the right mix of quiet and crazy. But his performance of this song was just perfection. I know he made the comment here because you could feel the respect in the room when he was singing.) Somebody's Baby (yes, someone requested it) Jackson also said he thinks it's funny when someone yells a song and then someone else yells, 'nooooo.' Running on Empty Take It Easy I guess we were to the encore by then. Wah, we are all sad. We applauded for the second encore, but someone turned the house lights up! He took the time before the last two songs to Thank the audience a few times in a special way. "Thanks for coming, thanks for taking the time to be here" he said more than once -- he was just really gracious in the moment and sincere. That's when I thought,"SHOOT, it's almost over!" So, I snapped a couple of photos. They are not so great, but they are my concert photos. I'll share them if I can. The show was top notch. Best. Peachy Keen, Great fun. Worth seeing. Oh, of course, great seats are great, but we had good seats, row 16 center. To me , he was very, very, very far away. After the show was over I wanted to get a photo of all his guitars. I went down to take a couple of shots. I was standing in front of the stage, and my brother in law said, isn't that him? And yes, it was him backstage, I waved at him, he smiled and waved back. Another guy then took Jackson behind a closed door. I never saw him again that evening. Jackson Browne, the man, captures all your senses while he's in your presence. On the stage, he takes you to that place where joy and laughter comes with or without your sunglasses. You are aware of the time going by, but in the end it remains a twinkling of an eye, and you are ready to get up and do it again. Such a sweet pleasure. Loved it. Just absolutely loved it. Jackson Rocks. Tu tranquilo! Submitted by: rockingntheaisle@yahoo.com (Roxie) TICKET AVAILABLE: Someone has written in with 1 extra ticket to the April 3rd concert at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME. Email me for the contact information. Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) CONCERT REVIEW: March 17, 2008 at Saenger Theatre Mobile in Mobile, AL Here is another concert review. March 17, 2008 at Saenger Theatre Mobile in Mobile, AL: www.al.com Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) CONCERT REVIEW: March 22, 2008 at The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, FL I suppose if you are reading this letter on the Jackson Browne fan page, you're most likely a huge fan. I know I am, and have been since I was about 17 years old. I used to wonder, how did this guy know the angst in my heart. How did he know the heartbreak, the love? How did he read my mind, and know my heart? I remember reading that someone somewhere said about Jackson's music..it is the soundtrack of our lives. How true. He's mirrored so many of our own revelations and realizations about life and living..and even dying. His show this past Saturday was superb. I sat there beside my husband and smiled like a kid who got everything she wanted for Christmas...and her birthday! It wasn't my birthday, it was my husband's, but we BOTH enjoyed the show immensely. We've been married for 31 years and have listened to Jackson's music all of our lives together. He IS the soundtrack of our lives together, so this concert was indeed special to both of us. We saw him in Jacksonville in 1976 when he was promoting, "Running on Empty" and as fantastic as that show was...I truly think I loved this one even more. I could list some of the songs he played...but you know what, everything he played was incredible. His repertoire is so vast, so solid, that you literally can't be disappointed by anything you hear. Thanks Jackson for a memorable evening. I think, through all my life, your songs have been a place of solace, of introspection, of understanding that I knew I could always turn to. I am grateful for your music, and truly enjoyed your show, Sincerely, Submitted by: fargopeach@yahoo.com (Rose W.) CONCERT REVIEW: March 24, 2008, 7:30pm at North Charleston Performing Arts Center in Charleston, SC I've been a fan since '72...but haven't heard him in concert in years. Saw that he was bringing the solo acoustic tour to Charleston, so my wife and I traveled to the show. It was all that I had hoped that it would be and more. I've been a concert attendee since '67, and have heard pretty much heard any rock, blues, and jazz artist worth hearing. But to be able to hear JB perform his songs pretty much as he wrote them, stripped down, was absolutely stunning. I'll keep checking your site in hopes that someone might have kept a set list. Best wishes, Submitted by: bill.carter@lgfcu.org (Bill) TICKET AVAILABLE: Would you mind posting this info.? I have a ticket for the Northhampton (Mass.) Jackson show on April 1. The seat is in row O on the left side. (don't have the ticket with me for exact info.) The ticket is at the Calvin theater to be picked up and I'd like to get $10 for it. Submitted by: hkitchel@acsu.k12.vt.us (Helen K. in VT) TICKET AVAILABLE: Hi Russ, I have an extra pair of tickets to Jackson's upcoming performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) next Friday, April 4th. They're located in the Right Loge, Row D, Seats 18 & 20 (together). I'm just looking to recoup what I paid: $118 total including PPAC service charge. I'm happy to offer these tickets to folks on your site. I've been a regular visitor for several years -- thanks so much for keeping us longtime fans in the know! Interested parties can email me at RogerSoko@aol.com or reach me at 301-648-0988. Best regards, Submitted by: rogersoko@aol.com (Roger S.) CONCERT REVIEWS: Here are some great photos from the March 22 show in Jacksonville, FL: Photos by Craig O'Neal/Jacksonville.com: http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=479922 Here is another review of the March 14 concert in Knoxville, TN: From the Knoxville Voice by Don Williams: www.knoxvoice.com Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ Paris, your webmaster) Go To Jackson Browne Fan Letters and Reviews from April 2008 RETURN to Jackson Browne Fan Letters Page RETURN to Jackson Browne Home Page |