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Fan Letters & Reviews March 2009 CONCERT REVIEW: March 2, 2009 at Harbour Theatre, Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia Hi Russ, My Husband Son and myself saw Jackson and his band at the Sydney Entertainment Centre last night. I had been looking forward to the concert for a long time. I was totally blown away. The song selections were great, one from almost all albums just magic. I have not been a great fan of Time The Conqueror but live was so much different, except for Going Down to Cuba, I really was absorbed after the explanations Jackson gave behind the writing of the songs. Don't know what those Queenlanders were talking about Jackson was wide awake in Sydney. As a matter of fact he had no intentions of going home, played for 2 hrs and 40 minutes. The remixing of some of his great songs like Lives in the Balance and Doctor My Eyes just totally uplifting, fabulous backing singers. Hope he releases them on an album. My only critisism is maybe some young gun musicians for the band. Jackson looks great, sounded great, stirred the soul, hope he'll be back soon. We all sang really well!!!! Even contemplated flying to Melbourne to see him again. Thanks Russ Cheers Submitted by: margd8@bigpond.com (Marg D.) CONCERT REVIEW: February 25, 2009 at The Civic, THE EDGE in Auckland, New Zealand Sorry, a little late with this review - Dave L: Ccing to you as you wrote the earlier review February 25, 2009 at The Civic, THE EDGE in Auckland, New Zealand Setlist (not necessarily 100% complete
Fairly accurate review of concert at link below as I experienced it, except that from midway up the circle where I was sitting the sound was stunning throughout and the bass never threatened to overpower the sound as suggested in the review. I could have done with a guitarist with a little more punch - Mark is a very fine player, but I'd enjoy him taking a few risks. Maybe I'm just pining for the irreplaceable David Lindley. Perhaps my main problem with the event was the predictably aging and conservative audience who for the most part didn't seem particularly conversant with anything but the obvious 'hits' and so, apart from the spattering of vocal inebriates, didn't bring that audience 'wow' factor to the event. I recently experienced Ryan Adams (in Wgtn) and every song provoking roars of approval, even more so for those treats from the byways rather than the highways. The earlier reviewer of this concert, Dave L, hit the nail on the head with his observation of the complacent audience, in the first % at least. Perhaps also, Jackson, while doing a splendidly professional job, wasn't pulling out all the stops in this the first show of a lengthy tour. Highlights:
review www.nzherald.co.nz/new-zealand/news/article.cfm?l_id=71&objectid=10558882 Pretty good interview: www.3news.co.nz/Video/Entertainment/tabid/312/articleID/92453/Default.aspx#video Submitted by: jj.mm@paradise.net.nz (jonathan) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Tickets Available Hello Russ We are 4 fans of Jackson Browne coming from France to UK to see the man on stage but unfortunately 2 of my friends cant travel for health reason I have 2 spare tickets for Jackson Browne in Manchester 31 March, 2 row from the front in the stalls very central I have 2 spare tickets for Jackson Browne in Edimburgh 3 April 5, rows from the front very central in the stalls I have 2 spare tickets for Jackson Browne in Birmingham 9 April 4, rows from the front very central again in the stalls And last but not least I have also 2 spare tickets for London Royal Albert Hall 12 April front arena 2 row from the stage very nice tickets If anyone is interested they could send me en email to patriciacoustels@aol.com Of course price is face value plus booking fees Many thanks, best regards Submitted by: patriciacoustels@aol.fr GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Tickets Available Hi, I have three tickets for Jackson's concert at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday 24 March 2009. Third row seats. I will sell at cost price to fans - three tickets for £177 or 198 euros. Will sell individually for £59 or 66 euros. Submitted by: jomalley35@hotmail.com CONCERT REVIEW: March 2, 2009 at Harbour Theatre, Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia This concert was just superb. Jackson Browne nailed it from the moment he walked on stage. The sound was crystal clear, the band as tight as tight can be and the set list a wonderful combination of old and new. This was the best show I've seen Jackson put on since The Pretender tour in early 77. Wherever you are in the world don't miss the chance to see this show. It is something very,very special. Regards, Submitted by: papaya@dodo.com.au (Steve M.) CONCERT REVIEW: February 27, 2009 at Brisbane Riverstage in Brisbane, Australia Hi Russ, I had a great time at Jackson's Brisbane Concert. The set list was Boulevarde, Barricades of Heaven, Time the Conqueror, These Days, Off of Wonderland, Going down to Cuba, Giving that Heaven Away, Doctor My Eyes/About my Imagination medley, Your Bright Baby Blues, Lives in the Balance, Fountain of Sorrow, Running on Empty, The Pretender, 'The Load out/Stay' That is not the exact order but I'm confident I got all the songs. I didn't see Jackson yawn - to me he seemed really into it and the band - well they were just superb. Did anyone pick up the lyrical addition about 9/11 that Chavonne and Alethea did? I thought Boulevard was much better than the version on Hold Out - it kicked more and was played a little faster - well worth hearing live. Jackson has said that he wrote About My Imagination as a comment on 'Doctor My Eyes' - so the combination of the two was logical and sounded wonderful. I have to say that Toni Childs was magnificent - and the bit where she missed the opening of one song only added to it - because she came back in perfectly and with humour. Richard Clapton was heaps of fun and his band rocked beautifully, and poor Tim Freedman - a great artist who took the fact that he was given only 30 minutes for this set, in fine humour - joking that at least he could be in bed by 8pm. Didn't seem like justice to me but never mind. Cheers everyone xxx Submitted by: keith.fisher7@bigpond.com CONCERT REVIEW: March 8, 2009 at Palais Theatre in Melbourne, Australia Hi Russ, This morning I still have barricades of heaven running through m head. Saw J.B. at Palais in Melbourne Australia last night and he was, as usual awesome. He played one song as request after receiving a letter from a fan (who was also at the concert) and I would love to know the name of the song. If anyone can advise it would be appreciated. Regards Submitted by: prt43@optusnet.com.au (Peter) CONCERT REVIEW: March 7, 2009 at Sutton Grange Winery in Melbourne, Australia CONCERT REVIEW: March 7, 2009 at Sutton Grange Winery, Sutton Grange Victoria, Australia Dear Russ, I'm writing this review because of my e-mail friend Linda Mose from LA and her endeavor to keep me informed of all things JB for the last three years. I went to this concert with some mixed emotions and anticipation as the last time I saw Jackson was on a tour in the late 1970's, and although he's toured several times since, I went through a stage of refusing to pay what I thought were exorbitant prices for tickets when I could see great local bands at the 'Corner' or the 'Prince' for a fraction of the price on an overseas touring artist. This was my first outdoor winery show and Sutton Grange could not have been a more idyllic location. After being involved with the recent bush fires I was ready just to sit back and enjoy the music and the local product. The Set List
The band, the backing singers and a beardless Jackson nailed the show right from the start. Mark Goldenberg's guitar work was great. The music was seamless as one song flowed into another, and as with most great bands the playing complemented the singing rather being the focus. The sound was unbelievably good for outdoors; only very late in the show did the wind caused a few minor problems but it barely noticeable. I've been following this recent tour and was wondering how different his set list might be from his US shows. I was a bit disappointed but not surprised he dropped I am a Patriot and replaced it with Load Out/Stay for encore for he Aust and NZ shows. It was mentioned during the show Jackson had given tickets away to the Firefighters and it was evident from the tee-shirts and hats that there were many that attended. He dedicated Time the Conqueror to the Firefighters. He did Rosie as a request from someone in the crowd and the rest of the set was fairly standard for this tour, except That Girl Could Sing which I thing may have been another request. Thank you Jackson and the band, also to Tim Freedman, Richard Clapton and Toni Childs who made it such a perfect day. Regards, Submitted by: jbinek@mfb.vic.gov.au (John) CONCERT REVIEWS: March 5, 2009 at Palais Theatre in Melbourne, Australia and March 7, 2009 at Sutton Grange Winery in Melbourne, Australia To Russ & JB friends and fans, Time may be the conqueror but Jackson and band showed their enduring appeal at two fabulous and varied concerts. Without doubt, these were the best JB and band performances witnessed in Melbourne for the past thirty years and if the band can maintain this level throughout the tour then audiences are in for a real treat! In short, if you are a long or even new JB fan do not miss an opportunity to see this band live. On Thursday, March 5th at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, Tim Freedman of the Whitlams provided a whimsical and entertaining opening set. After a short interval and to a sold out theatre, Jackson walked on stage in his laconic style and the band launched into Boulevard. The set list was similar to the Sydney and Brisbane shows as per other correspondence. One of the things that stood out was the quality of the presentation and material from the new album ranging from the title track, the nostalgic Off of Wonderland, the stirring and passionate Drums of War, the amusing Going Down to Cuba through to the contemplative Far from the Arms of Hunger. Chavonne and Alethea are fabulous and look like they have been touring for years. I also thought Mauricio and Mark were exceptional. Concert highlights were the additional verse in Lives in the Balance, the arrangement of Doctor My Eyes - About My Imagination, a solo performance of Fountain of Sorrow, Rock Me on the Water, a very funky Culver Moon, a high energy performance of Drums of War, Giving that Heaven Away and Live Nude Cabaret. At the Sutton Grange Winery (near Bendigo), on March 7th, Tim Freedman, Richard Clapton and Toni Childs were on the bill with JB and band. Again, Tim Freedman showed that he is not only a sensitive singer songwriter but also pens lovely melodies and songs. A short digression - if you get the chance to see The Whitlams perform with a symphony orchestra then don't miss it. After a few more glasses of rose, Richard Clapton performed some of his classics such as Capricorn Dancer, Goodbye Tiger, BlueBay Blues and I am an Island. And then Toni Childs.....who was greeted extremely warmly by the audience and showcased some new and familiar material such as Stop your Fussin and I've Got to Go Now. She may be gradually getting back into performing but her voice still has that amazing sound. Finally, after a few more glasses of wine had been consumed by the patrons and in the cool of the evening, JB and band strolled on stage and played a dazzling set for around one and a half hours to a crowd of at least 3-4,000 patrons. New material featured along with the classic hits. Highlights included the impromptu performance of Rosie, with the boys providing back up vocals, That Girl Could Sing, Fountain of Sorrow (with band), Drums of War and LoadOut/Stay. The band also remained very composed in light of the hundreds of people who sang and danced near the stage for most of the performance. By concert end, I think the majority of baby boomers were about worn out and it was time to go home and head for bed. Two fabulous performances from JB and band and I hope the rest of the tour goes as well. Best wishes to you all. Regards, Submitted by: bcarins@optusnet.com.au (Brendan C.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Looking for tickets Can't believe I missed the sale of tickets for Jackson at Ulster Hall on Saturday 21st March. If there are any available out there even one will do please e-mail aohea401@c2kni.net. Thank you so much for providing this forum for fans world wide. I've been privileged enough to see Jackson, a true artist on a number of occasions but would dearly love to see him with this backing group, the reviews are impressive. Here's hoping Submitted by: aohea401@stpatricks.keady.ni.sch.uk (Anne) CONCERT SET LIST: March 2, 2009 at Harbour Theatre, Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney, Australia On stage 8.10 Boulevarde,Everywhere I Go,The Barricades Of Heaven,Late For The Sky,Fountain Of Sorrow,Time The Conqueror,Off To Wonderland,Live Nude Caberet,Culver Moon,Giving That Heaven Away,Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination (15 minute interval)Something Fine,These Days,Lives In The Balance,Going Down To Cuba,Just Say Yeah,Rosie,Your Bright Baby Blues,The Pretender,Running On Empty Encore The Load Out/Stay Off stage 10.55 Submitted by: blevs@ozemail.com.au GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Very excited about the first Jackson concert in Omaha since November 10th 2003. Now even happier, I just got 2 tickets in the third row! Submitted by: tdfroyals@cox.net CONCERT REVIEW: March 11, 2009 at Cairns Convention Ctr in Cairns, Australia Hi,I live in Cairns Queensland Australia and my wife and I were privileged to see Jackson 3 nights ago.Second time I've seen Mr Browne in Cairns and as he mentioned the other night.....it rained and rained [IN KURANDA]. This guy is an absolute legend and to see him live is a TRULY wonderful experience,my wife and I are still talking about the performance [also everyone in Cairns that went] the radio stations are raving about it!!! The first time I saw Jackson [heard about him,liked some songs....but] I was amazed at the talent,humility [he performed in front of maybe 5/600] and made us all feel a part of it.For a world class act to still perform and respond to the audience of this size and make us all feel so good....what can I say but I and my wife love the bloke dearly. Jackson COME BACK AGAIN PLS PLS...LOL. He sounds as good live as on c/d and the band and the singers...WOW!!!! In closing all I can say is he is probably one of the worlds greatest song writer,singer and performers,EVER!! ps:Thank you so much for coming Jackson,we all love you here. Submitted by: cairnsal@iprimus.com.au (Allan P.) March 14 2009 at Kings Park in Perth, Australia Along with a near sell-out crowd my partner, my daughter and I were at Kings Park in Perth to see Jackson put on another slick concert. I say "another" as after waiting over 25 years for him to come back after his 1977 tour, he has now been here 4 times in the past 6 years. He hasn't worn out his welcome though, as there was a large and appreciative crowd who enjoyed a balmy night in beautiful parkland surrounds. Tim Freedman and Toni Childs both did excellent sets before Jackson and band appeared at 9 pm. There were no real surprises in the set list (other than a thumping "Boulevard" which I'd never seen him perform before), but the addition of his two new and dynamic backing singers Chavonne and Alethea and the time Jackson gave them to strut their stuff added a freshness and new dimension to many of his songs. Actually "backing singers" is a misnomer as they were given ample opportunity to take the lead. I had binoculars with me and could see the pride and delight on Jackson's face as Chavonne and Alethea cut loose during "Lives in the Balance". If I have one criticism it was the shortness of Jackson's set and his relative disconnection with the crowd - there wasn't the normal banter and engagement with the crowd. He and the band left after 70 minutes, and were called back for a single encore of another 15 minutes. Not quite the 2 hours plus others say they got earlier on the tour, but at least half an hour more that the disgraceful 55 minutes we got from KD Lang at the same venue a year ago. The set ended up with The Load Out/Stay and as was the case 6 years ago, the duck pond in front of the stage was full of "crazy people" (Jackson's words!). Everyone left happy, some smelling distinctly of duck shit. Waiting on the next one Jackson. Submitted by: stephen.home@uwa.edu.au (Steve, Perth) March 14 2009 at Kings Park in Perth, Australia I'd been hanging out for this concert for the last 6 months particularly after his solo and acoustic gig in Perth. The setting was pretty cool, outdoors, unreserved seating, picnic rugs warm evening ... All pretty laid back. Unfortunately the performance was a little laid back too or should I say a little too laid back. From reviews I've read from other states particularly Melbourne and Sydney it sounds like we got the short end of the stick. He played for a little under 90mins, didn't have much to say and seemed pretty pleased to get off stage. He only played 3 songs from the new album and I see in Melbourne he played 8. We didn't get Something Fine or These Days or For Dancer. I understand his previous gig was in Cairns three nights before, maybe he was just feeling relaxed. I reckon the audience was making a pretty good effort to get into it - with about 50 people dancing away in the water in front of the stage by the last few songs. All in all a major bummer - could have been a superb gig with a bit more energy and a few more songs. Still ... Being 3500 kilometres from nowhere I'm glad he made the effort and wouldn't want to put him off coming back. Submitted by: rick@pushmanagement.com.au (Rick - Perth, Western Australia) March 15, 2009 at Adelaide Festival Theatre in Adelaide, Australia Festival Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia March 15, 2009 A gorgeous venue in the heart of the city alongside the river. A world class facility, the sound quality in this place is profoundly beautiful. Tim Freedman (lead singer for the group, The Whitlams) was the opening act. They're a pretty big group here in Australia, but they kind of rose to fame during the years I was living in the States and so I didn't know any of their music. What a fantastic surprise he turned out to be! A solo set, just Tim and his piano - absolutely wonderful stuff. Look him up on youtube - I'm convinced you will be blown away. Jackson and band were in fine form. I LOVED every minute of this concert. It seems ages ago since I saw Jackson with the band and I had forgotten how great he can sound with others around him. Mark just blew me away in some of the leads he played and Chavonne and Alethea delivered outstanding vocals. The sort of stuff that just makes you want to jump up and applaud right then and there!!! The audience was a little strange ... very slow to warm up. But as Jackson observed, and I wholeheartedly agree, sometimes when you're seated in a 'grand' venue it represses people's behaviour somewhat. I have to add though, that Adelaide audiences are notorious for being quiet and reserved, even if they're enjoying it immensely. And that makes it hard for those of us who really wanted to give something back to the band. I wanted to clap and yell; I wanted to get up and dance, you know ... but when noone else around you is moving it's pretty intimidating. I just could not sit 'still' in my seat! How people can be so unmoving when a reggae beat is played, or a Cuban beat is played, or just plain rocking music is being blasted out in front of them, I have no idea! It amazed me how many people I could see around me who barely tapped a foot. Here's a list of what was played, though not in order. Boulevard (from Hold Out) Fountain Of Sorrow (from Late For The Sky) Time The Conqueror (from Time The Conqueror) Off Of Wonderland (from Time The Conqueror) Live Nude Cabaret (from Time The Conqueror) Going Down To Cuba (from Time The Conqueror) Just Say Yeah (from Time The Conqueror) Drums Of War (from Time The Conqueror) Culver Moon (from Looking East) The Barricades Of Heaven (from Looking East) Something Fine (from Jackson Browne) Doctor My Eyes (from Jackson Browne) About My Imagination (from The Naked Ride Home) These Days (from For Everyman) Lives In The Balance (from Lives In The Balance) Everywhere I Go (from I'm Alive) Your Bright Baby Blues (from The Pretender) The Pretender (from The Pretender) Running On Empty (from Running On Empty) The Load-Out/Stay (from Running On Empty) As someone who was not really 'taken' with Jackson's most recent album, I hereby go on record as saying that the songs from Conqueror sounded so much better 'live'. There's more passion and intensity and musical moments of brilliance, that just aren't captured on the CD. Live Nude Cabaret was magnificent - of course it's my favourite from this album and I was so pleased it was played. In the intro Jackson told the story of how he came to write it and he also mentioned he felt compelled to tell us something more about the song ... but, in true Jackson form, decided he couldn't go there!!! Be on the alert for more insight into this as he continues the tour. He sang a stunning version of Bright Baby Blues - best I've ever heard - and Culver Moon was outstanding! Surprising for me because I've never really been impressed with it before. But my personal Number One for the evening was Doctor My Eyes and its segue into About My Imagination. Brilliant, exciting, energetic, fantastic ... and any other superlative you want to throw out there. A day later and I still shake my head in wonder just thinking about how good it was! Of course, the 'big' three at the end (Pretender, ROE and Stay) were just sensational - finally the crowd got to their feet and made some noise - and guess what? - it made the show!! I first saw Jackson in this same venue, 32 years ago almost to the day. He didn't disappoint then ... he didn't disappoint now. For those who are about to see the tour in Europe and then the US, you are in for such a treat. Enjoy!! Submitted by: juderod@tpg.com.au (Jude) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I was very excited to hear that Jackson Browne will be returning Home to the U.S. However, I was thinking of visiting relatives in Toronto & Montreal to see him but I have decided to wait til he comes to New England (full circle). The radio stations have been giving out free tickets, so the upcoming concert will definitely not be mello, if you know what I mean. unrelated, I recently saw Stevie Nicks in concert March 11th. The concert was great except I was looking for Tom to sing Leather & Lace. I am glad JB is in the spot light. (Yeah). The concert reviews are great. p.s. looking forward to seeing the band members as well. Submitted by: jbfan@tompetty.com CONCERT REVIEW: March 15, 2009 at Adelaide Festival Theatre in Adelaide, Australia Concert Review - Adelaide - Sunday 15 March. How fortunate we are that a performer continues to write new material, tour the world and encourage his fans to think. I encourage people to listen to the Time the Conqueror. Jackson is saying something to our souls .... take time to think about what we believe in, what matters, what doesn't. I have had the privilege of seeing him perform in Australia a number of times. Although my personal preference is for solo, this was the best band performance I have seen. The musicians are very polished and accomplished. The arrangements are excellent. It is obvious they have spent time recreating a fresh feel to the older songs. One in particular is "Lives in the Balance". This was influenced by the Fred Martin & the Levite Camp version .. the last verse was sung by Chavonne and Alethea .. being ... "I find it so strange and confusing They take God out our lives day by day But when tragedy strikes like 911 They call for the nation to pray But what should America pray for? For God to smite our enemies? Or to heal the wounds of history And to live with the world and in peace ...seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and heal their land" For the record this is the exact song list sequence .. Boulevard Everywhere I Go Barricades of Heaven Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Drums of War - very powerful song Doctor my Eyes/About my Imagination - excellent - highlight Break Something Fine These Days - personal favourite of the night - great arrangement ..timeless song Lives in the Balance Going down to Cuba Just say Yeah - great song Culver Moon - he mentioned that the band really liked playing this .. and it showed ... however while it is my least favourite song ...it appears close to Jackson heart as he mentioned that it made him homesick Bright Baby Blues - great slide playing by Goldenberg The Pretender - seemed fresher ....subtle changes to the arrangement Running on Empty Encore The Load Out/Stay .... very similar to the last two band concerts I have seen. I took my 25 year old son-in-law to this show. He enjoyed it, particularly Goldenberg's playing, but had trouble hearing all the lyrics. I had to agree. One of the enduring strengths of Jackson's music is his lyrics. The singers seemed to be at times swamped by loud guitars and drums .... a bit of shame. Thanks for the site Russ . ...I hope and pray all your readers who have the opportunity to see Jackson will take some time to reflect about what they believe in. God bless, Submitted by: John CONCERT REVIEW: March 7, 2009 at Sutton Grange Winery in Melbourne, Australia CONCERT REVIEW: March 7, 2009 at Sutton Grange Winery, Sutton Grange, Victoria, Australia Dear Russ, I'm writing this review because of my e-mail friend Linda Mose and her endeavor to keep me informed of all things JB for the last three years. I went to this concert with some mixed emotions and anticipation as the last time I saw Jackson was on a tour in the late 1970's, and although he's toured several times since I went through a stage of refusing to pay what I thought were exorbitant prices for tickets when I could see great local bands at the 'Corner' or the 'Prince' for a fraction of the price on an overseas touring artist. This was my first outdoor winery and Sutton Grange could not have been a more idyllic location. After being involved with the recent bush fires I was ready just to sit back and enjoy the music and the local product. The Set List
I've been following this recent tour and was wondering how different his set list might be from his US shows. I was a bit disappointed but not surprised he dropped I am a Patriot and replaced it with Load Out/Stay for the Aust and NZ shows. It was mentioned during the show Jackson had given tickets away to the Firefighters and it was evident from the tee-shirts and hats there were many that attended. He dedicated Time the Conqueror to the Firefighters. He did Rosie as a request from someone in the crowd and the rest of the set was fairly standard for this tour, except That Girl Could Sing which I thing may have been another request. Submitted by: jbinek@mfb.vic.gov.au GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi Russ and JB fans, It has been 3 weeks now since I saw Jackson in Sydney. I have been playing the greatest hits 2 CD set on my 45min trip down the freeway to work over and over and over and I'm still not sick of it. I have not played anything else since the concert, oh hang on started on solo accoustic volume 1 this morning. Hope he comes back soon, he doesn't need to bring out a new album to do that. It is amazing that he is still turning out great albums. I also was not impressed with time the conqueror but have definately been converted since hearing it live. Cheers All you who haven't seen him yet lucky you best ever, enjoy!! Submitted by: margd8@bigpond.com (Marg from Aus.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Tickets Available Hello Russ, Two friends are now unable to get away - so I've got 2 spare tickets for the Jackson Browne concert at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Saturday 28th March. They're available for face value: £40.00 each. The seats are in the centre of the 9th row of the stalls. Email to rrobbjones@aol.com Very much looking forward to hearing some of the new stuff played by this excellent band. Submitted by: rrobbjones@aol.com GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi Russ, I'm in great envy of those in Australia. I had planned on being at the Royal Albert Hall for Jackson, but, plans changed. Bad stock market (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it--my Apple stock is hurting). Anyway, I got seats for JB in the gold circle at Avila Beach, CA (I couldn't get to the SB Bowl concert because of a prior engagement). Avila may be the best venue in the WORLD! About 200 yards from the ocean in a select little beach town (rebuilt by some oil company). After several listenings, I rank "Time" very high--many subtle aspects to this album. "Live Nude Cabaret" and the title song are among the best compositions of JB's career. "Off of Wonderland" brings back so many memories of Laurel Canyon and the late 60's, early 70's. I'm glad that JB still looks about 40, so he can continue to record albums like this into the future. Thanks again and again for this site, Russ. You are kind of like Boswell in this respect. I believe people will be listening to JB for many years. Submitted by: allie08227@yahoo.com (Mike) CONCERT REVIEW: March 23, 2009 at Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland CONCERT REVIEW OLYMPIA THEATRE DUBLIN IRELAND MARCH 23RD. O.k. So this is a fans' site for fans of Jackson, so are you really going to get anything other than a blinkered and perhaps biased, albeit unwittingly, review of any of his concerts ? Well actually, I wrote into your excellent site about three years ago when Jackson was touring with David Lindley, and while I was more than happy to sing his praises at what I had witnessed in Barcelona and Glasgow, I do recall expressing slight disappointment at his Edinburgh gig that year. With hindsight, it is easy to understand why. There was about five months between the Glasgow and Edinburgh concerts, during which time the tour had taken him round the world. Indeed, even before the Glasgow gig, Jackson, David and Tico the percussionist had already fulfilled many dates in venues all round Europe, so it is perhaps no surprise that perhaps by the time Edinburgh came round in August of 2006 that possibly a little tiredness had set in and the end of a long and gruelling tour was being longed for by each of the individuals concerned. Understandable if that was indeed the case, I would have thought. Admittedly, performing as I wrote at the time, for a rather lack lustre Edinburgh audience would not have helped matters either ! Of course, this is just my opinion, and perhaps if Jackson was to read this he would probably be wondering what garbage I was spouting ! Which brings me up to date. Yes I know Jackson has started the tour in Australia, but he and the band, despite reaching Europe and all the hassle such travel brings, are still in the early stages of it, and boy does it show ! He strolled on stage last Monday with a new found zest for the job in hand, and a spring in his step and for the best part of two and three quarter hours, simply blew us all away ! I wrote back in 2006 that while it was nice to see the acoustic and semi acoustic side of Jackson on tour, I longed for the day when he would once again get the band together and bring them along for the ride ! So after three years my partner and I booked a city break based around Jacksons' Dublin gig. It was well worth the wait. Each and every member looked as if they were thoroughly enjoying themselves, and if I could have hand picked his set list I think I would have agreed with about 98 per cent of what he performed. I cannot believe some people have criticised him for including songs from the new album ! Are these people not aware that is called the, "Time the Conqueror" tour for the obvious reason that he is touring the world to promote it ? So of course he is going to play a number of songs from it, and for what it's worth, it is my opinion that after the relatively underwhelming "Naked Ride Home", to expect a cd of new material to stand alongside the likes of "The Pretender" and just behind "Late for the Sky", well, I for one didn't see THAT coming ! From the whimsical yet still cutting, Randy Newman-esque "Going Down To Cuba", to the biting "Where Were You" and the up tempo "Just Say Yeah" , all moods have been catered for and those he played from the album went down a storm with his Dublin audience. Then there were the classics, and what has been noticeable when reading other posts on your site, unlike 2006 when the set list was not deviated from, Jackson 2009 is liable to play just about anything ! Of course, there is a spine running through the show, but there is obviously a selection of songs that he performs whenever the mood grabs him ! For my own part, "Barricades of Heaven" and the timeless "Your Bright Baby Blues" both in particular showed all four band members, Messrs Goldbergh, Lewak,Young and McCormick in mesmerising form. And what can you say about the two girls ! Wow ! Such soulful voices from two so young ! And it was apparent that they were having a ball too, and so nice to see Jackson be so appreciative with his applause for them, particularly after a slightly tinkered version for the 21st century of, "Lives In The Balance", but no less stunning for the changes made to it. Throw in the still haunting "For A Dancer", sung on his own with just a solitary light on him for effect during a ten minute solo spot, the "bring the house down" anthem "Running On Empty" and the encore to end all encores "Before The Deluge" and the Dublin audience went home absolutely spellbound ! From my own selfish perspective, let me just say, roll on April the 2nd when my partner and I go to see him again in our home town of Glasgow, Scotland, where as I wrote in 2006 he genuinely seems happy to play given the acoustics of the hall and warmth of welcome he always receives here ! Can't wait ! Submitted by: dunn.a2@sky.com (Andy Dunn, Glasgow) CONCERT REVIEW: March 23 & 24, 2009 at Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland 23 and 24th March The frightening exchange rate for the UK pound made this my most expensive excursion into Jackson land since I first started going to see him in 1976. But my god, it was £1200 well spent. The band were great both nights and Jackson was amazing. He looked great, obviously loves the small and intimate Olympia theatre and radiated oodles of warmth towards his adoring audience both nights. I don't keep set lists but after asking on night 2 if there were many from the night before, there were, he promised to mix it up a bit and he did. Andy Dunn did the 1st night justice in his review without a set list. The solo at the beginning on night 2 was Something Fine followed by looking into you(just to see if I still have it in there he said ) Drums of War second night only and I am a patriot (which I wish I had written) he said. Over two nights they played for over 5 hours. I am going to the Albert Hall on April 11th. Hope his 60 year old beautiful voice holds out. As the Irish Times review said, he has moved from the mainstream to the illustrious periphery but I know I could never like any other words or a voice or a set of ideals or an inspiration like Jackson Browne. I know how well the new album has been received but I couldn't get there until I heard the songs live. Live nude cabaret is superb on stage and comes alive truly. Cuba and all the others were great too. The early complainers obviously weren't with the programme because these shows were a delicious mix of old and new and the girls were a breath of fresh air. I am waxing lyrical. I loved both nights. I love jackson for his words and music and for indicating us (the audience) when he sang the line 'people who understand me" from little stevens great song. 2 brilliant, brilliant nights Great work as always Russ Submitted by: terry@a1sportingspeakers.com (Terry B.B., England) CONCERT REVIEW: March 27, 2009 at Sheffield City Hall in Sheffield, England This what I wrote in my personal blog after the Jackson Browne concert in Sheffield on March 27th 2009:- "Never heard of him". That's what my twenty six year old work colleague Emma said when I told her I was going to see Jackson Browne in concert last night. The venue was Sheffield's magnificent Oval Hall in the beautifully refurbished City Hall complex in our city centre. Of course, I had heard of Jackson Browne. His songs first came into my life back in 1973 when my younger brother Simon lent me his first album - "Saturate Before Using". I have bought every other album since but only once before had I seen him in concert - in Nottingham five or six years ago. This time, now sixty years old, Jackson Browne brought a band with him. It was a very tight band which skilfully enhanced the songs in a well-reherased set. There was Kevin McCormick on bass, Mark Goldenberg on guitars, Mauricius Lewak on drums and Jeff Young on keyboards and vocals. Back in 2001, Jackson met two black students at an LA high school concert and later drafted them into his musical circle as backing singers - Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills. The overall sound quality at last night's concert was brilliant - balanced and clear with band members working together as a team with egos suppressed. We were sitting on the front row - me and Simon. In A7 and A8. Supposedly the seats had a "restricted view"but I didn't notice any resrictions. It was great to be within twenty feet of the Southern Californian legend himself. Jackson comes across as a pleasant, self-deprecating man with a healthy sense of humour but with a mission to deliver his repertoire as effectively as possible. He brought in songs from his great new album "Time the Conqueror" but loudest applauses were for old favourites such as "Doctor My Eyes", "These Days", "The Pretender", "Fountain of Sorrow" and the foot-stomping "Running on Empty" which had most of the audience up out of their seats jigging to the music. After long and sustained hand clapping, wolf whistling and "More!" yelled from the auditorium, he returned to give us a smashing and heartfelt rendition of ""Before The Deluge". It was a really brilliant and uplifting concert. As a wordsmith, a teacher of English and a lover of words, I have always found Jackson Browne's well-crafted lyrics particularly appealing. There is humour there, humility, anger, awareness of beauty, metaphor, memory, political protest and tenderness. His voice has a resonance to it which is plaintive and true, giving oxygen to words which perhaps when seen as mere text lose some of their poetic power. It is arguably only when they're melded with the writer's voice and his tunes that they get up and grab you. I love and shiver at the opening of "The Pretender" which seems to me to be partly about the heroism of ordinary working people living their unremarkable routine lives - "I'm going to rent myself a house/ In the shade of the freeway/I`m going to pack my lunch in the morning/ And go to work each day/ And when the evening rolls around/ I`ll go on home and lay my body down/ And when the morning light comes streaming in/ I`ll get up and do it again/ Amen/ Say it again/ Amen" A really super concert but next time Jackson is in Sheffield I'd like him to come round to my house for a cup of tea. This is an open invitation. The band can come round too. Submitted by: neiltheasby@hotmail.com (Neil T.) CONCERT REVIEW: March 28, 2009 at Philharmonic in Liverpool, England Hi Russ, Just a short letter this time, having returned from the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, where I've heard truly beautiful and innovative arrangements of a full range of Jackson's work. The extra quality added by the incredibly talented singers has resulted in something truly special and so worth seeing. If any fans are undecided about booking, dont hesitate anymore. My favourite songs were better than I've ever heard them and even ones I don't like as much were given such superb arrangements that I'm going to give them another try. Submitted by: juliemorrow@btinternet.com (Julie M.) CONCERT REVIEW: March 23, 2009 at Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland Hi Russ,I attended the concert last monday at the Olympia in Dublin.This was my 8th time seeing Jackson live,the last time being in Barcelona with David Lindley,in 2006.I thought the concert was fantastic,the band and the backing vocalists and Jackson were Outstanding.The concert started at 20.05 with Boulevard which really rocked then into Everywhere I go.He sang 7 songs from the new album.They sounded so much better live than on the album.He did 4 songs before he went to the new songs doing 4 new ones in a row.The concert was over all too soon with only 1 song in the encore.This was due to the fact that the concert had to finish by 23.00.Only for that I'm sure there would have been more songs. In total Jackson sang 22 songs. 7 of these were from Time The Conqueror. The full set list is as follows. Boulevard Everywhere I Go The Barricades Of Heaven Fountain Of Sorrow Time The Conqueror Off Of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Giving That Heaven Away Doctor My Eyes About My Imagination (10 Min Break) Something Fine For A Dancer These Days Lives In The Balance Coing Down To Cuba Just Say Yeah Your Bright Baby Blues Far From The Arms Of Hunger Sky Blue And Black The Pretender Running On Empty Before The Deluge I would love to have gone the following night again but not possible.Going to make up for it later as going to the Royal Albert Hall in London on April 12th!!.Looking forward to that as its a super venue.Jackson wore Blue Denim Jeans and a Black Sweater/Jumper.In between songs Jackson turner to Chavonne and said " I should have known when Chavonne said Nice Sweater Jackson that she would get one too" (Chavonne was wearing a black sweater for the concert also!) During the break Jackson changed the sweater and came back wearing a black shirt with white pin stripes.After the concert I along with about 20 or so people waited at the stage door for Jackson to emerge.The Black Coach Reversed Down To The Stage Door.Then some guy came out and said that Jackson had a cold and would not be signing autographs or stopping to talk as they needed to get him back to the hotel! Jeff Young came out and said "Are You Guys Waiting For Me?" He signed some autographs. Jackson came out at approx 23.35,He shook hands with a few people before getting into the Coach and they were gone!. Jackson was wearing a Grey Overcoat with the collar turned up when he came out the stage door.And so ended a Truly Wonderful Evening.I'm counting down to my next concert now which is 2 weeks from today! Russ Do you know if there are Tv or Radio Interviews lined up with Jackson during his time in the UK? Submitted by: ftobin@gofree.indigo.ie (Frank) CONCERT REVIEW: March 27, 2009 at Sheffield City Hall in Sheffield, England I bought my first Jackson Browne album "Jackson Browne" in Germany in early 1972 while on a three month industrial placement from University. Unfortunately I did not have access to a record deck during that time, so had to wait until I returned to the UK to play it. After that, I played it to death, nearly wearing the grooves off it. I then bought every new album as soon as they were released. Friday 27th March was a special day for me, as amazingly, it was the first time that I had seen Jackson live, an event organised to celebrate my sixtieth birthday. Unfortunately, these days I cannot sit close to the stage as my hearing suffers badly (time is indeed the conqueror!), but my wife and I had terrific seats on the centre front row of the circle, directly over the light and sound desks. Jackson and the band arrived on stage at approximately 8.15pm and bounced straight into Boulevard, Jackson was in great form and the band sounded great, we were in seventh heaven. Being directly over the desks, we were able to see the running order and I was not surprised to see a block of four songs from Time the conqueror. Not too much of a surprise given that it was the name of the tour. I found it a little disappointing that fans were shouting out for old favourites mid way through this block, but Jackson took it all in his stride and handled requests with charm. He was particularly amused by one person asking if he did requests, saying that now he new he was in England, people being so polite. Although he told us he was suffering from a cold it didn't affect his singing and as he said, "it affected the resonance in his voice positively". He told us that he enjoyed playing in Sheffield and had remembered it from his last visit being an unusually shaped oval hall. He also told us that he had enjoyed the drive over from Manchester even though it had taken two hours to do the 40 miles. When he introduced the band he commented that he had been mispronouncing Mauricico Lewaks name for the last fifteen years, placing the emphasis on the Le, making him sound French! The first half order was Boulevard Everywhere I go Barricades of heaven Fountain of sorrow Time the conqueror Off of wonderland Live nude cabaret Giving that heaven away Doctor myeyes/Imagination A fifteen minute break followed The second half was Something fine For a dancer These days Lives in the balance Going down to cuba Just say yeah By the time he had played "Going down to cuba", more and more pepople were shouting out requests. He persevered with "Just say yeah" and then thanked the crowd for putting up with his new material. We could see from the running that he had intended to play "Drums of war" and "Far from the arms of hunger" but he pulled the plug on them and included "Bright baby blues" as a replacement for them both. I would rather have heard the newer material, but Jackson bowed to the will of the vocal minority. I do have the feeling that he was a little annoyed by this as he dropped the chat in between songs, but his performance level remained high. He completed the set with; Bright baby blues The pretender Running on empty and one planned encore of "Before the deluge". It was all over too soon and we were no longer "Jackson Browne" virgins! We left very happy individualsand couldn't stop talking about it for days after. Unfortunately, I attended the concert totally unprepared, without a camera or 'phone. If anyone was able to take a photograph from the stalls and they would like to complete my birthday, could they email me a copy. Also, due to travel commitments we were unable to hang back to try to get an autograph, any kind person like to make my millenium? Will we be catching Jackson the next time he comes over, you bet we will. Bring it on! Submitted by: jrcharlton@btinternet.com (John C., Rotherham) CONCERT REVIEW: March 27, 2009 at Sheffield City Hall in Sheffield, England Jackson Brown - Review of concert -- Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield, England - Friday 27th March 2009 Jackson last played here with David Lindley almost three years ago to the date. Like that concert, there was a full house and they were treated to a great set from Jackson and the band. With a simple black backdrop and, by modern standards, a simple but effectively used set of lights, the stage was unobtrusive - the focus was really on the music. Although Jackson had a slight cold he said, perhaps jokingly, that this gave his voice more resonance. Whatever, he got a few aahs from the audience when he reached for a tissue but the truth of it is that it didn't affect the performance and he was on top form throughout, as were the band and singers. The set had, in my opinion, a really good mix of old and new. You can't please everybody but surely no one could really be disappointed could they! Having played Time the Conqueror a lot recently it is, in my opinion, a good solid album and compares well with some of his others. It doesn't benefit from the nostalgia element that surrounds his early work but I was looking forward to hearing some of the tracks and knew from other reviews we would get some. The show kicked off, after a slight technical hitch with Kevin McCormick's bass, with a rousing Boulevard followed by Everywhere I go. The first half included Barricades of Heaven, Fountain of Sorrow, Time the Conqueror, Giving that heaven away. A rousing Doctor my Eyes, segued seamlessly into About my Imagination, closed the first part. Jackson said he had combined the two songs as the themes were common even though they were written thirty years apart. After a brief break the second part was wonderful and I thought, from my central position just ten rows back, there was a slightly better balance to the sound. The lead guitar of Mark Goldenberg, which was excellent throughout seemed to be slightly lower in volume or his playing more subtle. The bass, drums and keyboard playing was superb throughout. The two girl singers added a lot to the overall sound adding great harmonies and fills to many songs and taking solo verses in Lives in the balance. The second part started with a solo acoustic Something fine. He then went to keyboards for For a dancer. Then on to more new songs. There was enthusiastic and long applause for all songs, including the new album ones, although Jackson remarked after Going down to Cuba that he may have reached the audience's limit of trying new songs. Despite that he then played Just say yeah which he prefaced with it's a new song but sounds just like the old ones . He also played a new arrangement for Lives in the balance which worked really well. Jackson frequently gave a brief background to the songs but at one point said he admonished himself and said he must stop doing that because the songs should speak for themselves. He blamed the cold remedy for it. Jackson and the band seemed to enjoy the reaction from the audience throughout the concert who were extremely respectful of the music - hardly any noise during quiet songs and no constant walking in and out which seems to blight most concerts these days. Similarly the band seemed to enjoy it themselves with Jackson applauding the girls at times - especially after their solo verses on Lives in the balance. On a few tracks the girls did not contribute they sat on a couple of chairs on stage and even they were applauding Jackson at the end of those songs. It all went so quickly but beautifully played versions of Your bright baby blues, These days, The Pretender led us to the climax with Running on Empty which had the audience up. At the end the audience gave a genuine, rapturous standing ovation, Jackson and the band seemed genuinely happy and pleased with the reception - standing and applauding the audience before they left. They came back and played and sang a beautiful Before the deluge. It is one of my favourites and brought a tear to my eye hearing it sung with such intensity and such quality after well over two hours. Again there was prolonged applause and a happy band again applauded the audience before they left the stage. The audience left with happy smiling faces having witnessed a great concert. People are in for treat if this standard is maintained. Do all you can to get a ticket! As Andy Dunn suggested in his review of the Dublin concert, reports on this site will obviously suffer from rose tinted glasses syndrome, but I consider myself lucky to have the chance to see him so long after first seeing him at Edinburgh Playhouse for the Lives in the balance tour in '84. Set list: (may not be exact sequence but pretty close - someone else may put me right) Boulevard Everywhere I go Barricades of heaven Fountain of sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of wonderland Giving that heaven away Doctor my eyes/About my imagination Something fine For a dancer Live nude cabaret Lives in the balance Going down to Cuba Just say yeah These days Your bright baby blues The Pretender Running on empty Encore - Before the deluge Submitted by: michael.mason58@btinternet.com (Mick M., Sheffield, England) CONCERT REVIEW: March 30, 2009 at Apollo in Manchester, England just been to the Apollo in Manchester UK for Jackson's latest date on his Time the Conqueror tour. The concert was excellent, and lived up to my big expectations ! It was divided into 2 sets of 10 and 12 songs drawn from the new album as well as across the back catalogue. It was clear particularly towards the end that Jackson wanted to please and get closer to his audience and changed the running order as well as some of the songs due to requests being shouted out. Set 1 Boulevard Everywhere I go Barricades of Heaven Fountain of sorrow - a particular personal highlight Time the conqueror Off to Wonderland Live nude cabaret Giving that heaven away Doctor my eyes About my imagination - these last two were ingeniously linked and merged ! he seemed a little shy and troubled by how far he was from the audience but musically this set was right on the money Set 2 started solo Something fine For a dancer - another highlight joined by the band These days For taking the trouble Lives in the Balance - brill new arrangement as per Fred Martin - Some bridges cd Going down to Cuba Late for the sky - another highlight Just say Yeah Bright baby blues Running on empty - lively rendition Take it easy - first time played on this tour ! Encore Im a Patriot - extended version Band were great musically and injected into the old songs some new arrangements which breathed new life into them rather than doing an eagles and giving it to you the same as the record - they are to be commended for that. Mark Goldenberg brill on guitar in particular but Mario or Marco on drums was superb Kevin and Jeff played their parts well and sang well, on bass / keyboards and backing vocals and special mention to the 2 new female backing and lead vocalists who were superb throughout putting fresh meaning in to the songs (Jackson has known these 2 girls for sometime - check out Some Bridges - Fred Martin disc for more of them) A night to remember ! I recommend that you catch up with this tour if you possibly can. Submitted by: pkayling@uclan.ac.uk (Peter A., UK) Go To Jackson Browne Fan Letters and Reviews from April 2009 RETURN to Jackson Browne Fan Letters Page RETURN to Jackson Browne Home Page |