Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
November 2001
Hi Russ, JB, JB fans. Just wanted to post a couple of questions about the new album which has dragged on now for a while- in true JB style. I guess the guy just gets involved in so many different things, plus he does not put music out which is not of good quality. I heard during his summer tour with TP that he was not going to be able to put out an album by this fall, thus he ventured out on the road. I was wondering if anyone out there knows what is shaping up as far as an album? I was hoping that it would be released before the end of the year (like before Christmas). I read in an interview from from last fall that the new album would have a more intimate feel based on some live work- solo and with the band. But that was a year ago, and I can imagine after the world changed this fall, that might also have some impact on the album- both its timetable and its content. At any rate, if Russ or any one out there has some info. about these things that would be really nice.
Also, as a side note, a wanted to express a concern. Over the last couple of years at some smaller shows, I stayed after to try to meet JB to no avail. I was kind of disappointed. Last fall at the Warner Theatre show in D.C. a small group of us "held out" to meet him where the group's van was. Some lucky fans had backstage passes which is fine. One of his managers encouraged us to move on and said they used to stay and meet people all the time but they just couldn't do it anymore. Jackson and the guys finally came out to the van and were greeted by the small group of us that waited. A couple of fans asked for an autograph or to meet him. He paused, looking over at us and said he could not and then stepped in the van. He seemed to feel bad about it and wasn't rude or anything.
I've heard over the last couple of years Jackson has had some issues with a fan that was stalking him and God knows it must be difficult sometimes being famous and having your private life invaded in various ways.
I'd just like to meet the guy one of these times. He has had a great impact on my life at various times; his songs, his words, music and voice. I feel some kind of affinity for what he represents, what he brings to the world. Basically I'm just an admiring fan.
I am also a singer and guitarrist who has been inspired by him and other songwriters in that genre and I have an understanding of how difficult it must be to put yourself out their in the world in song. That is what I wanted to do but I opted for a more dependable less risky avenue to stuggle for the legal tender. Practical advisors told me such things. And that was fine for what it was worth.
Music is my love and my hobby. I still am looking for ways to further bring forth what is in my heart in other areas. Music, books films and songs is what reminds me at times, that I still have one- a heart, great depth of emotion. I fear putting it out there in my own song, even though this is an alternative to having to choose from the many songs I haven't learned yet. This is a barrier I will eventually break through when the dust in my life settles some and I see where I am. In reality, I think we just do our best and keep going. Hopefully we learn to tune in to a higher power that is benevolent.
This letter turned out to be more personal than I had intended which is perhaps why it took me this long to write it. Still I hope it is found worthy of putting out there on your web-site. As a kid in the 70s I grew up listening to Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstadt, JT, Carol King and others thanks to my folks- they did do some good things. I attended my first JB concert at Merriwhether Post Pavillion in Columbia MD. That was the summer of 1980. I was three months shy of my twelfth birthday (in October). Afterward I shared my experience with a cute summercamp counselor on whom a had a crush. She was impressed and envious- "wow, your lucky- I'd love to see JB in concert". This was the clincher. But of course there was more to it than that. Jackson- through his music has been a good friend to me thoughout my life. So sure, I'd like to meet the guy at some point if the situation allows, if it's Kosher with his traveling entourage! Best wishes and love to all out there in the world. We sure need it these days more than ever. B-52s and cluster bombs might not be the solution.
Webmaster's Reply: The current timetable for Jackson Browne's new album is that he plans to have it finished by the end of this year. He will then turn it over to Elektra Records and they will have to decide when they want to release it. This will depend a great deal on their internal timetables and production schedules. I believe that Jackson has recently mentioned that he is hoping for a Spring 2002 release... but saying that it will come out sometime in 2002 is a fairly safe guess at this time.
As far as your expereinces trying to get an autograph from Jackson in recent years, you are correct in noting that security around Jackson has been tighter since the recent stalker problems from a couple of years ago. Part of this is simply Jackson's management trying to protect him. And part of it is simply his tight schedule which doesn't always allow him the time to meet with his fans... there is often a bus or a plane to catch. I've never seen Jackson refuse to sign an autograph or pose for a photo when he had the time.
Take a walk on the troubled side of this old town
Take a walk on the broken streets and the buildings falling down
Look at all these kids with nothing but trouble in their eyes
Trouble in their future, trouble in their lives
Some bridges are falling down
Some bridges are still around
Take a walk on the shaded uptown avenue
Some people are doing well no matter how they do
And I know there's more to life than what you own
But I see so many good things, things I've never known
Some bridges are falling down
Some bridges are still around
Every night I listen to the sound of the street
Lying in my bed
I love to see the dreams that are dancing there
In the light above your head
And sometimes I get so weary
And when hope is caving in
You fill me with your love and your laughter, baby
Until I get back up again
I'm going to write this while I'm still on the Jackson high. Because there is a Jackson high and every single one of you know what I'm talking about. He walks onto the stage. He's dressed in black plants and a loose fitting gray shirt. His hair is perfect. His hair is always perfect. He straps on a guitar or sits down at the keyboard and he plays music and you sit there and you think I never want this to stop. It's never enough but the buzz is intense.
Tonight Jackson did a benefit for the Washington Prep High School which is in south central Los Angeles. He is into this program. He is on the board of directors. He works with the kids. They played and sang with him tonight. I kept having to remind myself that I was listening to high school students. They were good.
I have no idea where to start with this. It really was all about music. Jackson's music and Keb Mo's music and the kids' music. The Jazz Band opened the show. Great stuff. Then Keb Mo did a set. I like Keb Mo. I like his tall lanky presence, I like his singing and I love the way he plays the guitar. He has great hands. Big strong hands which bring forth beautiful sounds from his instrument. Amazing hands Keb Mo has.
So hear comes Jackson. He just walks onto the stage. And he launches into Boulevard. Check out the lyrics. It was a perfect opening for the concert because of where we were. Downtown Los Angeles on a Saturday night. The theater is old and has just been restored and it is very beautiful. A great venue on the boulevard.
So Jackson talks about the importance of the arts in schools. He presents an award to the administrator who has been so important in keeping these programs alive at Washington Prep. She is unfortunately leaving the school. Most importantly he plays music. Not enough music. But it's music and it's Jackson and it's wonderful. After Boulevard he did Doctor My Eyes. Fountain of Sorrow came next, followed by Barricades of Heaven, the wonderful sensuality of Everywhere I Go, then In the Shape of a Heart which always makes me cry. Culver Moon was next with Jennifer Gross doing a beautiful back up vocal. Then there was the Next Voice You Hear where we were treated to the trumpet of a young Washington Prep student named Jerry Jeffers.
Now the choir is on stage and they back him up on Some Bridges. Jackson's music and lyrics with a choir behind him. It was beautiful and added something new to the music. The choir segued into a Bridge Over Troubled Water and one young woman with an incredibly strong voice took the solo. The choir did a couple more numbers accompanied by the Jazz band. The choir director was terrific. He's one of those directors who uses his whole body when he conducts. He was so into it and the expression of joy on his face as he conducted his kids was inspiring. His energy was infectious.
Jackson came back to do World in Motion. Keb Mo joined him and then the choir came in. I love World In Motion and it took on such strength and power with those strong young voices building behind Jackson's voice. The emphasis the choir put on the music and words deepened the song and it was one of the highlights of the show for me. Truly, any songwriter who can use eradicated in a song and make it work is a genius.
Sun going down on the USA
Sun coming up a hundred years away
On another world and another time
Things like hunger, greed and hatred
One way or another, gonna be eradicated
World in motion -- speed your changes
Close your distances, drive your angels
Lose your fears and meet your dangers
World in motion
'Till the world I look out at this world and see
Is the world I know this world can be
You have a volunteer in me
Now come on
Tonight felt special because it was also about education and the importance of arts in education. Arts programs are some of the hardest to keep going because they are underfunded and take really dedicated people to keep them alive. They are essential to education. His dedication to this program is admirable. He used to hang out at Hamilton High and wrote the song Some Bridges about the students he met there. He listened to the kids and the song came out of those experiences. It was evident from watching him tonight how much he likes working with these kids..
I got to see Jackson. I'm hoping that he means it when he says the new album will be out in the spring. He closed tonight with I am a Patriot. It was appropriate and it felt right to finally hear him sing it now that things have changed. It's been awhile since I'd heard him with his band and what struck me was how good the music is. The part without words. Sometimes I get so caught up in the words I forget what a great musician he is. Of course it wasn't long enough. It never is. But I have the buzz. And I'm going to enjoy it for as long as I can..
Here's the set list:
Thanks for listening.
My wife and I attended the 11/17/01 benefit at the refurbished Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. The Washington Prep Highschool Jazz Band opened the show, then Keb' Mo played a set before Jackson came on for a solid 80-minute set. Fred Martin directed the Washington Prep Gospel Choir which joined Jackson for World In Motion (Fred was previously the choir director for Hamilton High Gospel Choir, which as you know recorded a live version of World In Motion with Jackson for limited release). An amazing musical evening start to finish.
Addressing one of the fan letters I read on your site about Jackson being somewhat inaccessible recently: Jackson held a reception after the show for "gold circle" ticket holders and began by stating that this is the first time in quite awhile he has done so. He mentioned specifically, "Unfortunately I don't always have the ability to spend time with everyone who wants to tell me they have been a fan for 20-years or people who want to get my autograph, so I haven't done one of these things for awhile. But with the support you've shown for our cause tonight, I want to make sure I meet everyone here." With that, a rather orderly process took place (similar to a reception line at a wedding) which allowed everyone to spend a few minutes with Jackson and take a picture with him if they wanted to. It was a thrill my wife will never forget, as she spent 3-4 minutes discussing some charity related topics with Jackson, was able to tell him how his music and lyrics had impacted her life over the years, and even received a hug from Jackson before having her picture taken with him.
Just thought you might want to know. Thanks.
my cousin, her daughter, and i arrived at the orpheum theater at just a few minutes before 8 (the time the show was supposed to begin). this concert was a benefit for the washington prep performing arts program (a highschool in south-central L.A.). opening the show was the washington prep jazz band. they were a very impressive group of kids, who, as a tribute to jackson, also did a rendition of jackson's "running on empty".
keb' mo' was next. his set was great. he played for over an hour. although i came to see jackson, keb' mo' was a wonderful. caroline (my cousin's 11 year old daughter) slept during keb' mo's set, but awoke quickly for jackson.
finally jackson started his set with "on the boulevard". he was in good spirits and brought on the washington school choir during "some bridges" and after that on a few other occasions including world in motion. jackson was there with full band and the set was a bit more "mainstream" than what i'm used to at jackson's concerts, but i believe that was due to the mixed crowd (there were student parents and friends at the show as well as keb' mo' fans) and the fact that he had his entire band there. the set was also considerably more upbeat than usual, but it's been a long time since i've seen him perform with full band. i've seen many solo acoustic shows over last few years. nevertheless, i really enjoyed the show and the money we spents went to a very good cause.
after the show, we excitedly went to the after show reception... yes, we had golden circle tickets. there must have been about 150 people there including students and parents and teachers of washington highschool. when jackson arrived he announced that the choir was going to sing one more song. they were excellent. after that jackson said that he looked forward to meeting each and every one of us who contributed to the benefit (by paying golden circle ticket prices). i didn't think he would actually do that, but i should have. everyone who has ever met jackson says how gracious he is. this time was no exception. jackson was a gracious host, who greeted everyone and chit-chatted with all of them for a few minutes. he also posed for pictures. we went to the end of the "make-shift" line, because we didn't want to be prodded through at a fast pace. finally it was our turn.
jackson talked to us about the school, other concerts and other musicians. he also talked to caroline. he very obviously likes kids. what a great guy! anyway, it made for a great ending to a perfect day. we took pictures with two separate camera's and then we shook his hand and were escorted to the parking lot by a security guard. a perfect night.
the set list (or what i can remember of it):
on the boulevardHello Russ and fellow JB fans. Had the opportunity to see JB at the Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre Sat night. Unfortanetly 1 hour was in no way enough time for JB. Especially after seeing him perform in Escondido last year for over 3 hours. Keb Mo and the band were awesome. I especially liked that Running on Empty tribute they performed. I did, however, go to see JB, and was a little disappointed that he was only on for about one hour. The night was wonderful and I was glad to be part of the benfit.
Kary's concert review was funny. I totally relate....the high is real, not drug-induced, and definitely has an addictive component. I am not prepared to do a "concert review", so please forgive me, but I feel so fortunate that I was able to attend the "Words and Music" Benefit for the Tibetan Monks on November 12th, that I want to share.
There were Tibetan dances & chants, readings by Jessica Lange & Sam Shepard (the hosts), Louise Erdrich & Richard Ford, and songs by Greg Brown, TBone Burnett, Guy Davis, and Sam Phillips. Quite a mix. The monks were awesome. Jackson was awesome (& passionate, as always). His hair did look good. He played "In the Shape of a Heart", and new songs that were just beautiful. I don't know names. I didn't write anything down. I was in the spell.
Nanci Griffith was a late addition to the show (I love her) and she sang a set of songs and harmonized with Jackson on a new song. All I remember is the perfect sound and the words "don't stop"....It was cool to be in a spiritual place with positive, peaceful energy, and so much talent. The stage had a sofa for the performers, and above the stage there was a huge clock without hands. There was talk of another benefit next year (yes), but a lady working at the (Guthrie)Theater said the theater would be torn down soon, which is kind of sad. Thankful for the experience(s).......
Hello Russ and Fans,
In reading Sean's comments I am too frustrated by the lack of info on the new JB album. Where is the teasers allowing fans to see possible titles and lyrics. Why not release one song and let it ride for few months before the album is released. Who is singing and playing with him ? Any guest Musicians ? I notice James Taylor's is delayed also, but a lot more info has been posted regarding "working titles". JB's official web site is worthless when it comes to new info on the album.
How we wish for the days of songs and albums being written in a few months and then sent to the stores....
Thanks... a frustrated Fan.
Hi Russ.. It is very sad to read about Jackson having been stalked. This is such an unfair and weirdo thing for anyone to do to anyone else. It is a huge violation of respect, and it also makes it scary and difficult for the person being stalked to trust anyone around him while trying to do a job. It is also unfortunate for Jackson's real (or at least stable or mentally sound) fans because they might not now ever get the chance to be able to simply just shake his hand and thank him (sad for me as a life- long fan too). I feel so sorry for all the celebrities, and others, that have had to deal with this kind of fear, and it is so understandable that these people have to be so cautious. I really have this to say to whoever would consider doing that: Get help, and a life.
Thanks,
Dear Russ,
I used to check your website for the most current information on Jackson Browne's concerts. I have gotten many excellent gold circle tickets, and, thanks to you, have met him once at the Hochstein Music School in Rochester, NY. I am not a long term fan. My sister, Robin, is. My son's name is Jackson and since his birth I have become a fan.
My daughter, my sister and I used to enjoy his music together. His lyrics and the poetry of Louise Gluck have, in part, inspired a book I have written. Now I receive letters from Browne about the government's actions post 9/11. These are painful. I have not always been a Jackson Browne fan, but my politics are my life-long committment. I am a very leftist liberal. I share his politics. I abhor the war (I think) in Afghanistan, particularly as I see it as the neglect on America's part to see it's own culpability in the problem of world-wide hate. We have not yet begun to think through the issues of our own ideological philosophies within our own borders, let alone thinking through the issues of western exploitations of governments and peoples who are not supportive of our "liberties" and excesses.
But on September 11th I lost my daughter, Vanessa Langer, in the World Trade Center. She was proud to work there even if I was not exactly taken by the metaphorical depth of those buildings. She worked on the 93rd floor of Tower II. When the second plane hit that building, she was at her desk, waiting. She, along with many others, was told, "The building is secure. Get back to work." She did.
Arianna Huffington may be appalled at our arrogance. I am appalled at our own indifference to the culpability of the airline industry, the PAPD (who ordered those in Tower II to consider themselves safe), and the US government who will go to "heroic efforts" to assassinate Osama bin Laden, but will, at the same time, bail out the airline industry because they "suffer" financial losses.
I lost a stunning daughter. I lost the baby she was carrying. I lost the ability to stroke my son, Jackson's eyes to close in the evening to a peaceful night of sleep.
Tell Jackson Browne that the depth of his angry political stance needs to be demonstrated in lyrics that touch a world. I looked at the holes in the world those two montrous buildings left. And I know from looking that ALL artists should look, should bear witness. There is no way, looking at that site (sight) that once plane one hit Tower I, anyone, anyone should have been told the building was secure.
My daughter was murdered so many times more than once.
Thanks for reading.
Hi Russ and Jackson fans,
I wanted to suggest that you all read the letters Jackson has recently posted on his official website, if you haven't already done so. They include poignant commentary about the state of affairs since Sept. 11 that I think we should all ponder. As usual, Jackson has given me food for thought by bringing together these sources that I may not have otherwise seen.
Webmaster's Reply: I certainly agree!! Jackson's official website can be found at www.jacksonbrowne.com
I also try to keep a link to Jackson's most recent letters on the front page of this website.