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Fan Letters & Reviews October 2008 GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Dear Russ, First of all i want to thank you for keeping us posted on the news of Jackson. I surely appreciate your hard work. I am a fan from Holland and i loved JB's music from the beginning. Lately I read a lot of the letters posted on your site. And I must say that I am very surprised of the reactions people give regarding the lawsuit and now the new album. I feel like reality has been lost for some people. The simply don't look at the facts. This government failed on several occasions. Yes, it was a republican president. If a democrat was president and he would make the same mistakes that this president had done, than Jackson also would write these same tunes. I don't believe he then would react differently. The new album is fantastic and is receiving good critics here in Holland. Both music and lyrics are simply amazing on this album. This album grows on you as you listen to it more often. A truly amazing song is Drums of War. Listen to its Music, the bridges en the lyrics. He hits it right on the head. And every song on the album gets better as you listen to it more often. I believe this is one of Jackson's best work. In Holland Jackson is a well known artist. We respect him and his music. Live he is one of the best. I am going to his concerts because he sings and plays like it is his First performance, just like the other hero of mine: Bruce Springsteen. Thank you Jackson for your voice of reason. Let me enjoy your music for a long time. I'll see you on the road. Submitted by: dennis.holtkamp@amersfoortse.nl (Dennis) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Russ, been following some of the back-and-forth on the letters page about the set list. First, I thought the show in Boston last month was excellent. The band was great, Jackson was in fine voice. If you're a big fan, you will not be disappointed. Second, I remember thinking during the show that the songs he chose were surprising, but that they were all great songs. Songs that have made their way on to many of my playlists over recent years. Really good stuff. I sold an extra ticket to a woman who I gathered is a big music fan but not a Jackson Browne fanatic, and during the show she leaned over and said something to the effect of "it's amazing how many great songs he has written." I personally got locked in during the late 70s, and that's the stuff I wore out on vinyl. But over time I have really come to appreciate so many of the things he has written since then, including all the "new" (that's post Running on Empty stuff for me ;) ) songs that he played at the show. Last, the reason I had an extra ticket is that a good friend of mine, who has "seeing Jackson" on her "bucket list" (for lack of a better term), and really likes those songs of Jackson's she knows, couldn't make it. I am not sure she would have been as psyched about the set list. Face it, if you are only going to see him once (or once in a great while), you probably do want a 'greatest hits' set that is more like the stuff he plays at the solo acoustic shows. I am not sure I respect the vitriol that some have exhibited after their experience of this tour, but I do think it's a good thing that ticket buyers have a sense of what they will see, and they can set their expectations accordingly. If you have tickets and aren't that psyched about the list, exhale, be patient, and be sure to sing along with the "Everyone I know / Everywhere I go" bridge in "Running on Empty" near the end of the show. It will give you chills, I promise. Submitted by: tim.beidel@gmail.com (Tim B., South Portland, Maine) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I have both the interview and performance videos from Jackson's appearance with Stephen Colbert posted on my blog, (sans any lead in commercials), for anyone who wants to see a clean copy.. I also have a complete transcript posted, as well as lyrics for that particular version of "Going Down to Cuba." The song is so lovely performed acoustically! http://chilledwhitewhine.blogspot.com/2008/10/charming-jackson-on-colbert-report.html Just wanted to share. warmest regards, Submitted by: nancy GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: In a few days he'll be 60. A big, big, big happy birthday from a fan since 1978... Kisses to everybody from Brussels Submitted by: alfredo.quintanilla@ec.europa.eu (Alfredo) CONCERT REVIEW: September 29, 2008 at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall in Seattle, WA Jackson Browne - 9/29/08, McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA First Set: Boulevard The Barricades of Heaven Everywhere I Go Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Culver Moon Giving That Heaven Away Doctor My Eyes About My Imagination Second Set: Something Fine For Taking the Trouble Lives in the Balance Going Down to Cuba Just Say Yeah Drums of War Far From the Arms of Hunger The Pretender Running on Empty First Encore: I Am a Patriot Second Encore: The Load Out/Stay It's fairly rare for rock acts to play electric shows at McCaw Hall, which is more often home to Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet. The hall seats about 3,000, and if it wasn't a sellout, it was close to one. I hope someone provided the formally attired ushers, all whom seemed of retirement age, with some earplugs! The pre-show music over the PA was Under the Blacklight by Rilo Kiley, which I really liked. I wondered how many people knew what it was, and how many of those knew that Jackson played on the album. Apparently this was the first show for JB's new lighting system, which according to his on-stage comments, uses 50% less electricity than a regular lighting system. Jackson's guitar strap broke or came loose on "Boulevard", at the base where it connects to the guitar - he had to stop playing, and have the guitar tech come out and fix it, but he kept singing. His voice is much darker and lower than it used to be, which you can hear in the new album. It's a natural aging process. Several of the older songs ("Boulevard" and "Doctor My Eyes", for example), were sung in a lower key than the original versions, and he often used the female backup singers to sing the high parts he couldn't reach. It worked quite well their solo turns, especially on "Lives in the Balance", were outstanding. On "The Load Out", his voice strained a couple of times, but didn't break. He substituted "reggae" for "disco", and "Portland" for "Chicago" as the next destination. He also used someone else for "we got Richard Pryor on the video", but I couldn't make out whom. For the most part, the new songs went over well, except for "Far From the Arms of Hunger", which I like on the album, but which really dragged live. I personally don't care much for "Going Down to Cuba", but the crowd did. Despite it being out for less than a week, many in the crowd seemed familiar with the new songs. The song introduction to "Just Say Yeah" answered what the question posed in the song is. I paraphrase, but it went something like this: "I've been with my girlfriend for ten years now. At the five year mark, I wrote a song for her called "My Stunning Mystery Companion". Now it's ten years, so I wrote her this song. It's about the big questions, commitment, possibly that big word. Anyway, it's the latest step in our negotiations." Richard Thompson has a song called "Al Bowlly's In Heaven". I wouldn't rank it among his 50 best songs, but it's one of only two songs that he performs at virtually every show. The studio version is pedestrian, but when he performs it live, he breaths life into it that isn't there on the recorded version. I always think, "Wow, that song is much better than I remember", and then go home and play the CD, and find out it's not. "Culver Moon" is Jackson's "Al Bowlly's In Heaven", one of his most nondescript songs on record, but one that really works well played live. I also liked "For Taking the Trouble", which is a song on JB's previous album that had made little impression on me. Mark Goldenberg sounds a lot like David Lindley when he plays slide guitar. He did the solo in "Running on Empty" to perfection. I think Browne has pretty much claimed "I Am a Patriot" from Steve Van Zandt, who wrote it. I think of it now far more as Browne's song than Little Steven's. Considering the political situation, Jackson's comments were very reserved, and he didn't say anything in his between-song patter about the election, the bailout crisis, or any other current issues. He just played his songs and let them speak for themselves. Submitted by: baclightning@yahoo.com (Robert) September 30, 2008 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR We attended the Jackson Browne concert in Portland Oregon on Sept 30th 2008, myself, my 2 sons and girlfriend, they have never experienced Jackson Browne live before so we were all very excited, my son's have been listening to his music around the house since they were quite young and have grown to appreciate his artistry. I have been a life long fan of his music, political stance, social awareness and message. Fortunately the release of his new CD was a week old an we all had the privilege of listening to it prior to the show, thank goodness, because he played nearly the every track, it sounded great. I had an expectation for my boys to hear some classics, which Jackson was gracious enough to play some of, Doctor my Eyes, Fountain of Sorrow, The Pretender and Running on Empty, as well as Something Fine to name a few. The rest of the experience was a disappointment, it may be an issues of expectation and let down, however I have always had a great experience until now. Almost every show I have attended he listens to the audience, considers and takes requests, and interacts, his Solo Acoustic 1 and 2 are evidence, however he was not willing to accommodate this time (aside from the interaction). This was the first time I have attended a JB concert and left feeling like this was for him, not the fans.... who travel distances, buy the CD's and T shirts that support him and his record company. I am not sure I will attend another concert @ $350.00 (4 seats) to be disappointed in the future. I suppose I am a Patriot was a appropriate encore during these times, however part of why we listen to music, go to movies and concerts is to have some form of escapism, this I am afraid was not the case. On a hugely positive note, the backup singers were amazing, which in many ways had a large redemptive value to us all, nice addition to the band. He will always be my favorite artist, and I am sure I will continue to purchase his music in the future, however I sure wish we would have had a better experience. Russ, thanks for your continued support through you website and the information it provides to the faithful. Thanks, Submitted by: Dan Webmaster's Reply: CONCERT REVIEW: September 29, 2008 at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall in Seattle, WA The Seattlepi.com review is by Shawn Telford and can be found at: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/381188_browne_01q.html Submitted by: your webmaster GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi All, I am SO looking forward to seeing Jackson in Kansas City on 10/17! I have not been able to attend a concert in quite a few years and when I saw this tour includes BOTH KC and St. Louis (I am right in between these 2 cities) I was thrilled! While of course I love JB's "old" stuff, I am excited that we will be hearing many cuts from "Time"---I purchased the CD the day it was released and am quite pleased with it. It always takes me awhile to warm up to new music especially when I cherish so many of the old tunes...but this is an excellent group of songs. Isn't it fantastic that we adore an artist who continues to write and record mindful, contemporary messages rather than rely only on a set of old tunes??? Jackson is still providing us with his gifts, talents and astute command of the heart and mind---we should reward him with the respect and admiration he deserves. I plead with my Midwestern friends---let's show Jackson some basic courtesy by NOT shouting out song requests at these Missouri shows!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE allow him to play songs of his choice---it is rude and annoying to hear YOUR voice during the interludes when the ONLY voice I desire to hear is that of my beloved Jackson. Let's show him the respect he deserves from us and appreciate his choice to play what he wants. He has given us all so much in the past the least we can do is show him the decency to be graceful (& grateful) fans. I am anticipating hearing "I Am A Patriot" live---what a perfect theme for these politically charged times---I have been listening to this anthem loudly for the past several months and seeing it on the playlist makes me very HAPPY! Hoping to see many old friends in the audience! Submitted by: debken@socket.net (Deb in Columbia) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I saw that "Time the Conqueror" is listed as #2 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart and #6 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums. (See Billboard.com.) Jackson has always stood up for his beliefs and I feel that the political content is very appropriate for the current state of the world. It is the purpose of "folk" music (including folk-rock) to chronicle the events and atmosphere of the period, and I believe Jackson has done this very well. I am happy for Jackson to be writing about the bigger picture instead of a failed relationship. (For those of you who want a relationships album, think about what kind of vibes you are sending out into the universe.) It's great to finally hear his new material. The songs are great as usual. I've never been disappointed by any of his albums, but then again I see each new album as a letter from an old friend and a statement of where he is now and what is going on in his life now. (I don't expect another "Late for the Sky" because the inspiration for that album is not what is inspiring him now.) He may be looking back in order to see the future, but that's cool. I've been doing that lately too. I think that "Time the Conqueror" is very deep and has multiple layers of meaning within the album. (I'll leave you to your own interpretations.) I see both of the worlds that Jackson speaks of and I hope that when the time comes and the world Jackson envisions is a reality that we will live in that world together. I would love to live in Jackson's world of hope and possibility, where love and kindness rule. I think we are each choosing with every action we take. Which world do you choose? I noticed that there are no apocalyptic warnings this time. Perhaps that in itself should tell us something. Reminder: Greg Copeland's new album is coming out this week. Most of you will remember hearing Jackson talk about his good friend since high school and how Greg and Steve's songwriting influenced him. Greg played an interesting role in Jackson's early career, which the roles have somewhat reversed now with Jackson as the Executive Producer on "Diana and James" which is on Jackson's Inside Recordings label. Greg had an album out in 1982 called "Revenge Will Come". His new album, "Diana and James" is a relationships album. (Those of you who were disappointed that Jackson's album had so much political content should like this one!) I've had the pleasure to hear this album already and it's really great. It's a little bit of a different sound than his previous album. Greg is a wonderful poet and his songs tell a story. The songs have little references and common threads that tie them together. Keep an open mind and check his album out. Many of the download sites offer previews (which will give you an idea of the sound), but you won't get enough from that to truly appreciate the lyrics. I recommend buying the whole album. Dear concert-goers: I've seen some letters posted on this site in which people were not able to really enjoy the concert they paid their hard earned money for because of other people who chose to attend the same concert. I had a similar experience last spring. The guy in front of me was back & forth to the lobby to buy another beer & several trips to eliminate the last beer from his system throughout the first 2/3rds of the show. He only stopped because he was so drunk he couldn't hardly walk. He stumbled on the steps and smashed into the plexiglass at the bottom of the stairs on the balcony. If you feel that you need to get drunk in order to enjoy a concert, either trade seats with someone at the back so you disrupt as few people as possible or bring a box to put your drinks in and buy enough to get you through the show without getting up (and relieve yourself before the show starts whether you need to or not). Most venues offer only enough space for your knees if you are sitting, and it is very unpleasant to have someone crawling over you (and worse if they have a full cup of beer sloshing all over). You also disrupt the view of the people several rows behind you when you get up during the show. Also, the people around you probably don't want to hear about your bad day at work or the latest gossip during the show, so take care of those things before/after the show or during the intermission. I really don't understand paying that much money if you are only there to get drunk or if you just want to hear the sound of your own voice. Most of us only pay that much money to see performers that we REALLY want to see/hear. Please Be Courteous at the concerts so everyone else can have an enjoyable experience too. If you plan to get drunk, be sure to have a designated driver or other transportation home so we can all get home safely. Thank you! Submitted by: jdthird@aol.com GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi Russ! On Jackson Browne's 60th Birthday... Just some few words of best wishes and congratulations from all the Portuguese dedicated fans, to Jackson Browne, who reaches his 60th anniversary on October, 9 ! Go forward Jackson, for another 60 years, and "keep delivering your goods" so well as you are able to do it! We are still waiting for a first performance of JB here in this most western part of Europe! Submitted by: jpato@apeb.pt (Jorge P.) October 3, 2008 at Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA Like a fine wine Jackson Browne just keeps getting better with age. His performance at the beautiful Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara was nothing less than flawless. For me, the first six songs proved that JB is still in excellent voice at the age of 60. Those songs (including "Boulevard," "Barricades of Heaven," Everywhere I Go," "Fountain of Sorrow," "Time the Conqueror," and "Off of Wonderland) span four decades and show JB's depth and versatility. With sunglasses reflecting the stage lights JB opened with a spot on "Boulevard," just the way I remember it when it first came out back in the 1980's on vinyl. "Barricades" also hit home as it was the first time I'd ever heard this song with his band. It is definitely one of his favorites and truly a great song. For me, that first 20 minutes or so would have been enough. As has been noted, the second half of the show was pretty much a tour de force for the two back up singers, especially on "Going Down to Cuba," "Lives in the Balance," and "I Am a Patriot." Jackson interacted with the crowd a little, but kept stopping himself from going into too much detail about his songs. He let them speak for themselves, as he always has. The songs strongly showcased his political viewpoints, especially "Lives," and "Drums of War." At one point a fan roared "Vote for Obama," but JB didn't reply. Kevin McCormick did a little rap about voting for change, but the Democratic presidential candidate was never mentioned by JB. Of course, there's really nothing to say. Everything JB's been singing politically for the last 30 years has pretty much come true. "Lives" could have easily been written yesterday rather than 1986. Jackson did seem happy to be in SB, as he has probably played here 20 or 30 times. Hopefully he'll be back next summer. Submitted by: allie08227@yahoo.com (allie) CONCERT REVIEW: October 5, 2008 at Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, CA I actually hadn't planned to write a full review... but here are a few thoughts on the wonderful show Sunday night in Los Angeles. I was born in Los Angeles and have lived here most of my life, but had never been to the Orpheum Theatre. Great place for a concert. A very beautiful theater with confortable seats and great sound. I thought it was a really great show. My wife said to me afterwards, "He just gets better and better through the years." I agree. The band was tight, the energy was high, the sound was sharp, the new arrangements were fantastic, the crowd was really into it giving him numerous standing ovations, and Chavonne and Alethea added SO much. The first few songs were "oldies" and when he went into a bunch of new songs there was no drop at all in energy or quality. The new songs from "Time the Conqueror" fit in very well with the old songs. It was wonderful to hear the new songs in concert. From where I was sitting, I could hear a few drunk sounding women shouting out for old songs. (From past experience, it's usually men who shout out the most, but last night is was one or two women who were most persistent in this obnoxious behavior.) But generally they got hushed up by the crowd and that dwindled out by the second set. Of the new songs, I find that "Going Down To Cuba" and "Live Nude Cabaret" are the two songs that are the furthest from Jackson's "normal sound". They both have a slightly different sound and feel, particularly the second of these which I think is very different musically from they way Jackson usually writes. Both work very nicely in concert. Scott Thurston came out to play keyboards on "The Pretender" and then stayed to play keyboards and sing backup on "Running On Empty". Scott looked and sounded great. He was in a great mood backstage after the show and told me how much he really enjoys working with Jackson's band. "These are my guys" he beamed at me. But he's been off playing with Tom Petty's band and he simply couldn't handle the load of being in both bands. Ben Harper played lap steel for the encore of "I Am A Patriot"... and sang a bit of the chorus when Jackson put a microphone in his face towards the end. Basically the exact same set list as all the other shows on the tour. Kevin McCormick (bass), Mark Goldenberg (guitar), Mauricio Lewak (drums), and Jeff Young (keyboards and backing vocals) were all in fine form. I can't say enough about Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills and backing vocals. Their voices are wonderful and their energy is great. Not too much to add. We were sitting next to Jackson's brother and younger sister. Lots of his family was there. His former mother-in-law was there. His nephew was there. Lots of L.A. area friends, too. We got talk with Joel Rafael, Rosemary Butler, and Steve Postell backstage after the show. I also got to meet Carl Giese of A. Davis Guitars who makes some of Jackson's guitars. The band sounded like they had been touring for 6 months, not 3 weeks. I realize that the band has been mostly the same band for the past 15 years, but they really hadn't been working together regularly in the past 5 years. They sounded great. (Someone I spoke with said that he saw a show just last week and that this one was leaps ahead in that department. I'll take his word for it.) I love the new arrangements on the older songs. I told this to Mark Goldenberg after the show and he said it was mostly because they couldn't remember what they had been doing before! (I think he was probably at least partially joking about that. Well, maybe.) But I REALLY did like the new arrangements. I talked with Bob Lefsetz at the concert, too. Hopefully he will be writing up a review for his syndicated column. [See below.] He really enjoyed the concert as well. He commented that he felt that the new songs worked better live than on the album. I had a feeling that this might be the case. When I first heard the new album my first thought was that these song would make for a great tour. After last night's show, I can say that I was definitely correct about that initial assessment. Great show. Very fun. Great audience. Great new album. Thank you Jackson. Here's the setlist: 1. Boulevard 2. The Barricades Of Heaven 3. Everywhere I Go 4. Fountain Of Sorrow 5. Time The Conqueror 6. Off Of Wonderland 7. Live Nude Cabaret 8. Culver Moon 9. Giving That Heaven Away 10. Doctor My Eyes 11. About My Imagination Intermission 12. Something Fine 13. For Taking The Trouble 14. Lives In The Balance 15. Going Down To Cuba 16. Just Say Yeah 17. The Drums Of War 18. Far From The Arms Of Hunger 19. The Pretender (w/ Scott Thurston) 20. Running On Empty (w/ Scott Thurston) Encore: 21. I Am A Patriot (w/Ben Harper) Submitted by: russ@jrp-graphics.com (Russ P., your webmaster) CONCERT REVIEW: October 5, 2008 at Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, CA Bob Lefsetz's wonderful two-part review and can be found at: www.lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2008/10/07/something-fine-3 www.lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2008/10/07/highlights-2 Submitted by: your webmaster October 5, 2008 on BBC2 Johnny Walker Show I just listened to a phone interview with Jackson Browne today on BBC2 Johnny Walker Show. You should be able to hear the archived recording. It is about in the middle of the show. www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/walker Submitted by: richardzon@msn.com (Marcia R.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hello Russ, I'd like to thank you for your dedication and for the excellent website, I Love this site! I am very excited to see Jackson Browne after so many years and for the first time ever, I have front row seats - YEAH! I was wondering if you can tell me how the lucky people, like yourself, get the chance to meet with Jackson Browne backstage? It would be my greatest fantasy fulfilled to have the chance to meet him in person! Believe me, I'm not some high school teeny-bopper or psycho stalker, just a long time, graying at the temples, /"Pretender"/ who would love to be able to personally say to Jackson Browne,"Thank you for making a difference in this world through your music". I'm sure you probably get these types of requests all the time, but if there's any chance you can make a "girl's" dream come true, I'd truly appreciate it! Thanks again for all the great information you post! Peace, Submitted by: Anonymous Webmaster's Reply: CONCERT REVIEW: October 7, 2008 at Amoeba Records in Hollywood, CA I went to the in-store Jackson had at Amoeba Records yesterday evening where he performed, and then signed his new C.D. I decided to write this because I was so completely blown away by what a gracious and giving person he is. He sat for about four hours signing things and talking with fans. With each person who came up to the table, he seemed so completely genuinely interested and engaged in the conversations he was having and the questions people were asking. He gave a lot of time to each person. Some people were telling kind of long stories, and instead of brushing them off and making them hurry, he just intently listened to each one. I was amazed by his generosity as it's not something you generally see of someone in his position. Additionally, although the store said no photos and that Jackson would only sign for the first 100 people, he was very accommodating and, when asked, signed albums, etc. and posed for many photos with fans. By the time it was all said and done, I would think that he probably signed at least 400 things (I think there were about 300 people in line). I saw all this because I was the second to the last person in line. By the time it was my turn it was almost 11:00 p.m. and the store was closed. I realized he must be spent (as I was too), so I tried to cut my conversation short so he could get out of there. Unfortunately, I made an ass of myself by saying something about how I met a nice guy at his concert the other night, and asked him if his butt was sore from sitting so long (he said it was). On the positive side, Amoeba made $200 from me shopping for music for over three hours, and I also think I saw Tom Petty there. Submitted by: ljk5@verizon.net (Laura) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Happy 60th Birthday Jackson !!! From one of your biggest fans in New Jersey.... Submitted by: jackbrownefan@aol.com (Joyce) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Happy Birthday to you, Mr. Browne - the "Lives In The Balance"-Album and a concert in germany in 1986 were two great milestones in my musical live and you've been an important influence in my musical career. Thank you for your work and your integrity as an aritst, songwriter and musician with a political message all over the years. With the kindest regards from the other side of the world, Submitted by: p.reimer@inno-finanz.de GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi Russ!!! I'm french and an old JB's fan.... Simply, I would like to tell to Jackson Browne a great and marvellous happy birthday!!!!! Time The Conqueror is so wonderful, like all the others... I'm waiting for him in France, on spring 2009. Thanks for all you makes for us. Friendly Greetings from France Submitted by: echoppedevillemagne34600@orange.fr (Florian) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Please pass along my birthday wishes to Jackson as he turns 60!!! His music means the world to me!! I grew up in Los Angeles and graduated high school in 1973 and his music was and continues to be an inspiration!!! Happy Birthday Jackson!!! from a forever fan, Submitted by: roxnoe@comcast.net (Roxann) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Please let Jackson know many are wishing him a Blessed, Peaceful, and Happy BD. Peace, Submitted by: mieux2u@comcast.net (Terri A.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: A very happy birthday to you Jackson!! Thank you for so many awesome concerts and your music. Your September show in D.C. was wonderful. The band and backup singers were superb! Very different from the Solo shows but equally enjoyable. Submitted by: mbray@nauticom.net (Bridget in PA) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Happy 60th Birthday Jackson! Have a great one! I'm from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada & have been a huge fan for over 30 years & have collected just about everything you've put out. Hope you can make it to Winnipeg some day. I've never seen you live - it's on my "bucket list". The closest you've ever come is Minneapolis, MN & so far it's been more than my budget can manage. Here's hoping you're not just "Going Down To Cuba", but also "Going Up To Canada". We love you up here. Pay us a visit. Thanks for the many great memories. I especially remember a low point in my life when I was lifted up & inspired to keep going by "Alive In The World". Thanks a lot! Submitted by: greg@progressivetax.ca (Greg P.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Happy 60th Birthday, Jackson! Submitted by: rochedl@upmc.edu GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I am loving the new album but I've been amazed to see that one of my favorite songs on the CD is not being played on the tour.... ... anybody have any idea why he is not belting out WHERE WERE YOU while he's got Jeff Young behind him doing those wicked good vocals? This song has such a funky beat, a haunting undertone and a solid jab at the current administration's lack of care for the victims of Katrina. I love the verse where he describes the president flying over on his way back from vacation and the "picture" I imagine he is referring to is that photoshopped image of him and his father in a fishing boat floating in the French Quarter. I hope he puts it into the set list before my shows :) I know that one day I might love Live Nude Caberet, but that is the place I can fit in the song I want to hear. hahahhahahah (ahhhhhhhhh, if only I were in charge). Happy Birthday Jackson. See you in Atlanta, Birmingham and Phoenix. Imagine. Phoenix, McCain's home town, the night before the election. Oh yea... I'll be there. Thanks Russ... keep the set lists coming so I'll know that my message has been heard..... hahaha Submitted by: nitatlanta@bellsouth.net (Nita) CONCERT REVIEW: October 2, 2008 at UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles, CA Here's a review of the McCabe's 50th Anniversary concert with Jackson Browne, Jennifer Warnes, Richard Thompson, Chrissie Hynde and others: http://www.smmirror.com/MainPages/DisplayArticleDetails.asp?eid=8720 Submitted by: your webmaster GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Happy 60th Birthday Jackson Browne I would love to sing it to you. If you can recall your concert in Boston. I was the fast dancer, way back, when you started playing & singing I am a Patriot. (the one with the chap lips - only you would get that joke) I can't believe all these years have past us by. I remember when I fist discovered you. I use to listen to your songs on the radio. One day I was looking at this cute guy on this album at this store. I saw the songs I loved and you. As they say, the rest is history. I still have the price on the album. It cost $1.99. A sale, but priceless. It was your 1st one. In my early twenties (1982) I worked at NU in Boston. I use to have a picture of you on my desk. Something strange happened because of it. A man in a suit came in the Dean's Office and took me into a room and interrogate me on privacy. Tom Rush was coming to the University and someone leaked it. He was blaming me. At the time I had no idea who Tom was. Twenty years later after reading something on the internet, I saw your name with his. I was upset at the time with that man because I was innocent. Sometimes, time brings understanding. You came to Boston with Tom Petty when I really needed a lift. Those memories are very special to me. I hope today was special for you. Good luck on the rest of the Tour and please take care (watch over) the young ladies. P.S. If you can squeeze Boston in - come back for a CD signing. I really can't ask for any more. I did so enjoy your concert. Submitted by: jbfan@tompetty.com GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: In case Jackson Browne ever reads this, Happy Birthday!! See you in a week in Minneapolis. Brings back memories of seeing Jackson for the first time in '74 or so at the old Guthrie Theater in Mpls. (Opening for him that night was Linda Ronstadt)! Thanks seem so inadequate for all the great music over the years. Great to hear on the radio interview that Jackson is anxious to get back to the studio to record some more music. Your #1 Border Town (MN-IA) fan, Submitted by: benson@bevcomm.net (KB in B.E.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hey Jackson. Just wanted to say that I have been a fan of yours forever. Love your music. I had wondered were you had been. Had not seen you perform in a long time. I am from LA born and raised. I moved close to two years ago,to get out of the rat race of LA. Wanted a different life style. I did not know anyone, and never moved in my life. Picked up and I know live at Lake Norman in NC. Just was watching you sing on the Jay Lenno show tonight. You look great as the years have gone by, and you still are a wonderful singer. Just wished I had been there to see you in person! Never have. Best of luck to you on your tours. Wish you were coming here, I checked and did not see you on the schedule. Best Wishes to you. Regards Submitted by: marlene0823@aol.com (Marlene K.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: I watched Jackson on the Leno show last nite.He looked good,and did a great job on "Off of Wonderland".It wasn't one of my favorites so far,until last nite.It's an album you need to listen to a few times.My favorite songs are "Just say Yeah","Giving that Heaven away","Going down to Cuba","Time the Conqueror",and now "Off of Wonderland".The band was "bang on" too.Glad to see Jackson has fans in Canada too.He hasn't been here for quite a while.I saw him at at his last appearances here,Canada's Wonderland and Molsen ParkI actually met Jackson at that show,backstage.Very humble,gracious man..I always enjoy his shows,and love listening to his new material.I definately want to catch a show from "Time the Conqueror" tour.I'll probably have to wait till next summer.My second home is in Florida.....I'm waiting for something there,if,he dosen't make it to Ontario.Thanks again Russ,take it easy......your buddy from Canada Submitted by: rlipovsky@sympatico.ca (Bob) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: This week, I was in my local independant record store and saw they had a copy of Jackson's new album on vinyl. I just recently got back into vinyl this summer, and have had a blast seeking out old treasures in yard sales, used record stores, and even Craigs list. I've also bought a few new releases on vinyl like Beck/ Modern Guilt, Radiohead/ In Rainbows, My Morning Jacket/ Evil Urges. So when I saw a big 'ol LP with Jackson's white beard adorning the cover, I picked it up quickly. "Time The Conqueror" is a beautiful LP package, all artwork in black & white, and is on 2 LP's. Let me just say the music is wonderful, has to be Jackson's best in years, instantly likeable. It also sounds like it will even grow better with time. The problem is the vinyl. There is a big static pop that goes through the whole album, on all 4 sides. It gets more tolerable in some spots, but it also get pretty annoying in some spots too. The actual music (if you take out the pops) is sweet. It has that sweet vinyl warmth, with a beautiful clarity and depth you generally expect on records. Has anyone else bought this album on vinyl, and had similar problems? I called the store and they said they would exchange it for the CD version, but after hearing how nice the vinyl sounds, I'd really like to have it in that format, but I don't want to go through the same thing with another copy. I'd like to think it was that particular pressing. Would love some feedback on this. Submitted by: pbeacham@bellsouth.net (john/ cary, nc) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Ticket Available Hi Russ, I know I am a bit late, but find myself with one extra ticket for the 10/27 show in Atlanta at the Tabernacle. If it wouldn t be too much trouble, could you post this in your letters section? I hope you are well and thank you so much!! Submitted by: annie@kenyondiamond.com (Annie B.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Hi everyone, I have only listened to the new album once. Sorry to be a critic, I am going to have to force myself to listen to it again, sure the music is great and Jackson's voice is better than ever, but I just can't take the negativity. I have tickets for March 2009 in Sydney, god I hope he plays a lot of his old stuff. After the last solo acustic tour I just couldn't take it, I so want to hear him play some good rock and roll and loud. Does the album get any better? Love to you all Happy Birthday Jackson! no hard feelings. Submitted by: margd8@bigpond.com (Marg D.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Russ, please add the following to your Fan Letters page. Thanks. I had a Japanese exchange student staying at our place for the last couple of weeks. The day she left she surprised me with a copy of the Japanese version of "Time The Conqueror", which her mother had mailed out as a gift. The 11th track sounds excellent with David Lindley & Jackson teaming up for a live version of Late for The Sky. Submitted by: greg@progressivetax.ca (Greg P., Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada) CONCERT REVIEW: October 16, 2008 at Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN Russ; it's 2:30 AM but I feel compelled to write about one of the more memorable evenings of my life. Saw Jackson at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis last night and it was an extraordinary show. A set list: Boulevard Barricades of Heaven Everywhere I Go Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Culver Moon (an unbelievable version) Giving That Heaven Away Dr. My Eyes/About My Imagination (another memorable version) (Intermission) Something Fine For Taking the Time Lives In The Balance Going Down to Cuba Just Say Yeah The Drums of War (very powerful) Far From the Arms of Hunger The Pretender Running on Empty I Am A Patriot (encore) (Where Were You was in the second set, but not sure when) This is a remarkable band-outstanding musicians all! Jackson seemed relaxed, in very good voice and appeared to be having a great time performing. Chavonne and Alethea's backing vocals complemented Jackson beautifully, particularly in Culver Moon, About My Imagination and Lives in the Balance. These girls are wonderful!! A note to concert goers: expect to hear quite a bit from the new record. Afterall, that's what this tour is all about! Concert was done about 10:15, so a group of us (about 25-30 people) waited in the parking lot near the tour buses for over an hour (we were dedicated, patient and well behaved). Anyway, Jackson had been visiting with various people (some family we are told) in the theater and he finally emerged shortly before midnight and greeted us. He was very gracious, friendly and spoke with most of us and posed for photos. I shook his hand and said something like, "If I could explain to you how much your music has meant to me over the years, I would, but I can't....you are an amazing individual." He smiled and said politely "Thank you." And that was it. I actually met Jackson Browne! Forgive me for blubbering about this encounter, but it was almost surreal. And I didn't even tell him how much I enjoyed the show and his band. Maybe next time. Thanks Jackson and for those of you can, try to make it to his show. One never knows when the next time you'll have a chance to hear him again. Thanks again Russ for the wonderful work on the website. Submitted by: benson@bevcomm.net (Kevin in Minnesota) CONCERT REVIEW: October 16, 2008 at Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN First off, I've been a JB fan since the mid 70s, bought all his LPs/CDs including the new one and IMHO I think he's a living legend in the music world, BUT. Here's my view of the concert tonight in Minneapolis. It started off fine but about the 3rd song in I'm not sure what happened but the sound became all muddy and mixed together, here's what I mean. In other concerts I've been to (Eagles, Alan Parsons, Simon&Garfunkel, Journey etc..) the vocals are dominant and as needed the lead comes in louder and fades or it's dominant in the fills, the same with the keys and usually the rhythm and bass hold baseline with drums holding the beat, I think you get my drift. Tonight, about 3 songs in to set 1, it all became mixed, there was no dominant instrument and the volume itself drown out a lot of the vocals. The vocals through the P.A. speakers were also quite muddy (mid-range) and not at all crisp which I'm sure helped it get buried in the music. The parts in which JB was doing mainly acoustic stuff with a more mellow song were pretty good and the clarity was a lot better but sadly, it also accentuated the muddy sound of the P.A. I was about 7 rows back on the main floor so I don't know if that contributed to it. The result of having all the music at the same levels killed any lead parts or fills, BUT, these have a story too. Even though all the music was blended together, you could hear mistakes, many mistakes. Wrong note, missed chords timing mistakes, mis-cues, it was the very last thing I expected. I seen the Eagles on their breakout tour 8 or so years ago and they were tight as a clam. Don't get me wrong, I know this is a new group of players he's touring with but I really don't think they should have went on tour this soon with the band not being tight and as many mistakes as they made through the night they should have spent a few extra months refining the songs. For me and the folks I went with, we said the same thing. I wouldn't pay to see him live again but I will still buy his CDs, especially the acoustic ones, I love those, their fantastic. Don't get too mad, I said the same thing after I saw Dylan live, it's best to stick to LPs, CDs and some videos. The crowd was great for this concert, no air-heads trying to sing along or people standing through the whole concert blocking your view (unlike a Moody Blues concert I went to in MPLS) and the new lighting system was really nice even though a few time I think someone hit the wrong button and hit the audience with the full force of the white lights, that happened several times and killed the eyes for a minute or so every time. The interaction between the crowd and JB was good and at times funny. I guess my overall view is, Jackson Browne himself did OK but when everything else is factored in, I was disappointed. Submitted by: hgwmrnorm@yahoo.com (Jeff in Minneapolis) CONCERT REVIEW: October 16, 2008 at Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN Hi, Russ, and thanks again for all that you've done for us! Jackson seems so happy to have his band back with him. On Thursday night he, Mark Goldenberg, Chavonne Morris, Alethea Mills, Mauricio Lewak, Jeff Young and Kevin McCormick played for over two hours, including a 15-minute break--and the crowd loved every word and chord. Jackson's set list, which he stayed with throughout, struck a wonderful balance between matters of the heart, politics and, for those who wanted to get up and dance, straight rock and roll. Jackson was genial and clearly appreciative of the audience as he tapped some of the very best of his ever-deepening body of work, weaving in several of his new songs. Highest among the highlights (for me) were "Fountain," "Something Fine," "Everywhere I Go," "Lives in the Balance" including the Fred Martin, et. al verse! and "Live Nude Cafe." What struck me was how absolutely well received the new songs were--not because they aren't on a par with the music everyone "knows," but in comparison to what people had written on this site regarding the struggles Jackson had on his first leg of this tour, a few weeks back. I guess I sort of understand some of that frustration, and the sustained enthusiasm of last night's sold out crowd at the Orpheum convinced me that it all could have been avoided if "Time" had been released a month earlier to give his fans a chance to learn the songs. In any case, everything sounded great last night!! The sound was perfectly balanced and so pure. Every word was crystal clear. Jackson's always been a generous performer, as any fan knows, and that came through so vividly last night as he time and again deferred to showcasing Chavonne and Alethea's amazing talent. They were beautiful to look at and listen to, and truly made this a Jackson Browne concert unlike any of the other twenty-two I've been to. Great band, great crowd, great venue, great songs. Jackson and company never sounded better than last night at the Orpheum in Minneapolis! Submitted by: jcbergeron2180@yahoo.com CONCERT REVIEW: October 16, 2008 at Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN Jackson begins a new decade with one of his most impressive performances, of the countless, I've seen in my life. I am grateful for the hard work Jackson obviously put in to "Time The Conqueror," an album that will one day go down as one of his 3 or 4 best ever. Jackson started the show in sunglasses and cracked a smile at the start of his first number, "Boulevard." When he entered "Barricades of Heaven" next, I realized we were in for a treat and not just a sales pitch for the new album. I chose not to read prior reviews so the playlist was a total, and rewarding, surprise for me. In "Everywhere I Go" Jackson and his band powered through incredible solos before the instrumental portion of the song. The band captured a fresh and captivating way to repeat the final refrain, "I Hear Your Heart" over and over again till the end. Without realizing when he did it, Jackson removed his shades and was sitting for "Fountain of Sorrow." This classic was performed at a slightly faster tempo than the famed recording. A highlight was when Jackson smiled once again, this time during the line "It's good to see your smiling face tonight." It was clear Jackson was engaged in the music and felt the energy his band and chorus provided. As Jackson introduced the band for one of two occasions, a fan yelled "where is Scott Thurston." Instead of making bassist Kevin McCormick feel somehow unwelcomed by the comment, Jackson reminded the crowd that Scott plays with Tom Petty and doesn't know where he was. But Jackson took a fun shot at his longtime band mate when he described "The Thurston Rule" stating, "Whoever isn't here (performing), is an asshole." The crowd roared. So did Kevin. I was impressed that Jackson waited until the fifth song to unveil a new cut, "Time The Conqueror." Jackson displayed deep expressions as the two vocalists, Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills ended the song with the grace you hear on the record. I was also beginning to formulate something I had not ever noticed in many of Jackson's previous songs: In this and other new songs, Jackson plays off his singers and instruments more. The outcome is almost a duet, as the vocals begin where Jackson leaves off and Jackson resumes where the vocals leave off. For this and other songs, I felt Jackson gets to "play off" other cues in a manner he hasn't written it into many previous songs (like in "That Girl Can Sing"). I feel it gives Jackson more energy, makes his entries crisper and moves his new music forward. After a solid performance in "Off Of Wonderland," Jackson stated "this is a song for Minnesota" and described seeing a sign that said "Live Nude Cabaret." After, as someone yelled out a request with a passionate "PLEASE," Jackson played off the polite word and said it's "like please, please, please and James Brown." Another crowd request for "Rosie," and Jackson said "it's all about Rosie." Before launching into the best version of "Culver Moon" I've heard, Jackson described Culver City, California. "It's where they kept the little people in the Wizard of Oz & in the Culver Hotel. Howard Hughes (reference), the Chippendales not where the actors and anchors (of Hollywood) live. It's where the cameramen and makeup ladies live." Jackson's rendition of this song made him look powerful and I thought to myself that he seemed more like 25 or 30 years old right about then. Then another treat from the vocalists as they ended the song in a gospel-like charge. If only the crowd wasn't so "Minnesota-like" we all would have been standing in appreciation of Chavonne's and Alethea's gifts. Next Jackson set up "Giving That Heaven Away" by stating "I wrote this song for this woman I knew &35 years later she wrote me a letter. She told me what she did with her life & I lost the letter." A funny conclusion to a touching moment, I wondered who the woman was and what connect she had to Jackson. The concert was in full tilt, perfectly formatted to highlight new songs and older ones with fresh approaches. A treat was "Doctor My Eyes" with enough standing and dancing to remind us of concerts in the '70's where we stood and danced for most of the show. With some in the crowd not immediately realizing it, Jackson mastered a sweet transition without missing a beat into "About My Imagination." Magic ensued as the vocalists and the band took charge of the song with Jackson in a rare role of accompanying THEM on keyboard. You could sense how proud he felt that a song he wrote years ago was being driven, not by his voice, but by his fresh faces. We ended the two-song medley on our feet dancing our way to the 20 minute intermission. The second set began with what appeared to be Jackson walking on stage alone for "Something Fine." But at the moment the song called for backup harmonies, the lights shined on the vocalists, if only for their short portions. Classy. The full band was back to perform "For Taking The Trouble." And then the song that has new meaning and new life, "Lives in the Balance." Again, the chorus stood out as it sang not just backups, but the melody with passion and conviction. A new decade, a new war, a new sound for this song. As we were absorbing the end of "Lives" and the way it still speaks to the current climate, Jackson said "here's a really political song." Placing "Going Down to Cuba" right here was another genius moment, flowing from one pointed political commentary to another. Knowing "Cuba" was the song Jackson performed on "The Colbert Report" the night the album debuted, I called out, "How was Stephen Colbert?" Jackson said "Steven Colbert was great. He's not the real thing but a real simulator. I love that show." Next Jackson said, "I wrote this for my girlfriend &.we're not married &for the record, I DID ask her to marry me in the beginning...('she said no') & it's been 15 years, I should check back and see if she changed her mind." It was a rare insight into Jackson's private life and it was very loving and self-deprecating. "You don't have to get married if you keep the songs coming" was funny but I also realized the comment's power of metaphor. Next the song I have played over and over to the point that my CD HAS to crack soon! "Just Say Yeah" has to be Jackson's greatest love song in years, and one of the most upbeat, optimistic love-anthems of all time. "The Drums of War" into "Far From The Arms of Hunger" provided a fresh backdrop to what happened next. Without even realizing it, Jackson snuck 4 consecutive new songs before us. So when he launched into "The Pretender" the crowd appreciate it, though I wish more stood, even for a few seconds, to respect the powerful transition we were about to be treated to. During the show, there were 2 to 3 times I felt Jackson was looking right at me in row 5. As "The Pretender" was ending, I rose and Jackson looked at me. I had no doubt we were connecting like no one else in the audience was at that very moment. Jackson was filled with appreciate as he said "Thank you very much." With all of Jackson's wonderful solo acoustic music the past few years, it was great to hear "Running on Empty" with the full band and vocals to support him. That would ordinarily be the fitting show closer. But the encore "I Am A Patriot" was an incredible nightcap to a great concert. Without telling people HOW to vote, Jackson keyed into the motown lyric "It's your thing, do what you wanna do." But then added, "We can't tell you who to give your vote to." The refrain was repeated by his vocalists and band mates. It provided a great improvisational jam session as the show was coming to an end. Jackson was in top form. His voice was solid. He was in total control of where the songs were leading. And he continues to smile and light us all up. We are with you Jackson on your journey. We are honored to feel your music and live our lives by your words. Thank you for sharing your gift. 1. Boulevard 2. The Barricades Of Heaven 3. Everywhere I Go 4. Fountain Of Sorrow 5. Time The Conqueror 6. Off Of Wonderland 7. Live Nude Cabaret 8. Culver Moon 9. Giving That Heaven Away 10. Doctor My Eyes 11. About My Imagination Intermission 12. Something Fine 13. For Taking The Trouble 14. Lives In The Balance 15. Going Down To Cuba 16. Just Say Yeah 17. The Drums Of War 18. Far From The Arms Of Hunger 19. The Pretender 20. Running On Empty Encore: 21. I Am A Patriot Submitted by: tcanova@aol.com (Ted) CONCERT REVIEW: October 17, 2008 at The Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, MO Jackson Browne at the Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, MO, Oct. 17, 2008 Breaking my promise to myself never to write another concert review, I'll give a very brief (for me anyway) recounting of Jackson's show at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City tonight. The setlist (at the bottom) was the same as it has been throughout the Time the Conqueror tour. However, for this performance, Jackson and the band played straight through without an intermission. The performance began about 8:07 (giving the entire crowd a chance to be seated) and ended at 10:27. Jackson was on stage the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes except for about a 60 break preceding the encore. The encore, as it has been, was "I Am a Patriot" but the arrangement had a little something extra which was added for the first time Thursday night in Minneapolis. After reaching the usual end point for the song, the band moved into a slightly different riff for a few moments and then bassist Kevin McCormick grabbed his mike and started a not-too-rhythmic rap which he ended with "Vote for Change!" The band continued to play and segued into the Isley Brother's "It's Your Thing" with the lyrics "It's your vote We can't tell you Who to give it to" Toward the end, Jackson added, "But you know." Then, the band segued back into a final chorus of "I Am a Patriot" and ended the performance. The audience enthusiastically welcomed Jackson's new songs (probably "Going Down to Cuba received the most fervent applause, but the crowd really came alive for "Fountain of Sorrow," "Doctor My Eyes"/"About My Imagination," "Lives in the Balance," and the 2 final songs--"The Pretender" and "Running on Empty," which not only had the crowd on their feet but drew a hundred or so women and even a few men down to front of the stage. Jackson seemed especially relaxed during the entire show and was in wonderful voice. The band was cooking all night and the crowd really responded to Alethia and Chavonne. Jackson recalled a few familiar stories as he introduced many of the songs and I won't repeat them, but there were a few stories and one interesting moment I will share with you. Early on in the show Jackson looked down at his mike and asked the crowd if they could see the spider web he was looking at. He grabbed the end of it and followed it to the other end where it was attached to his piano mike stand. There he grabbed thaat end of the web with the spider hanging down from it. Evidently, the spider was going up and down on the web and Jackson commented that this was better than a yo yo. He carried the spider by its web and set it down gently on the front of the drum kit riser. He mentioned that the spider certainly wasn't there in the afternoon and it must have worked quickly. He started the show with his sunglasses on. Took them off when he first went to the piano. Later, he put them back on only to soon take them off again for the remainder of the show until he had begun "Running on Empty" and realized he wanted them on for that song. After he sang the line, "If I can get you to smile before you leave," he raised his sunglasses above his eyes and peered underneath them at the crowd. A couple of stories I hadn't heard before: When introducing "Giving That Heaven Away" he mentioned it somewhat referred girl he had spent a short time with and then grinned and said that maybe it was a relatively long time. He had soon long forgotten her when she wrote him a letter 35 years later which basically recounted what she felt has been a wonderful life. Jackson said he knows her better now than he did when he spent the time with her. He added that unfortunately he has lost the letter, but if he would ask Dianna, she would say, "You know where the letter is." It was clear that Jackson had fond memories of her. Later, when introducing "Just Say Yeah," which he wrote for Dianna, he recounted the story he has told before about asking her to marry him at the beginning and having her turned him down (he gave the crowd a mock devasted/exasperated look). She told him she'd give him 10 years, but that contract had passed and now it's been 15 years and he's wondering if it isn't about time that he asks again. He said "Just Say Yeah" was his way of trying to get an answer without actually asking the question. It was a great show. Wish you all could have been there. Those of you who were there and have a better memory than I do, please feel free to correct my humble mistakes. The setlist: Boulevard The Barricades of Heaven Everywhere I Go Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror Off of Wonderland Live Nude Cabaret Culver Moon Giving That Heaven Away Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination Something Fine For Taking the Trouble Lives in the Balance Going Down to Cuba Just Say Yeah Drums of War Far from the Arms of Hunger The Pretender Running on Empty Encore: I Am a Patriot/It's Your Vote/I Am a Patriot (So much for very brief!) Submitted by: jayhawkboomboom@aol.com (jayhawk) CONCERT REVIEW: October 17, 2008 at The Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, MO Hi Russ, I thought I'd drop you a line and give everyone a quick summary of the K.C. concert on October 17, 2008. I was fortunate enough to have front row center seats. I have never been so close to Jackson Browne before, It was a trip! Through the entire first set, I kept saying that I can't believe I'm sitting here, less than 10 feet from my all time favorite singer /songwriter! Ameristar Casino is extremely small, about 1500 seats. So the entire show was very intimate and boy did JB and Company rock the house! We actually got to the casino early to have dinner and were pleasantly surprised to hear Jackson and his band doing their sound check. It was really cool to hear them playing different versions of "Everywhere You Go". The set list was the same as the one posted from the Boston show, so it included a lot from the new album, which is phenomenal!!! Jackson Browne sounded great and the back up singers are unbelievable. The talent between the two girls is overwhelming. The entire show was non-stop music for over two hours. I was amazed that they could play for that long without a break and sound as strong on the last song as they did on the first one! The experience was one that I will never forget!!! I've seen Jackson Browne several times at bigger venues but there is nothing better then seeing your favorite musician up close and personal in a small theater. I will definitely watch for him to play again there. It was worth every penny I spent on tickets, airfare, hotels and a rental car! At 60 years old, Jackson Browne is better then ever! Anyone who is a Jackson Browne fan will not want to miss seeing the "Time the Conqueror" concert. Submitted by: laura_lee0128@sbcglobal.net CONCERT REVIEW: October 19, 2008 at Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO Just attended the Jackson Browne concert last night ( 10/19/2008 ) in St. Louis at the Fox ( great venue ). The concert was very disappointing. Hardly any old stuff, but worst he turned into a walking talking mouth piece for Obama. A waste of money. He thinks this is the 60's. A big disappointed fan of 35 years. Submitted by: mbray@recapgroup.com (Mike) CONCERT REVIEW: October 19, 2008 at Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO Hi Russ, Attended the JB concert at the Fox last night in St. Louis and after having seen him 16 times prior I must say this was one of his best performances. ANYONE who shows up at a Jackson show and thinks that at some point there won't be politics involved, apparently hasn't been paying attention for the past 30 years. He played several old tunes mixed in with the new tunes and anyone who has paid attention to your website KNOWS this as well!! Doctor my eyes was excellent and Lives in the Balance was superb!! It does my heart good to know that at age 60 Jackson can draw such a crowd! thanks for your work. Submitted by: kshelt@hotmail.com (Keith S.) CONCERT REVIEW: October 19, 2008 at Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO St. Louis. Post-Dispatch's review was written by Daniel Durchholz. You can read it at: www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/reviews.nsf/concert/story/573F32983C14BEA7862574E80062B185?OpenDocument Submitted by: your webmaster ALBUM REVIEW: Time The Conqueror Well, here it is - first studio album for 6 years. When I listen to a JB album that I've never played before, it takes up alot of my time. I always find that the more you play it, the more you become involved in it. I'll play it several times: I'm drawn to do that. I study the lyrics with great interest, finding what makes them meaningful to me. It's a labour of absorption and love. Is this new album worth all that effort? Well, I'm not sure. It just doesn't get me involved. It should do - the lyrics, as you would expect of JB, are intricate and mostly meaningful. He's so capable of evoking emotion and image with just a few everyay words, the poet's true gift. And his wistful voice adds poignancy to these words. It's hard not to judge his work in the context of what is happening in his life at the time, so personal are the lyrics. This is a contemplative album, in part looking back on the past. Its' mood won't get you jumping up and singing. JB's greatest work, to my mind, has been produced at times of crisis in his personal life.(I'm Alive', 'Late for the Sky') Maybe it's something about the production, but my first impression was that the whole album lacks energy. Althuogh on further playing one finds many of the tracks haunting, Jackson's voice sounds at times strained and tired, swamped by the backing. Having said that, the female vocals are seductively expressive. Maybe the whole thing would have had more emotional punch if David Lindley had been involved. After listening many times to this work I'm left with a feeling of immense sadness. Submitted by: julia.charles@btconnect.com CONCERT REVIEW: October 19, 2008 at Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO I have to agree with Mike, not that Jackson talked alot about Obama, but I too have been a fan for 36 years now, I am not an Obama supporter and I felt that to have such a large fan base Jackson would be a little careful about what he has to say. This election is touchy and so many are taking the Dem/Rep topic personally, I just felt it was unnecessary. Will it keep me from seeing him again? Probably not, but he didn't play alot of older music and that was disappointing. For once it would be great if he broke out in a song we don't hear much, like "You love the thunder" or "walking slow", oh well, what can I say, I still love the man and always will Submitted by: tina@iecstl.com (TLW) CONCERT REVIEW: October 19, 2008 at Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO I really enjoyed the concert at the Fox on Sunday the evening. I thought he was wonderful. I disagree with the last comment saying Jackson was a mouthpiece for Obama. I too have been a fan of Jackson's for 35 years, sorry you didn't enjoy yourself. Submitted by: patricia.lynch@casinoqueen.com (Patty from across the river in Illinois) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Tickets Available Hi Russ, This is the first time I've written to you - I'd like to say how much I enjoy checking your website, almost daily, to see the latest news and read fans' latest thoughts and experiences. Please could you post this in your letters section? I have two tickets for JB's concert at the Olympia in Dublin on Tuesday 24th March 08 (Stalls row J, seats 6 & 7) and also two tickets for his gig at the Liverpool Phil on 28th March (Stalls row K, seats 40 & 41). The reason I can't use these anymore is that I'm now going to Dublin the previous night for my birthday treat, and I have managed to get seats closer to the front at Liverpool for my 7 year old daughter's birthday treat. Naturally, I'm just looking to get what I paid for the tickets. Contact me at alison.haughton@bbsrc.ac.uk, or go to http://www.scarletmist.com/default.asp (only posted Dublin tickets here). With many thanks, Submitted by: alison.haughton@bbsrc.ac.uk (Alison) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Article dans Télérama ce matin, www.mysongwriters.com/JB_TeleramaOct08a.jpg www.mysongwriters.com/JB_TeleramaOct08b.jpg Et je vous cvonfirme que l'album de Greg Copeland produit par Greg Leisz est excellent! Submitted by: acoustic@mysongwriters.com (Hervé) CONCERT REVIEW: October 19, 2008 at Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO Hi, I am a fan in the St Louis, Mo area and my wife is a huge fan, having followed Jackson since his first album. Wanted to give you some information on his show at the Fox Theatre on 10/19/08. The set list was just as has been submitted to you on previous letters for this tour. And as others have noted, many people were calling out requests each time he finished a song. Over time this grew very annoying for us and other fans that were there to enjoy whatever he chose to play. Well, something happened during the second set that I have not heard about happening thus far on this tour. Jackson began playing another of his new songs (both my wife and I really like the new CD and were eager to hear it played live), which was "Just Say Yeah", He got to the second or third verse and suddenly forgot the lines. He stopped the song and apoloqized, noting that with the audience calling out songs, it could be distracting, but did say that he was hearing alot of good ideas for requests. He then started over and played Just Say Yeah to the end without problem. Next song should have been "Drums of War" but Jackson was seen talking to the band members and then came to the microphone and stated "I finally snapped". Then he began playing "About your Baby Blues", which was done well and good song, but after finishing it just continued the set list with The Pretender. He did one encore with I am a Patriot and that was it. No Drums of War. If people would have just let him play, my wife and I would have enjoyed the show the way others have before us. I really got the impression that he was embarrassed about forgeting the lyrics to his song and wanted to get off the stage (later, we got to see him briefly behind the Fox Theatre and shake hands, etc and then learned that he was running late for a plane he had to catch). We both really enjoyed the show, but wish fans in the audience would give him a break and stop yelling out after each song. I heard people grumbling to each other after show (leaving out the front of the theatre) and complaning that he "only played 2 hits" and not recognizing how good a show he really gave the fans. He must really be frustrated with this. Any true fan should have had a copy of the new release and been listening to it prior to seeing him (with the exception of the first few shows that happened prior to the CD release date). Thanks for listening - wish I had to money to travel somewhere and see him again on this tour. Submitted by: jeffrey_t_snyder@uhc.com GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Okay Russ, I have to tell everyone, I know that Jackson has been much more political. I still adore him. If it redeems me to anyone, I did buy a $40.00 Tshirt and turned a friend on to Jackson for the first time. Please don't hate me!!! Submitted by: tina@iecstl.com CONCERT REVIEW: October 24, 2008 at Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, AL I drove in a nasty rain from Atlanta to Birmingham Friday after work. I thought with the time change, I would be fine with 30 or so minutes to spare, but I arrived at the venue at 8:04, found a free parking space easily and got into my seat by the middle of Barricades of Heaven. I'm guessing he opened the set with Boulevard as he has during this tour. I would loved to have heard it but I'm attending 2 more shows in the next week, so I'll be on time and get that experience .... I can only imagine that the band came out and brought the house to their feet with the opening track. First the venue. The Alabama Theatre is one of those old classic theatres that is beautiful. I've been to half a dozen shows here (including JB Acoustic a couple of times) but always sat in the orchestra. Last night I was 4th row center in the balcony and from this vantage point, the view is incredible and the sound was perfect. In the future, I will try to get front row balcony rather than orchestra. Here's the set list for Birmingham.... (I'm guessing Boulevard started things) Barricades of Heaven Everywhere I Go I called out PLAY THAT NEW STUFF and he smiled and said "Well, that's different from what we've been hearing. You never know what might happen now" Fountain of Sorrow Time the Conqueror As you know I emailed (this website) several weeks ago complaining that I wasn't seeing Where Were You in the set lists so at this point I called out WHERE WERE YOU and he said "Are you asking me if I know where I am or would you like to hear that song?" and then he said "I know that song" and looked around at the band and then said to stage left "Get that guitar ready". Off of Wonderland. The guitar guy brought out this little bitty electric guitar and they broke into Where Were You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my favorite song on the new album and I was thrilled that he played it. After the song he commented on how funky the little guitar was and then looked up and said "Thanks for asking for that song". The rest of the first set was Culver Moon Giving That Heaven Away Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination Jackson sang the first verse of About My Imagination and then the backup singers took the rest and by the end of the song the energy level in the auditorium was raised when they belted out About my imagination Calling out across the nation It's time for some kind of re-dedication Not talking 'bout just my generation I'm sending out this invocation I keep getting these excitations More light, more love More truth, and more innovation IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE Some of the people in the balcony were getting restless and screaming for him to do the old stuff and there were some folks who didn't come back from intermission. I went to the ladies room to hear the "chit chat" and the reviews were mixed... lots saying "I wish he would just play the old stuff" and a few saying "I love the new stuff". Set Two: Something Fine For Taking the Trouble Lives in the Balance (with new verse at the end) Lots of calls for Drums of War at this point and then somebody called out for Good Day Sunshine and Jackson smiled and said "we could do that" and paused and said "with some practice" and laughed. Going Back to Cuba Just Say Yeah Bright Baby Blues Drums of War Arms of Hunger Pretender Running on Empty After seeing Pretender and ROE on the set list I was not excited since he's been playing these on the acoustic tours. I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the band's versions of these songs. Like other die-hard JB fans, I would love to have him pull up some songs not played on the acoustic tours... songs like "Of Missing Persons", "Take This Rain", "The Fuse", "You Love the Thunder"... but dang... when you play an old standby like Doctor My Eyes and combine it with About My Imagination and have the crowd on their feet screaming and when you have the entire house rocking at the beginning of Running on Empty and screaming like 20 year olds at the end (and it wasn't just me... hahahahahahah), you have just ended an incredible rock and roll experience. Within 2 minutes they came back out and sang I am a Patriot combined with the little Vote Rap and a little version of the old Temptations' song "It's your thing, do what you wanna do" with the lyrics "It's your vote, do what you wanna do.. I can't tell you who to Barack it to" or something like that. Let me tell you how AMAZING THIS BAND SOUNDED LAST NIGHT. After seeing the acoustic shows over the years, I can't remember the last time I saw JB with a band (Russ, you can probably remind me).... but I've seen some of these musicians with other bands and I love them. Jackson was moving around the stage and was obviously enjoying being with his band and the spot light would be appropriately shining on Mark, Jeff, Kevin, Chavonne and Alethea or Mauricio and not on Jackson during their solos/features. The lights were fabulous and the sound was well engineered as well. I can't wait for Monday. I promise not to give you another blow by blow review of the Atlanta show, but these are my impressions of the Birmingham show. Of course, I may have to give you a Phoenix review, especially if we get political chatter :) After a lot of years, it was great to see Jackson rocking with a band again. And a fine band at that. Thanks Russ.... Submitted by: nitatlanta@bellsouth.net (Nita) CONCERT REVIEW: October 26, 2008 at Beau Rivage - Magnolia Ballroom in Biloxi, MS After being a committed fan for 40 years and seeing Jackson numerous times over the years, last nite in Biloxi was an awesome concert, a thrill beyond words. A great selection of songs more or less what was reported from Seattle from 9-29. I do not recall Live Nude Cabaret or Culver Moon or Drums of War, nor was there the second encore of Load-out. If anybody has the set list from Biloxi, please post it, the songs are jumbled in my mind. Fountain of Sorrow was as good as it could possibly be. In fact all the songs and sounds were great. The band was awesome most particularly Mark on guitar. The singers added a huge dimension to the show and the songs, and reminded me of Rosemary from so long ago. You have to see and hear this to believe it. Lives in the Balance - well this was the most beautiful and haunting version I have ever heard - there was a new verse sung by the backup singers, did anybody write this down and if so can you post it 0 it was to the effect, in the wake of a tragedy, what are you going to pray for, the annihilation of our enemies or for God to heal the wounds of time? Finally Jackson expressed his views politically concerning the presidential race, and let it be known he does not do this, ever. It was the classiest and most creative endorsement of Vote for Change for Barack, that I have heard. The I am a Patriot - with the rap in there from the bass player was spectacular - did anybody write this down and if so can you post it? If you have not seen this concert do yourself a favor and find a venue and fly there and see the show, it was wonderful in every way. How many more times are we going to get a chance to see JB in concert? Not many I'm betting. Unfortunately in Biloxi as is often the case down here, the ignorant hecklers would not shut up, constantly hollering for requests and generally undermining the between-song small talk Jackson would have engaged in, except he had to start the next song to shut up the loud-mouths. Submitted by: markawilson@cox.net (Mark W.) CONCERT REVIEW: October 26, 2008 at Beau Rivage - Magnolia Ballroom in Biloxi, MS I went to see Jackson Browne this weekend in Biloxi,Mississippi this weekend..i've got to tell you his music was good but i did not appreciate the fact that he turned it into a Barrack Obama rally at the end..i paid very good money to hear him play music not to help him further obama's run for president..i can tell you that i will never spend another dime to see him or buy any more of his music.. Submitted by: mmanguno@poolelumber.com CONCERT REVIEW: October 27, 2008 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA Jackson Browne's concert at the Tabernacle was spectacular. It was a sellout crowd, and everyone was very engaged. The acoustics at the venue were not the best, but perhaps it might have been due to where I was sitting (second balcony). It was a little hard to hear and understand his song introductions. Jackson was plagued with a cold, so his voice sounded a little "nasal" when he talked between songs, but you could not tell it while he was singing. It is amazing that Jackson can remember all of his lyrics, and deliver them with power and accuracy. His backup singers were very talented, and during many moments, they stole the show. Their vocals skyrocketed during songs like Lives In The Balance and My Imagination. My favorites were the acoustic songs at the beginning of the second set - Something Fine and Lives In The Balance. Jackson brought everyone to their feet during the last three songs, The Pretender, Running On Empty and I Am A Patriot. Jackson was very complementary of his audience, as well as, his band. The set list was mostly the same as his previous shows during this tour with two exceptions - He did not play Drums Of War and Just Say Yeah - maybe because of his cold? The biggest surprise of the evening was the inclusion of Rock Me On The Water, which had been requested by members of the audience throughout the evening. Submitted by: wgduck@gmail.com CONCERT REVIEW: October 26, 2008 at Beau Rivage - Magnolia Ballroom in Biloxi, MS On Sunday, 10/26, I attended a much anticipated JB concert at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Biloxi, MS. The first song, "Boulevard", was everything I had hoped for. As the evening went on, political comments started surfacing and then FINALLY "Running on Empty" got us back to ground zero. But not to last for long.... off he went with MORE comments along with back up singers imposing their candidate's name into the lyrics. I couldn't take it anymore and got up and walked out along with many others. WE DID NOT PAY $80 TO HEAR THAT CR**! I could have stayed home and watched CNN with my husband. Maybe he should consider a guest appearance on Larry King Live or The View instead of concert touring. They would probably appreciate his political opinions but music fans could give a rip! Submitted by: jsmith02@bellsouth.net CONCERT REVIEW: October 27, 2008 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA Ok, I told you I wouldn't write another long review, but since you haven't updated letters since I sent the Birmingham review, I'll just add on to tell you that the Atlanta show was OVER THE TOP. The Tabernacle is an old, run down church which was converted into a House of Blues in 1996 during the Olympics and closed down shortly thereafter. But it was revived some years later by a local promoter and although it's not the greatest place in Atlanta for a concert, the place was packed and everybody was on their feet (and made the show, And that was sweet, but I can hear the sounds of slamming doors and folding chairs. And that's a sound they'll never know...) oh wait... that's not a review Jackson had a cold and made a comment about being properly medicated to perform (not like the medication that used to drive him in the old days). The set list on the front end was much the same as all other shows, but in the second set (I was not keeping a list) he included Rock Me On the Water and did not play Just Say Yeah or Drums of War. At one point he said "oh, you just wanna hear old stuff? Well ok". I hope somebody posts a set list. I don't know what he played. But the energy in the house was amazing, the band was fabulous...and Jackson was visibly moved by our reaction to his music. As they walked offstage for the intermission he was looking at Kevin and Jeff with a look on his face that said "do you hear this?"..............Of course, that's right after that insanely well produced version of Doctor my Eyes combined with About My Imagination And what I said about being in the balcony in Birmingham I might have to take back. I really like being up close and seeing the interactions of the band in between and during songs... Not to mention, I got better pictures from the 8th row in the orchestra. .... off to Phoenix Submitted by: nitatlanta@bellsouth.net (Nita) CONCERT REVIEW: October 27, 2008 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA I attended the concert last night in Atlanta at the Tabernacle and was very disappointed. My brother is a JB fan from way back and introduced me to his music in the 70's. I bought him tickets to the show and he was coming from Savannah, fortunately something came up and he didn't make it. He would've been heartbroken. JB didn't sing hardly any of his old stuff and Dr. My eyes was shortened. His new backup singers were very lengthy. I liked him better alone. I would like to know how the other fans feel. I ended up leaving early - which I usually never do as I paid good money to see him. Again Very disappointed!!!!! Submitted by: angie.morgan@lmco.com (Angie M.) GENERAL FAN COMMENTS: Dear Jackson, I am a radio broadcaster and life-long fan. I am curious why you have not yet recorded Mutineer. I thought it would definitely be on Time The Conqueror and it wasn't, much to my disappointment. I heard you perform it on your Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 tour and have been eagerly awaiting a recording of the beautiful Warren Zevon song ever since. You really do it justice. Please record it soon. Submitted by: kkorsgren@delta.org (Kim D.) Webmaster's Reply: Go To Jackson Browne Fan Letters and Reviews from November 2008 RETURN to Jackson Browne Fan Letters Page RETURN to Jackson Browne Home Page |