Due to a companion's dilly-dally-ing, we got to our seats just minutes before Todd took the stage; practically right on time at 8 pm. Hardly time to settle in to seats, and get a look around at the typically intriguing mix of folks who show up at John Prine concerts. We didn't know where our seats were going to be, (and that was the one disappointment of the evening, but I ALWAYS am intent on making the best of any situation, so I don't complain)- but we were way off to one side, good up close seats though, but for some weird reason the sound echoes off the sides, and back of the theater way over on the side, so that was a little strange, especially (more so) in Todd's set than JOhn's. Todd, barefoot as always, and a little shorter hair than other times of recent viewing, started right into a short opening act's set; obviously unable to dig very deep into his body of work in that role. Played can't complain, the kingsmen song, if tomorrow never comes (and the story about it)- enjoy yourself for his closer. I was trying to gauge how much of the audience knew him- it was a little hard from off to the side- in the bathroom I heard people kinda sounding like that didn't know him previously and were pleased to hear him. Several folks yelled out songs request. Left you wanting more- a few more songs would have been nice. Never seen him as an opening act before, so I was steeled for a short set- like mountain stage actually (he gave a nod to Andy Ridenour of mountain stage). He did do "play a train song" - which will usually win the moment as my particular favorite song of his (though that's a losing battle- to pick just one song, from someone with a great body of work). I guess I also hadn't seen him in such a big venue (other than outdoor festivals)- so that was a difference, too. I was a little disappointed he didn't come out during JOhn Prine's encore, as the opening acts often do, to sing those 3-4 songs, or at least Paradise- he must have "left the building"- ready to head on to Pittsburgh for tonight's show.
Then it was John's turn, with Dave and Jason in their usual roles. "Blow up your TV" (spanish pipedream) as the traditional opener. I liked having Picture Show (James Dean went out to hollywood, and put his picture in the picture show) as an early song, too. I remember thinking that was a good opening song, too. The set list was pretty similar to recent ones I've seen; no flag decal, or some humans ain't human in this show; but a strong contingent from the first album- the one the oldest fans treasure, and come to hear. Some good little intro remarks to many of the songs- fish and whistle, talking about how a record producer told him he needed one more song one time, and he just wanted to throw this one in, to convince the guy he didn;t really want another song, but this song kinda grew on him. And that Hunter Thompson always liked Sweet Revenge. He did do the Grumbly beans story, during "that's the way the world goes round"- when he references that a woman asked him to sing the song about the happy enchilada.
Its just pretty amazing to look around the audience and see how much people enjoy his music and songs, and the (for the most part) gentle singing along that goes on is really actually touching. Illegal Smile just hits some kind of memory for a certain generation of music listeners. Dear Abby, please don't bury me down in the cold cold ground, angel from montgomery, etc. etc. are very common ground for many, many music lovers. Going to as many shows as I have lately, the certain parts; john staying out to do a solo phase part way through, as Dave and Jason go off, and then when John breaks into Sam Stone, knowing they are going to drift in part way, and pick it up; the little electric mini set towards the later part of the show; with bear creek, and she is my everything. and then of course, Lake Marie, which is always so bittersweet cause you love it, but you know its the end. They really didn't rock it out as much as they sometimes have on that one; definitely decent enough, but no broken strings on JOhn's guitar. On the encore, Christmas in Prison, someone through a santa claus hat up on stage; and john dutifully wore it till the end, the end of paradise; jason got to sing a verse. Then john draped the santa hat over t he microphone stand.
As much as you love to hear his songs, and see him smiling somewhat shyly at the crowd reaction, its usually most uplifting to just see the sea of people so excited enjoying the anticipation of the show, the recognition of songs, the continual tension of folks shouting out song titles, the singing along, the chuckling, and the standing ovations.
Jason and Dave have become the so familiar well placed musicians to go with John's music. Those key bass parts (I ain't hurting no body) and the bowing of the bass, on hello in there, sam stone, etc. are so "right." And the switching back and forth between the upright bass, and the slapping songs, and the driving electric bass, are just so attuned to the song selection. And Jason, with many of the guitar solos throughout, and the slide guitar, the mandolin and harmonica parts - just fitting in the songs perfectly; and seeing the vocal harmonies gradually worked in over the years has been fun.
When JOhn gets that leg working on those rocking out songs- kicking it out to the side, etc. its so nice to have a LOng history of knowing his music to watch him and appreciate the familiarity of it.
