Bruce in Denver Dec 2nd!!!

The show at the Paramount on a bitterly cold night in Denver was interesting! For starters, only about a third of the theater was filled (500-600?). I assume that was a combination of the weather (a bit of snowfall), the day of the week (Wednesday), and the fact that Bruce was in Boulder the next night and Aspen after that (overbooked?).

The 16th Street pedestrian mall was beautifully lit for Christmas, though, and the Paramount is a lovely art deco theater. We had cheap seats in the balcony but moved to the floor after the opening act (Bob Schneider, I think, and his band–he did a good job–for a full hour! I believe Bruce was ready to boot him out of the way! Bruce must have play for more than 2.5 hours. So we actually had a great view–better than we paid for. And I got to chat with Mary and her hubby a couple of times, which was great.

The crowd was an interesting mix, and everybody seemed ready to dance the chills away … Bruce’s song selection definitely helped that happen. I was a bit disappointed that Bruce didn’t play any of my song requests except for a Christmas medley that he might have played anyway I usually rate a better percentage than that! Mary said Bruce told her afterward that he’s been a bit under the weather, so he didn’t attempt some songs.

Set List:
– Big Rock Candy Mountain > C.M. Run > Webern?
– Resting Place > Simple Prayer (? – this was an odd bit that definitely included the words “Simple Prayer,” but it was not the version from the record at all?) > Resting Place
– In the Low Country (nice finish by Bobby R.)
– Walk in the Sun
– Mandolin Rain
(Explanation of “World’s Greatest Dad” scenes)
– Shadow Hand on dulcimer with Doug D. singing backup
– Prairie Dogg Town – dulcimer + band
– (At this point, Bruce began an obscure conversation regarding a band discussion of people with the last name of Carlos, until someone called out “Let’s GO, Bruce!” He promptly put down the accordian, went back to the piano, and caught fire.)
– Rainbow’s Cadillac w/ intro. (One of the best versions I’ve heard!)
– Tango King (sorry you missed it, David Day! ;p )
– Oh Come Let Us Adore Him > End of the Innocence > Song H (?) > End of I. > Little Drummer Boy > E. of I. (I think Bruce said he also referenced a Jarrett tune, “As Long As You Know You’re Living Yours,” in there — which he said only Bobby knew.
– Valley Road (nice JV contributions)
– (Modern Classical piece-?) > Gonna Be Some Changes Made
Encore
– Black Rats of London
– Swan Song

As I said, the Christmas bit was a highlight for me, especially the way Bruce interwove it with “Innocence,” etc.

–Vic