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SETLIST and Review of Lowell, MA
Sticks & Stones (piano solo)
Little Sadie>White Wheeled Limousine
Crown of Jewels
Circus on the Moon
Mandolin Rain
Black Rats of London (new song from upcoming new album)
Jacob’s Ladder>Cartoons & Candy> Jacob’s Ladder (bluegrass/accordion time)
Resting Place
Swan Song
Valley Road>Questions & Answers> Valley Road
??Maurice Ravel #>Defenders of the Flag>King of the Hill>Mystery Train>King of the Hill
The Way It Is
Rainbow’s CadillacEncore: Fortunate Son>Comfortably Numb>Fortunate Son
On a night that was deemed by Bruce as “Bobby Read” night, Bruce and the Noisemakers put on quite a show in Lowell. The opened promptly at 7:30 with opening act “The Brew” from Amesbury, MA. The interesting piece about this band is that fellow-Noisemaker and sax player Bobby Read produced their last album. During The Brews’ opening 30-minute set, Bobby Read came out and played with them on a number which really jammed and rocked the house. In fact, during a good chunk of the set, you could see Bruce and various Noisemakers checking out the band as they were ripping it up. All-in-all, a very good opening set.
When Bruce took the stage at around 8:35, it was time for the only solo moment of the night; a very nice rendition of Sticks & Stones, from what Bruce deemed “his biggest stiff record”. From there, the Noisemakers came out and it was time to get it in gear with a nice rendition of White Wheeled Limousine. While I’ve heard Bruce play this song numerous times before, the fact is this is a song that you’ll never get sick of hearing live. It’s a great concert tune! After that, it was onto Crown of Jewels from the Ricky/Bruce bluegrass CD, and a rousing rendition of Circus on the Moon (one of my personal favorites from Halcyon Days). At this point, Bruce noted that he had played 6 shows in 7 nights and his voice was hitting its peak, so why not play Mandolin Rain right now. Perfect version with great playing Doug Derryberry on mandolin.
One of the many highlights for me was the next song, a new number from Bruce’ upcoming album (not named). Bruce strapped on the accordian and went into “Black Rats of London”. For those that haven’t heard it yet, it’s what I would describe as an Irish rocker with some great lyrics about the history of the United States. It’s a funny song, something that only Bruce could write and get away with. Loved it!! After that, Bruce kept the accordion on and invited the ladies up on stage for Jacob’s Ladder and Cartoons and Candy. At first, it looked like no one was going to go up on stage. But once a few ladies did, the floodgates opened and the stage was packed with women of all ages (and a couple of guys who must have thought they were women) dancing up a storm.
The next two songs were brought to life by Bruce and the Noisemakers as they did Spirit Trail favorites Resting Place and Swan Song. Both were played beautifully with Bruce once again showcasing his piano skillzzzzzz.
Back to the oldies next, as Valley Road was played in its original form, followed by Defenders of the Flag. It was at this point that the night got really interesting. Sonny Emory (in my opinion one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen…period) just TOOK OFF!! He put the evening into another gear that got Bruce to take advantage of the energy. The band kicked into King of the Hill/Mystery Train and Sonny was just ripping it up. Anything that was near his drum kit, he was banging on it — mic stand, floor, plastic glass around drums, etc… — it had the band laughing heartily and the crowd going nuts!! Again, unbelievable! The show then closed the regular set with the all-time favorites The Way It Is and Rainbow’s Cadillac. Both songs featured everyone in the band taking turns showcasing their various talents.
The encore included what Bruce described as “one of the most requested songs by people that know him and his band”; and they nailed the Fortunate Son>Comfortably Numb medley. A nice closing to a very good show with an interesting setlist.
Overall, if you liked the first Bruce Hornsby CD or the Spirit Trail CD, you would have liked this show. Both albums were well represented. In my opinion, I think the crowd might have influenced the setlist as the night went on. For those that have gone to the Lowell, MA venue, it’s a small public park which has NO seating. People bring their beach blankets and lawn chairs and setup shop as early as first thing in the morning — then come back later in the evening for the show. In my opinion, when you have people sitting so low to the ground, they basically don’t want to get up. While dancing was encouraged by Bruce on numbers such as Jacob’s Ladder and Cartoons and Candy, I was surprised that people DIDN’t get up at all (outside of a few people on the fringes of the stage) for other numbers that clearly called for people to MOVE (ie…Valley Road, King of the Hill, The Way It Is, and Rainbow’s Cadillac). Don’t get me wrong — the crowd was appreciative, but I didn’t catch the vibe that I normally get at a Bruce show.
And on one other note regarding the venue: I like this venue. The sound was great, decent food, easy-access parking, and the people working the show were great — but they need to change how people enter this venue and where they can sit. To have people setup shop HOURS before the concert to carve out their spot and then leave for dinner, work, etc..creates problems. I’ve been to this venue before and it was the same thing again last night. Dozens of blankets carved out on a small lawn area HOURS before the concert, then others coming in moving blankets, chairs, etc…; only to have the original people come back wondering why their items were moved or their space was reduced in size?? By having the small lawn area fill up fast, it amazed me how many people came into the venue at around 7:30 and tried to fit on the lawn upfront– even in patches that were not fit for anyone, just to get close to the stage. My suggestion: sell the upfront lawn section to people with a special ticket or season ticket holders so that everyone doesn’t try and crash this area; or, once you carve out your spot, you stay in it — don’t leave. On all of the occasions that I’ve been to this venue, I’ve alway spoke with people that can’t stand the way they allow for this to happen. I’m sure some people love it (probably the locals); but for the true fan of the artist, I don’t know if it’s beneficial.
Thanks once again to the people at Lowell who put on this show. This was the only New England appearance of Bruce and the Noisemakers, and for that — I am truly appreciative. Bring him back — soon!!
A Bruce Hornsby concert virgin? (LOL)
You’re going to love it!! Have those requests ready — I know I will. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Cruise Control, and I’m hoping for a little Sugaree as well!! Interesting that you said you’re going to Taj Mahal — that should be a good one. I’ve got tixs to see Keb Mo there in about two weeks. If you’re a local, I’d love to know if there are any decent places to eat around there 😆
Should be a great show in Lowell, MA on Aug. 14th. The last time Bruce was here, it was a blast and this show should be more of the same. There is an opening act called “The Brew”. These guys opened for Bruce and Co. back on 2006 in Lowell and played a nice set. For those attending the Lowell show: be forewarned…..this is a very small open-air park. People were allowed to show up early, drop off lawn chairs and “mark” their spot for the show. I’m assuming it will be the same type of setup for this one as well — unless it rains. I’ll be posting a setlist from this one once I get back! Can’t wait — it’s been two years since I’ve seen Bruce with the Noisemakers — and I can’t wait to hear some of the new stuff that’s supposedly being played on this leg. Bring it Noisemakers!!
Any update on Si’s condition?
Si….
Hope your consultation went well. Did you have the surgery yet? Would love an update on your condition if it’s possible. Please know that the Bruce community is thinking of you.
All the best….Charlie
Take care of yourself Si
Hope all is well, Si. Please know that your in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your surgery goes well. All the best…..Charlie
State of Music 2007 — reaction
There have been a lot of great comments posted, but for what’s it worth, I’ll post my two cents worth as well:
For starters, back when I was growing up, your music came from you in just a few places. The radio ruled the day back in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s. Also, from a television standpoint (at least in the USA), your media came at you from only three major stations: NBC, ABC, and CBS. Ed Sullivan broke acts back in his day, as did Dick Clark on American Bandstand. Those days ended with MTV. What started off a great concept has turned into absolute trash. When does MTV even show videos anymore. It’s all about “Real World” this and that, and not about what the call letters stand for…Music Television!!
At about the same time, you had cable expand from three stations to hundreds. As Bruce Springsteen has so aptly put on vinyl…..57 Channels and Nothing on!! When you thrown the 1990s and current day into the mix and add the Internet piece, it’s no wonder that nothing can stand out anymore….your media comes at you from too many different places. While it’s great that the consumer has more choices, it also hampers the ability for ONE type of music to stand out and take over. While I would argue that quality usually finds its place; you cannot argue that’s because of the items listed above, it’s much more difficult to do so.
Second….from my standpoint, back in the 60s and 70s, artists that were trying to make it big had new songs and albums coming out every year!! Look at Elton John, Billy Joel, the Beatles, Stones, Who, etc… You could count on new material every year and a tour to follow. While you could argue that artists could suffer burnout; the fact is it allowed the consumer to never forget about the artist, as we could continually look forward to new music from artists that were now well established. You couldn’t escape these artists on the radio if you tried…like it or not. In today’s world, most artists come out with a new album 2-3 years apart. For example….Maroon 5. How long has it been already since their debut CD? Here’s a band that had a successful debut CD and where’s the follow-up? How long will it take? By now, you probably get my point on this one.
Third….we’re living in an “alone” society today. Think about it. Kids come home from school and what do they do: go straight to the XBox or Playstation. Sure, they might be playing with someone, but for the most part, their sitting in front of a box, not talking, and just acting like a drone being mind-controlled by the latest version of Madden football. The same argument could be made for the iPod and other MP3 devices. Think about it…you go to the iTunes Music Store, you sit hook up your iPod, and download music…..alone…YOU….at your computer. Back in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, everybody shared music as well (no DRM involved either). We all went to the local music store, stocked up on 45s, TALKED AND DISCUSSED music, and shared it. How many of you remember ripping songs to blank cassettes? The same as today. The only difference is that we did it together because the lack of technology at the time forced us to.
If we ever want to see a day like the days that Rich suggests, where people like Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and someone else come to the forefront of the music scene, the music companies need to get behind the artists they’re plugging. The “get rich quick” sceme and “squeeze them dry before the next-big-thing-comes-along” philosophy has got to go. And let’s not forget the role that people like TicketMaster, LiveNation, and others play in all of this and who gets to even get heard on the radio. I don’t know about you, but where I live, AM radio died along time ago. It’s all about “talk” now. Music hasn’t been heard from in a long time. FM Radio? I can count on ONE finger the quality stations that I can count on in my hometown. It’s disgusting really. AM and FM radio….think about that scene today.
Today the emphasis is on YOU. You have to find the music. You have to market yourself as a musician. YOU have to take the time to find the quality. No one is going to just showcase it for you. And as long as YOU the public are willing to purchase crap and put so-called artists up on a pedestal that you know won’t stand the test of time (insert sub-standard artist name here….), things won’t change. The last time I looked, American Idol cranked out mediocre musicians, not “idols” as they would put it.
Thanks for the forum and discussion….and I need to watch the video that was suggested “Before the Music Died”….from what I’ve heard from several, it’s a great piece.
