Dave B.

I think “Country Doctor” stands up very well when Bruce plays it solo. Another one that I’m really impressed with is “Sticks and Stones”. Just is a different song when Bruce plays it solo…

(Then again, they ALL are!!!)

Thank GOD for Time Warner Hi-Def…I got to watch that gem crystal clear…Amazing how crisp Bruce’s fingers look and move in High-Def…

😆

On a serious note, I came away from that show marveling at how solid Bruce has become in his vocals. Bluegrass vocals, whether it be lead or background are VERY challenging, and moving constantly. Bruce sang like he had been doing this full time for many years. His background vocal work on The Way It Is, Dreaded Spoon, and the 2nd tune which was a Bill Monroe cover (sorry, can’t remember the title) were stellar…

The Way It Is, Mandolin Rain, and End of the Innocence were so solid played in their new format. Ricky Scaggs adds such a defining quality to these songs when played like this. He is the perfect compliment to Bruce in this arena. I have alot of new found respect for this artist. The band were seasoned with the consumate Bluegrass professionals. Was very impressed with the fiddle player. Tight!!!!

Call me crazy, but I smell MAJOR awards for these two when it comes to the CMA’s this year…..It’s the perfect fit for a sure to be feel-good album. I look forward to its release!!

Thanks for the kudos David…Or should I say “King” David? 😆 After all, you lead by example, and always contribute to this forum on a regular basis. I don’t think I’d be going way off the mark when I say that before people like yourself and Miss Virginia Former started contributing regularly, this forum was scarce at best. It was a great concept and development by Si, just not used enough. We could go days without seeing a new post, or thread. Now it’s used and visited daily, and that’s attributed to people like yourself…Well done!

As for me, I’m in a long line of fans who’ve followed Bruce since he broke the scene in ”86. Here I am now at age 37, and I marvel at the fact that Bruce has been entertaining me for 20+ years now…Amazing. Do I consider myself an “old timer” when it comes to Bruce? Perhaps….In the mean time, I appreciate the sentiments, and I’ll keep posting my thoughts and views on “Bruce related subjects”…

as long as Si keep paying me…

*LOL* (nudge at Si….)

NOW, CAN ANYONE COME UP HERE AND HELP ME DIG OUT FROM THE 3 FEET OF SNOW I GOT ON WEDENSDAY??? *laughing*

Here’s the one I always revert back to..It seemed to always sound like the perfect beginning to a “C” verse in a Hornsby song.

“Standing on the shore…She looks to the west with a look of longing, where the grass seems greener”

Ok, it’s time for me to put my two cents in on this one…

Let’s start off a little about me. I am as “old school” with Hornsby as they come. My first show came in February of 1986, with 250 of my closest “friends” seeing BH & the Range in his FIRST tour at the Harro East in Rochester, NY. I’ve seen Bruce at least 20 times, met him 3 times, had a few beers (and laughs!) with Molo in a dive bar before a gig in Geneva, New York, played a few hands of blackjack with the fabulous J.T. Thomas at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY, and even told Bobby Reed he had a bugger in his nose before his set when BH & his band were opening for Bonny Raitt in the early 90’s. (YIKES!! That might have been a mistake…). I’ve seen Bruce in every type of venue imaginable, every band he’s played with (including the Dead), and heard every song he’s ever written/recorded. However, I was missing one experience on my resume…..a solo Bruce show.

Last Saturday at The Egg in Albany NY, I got to experience (along with my 8 year old son, who was attending his first concert) my dream for many years. No drums, no guitar, no bass, no anything…JUST BRUCE. I’ve always wanted to hear Bruce on his own, commanding an audience for 2+ hours with his unique perspectives on his own music, and not depending on any other bandmates. This performance was IDEAL, and was exactly what I was hoping for in a solo show. Everything that night was perfect, from the parking, the accustics being incredible, the venue staff curtious and professional, Bruce opening the second set with “Lost in the Snow” that my son had requested on a piece of paper to him @ intermission, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the respectful and appreciative crowd. (Sorry, I’m getting to my point now!!)

I quoted ajrosent above, because I wanted to respectfully disagree to that statement. Here’s why….. I am all for people enjoying themselves, interacting with the band, dancing, getting on stage, etc….when at a BH & the Noisemakers gig. Hell, I’ve even jumped on stage a few times myself. I think all of us agree that Bruce is VERY supportive of this type of activity during his “band” gigs, and even seems to enjoy it. HOWEVER, we are not talking about a BH & the Noisemakers show here….We are talking about Bruce playing solo. It is a COMPLETELY different atmosphere, and should be treated as such. For example….I had the pleasure of sitting next to a woman who was a DIEHARD Hornsby fan, and his music had gotten her through some very rough times in her life (according to my conversation with her before the show. I had never met her before!). During the first set, Bruce laid into “The River Runs Low”, one of my all time favorites. It was my first time hearing it live since ’86, and I can honestly say it was the most melodic, and beautiful rendition I have ever heard. Halfway thru the song, I notice this lady has tears streaming down her face, and she’s just shaking her head in approval. Right there, I knew that Bruce had touched her on a “personal”, and intimate level with that rendition. I was actually glad at that moment that she could share that intimacy with him, on whatever level it was on….I also remember thinking “that would almost never happen at a BH & the Noisemakers show”.

I guess my point is (yes I know..FINALLY!) that a Bruce solo show should indeed be handled and acted upon differently. Anyone else find themselves mesmorized by Bruce’s playing when he’s by himself? Anyone else find that much more enjoyment and appreciation to his music when you’re focused directly on him? Sorry, but I don’t see a Bruce solo show as striving to be on the “true jam scene”. It’s our opportunity to experience Bruce in a tranquil, and, without trying to sound snobby, “classier” environment. This is Bruce’s chance to go out to different cities and play more intimate venues. I guarantee he’s not looking for people to jump the stage and dance, shout out Dead tunes repeatedly on the breaks, or have the loud bantor between people that happens at his band shows. I think we’re all aware of his reaction to those types of situations based on the “walkoffs” recently during this solo run.

Sorry for rambling on and on over this, but it kind of struck a nerve with me. Again, no offense to ajrosent, as everyone is intitled to their own opinion. I just think that we should have the opportunity to experience Bruce in this type of intimate setting now and then. It’s good for the soul!

Take care…..

Right now, I currently have Bruce(Halcyon Days), Pat Metheny Group (The Road to You), Steely Dan (Two Against Nature), Jamie Cullum (TwentySomething), Shawn Colvin (A Few Small Repairs), and Dave Matthews Band (Live at Red Rocks) in the CD Changer in the car…