Victor

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

I’m not sure if the songwriter and the narrator are one-and-the-same, but it would appear that the narrator, at least, is confident in his decision to live the solitary life — more the observer than the participant. I wonder if Mr. Hunter feels the same?

The imagery in this song is wonderful though; I love the game of cards played between Romance and Jealously.

Let us not forget the most profound lyrics of the bunch:

“All those cows stepping in holes …
Injured legs and damaged souls.”

Vic

There’s a game that’s only played
in a darkened room with strangers.
Dealt down and dirty with unmarked cards,
eyes closed to danger.
Jealously folds without playing its hold card,
Romance raises grinning;
I spent several lifetimes there
where I could not loose for winning.
…
I know if it wasn’t for love, I might just be a wandering man
but I believe I made a better choice to sing about it with this band.
…
I could ride the clouds when they sailed on by,
and sing all the words to a wildcat’s cry.

Basically that entire song!!!

Kudos to Robert Hunter.

Vic

What’s your source, Mary? Bryan hasn’t announced a show yet for Dec. 2!

But if you’re right, I don’t see why I can’t be there. I’ll have to race up to beat traffic, but I should be able to make a (brief) meetup!

Vic

Hey Jeff– Bruce actually opened with an amazing solo “Black Rats,” which was cut along with a great “I Truly Understand,” “A Night on the Town,” much of the interview, and several Dave Alvin tunes. They DID keep the big finale, “Down By the Riverside.”

They really use a hatchet when they edit these radio shows for time!!!

Makes me even more glad I made it up to Boulder for the taping. Mary and I give our rundowns of the complete show in the Tour/Live Dates section of the board.

Vic

Thanks for the dose, Si!!!

There’s now a date set for the airing of the eTown show: the week of Oct 14-Oct 20.

Check etown.org for a radio station near you, or visit etown.org/listen.podcast.php to subscribe to the podcast!

“Show summary:

Bruce Hornsby and Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women presented by 97.3 KBCO

Air Dates: Oct 14-Oct 20

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby is back in eTown! Bruce shares some exciting new songs with us. Then talented eTown favorite Dave Alvin brings his latest band, an all female group called The Guilty Women; they just about steal the show! Listen for Helen adding a third vocal on one of the songs; nothing like three part female harmony, wow! Nick interviews world-renowned photographer Louie Psihoyos, director of the important new eco-thriller documentary film, ‘The Cove’, which is winning awards all around the world. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a dedicated woman from Hawaii with a great story who’s honored with the E-Chievement Award, so make certain to tune in to eTown this week!”

Oh wow, I finally get it! Snoop Dogg is Calvin Broadus, and Calvin gets a songwriting credit on “Prairie Dog Town”!

I guess Bruce figured other people have sample HIM enough, and turnabout is fair play!

Bruce literally DID “marry hip hop and folk,” as he said in the WaPost article! Now I Truly Understand! Ha!

Vic

Truly.

It’s funny … I think “Space” is about my 8th-favorite song on the record (though they did a great job with it on the TV show). But it’s a shame Bruce couldn’t play Black Rats, Prairie Dog, Cyclone or Continents on Leno.

Bruce mentioned in one of the (WaPost?) newspaper articles that the Leno appearance wouldn’t have happened without Clapton. 😥 I hope Bruce and the band can get some of the other songs out there in front of these large TV audiences!

I think Dana said Bruce is scheduled for Regis and another show or two. Anybody know the air dates??? Thanks.

Vic

If tradition holds, the names are Si and Carey.