Saturday, May 12, 2007
Stephen Stills on lead guitar, Joe Vitale on Drums ....click on image to enlargeSTEPHEN STILLS
Live in Concert
12 May 2007 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (aka "prom night")...
I have seen Stephen Stills solo shows for over 2 decades on good nights, and as many bad nights. After hearing the genius of Man Alive! I thought perhaps this was his last go round ever...I even thought they must have used old tapes of his voice to record this "last" CD, since he sounded so gravel voiced to me on more than a few occasions recently. Well, this was not a bad night, nor a good night, it was a GREAT F$&%ing night! Clad in his (now trademark) Hawaiian over sized shirt unbuttoned at the collar, fresh light blue jeans, and penny loafers (really!), wedding band and what appeared to be a gold (Rolex maybe?) diver's watch on his left upper extremity, Stills strode on stage, like a proud father coming home to see the family...
Here's the set list and my observations...
1. Helplessly Hoping: Full band (drums, keys, bass and Stills on a white Gretch electric guitar). Stills sang this one solo, I was amazed. His voice although a hair ragged, hit the notes and when he sang softly was absolutely sublime. Then the band quickly exited the stage for a while and we went into solo acoustic guitar and Stills next sang...
2. Tree Top Flyer: He called this a most requested song, and said he'd put it on every CD from here on in, so as to not be asked which one it DID appear on (Stills Alone). At this point, Stills spied a guy in the front row (more on that later) in a trademark Stills-ish Hawaii style shirt (and a Stills baseball cap he must have just purchased). Stills said, "Nice shirt!" and threw the guy a guitar pick.
Live in Concert
12 May 2007 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (aka "prom night")...
I have seen Stephen Stills solo shows for over 2 decades on good nights, and as many bad nights. After hearing the genius of Man Alive! I thought perhaps this was his last go round ever...I even thought they must have used old tapes of his voice to record this "last" CD, since he sounded so gravel voiced to me on more than a few occasions recently. Well, this was not a bad night, nor a good night, it was a GREAT F$&%ing night! Clad in his (now trademark) Hawaiian over sized shirt unbuttoned at the collar, fresh light blue jeans, and penny loafers (really!), wedding band and what appeared to be a gold (Rolex maybe?) diver's watch on his left upper extremity, Stills strode on stage, like a proud father coming home to see the family...
Here's the set list and my observations...
1. Helplessly Hoping: Full band (drums, keys, bass and Stills on a white Gretch electric guitar). Stills sang this one solo, I was amazed. His voice although a hair ragged, hit the notes and when he sang softly was absolutely sublime. Then the band quickly exited the stage for a while and we went into solo acoustic guitar and Stills next sang...
2. Tree Top Flyer: He called this a most requested song, and said he'd put it on every CD from here on in, so as to not be asked which one it DID appear on (Stills Alone). At this point, Stills spied a guy in the front row (more on that later) in a trademark Stills-ish Hawaii style shirt (and a Stills baseball cap he must have just purchased). Stills said, "Nice shirt!" and threw the guy a guitar pick.
3. Different Man: from Man Alive! and similar to the CD version and just as well done.
4. Blind Fiddler: Well Stills opined "a few decades ago..." and got a big laugh just for that phrase. He described as a 20 year old doing open mike nights, trying to find and remember 6 verse songs like this one. He said he had forgotten much of it and some time ago (over a bottle of wine) finished this tune. It was obvious he was reading the lyrics from a teleprompter at his feet (between 2 huge sound monitors). Note, this was the complete song, not like the montage of Stills songs (including Fiddler) heard on Stills Alone.
5. Change Partners: What a nice surprise! See, tonight was prom night in many areas of the USA (graduation dance for high school for you world readers). He figured the kids were at the prom and the parents were at his concert. He said this song was for those "born before 1965." There was also a discussion of a big difference between the 60s and Stills being in his 60s! That meant he needed the teleprompter to remember lyrics and not get lost in a song. He mentioned Tony Bennett told him once "never be afraid to lower a key...or get a teleprompter." Stills also noted he was among the last to get the 'prompter, saying the Eagles were the first..."for obvious reasons!" Anyway the song about formal dancing (and life) was performed on his acoustic guitar with "Stephen Stills" engraved on the fretboard. Nice little instrument...but I don't see Clapton or Frampton with something like that. Stevie Ray did have something like that I suppose...still a wonderful job and we all sang along.
6. Daylight Again/Find the Cost of Freedom: Again solo on acoustic guitar and brought a tear to my eyes it was so beautiful and meaningful, especially these days. He had the crowd spontaneously singing the refrain at the end. It was a magical moment.
7. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes: I had read on 4WaySite that he did a nice job (again solo) with this...and boy did he. He told the story of being asked by a Southern (USA) newspaper reporter what he does without "the other two" on harmony laden songs like this. He laughed, and asked the audience to help. WE DID! The band re-assembled just in time for the du-du's, which were sung by the audience, but just played on keyboard, with Stills doing his strum along, with what sounds like variable Spanish lyrics. Just great.
8. Southern Cross: Done on his White Gretch Electric; I had heard it done only on acoustic guitars recently by permutations of CSN/Y...the only guitar had no effects (seemingly) on it, and the song was good. By now it was obvious, the plan was "hits" and a few new selections from "the mystery album" (Man Alive!). He referred to the most recent CD this way, because he said he's good at making albums, "but not selling them." He asked the crowd to "find it on line," and buy it. If you haven't yet, it's a 5/5 star by me; search the archives for my review.
9. Isn't It About Time: The old Manassas anti-war horse, done without the slide guitar, and with a loud slapping drum sound (probably real as opposed to fake). The album version you may recall had hand claps for percussion. This version was strong but a bit held back I thought. Cool, but could have been heavier on the bass and kick drum...and perhaps the refrain too. A nice treasure re-revealed however.
10. Wounded World: "from the mystery album" and just wonderful to hear performed live; much stronger than the CD version. Great guitar licks by Stills..
11. Acadienne: Just lovely, with the synthesizer playing much of the accordion sounds...great vocal live on this one by Stills; he must just love the song (also from Man Alive!)...and it shows.
12. Old Man Trouble: Suddenly between songs, Stills wiped his brow, had a drink, while the crew rolled an electric piano to his mike (and 'prompter), and rearranged the monitors. Took a minute or so, but was worth it. Stills played brilliantly, with the band in full gear. The opening act Jay Boy Adams showed up in the background doing vocals and playing electric guitar and traded lead licks with the piano, and organ. A barn burner, if you like the bluesy version of SS.
13. For What It's Worth: The oldest song of course, dating back to Buffalo-Springfield. During recent CSN (not the most recent CSNY) shows, this had been an audience participation number, with the crowd encouraged to yell out the "hey" as in "Hey, what's that sound?" Well, we weren't and we didn't and it somehow was better. A shorter version of this tune was played, but still featured smokin' guitar solos by Stills, who can still keep up with anyone, to my ears.
14. Love the One You're With: Again, in recent CSN shows (check You Tube), this had been a crowd-shouter. Not tonight, and again it worked great. Stills exhorted the crowd to "get up and dance," and we did. In fact we stayed on our collective feet, by the stage particularly, from here on in.
15. Woodstock: What can I say. This is a song CSNY did not do on it's 1974 reunion tour, and I was sadly taken back by it's missing in action. Then CSN started doing a version (I heard it at Woodstock '94, how appropriate!), and CSNY did it in 2006. There probably were other incarnations, but I always felt this song was particularly hard to do, since the studio version was so letter-perfect. Tonight's version was not perfect, but it was a "ten" nonetheless. Absolute fire-power delivered by Stills and a particularly tight delivery by heavy drums and bass and keys. A fabulous ender to the show...but wait...there's more
16. Dark Star: Encore! The crowd went crazy when the indecipherable intro gave way to the simple guitar riff opening of this tune. And it was here that Stills shined again on electric guitar, but his voice did indeed go ragged. He missed a few first words of verses, but nobody cared. He prowled around the stage throwing guitar picks out and giving one final "round the bases" for the adoring, slightly less than capacity crowd. He obvious (to me anyway) saw ME in a football shirt (it's baseball season in the USA), worn in obvious homage to the cover of the original Stephen Stills vinyl album, and threw ME a guitar pick, that is already framed, along with my ticket stub. THANK YOU STEPHEN, for a memento of indeed decades, of great music.
Final thoughts....on the venue. The FM Kirby Center is the best theater for a small concert in my many travels all over the world. Nice staff, great sound, extraordinary comfort and newly refurbished, it is. It's convenient for me, since I have family to stay with nearby. And crowd control was better than it was for the recent fiasco with Al Green. That having been said, four people were given "special" removable seats right in front of those of us in the first few rows, who made a real effort to get good tickets. That is NOT fair. They pulled that crap when Tom Jones (not quite a Sir at that point...International Baby!) was in town, only for Jones, they put in two whole rows of removable seats, right in front of those of us who THOUGHT we had the best seats. That's Bulls&#t! I hope the Kirby Center people do not have the gall to pull this for Crosby and Nash (re-scheduled for October I think). If I hear about it, I'll let you know. For now, be warned, the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre PA has a history of changing the floor plan to make your top tickets less so. And that stinks. I don't care who these "big shots" are; they should get seats like everyone else!
BOTTOM LINE: Stills Live this night 5/5 stars. It was a short (about 1:45 of Stills; 30 minute opener and 30 minute intermission to sell drinks, Ts and the like) and sweet show, and did not abuse the vocalist(s) or the audience. According to the 4WaySite message board, he has done 4+20 and Feed the People on a previous stop...I'm OK with missing these, since this show (especially vocally) was so good. It will be kept in both main and backup memory as a stellar show. Don't miss this tour!
Zeph, out
PS: Equal Time: Just got the word the local newspaper in Pennsylvania absolutely panned the show on 13 May 2007. The writer perhaps was expecting a pristine studio-quality Crosby Stills & Nash 3 point harmony performance, and flawless note-by-note reproductions of the classics, notably recorded with talent and persistence, way way way before the digital era. Well, the writer was simply not at the same show I was...at least in the first few rows the sound was crystal clear. Stills and the band played every note with heart and soul, and the passion of the vocals came through (in real time, with little audio effects) song after song. Click on the "equal time" link above to get to the local story...I choose to disagree, strongly!
5. Change Partners: What a nice surprise! See, tonight was prom night in many areas of the USA (graduation dance for high school for you world readers). He figured the kids were at the prom and the parents were at his concert. He said this song was for those "born before 1965." There was also a discussion of a big difference between the 60s and Stills being in his 60s! That meant he needed the teleprompter to remember lyrics and not get lost in a song. He mentioned Tony Bennett told him once "never be afraid to lower a key...or get a teleprompter." Stills also noted he was among the last to get the 'prompter, saying the Eagles were the first..."for obvious reasons!" Anyway the song about formal dancing (and life) was performed on his acoustic guitar with "Stephen Stills" engraved on the fretboard. Nice little instrument...but I don't see Clapton or Frampton with something like that. Stevie Ray did have something like that I suppose...still a wonderful job and we all sang along.
6. Daylight Again/Find the Cost of Freedom: Again solo on acoustic guitar and brought a tear to my eyes it was so beautiful and meaningful, especially these days. He had the crowd spontaneously singing the refrain at the end. It was a magical moment.
7. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes: I had read on 4WaySite that he did a nice job (again solo) with this...and boy did he. He told the story of being asked by a Southern (USA) newspaper reporter what he does without "the other two" on harmony laden songs like this. He laughed, and asked the audience to help. WE DID! The band re-assembled just in time for the du-du's, which were sung by the audience, but just played on keyboard, with Stills doing his strum along, with what sounds like variable Spanish lyrics. Just great.
8. Southern Cross: Done on his White Gretch Electric; I had heard it done only on acoustic guitars recently by permutations of CSN/Y...the only guitar had no effects (seemingly) on it, and the song was good. By now it was obvious, the plan was "hits" and a few new selections from "the mystery album" (Man Alive!). He referred to the most recent CD this way, because he said he's good at making albums, "but not selling them." He asked the crowd to "find it on line," and buy it. If you haven't yet, it's a 5/5 star by me; search the archives for my review.
9. Isn't It About Time: The old Manassas anti-war horse, done without the slide guitar, and with a loud slapping drum sound (probably real as opposed to fake). The album version you may recall had hand claps for percussion. This version was strong but a bit held back I thought. Cool, but could have been heavier on the bass and kick drum...and perhaps the refrain too. A nice treasure re-revealed however.
10. Wounded World: "from the mystery album" and just wonderful to hear performed live; much stronger than the CD version. Great guitar licks by Stills..
11. Acadienne: Just lovely, with the synthesizer playing much of the accordion sounds...great vocal live on this one by Stills; he must just love the song (also from Man Alive!)...and it shows.
12. Old Man Trouble: Suddenly between songs, Stills wiped his brow, had a drink, while the crew rolled an electric piano to his mike (and 'prompter), and rearranged the monitors. Took a minute or so, but was worth it. Stills played brilliantly, with the band in full gear. The opening act Jay Boy Adams showed up in the background doing vocals and playing electric guitar and traded lead licks with the piano, and organ. A barn burner, if you like the bluesy version of SS.
13. For What It's Worth: The oldest song of course, dating back to Buffalo-Springfield. During recent CSN (not the most recent CSNY) shows, this had been an audience participation number, with the crowd encouraged to yell out the "hey" as in "Hey, what's that sound?" Well, we weren't and we didn't and it somehow was better. A shorter version of this tune was played, but still featured smokin' guitar solos by Stills, who can still keep up with anyone, to my ears.
14. Love the One You're With: Again, in recent CSN shows (check You Tube), this had been a crowd-shouter. Not tonight, and again it worked great. Stills exhorted the crowd to "get up and dance," and we did. In fact we stayed on our collective feet, by the stage particularly, from here on in.
15. Woodstock: What can I say. This is a song CSNY did not do on it's 1974 reunion tour, and I was sadly taken back by it's missing in action. Then CSN started doing a version (I heard it at Woodstock '94, how appropriate!), and CSNY did it in 2006. There probably were other incarnations, but I always felt this song was particularly hard to do, since the studio version was so letter-perfect. Tonight's version was not perfect, but it was a "ten" nonetheless. Absolute fire-power delivered by Stills and a particularly tight delivery by heavy drums and bass and keys. A fabulous ender to the show...but wait...there's more
16. Dark Star: Encore! The crowd went crazy when the indecipherable intro gave way to the simple guitar riff opening of this tune. And it was here that Stills shined again on electric guitar, but his voice did indeed go ragged. He missed a few first words of verses, but nobody cared. He prowled around the stage throwing guitar picks out and giving one final "round the bases" for the adoring, slightly less than capacity crowd. He obvious (to me anyway) saw ME in a football shirt (it's baseball season in the USA), worn in obvious homage to the cover of the original Stephen Stills vinyl album, and threw ME a guitar pick, that is already framed, along with my ticket stub. THANK YOU STEPHEN, for a memento of indeed decades, of great music.
Final thoughts....on the venue. The FM Kirby Center is the best theater for a small concert in my many travels all over the world. Nice staff, great sound, extraordinary comfort and newly refurbished, it is. It's convenient for me, since I have family to stay with nearby. And crowd control was better than it was for the recent fiasco with Al Green. That having been said, four people were given "special" removable seats right in front of those of us in the first few rows, who made a real effort to get good tickets. That is NOT fair. They pulled that crap when Tom Jones (not quite a Sir at that point...International Baby!) was in town, only for Jones, they put in two whole rows of removable seats, right in front of those of us who THOUGHT we had the best seats. That's Bulls&#t! I hope the Kirby Center people do not have the gall to pull this for Crosby and Nash (re-scheduled for October I think). If I hear about it, I'll let you know. For now, be warned, the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre PA has a history of changing the floor plan to make your top tickets less so. And that stinks. I don't care who these "big shots" are; they should get seats like everyone else!
BOTTOM LINE: Stills Live this night 5/5 stars. It was a short (about 1:45 of Stills; 30 minute opener and 30 minute intermission to sell drinks, Ts and the like) and sweet show, and did not abuse the vocalist(s) or the audience. According to the 4WaySite message board, he has done 4+20 and Feed the People on a previous stop...I'm OK with missing these, since this show (especially vocally) was so good. It will be kept in both main and backup memory as a stellar show. Don't miss this tour!
Zeph, out
PS: Equal Time: Just got the word the local newspaper in Pennsylvania absolutely panned the show on 13 May 2007. The writer perhaps was expecting a pristine studio-quality Crosby Stills & Nash 3 point harmony performance, and flawless note-by-note reproductions of the classics, notably recorded with talent and persistence, way way way before the digital era. Well, the writer was simply not at the same show I was...at least in the first few rows the sound was crystal clear. Stills and the band played every note with heart and soul, and the passion of the vocals came through (in real time, with little audio effects) song after song. Click on the "equal time" link above to get to the local story...I choose to disagree, strongly!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS
Live on Letterman!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Web Cast: Monday May 14, 2007 at 825pm Eastern time USA.
Go to www.cbs.com/lateshow and rock on, Elvis!
Zeph, out.
Live on Letterman!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Web Cast: Monday May 14, 2007 at 825pm Eastern time USA.
Go to www.cbs.com/lateshow and rock on, Elvis!
Zeph, out.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
CSNY Live in 2006 FREE DOWNLOAD...and it's legal...I think!
Go to the link above for 4waysite.com, then enter, then downloads, then MP3s and you will find a THIRTY-FIVE TRACK complete concert you may download gratis. Now, it's an audience recording, and the sound is so-so to poor (you'll hear people asking for another beer during "Our House"), but the price is right and much of it is pure magic. "Carry Me," brought a tear to my eye, it's so beautiful. The downside for me personally is all the Living With War selections, which (no matter what the politics) are durge durge durge.
More...
My friends at the same site are to have a full Stephen Stills Live 2007 download posted in the near future. I hope it's the one I will be attending. And with a quick review of the show pending, Zeph, out!
Go to the link above for 4waysite.com, then enter, then downloads, then MP3s and you will find a THIRTY-FIVE TRACK complete concert you may download gratis. Now, it's an audience recording, and the sound is so-so to poor (you'll hear people asking for another beer during "Our House"), but the price is right and much of it is pure magic. "Carry Me," brought a tear to my eye, it's so beautiful. The downside for me personally is all the Living With War selections, which (no matter what the politics) are durge durge durge.
More...
My friends at the same site are to have a full Stephen Stills Live 2007 download posted in the near future. I hope it's the one I will be attending. And with a quick review of the show pending, Zeph, out!
