I must first admit that I had serious doubts about going to this show. None of this doubt was brought on by mixed reveiws of the tour so far. When you see any artist over a hundred times, you've probably seen the best and worst of what they have to offer in a live setting. (been there, seen that) So as the day wore on, I contemplated just eating the tickets and staying home to watch wrestling or some other mundane activity. About 5 p.m. I decided to just take a stance that I would go with the lowest expectations possible. Man, I'm glad I did!
If you ever have a chance to come to Nashville, you must see a show at the Ryman Auditorium. Built in the late 1890's, it was originally a church. sits right in the heart of downtown. Long time home to the Grand ol' Opry. So it's seen its share of great shows. Acoustically, it's the shit.
Ethel opened and delivered 25 minutes of some really interesting music. Though they may not be everyones cup of tea, I think no one can come away with the feeling that the weren't playing their asses off and that they weren't into the performance.
Never having seen Joe before I didn't really know what to expect. He was witty and jovial even though performing in front of a pretty sparse crowd (maybe 500 people) He played my favorite song off of "Body & Soul" so he's alright in my book.
The first two acts led my girlfriend (non-todd devotee) to comment that she thought she had got my moneys worth already. LOL
Then came Todd.....
Not alot of surprises here. (setlist wise) Just great energy and to my surprise, great musicianship. Sure, he dinked a few notes. But WITHOUT A DOUBT the best piano playing on Viking song I've ever heard! He was in great spirits and delivered some of the funniest banter I've heard from him in a very long time.
set list: Love of the Common man Cliche Viking Song Hello It's Me Hawking Black & White I Saw the Light Bang The Drum Afterlife Pretending to Care While My Guitar Gently Weeps Black MariaMy hope is that for those of you seeing the rest of the tour, if you get half of what we got here tonight your in for a hell of a show! Great job by all.
David Gay
Certified Winepimp
