review of Todd show at Birchmere

I was fortunate to have snagged 2 of the last remaining tickets for Todd's show at the Birchmere on February 4. He chose a good mix of his own songs and some great covers. My personal favorite was the Marvin Gaye/Robert Palmer tune, "I Want You," which showcased his incredible vocal ability. I've seen Todd many times over the years, and his voice has never sounded better. Although the solo format may not be everyone's cup of tea, I thought it did a good job of bringing focus to Todd's talent (which defies adequate modifiers) and his character as a performer and human being. The solo/small venue format gave him an opportunity to intimately share the "wholistic" Todd - his wit, his humanity, his political views, and his musicianship - with his audience.  OK, I confess...I'm one of the lifelong, diehard Todd fans who would pay to hear him caterwaul in a manhole...but I really believe that the solo show is a unique and worthwhile experience for those who want to go beyond "Hello, It's Me."