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Minneapolis Show (long)
I don't know if I should refer to this as a review or just some stray
memories of last night's show with a setlist scrawled in pitch black. I
have little experience with concert reviews, so it will be a bit
haphazard.
Setting: The State Theatre is an old restored Theatre with gaudy
carvings, painted walls, and beaded chandeliers; it is quite beautiful
and reminiscent of another time. The "classiness" of the joint brought
in a diverse crowd. Some people were quite dressed up sipping cocktails
in the lobby and plenty of others *like me* were in blue jeans. :)
The *whole* band was there, even Brian. I was in the second balcony so I
was too high to see any great detail. Brian was on the far left, then
Jack--I think--, then Karin in the middle, then Wade--I think--, Terri
up on this little raised platform, and Linford on the far right
surrounded by his keys. The lighting and set were very nice and
professional; I only mention this because I'm used to seeing OTR at
places like Canal St. where it's just them and their instruments. So it
was fun seeing them play with so much "fru fru" around them. (I will
say, for jg's sake that Terri's hair was up for the OTR set and down for
the CJ set.)
Setlist
1. Faithfully Dangerous
Fun stuff with the Hammond on this one. It was very ethereal and
ear-catching - a good set starter. Although, it was a little hard for me
to hear to vocals, esp. over the organ. It could be because I was up in
nosebleed section catching the echos.
2. Tumbleweeds
It was my first time to hear this song. I really enjoyed it. I now
understand what people mean when they say that the sound is leaning a
bit toward the airplay genre. Still very good music.
3. The Seahorse
This one was livened up quite a bit from the CD I thought. The addition
of Brian and the Hammond lent it a "new dress" that fit well.
4. Anyway.
Again, my first time to hear this one. Karin prefaced it with the Rose
story. It was really lovely.
5. All I Need
6. Poughkeepsie
I think Karin introduced this one, saying that it was a story, but a
story that told itself. ?? This was one of the highlights of the show
for me. The rest of the music was toned down enough that I could hear
the vocals much better. She threw a lot of heart into this performance.
It literally brought tears to my eyes.
At some point, perhaps after this song, she mentioned the CDs and that
they help pay for bus money. (Like in Candace's post)
7. Moth
My first time with this one too. I'm really sorry that I don't have a
lot to say about some of these, but I was so busy taking it all in. It
was also too dark to write down anything other than song titles.
8. Latter Days
This was done really well. It is a beautiful song and, once again,
allowed me to hear the vocals a lot better. I should mention that
throughout the concert, Terri's vocals were perfect additions to the
songs. And these quieter numbers allowed me to hear the harmonies more
clearly. This song was the closer, probably a good idea, since they were
pushing GDBD. It may stick in folks' mind so when they pop the CD in,
they will recognize something immediately and stay interested.
Throughout the set, Karin was the only one who spoke. She said only a
little bit here and there, but I can understand that with limited time
onstage and catering to a primarily Cowboy Junkies audience, it's
probably best to concentrate more on the music and less on the
conversation. OTR shows, as far as I know, involve more conversation
with the crowd (from more than one band member), which seems more
appropriate when addressing people who come to hear *their* music.
Anyway....
The Junkies show was good. Honestly, I am not very familiar with their
stuff, so almost all songs were new to me. For the record I really
enjoyed "Lost My Driving Wheel" and "Sweet Jane". Margo spoke very
highly of Over the Rhine, and esp. the girls, saying how great it was to
have girlfriends on the road. She introduced Karin, citing her beautiful
voice and praised Terri for being "a rock, in addition to having a
beautiful voice". At the end of the show, Margo said that she and the
band would love to come out after the concert and say hello, sign CDs,
have pictures taken, etc. She seems to feel pretty warmly toward
Minneapolis. Apparently, 2 guys that interviewed her when the band was
up here about 10 or 12 years ago have sent her 2 yellow roses every time
they have come back to play here. She dedicated "Misguided Angel" to
them.
I stuck around after the show to see if I could catch a glimpse of OTR
members. As people were waiting around in the lobby, I saw Linford walk
unnoticed in black t shirt and jeans over to the doors, as if he wanted
to leave. I didn't want to impede his progress at first, but then
decided I should at least say hello. A group of guys recognized him and
beat me to the punch, however. So I waited for a bit. It was funny being
in a place where he could walk around like that after a concert, with
only a handful of people recognizing him.
My mom pointed out that she saw Karin over in the corner with a small
group of people around her. So I dashed over and waited my turn. I
gushed a little to her about how much I enjoyed their music and
especially her tremendous voice. She seemed almost taken aback--in a
good way--and smiled widely. She was happy to have our picture taken and
signed the sleeve of my Patience shirt, writing "thank you" on it.
I spoke to Linford on my way out. I got to tell him that I'd enjoyed
their new material and the new spins on their older songs. I said that I
was from their neck of the woods, and pleased to find a concert during
my short foray up north. He had a huge grin on his face and seemed to
enjoy speaking to someone who was familiar with the band. Yes, I
photographed him as well. I am a bit of an unabashed fan sometimes.
I saw a *lot* of folks with the GDBD CD. The OTR table was difficult to
get to because so many people were crowding it. I definitely think they
are getting quite a bit of exposure through this tour, and reaching some
listeners that might never have heard them otherwise.
bottom line: very good show.
Lisa
--
Lisa Walker office: F6419
email: walkerl at cray_com
phone: 612.683.5825 voice mail: 612.683.3819
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