Sylvia Theater show, Friday, March 26 2010

[Harryquawl]

Hmmm, if I were a music critic, how would I have written up that concert......


Bob Lind sounded better than ever as he stood on the stage at an intimate
traditional looking theater. To see him there all alone, holding his guitar
like it was mightier than the sword and the pen put together, was like all
of the years of dreaming about what he would be like when listening to his
recordings. After opening with an accapella introduction that had the
audience mesmerized, he walked right into "Let It Go." He embraced the
message of the song by both scatting a bit and closing his eyes to appear
deep in thought. Proving that the years have been good to him, he included
several rhythmic gestures that added life to the picture. Having the
undivided attention of the audience in the palm of his hand, he told of the
significance of the song "Gravity of the World" before playing it with as
much conviction as if he had written it yesterday. His mellow take on
"Bottle Of Wine" was worlds away from the familiar rendition by The
Fireballs, celebrating the song in his own sincere manner. Now was a
perfect time to spring the intense "Wearing You" at us, followed by the
slightly laid back "Another Song About Goodbye." A real thrill for long time
fans was the endearing "Truly Julie's Blues" which took on a more personal
meaning performed acoustically. "Never Even There" and "Taking The Gamble"
followed, sustaining the enlightenment of the whole show. "Exeter: The
Wedding Waltz" was one of the most unexpected pleasures, the closest number
to being a definitive love song as was presented. His vocal acrobatics on
"How The Nights Can Fly" again showed how some just keep getting better with
age. Opening act member Jamie Hoover joined him for "Cheryl's Goin' Home"
and "Elusive Butterfly Of Love," making the timeless classics as much a part
of now as they were the 1960s. The build-up to each song was as friendly to
those who know his work inside out as they would be to any audience member
who would say "Bob who?" of which hopefully none were present. He himself
says he's not a celebrity during some of his build-ups and banter, though
whether it's modesty that makes him say that or an effort to prevent heavy
egotism, no doubt he's a major musical driving force to many who would buy
his cds and attend his concerts, and thus he displayed an aura fit for a
major star as he stood on the stage. I sure prefer this to a Kelly Clarkson
concert.

Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel of The Spongetones had gotten the evening
off to a great start. Their sound was natural and sincere, and their
camaraderie was quite endearing. They even dedicated a song to Jill Sobule,
so what's not to love?! A beautiful combination of strummin' and pickin'
with influence in British rock and roll, American folk music, and a bit of
Spanish guitar. Working various string instruments, including a ukulele
into the show was a special treat. Their work is worth seeking out.

[bob_32_116]

Kelly who?