haydnsurf's setlist.fm

Richard Thompson at the Majestic, Detroit last night. It is thrilling to see someone who is a maestro. In this case of the guitar; electric, acoustic, twelve string---or any thing with strings. Ranked somewhere in the "100 greatest of all time" by Rolling Stone, he, at 69, has not lost a bit of his virtuosity. Stunning, by any measure. Last night with a tight trio of drums, bass, and occasional rhythm guitar side man---he tore the house down. What is amazing is that his most recent offering just released, "13 Rivers" is as compelling as anything in his exhaustive catalogue. From rough road house rock n roll to lilting acoustic picking his skill and power with a Stratocaster is "my-doors-are-already-blown-off-and-the-crescendo-of-this-solo-is-still-coming", to blues as they were intended. For those who know, yes he did two rare songs from Fairport Convention, and a haunting version of his tortured love with Linda Thompson, "At the Dimming of the Day". A solo set with acoustic included the jaunty heartbreaker, "1952 Vincent Black Lightning". The double encore included the acidic comment of social culture, a blazing, "Put It There Pal" and his most tender, "Beeswing". Sometimes artists of this age are re-cycling tired history, not this Celtic OBE ( Thompson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to music.[4]), he is as vital and alive as ever. I feel lucky to have seen him; an inspiration to all of us pushing 70. This tour is heading west. Even if you don't know him or his work, do not miss it, you won't see many play guitar even close......

Elvis Costello last night at the Fillmore, Detroit. His catalogue is exhaustive, influence broad, and snarling challenges to authority; in tact. His Aim IS still true. From tender ballads of love lost and tortured to the rollicking sneer of "Pump it Up", he has all his chops. A killer band in the Imposters, and diva back up vocals from two women who could give any current pop stars a run for their vocal money. But more than that, you had a feeling of a man rejuvenated, exuberant and glad to be alive, (recent successful bout with cancer). A very tight band that played true to the razor edge of Attraction songs and loving renditions of Elvis ballads--and most of all, Costello ripped it up on lead guitar, no rhythm player; just bass, piano and drums. You could feel his flourishes on lead say, "take that you wankers who didn't realize how good I could play.." Two encores, Motown influences abundant; during final song "What's so Funny About Peace Love and Understanding", a brief foray into, "You Really Got a Hold on Me". Finally, his voice got better and better through the night, full throated expression of all the words he crafts so well. Don't miss this tour if it comes to your town.