Still in Sting afterglow mode...offerings of the Concord concert experience--
Set unchanged, same lighting, same background images that many of you have witnessed...instead of a review, here's a few (some might say gossipy) items that may have been distinctive...
Opening act: Geggy Tah--Quirky (not unexpected given that they record for David Byrne's label) with interesting vocal, rhythmic and instrumental textures. Dominic joined them for a "folk tale-based tune that refers to square dancing".
While sitting in a rocking lawn chair (a low one at that--his knees were at mid-chest level), Dominic thrust a lighter in the air (ala concert encore request) and, well, literally rocked--in tempo with the song and rather forcefully at times. (that shock of hair was in full motion, Holly!) Dominic's causal presence was a contrast from his cool stage persona. In light colors, denim jacket, hiking boots and MF laminate, he strode off stage with a somewhat gangly gait--an aura reminiscent of Ed, the Native American film maker from "Northern Exposure".
Best of set: (IMHO) went to WTWIRD...Although some would call it an absurd anthropomorphism, I'm sure Kenny's keyboard was ecstatic. And so was the audience. His solo at Concord seemed extended...oh the bliss! Knowing that Nate's "electronic device" was only 1 foot away, I summoned every last shred of restraint in order to hold in the primal shriek that my body was screaming to release.
(note: Afterwards, Nate graciously told me that I could've made as much noise as I wanted to--it wouldn't have messed things up. That was generous, but somehow, I can't see how a big "AAAAAAIIIIIIIEEEEEE" emitted 12" away wouldn't have ruined the song.) And BTW, Nate agrees with WTWIRD.
ISHICSC audience participation: RJ. During the pre-song banter, RJ explained that his girlfriend, "Gazelle" (?!) was in the audience.
Sting: "Giselle?"
RJ:" No, Gazelle, like the animal...she's French!"
In response to "French", Sting conveyed his approval with lascivious shaking of the hand at the wrist and a knowing, sideways glance...
Sting: "...and you join in on the chorus"
RJ: "...I'd like to sing lead.."
and so he did--with such utter abandon and body punctuation that Sting actually backed off from the mike during a few verses. Sting seemed amused/impressed at RJ's chutzpah and expressed a keen interest in seeing "Gazelle"...
Volume of Sting's bass: the bass line was still prominent, but in terms of "palpability"--the sensation was much more diffused. This allowed for a more objective appreciation of the "walking bass" in EINY.
List meeting: Nate sold me his extra VH1 ticket. We talked about his new Westwood Bachelor Pad (goodbye dorm food, hello Miller's Special Spaghetti) But I forgot to ask him how Nukuhiva compares to Rarotonga--and on neither night did the Listers broach the topic of whether we'd ever listened to Sade...while riding an elevator...for 5 hours straight.
In general, the enthrallment factor was high, extremely high. Hearing that soulful voice live...But my only misgiving, however minute, is that the shows seemed to fit a theater paradigm more than a concert paradigm. It was very polished, very professional--but missing the edge of a less programmed set. Yes, a performance of something scripted can still be dynamic--with subtle variations in interpretation, but...
Over the weekend, a state of "Stung-ness" manifested in an ongoing soundtrack of boots, B-sides and favored tracks. Hearing one of the Dead opening shows from '93 (thank you again, Wendy & Dave) left me a bit wistful. A greater propensity for improv seemed in evidence...(perhaps stemming from the unknown-ness of the situation) Still--Our Hero is a mesmerizing presence and a master songsmith. I'd fly off to Vegas next weekend (or to London in December for that matter!) if I could!
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