Seems everyone has a music thing going on right now. This one went to Glastonbury, that one saw Bruce in Hyde Park, or they were there when Paul McCartney joined Neil Young, etc.
Well, as an oldish guy, I’ve seen a couple of fabulous shows by some older guys this past week. And they can still bring it.
BB King:
BB King is 83 and still has the charm, wit and charisma of the young man from Mississippi. That’s MISS ISS IPP I, the way we were taught to remember how to spell it. But most importantly he can still bellow the lungs and strum as smooth as can be. He’s a big man and his hands consume the guitar like they really love it. The result is in fact blues the way it was and should be.
Mostly importantly and not unexpectedly, he’s surrounded himself with some serious brass blowing talent. Given Pure Solo has it’s own brass extraordinaire in house, I watched in respect at the power and silkiness of the team of musicians to BB’s right. It was special.
BB King of course has that smile, that cheeky smile and those rolling eyes when he plays that tells you one thing. He is the music and the music is him. Thus the still reigning King of Blues. Thanks BB.
Crosby Still and Nash:
Déjà vu was my first album. So I had high hopes and uncertain expectations. We landed a couple of second row seats at the Albert Hall thanks to my lovely lady. So as we wandered through the halls of the Albert Hall to find the entrance area, we ran into some old friends. This was starting just the right way.
As the threesome took the stage, there was a moment of, well like, when you had your eyes open under water in a pool with too much chlorine and when you come out of the water you need to adjust for a minute and then it comes into focus. There they were. Old friends, troubles behind them and ready to go. Still, they seemed humble and a bit nervous.
The first song they seemed to tip toe through the harmonies then suddenly the years rolled back and they clicked. If one hasn’t heard, or can’t appreciate folk, rock harmony then you must listen and learn. These guys are masters. Given they were singing in the 60’s and the post Vietnam era, the harmony was the peace so required of the time. They played some Stones, Dead, Buffalo Springfield and more.
Stephen Stills played about seven different guitars last night, and many of them old classics showing the proper wear and tear of a pro. He connected with the crowd, raised his game when called upon to do so and demonstrated his talent. David Crosby has that unique tone to his voice and is the enigmatic personality who acknowledged that he does the weird stuff before leading the three into a memorable version of Déjà vu. He found the deep strength to his vocal chords and pleased us with his consistency of who he was and still is as a man and musician. Graham Nash, the Manchester boy, was warm, sensitive and the calm captain last night. His singing by using body movement as part of the song reminded by lady of one of our favorite Brazilian singers, Caetano Veloso who also shimmies and gently vibrates to the songs with his entire body. We don’t know if they ever have met or played together but we think they should. He also had the charm and kindness and performed barefooted through the entire show. Still the hippie I guess. Hats off to him for bringing a plectrum over to a youngster standing mesmerized at their sounds.
I of course caught my first plectrum ever – a Dunlop Herco Flex 50; directly from Stephen Stills, onto the guys shoulder in front of me, where I gently swiped it into my hand and into this blog.
