Concert Review
Jackson Browne
Seneca Niagara Events Center
Niagara Falls, NY
Saturday June 29, 2013
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Jackson Browne took the stage promptly at 8 p.m. and sat in front of the piano as he opened his one hundred and thirty minute show with “Black And White”. There was nary a seat to be had for the sold out performance which saw scheduled opener Sara Watkins’ time slot disappear. No worries though folks as Watkins would go on to play a big part in the show.
Browne’s band consisted of long time members drummer Mauricio “Fritz” Lewak, guitarist Val McCallum who were joined by bassist Tyler Chester and Nickel Creek members Sean and his sister the aforementioned Sara Watkins. The band are now in the midst of a summer tour that has seen them vary the set lists every night.
As Browne introduced “I’m Alive” he mentioned to the audience that he had a set list but rarely follows it as he tends to play what he feels like playing as well as a few songs that the fans want to hear, which brought a loud response from the crowd.
One interesting aspect to the show he allowed McCallum and Sean Watkins to perform a song each from their catalog, while Sara Watkins sang “Take Up Your Spade” and “You And Me”.
As the show wound down it appeared he was short on time as he brought out the heavy artillery in the form of “Running On Empty”. Without shifting a gear he then tore right into “Take It Easy” a song he co-wrote with Glen Frey which The Eagles most famously recorded. Browne noted that was the first time he played the songs together without pausing and seemed to really close out the show in roaring fashion.
Browne was in fine voice and with his stellar guitar work, delivered a one of a kind set of music that if you are a diehard fan you left the Seneca Niagara Casino on cloud nine. For the fans who were looking more for a greatest hits type show, my guess is some of you left won over, while the rest of the crowd were left like one woman who was heard saying, “I can’t believe he didn’t play Somebody’s Baby”. Maybe next time.
Set List
Black And White
Looking East
I’m Alive
The Naked Ride Home
For Everyman
Live Nude Cabaret
Sleep’s Dark And Silent Gate
The Pretender
A Child In These Hills
Tokyo Girl (Val McCallum)
Take Up Your Spade- Sara Watkins lead vocals
You And Me- Sara Watkins lead vocals
Only Peace I’ve Ever Known- Sean Watkins lead vocals
For A Dancer
Jamaica Say You Will
These Days
I’ll Do Anything
Running On Empty
Take It Easy
Encore
I Am A Patriot
A very special thanks to Tony Astran for allowing us the chance to review the show
