Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Ryan Adams 7/23/07 The Herbst , San Fran

The Herbst Theatre is one beautiful venue. I had never been there before, and the Historical significance of the place was enough to excite me. Not sure if ya’ll know, but the stage in the Herbst is where the United Nations Charter was signed. It’s a bit strange how the Refreshment vendors are out side the main entrance, and the only thing allowed in, was water. But we were surprised to find out that our 3rd row tickets were 2nd row. Couldn’t complain about my seats this evening. I was also very excited to see the stools and the acoustics set up on stage. I was hoping for an acoustic show after the rockin’ Santa Cruz night on Saturday.

The Show opened with a wonderful version of Good Night Rose, then into Do Not Let Me Go. During Elizabeth, You Were Born To Play That Part, Ryans Stage monitor was wasn’t up to his liking, and you could see he was getting a bit irritated. However, The pulled off a gorgeous version of I Taught Myself How to Grow Old.
Dear John, one of my favorites, was not the best I’ve heard this Tour, although very beautifully sung. The Guitar Tech Brought Ryan his Guitar, at the beginning of Magnolia Mountain, and he was obviously frustrated that it wasn’t tuned, and he tuned while playing the song. Blue Hotel was the low part of the night, with Ryan Rushing through and skipping some vocals. He was still clearly unable to hear himself in the stage monitor, which has to be strange when you can hear a pin drop during the accapella parts of the songs. What Sin Replaces Love was well played and a nice treat after hearing such a screaming version the other night. I did enjoy the toned down version.

They Left the stage for a short set break to try and figure out the sound, and The Theater itself was quite surprised by this as the refreshment vendors had packed it up once the show started.

The Second Set opened with a very nice version of The Sun Also Sets. It seemed as if they may have fixed the sound issues. Oh My God, Whatever, Etc. was also very sweet. Let It Ride followed, by another one of my favorites, and one of my Highlights of the night, Carolina Rain. At this point, it was again obvious that the sound wasn’t fixed to Ryan’s liking, and the rest of the set seemed a bit rushed, although there still were some beautiful moments. Peaceful Valley, Pearls On A String, again not the best of this tour by any means, but I did really like the Acoustic version of The End. A pleasant Wildflowers was next followed by Bartering Lines. I for the life of me can’t remember the name of the show closer, on the tip of my tongue, but maybe someone that was there can help me out.

Well to sum it up, it was a bit shorter than 1 would have hoped, but acoustic songs don’t tend to be extended as much as electric. I did very much still enjoy the show, although it wasn’t nearly as good as Santa Cruz. But there’s always tomorrow!!!

SET 1

Goodnight Rose
Do Not Let Me Go
Elizabeth, You Were Born To Play That Part
I Taught Myself How To Grow Old
Dear John
Magnolia Mountain
Blue Motel
What Sin Replaces Love

SET 2

The Sun Also Sets
Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
Let It Ride
Carolina Rain
Cold Roses
Peaceful Valley
Pearls On A String
The End
Wildflowers
Bartering Lines
?(Can’t Remember the Name)?

No Encore

The thing about the Herbst is the ceiling is so high that the sound gets lost. I see alot of jazz shows there and it's always the same. The Palace Of Fine Arts is a MUCH better acoustical venue and is about the same capacity; but you sure can't argue with the style and location of the Herbst, it's a BEAUTIFUL venue. I think a full rock show there would be great, but I doubt their management would allow it (although I heard Henry Rollins is going to be there, but I bet that's a spoken word thing).

I too thought the sound was better in the 2nd set and also wish it went on longer, as he is such an articulate, heartfelt singer and the sound of his group was SO clean.

I loved the pedal steel player and the guitar player was excellent too, playing perfectly with Ryan, who also played some good guitar.... and Ryans singing was excellent throughout.

He's great, and if I didn't have tix to see Hank Williams III already (I love him too!) I would be in Berkeley tomorrow, because there is no way this guy plays the same show two times in a row.

The nerve!

One thing I do need to say is Go Cardinals. This band sounds like they've been playing together for a long time and really groove together.

So then...where was Phil ???

This was not a show for Phil to sit-in; if he does it will be tonight, although I'll be surprised if he does.

i re3ally wanted to go last nite

quarter end calls........

its bad enough i get high at nite to deal
with the influx of insanity

budgets...gigetza

budget