Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Jackie Greene, Fox, Boulder, 08/31/2007

OK, time for ol' D_R to fess up. Here is my previous review of Jackie Greene:

"Decent songs, IMHO. He sang & played guitar and keys, with a backing band that had drums, bass and "lead" guitar. I was sort of paying attention ... but I didn't hear anything that made me sit up and take notice. However, I also didn't think it sucked. Some of the tunes sounded like that band "Train", you know, commercial "roots" kind of stuff. If I saw he was going to be on the bill at a show, I'd get there in time to see him again. Not sure if I'd pay to just see him though, not yet anyway."


Well, it's always interesting how time can change your opinions (not to mention how they can be affected by the "Phil Lesh stamp of approval").

I paid specifically to see Jackie Greene tonight, paid close attention to the performance & songs, and I was not disappointed in the least. Great songs, much better than "Train" (what was I thinking?), although I'd still stick with my "roots" definition (not that there's anything WRONG with that). Same "backing" band format (drums/bass/guitar), with Jackie playing guitars, keys and some harmonica.

My version of the setlist (from the house PA copy, thanks to the guy who let me read it):

Hollywood
Rusty nail
Nothin comes
Farewell, so long
Cell block
Closer to you
Tell me mama
So hard to find my way
Sugaree
Lord mistreats me
Mexican Girl
I'm So gone

E1 (electric, band)
Cold black devil

E2 (acoustic)
Sweet Somewhere Bound
Brokedown Emotion (?, new)
Just don't let the devil take your mind
I don't live in a dream

A very much "straight ahead" show musically, with reasonable length solos and only a little "exploration" in the middle of "Cold Black Devil". Still not sure how Jackie will do in the "jams" with Phil & Co.(he won't get lost, he knows his musical stuff), but he will have no problem whatsoever with the "bluesy" stuff (I am SO stoked for the Phil shows!).

Even though the show was great, I got the feeling that Jackie was not totally pleased with it. However, if this was an "off" night, then watch out if you get these guys when they're on. It will be amazing beyond belief.

Peripheral notes:

I really liked the first act on the bill, "Joshua James", from somewhere in Utah. Singer/songwriter with backup guitarist. Really great songs, enough that the crowd was SILENT (Fox audiences can be very charitable, but still...). For purposes of comparison only, think "Bright Eyes" meets Neil Young.

Also, there was this particularly "festive" young lady in the crowd (right behind me, of course) who let out blood-curdling screams of "I LOVE YOU JACKIE!" and "PLAY Cry Yourself Dry!" (even after Jackie had tried to start it but couldn't find the right key/chords) for a good two-thirds of the JGe set. It went from cute to irritating to absurd to just sad. Especially when she started cursing at folks in the crowd who pointed out that she might be a little bit loud. And at what point did it become "acceptable" for college GIRLS to call elder female strangers "f@#king bitches", for ANY reason? Unbelievable.

>>commercial "roots" kind of stuff<<

>>Still not sure how Jackie will do in the "jams" with Phil & Co<<

I definitely agree with the commercial appeal that Jackie has, He's a product of his environment and the music 'business' doesn't encourage much jamming...I have a feeling that as Jackie spends more time in the PhilZone, he'll spend more time jamming. By all accounts, he's a quick study...I'm very optimistic about it!

It's finally September...tour month!! Yay!!

Thanks for the review D_R, Jackie is a growing force and as Emily said, tour month is here! Phil will continue to be a positive influence on this young talent. It is almost Greek time!

Jackie can jam just fine. He's gotta learn lots of new songs, but when I saw him with PL&F he had great chops. He did tend to stay in the "blues box", but that's cool with me. Those expecting a Schofield or Herring will be disappointed. These guys are on a whole other level. Jackie is more of what I'd call a "feel" player who likes to make a complete musical statement. Plus writes songs and has a great voice. I am really looking forward to seeing the show at the Greek!

I just saw him in Aspen and he has great stage presance, wonderful on the piano especially when he plays it through his hammond b3 amp, smooth and gritty guitar, down deep harmonica. Quite talented. He's a big package in a Dylan sized body. Dylanesque vocal range but more pronunciation. His 4 piece band was rock solid. I was very impressed. I am not so sure he's not a bit too strong for the Phil gig. But I will promise magic at moments and sparks of geinus in the jams brought which, with Phil and Larry, will bring it up to a higher level. The real deal this 28 year old.

BTW, my favs at Aspen were Frianti and Spearhead (who did some wonderful shit there and afterwards at the Belly Up), Ben Harper(gets better everytime I see him) and Jackie Greene.
Susan and Derek were true as were Mule and Allmans. I thought the big band acts of Joss Stone and John Legend had fat moments.
The ambience in Snowmass for Jazz Aspen is second to none. Great scene..Great scenary (in all respects). Great Vibes.