Tag: “Ryman Auditorium”

Surf’s Up: Brian Wilson at the Ryman

 in Nashville music, Reviews

By Ken Paulson

Brian Wilson wrapped up his two-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last night with a generous set that included the full Pet Sounds album. Playing with a remarkable band that included Beach Boys veterans Al Jardine and Blondie Champlin, Wilson offered up most of the big hits, along with lesser known treats like “Wild Honey,” “Salt Lake City” and the international hit “Cottonfields.”

Oddly, Wilson described the latter – composed by Leadbelly – as a song that he and Jardine wrote. He said the same thing about Sloop John B, traditional folk song that he arranged. Wilson is a better songwriter than historian.

It’s no secret that Brian Wilson has not been comfortable on a stage for a half-century, and obviously he doesn’t have the voice he once had. Still the songs remain rich and powerful and it’s a privilege to hear the composer sing his own “God Only Knows,” bathed in extraordinary harmonies from his first-rate band.

Bob Dylan, Leon Russell at the Ryman

 in Reviews

A legendary music figure took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville tonight, performing his greatest songs in faithful, spirited versions. That was Leon Russell.
Of course, Bob Dylan took a different path.
Born just one year apart, Russell, 69, and Dylan, 70, were a study in contrasts.
Russell was determined to please. The newly-elected member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame did his hits and familiar covers, all at a brisk pace.
He opened with “Delta Lady,” the Rita Coolidge-inspired song that found its greatest success in the hands of Joe Cocker. He followed that up with the single from his first ‘Hank Wilson’s Back” LP,
“Rolling In My Sweet Baby’s Arms.”
He appeared frail, but you wouldn’t know it from the music. He covered the Beatles (“I’ve Just Seen A Face”) and the Rolling Stones. Despite the imagery, “Wild Horses” really shouldn’t be performed at a gallop.
Oddly, Russell began “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” the song that electrified audiences at the concert for Bangla Desh (and moviegoers thereafter,) but cut it short to repeat the refrain from “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” over and over again.
“A Song For You” was the absolute highlight, with Russell performing solo on piano.
And then there was Dylan. By now, we know what we’ll get: A terrific band, limited vocal range and dramatic re-intepretations of some of his greatest compositins.
For Dylan fans, that’s plenty.
More casual fans are left wondering whether Dylan is actually capable of performing his songs as they were originally recorded. It’s a lively set, but certainly doesn’t pander. I began with “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” before moving on to songs of more recent vintage, including “Things Have Changed” and “Thunder on the Mountain.”
I’ve always loved “All Along the Watchtower” by both Dylan and Jimi Hendrix and that song along would be worth the price of admission. Dylan’s re-working was so dramatic that I didn’t recognize it until I actually heard him sing the words in the title. Is that a daring re-invention or the waste of an extraordinary composition?

John Hiatt album, Ryman concert scheduled

 in Americana Music

John Hiatt’s new album Dirty Jeans & Mudslide Hymns is due for release on August 2.
Details from Hiatt’s website:
“As an added bonus, a deluxe version of the album will be made available, which will include a special behind-the-scenes DVD, The Making of Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns and 24/96 High Resolution audio mix of the entire album…
Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns was recorded at Ben’s Studio in Nashville and was produced by Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Black Crowes). In addition to Hiatt, the album features Kenneth Blevins on drums and percussion, Doug Lancio on electric guitars, mandolin and Hammertone and Patrick O’Hearn on bass guitar. As a preview to fans, the album’s opening track and first single, “Damn This Town,” is currently available to stream on Hiatt’s Facebook page.”
Hiatt will play his hometown of Nashville on Sept. 10, with opening act Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Tickets go on sale on Friday, July 22 at 10 a.m.