John Prine Live
Published September 03, 2002
About five years ago I was watching TV avoiding any of my grad school reading and generally wasting time. I happened upon Austin City Limits featuring John Prine and Todd Snider. It was a great show but it left me hungry for more.
I soon went out and bought the Cd featured on the show Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. After moving from Bowling Green to Columbus, I was lucky enough to catch a Prine/Snider show at the Southern Theatre. The show was awesome and it motivated me to further investigate Prine. I bought the classic The Missing Years. Soon, however, I needed to go deeper and earlier so I dove in and bought the Great Days Anthology. Soon, despite my relative young age, I was singing John Prine oldies with the best of them. Even my wife was soon singing along.
Given my new found obsession with all thing John Prine I was excited to learn that he would again return to Columbus, this time at the Zoo. Last Friday night I was lucky enough to see John Prine live again, this time with Greg Trooper.
The show was unique in that the setting was the Columbus Zoo. As we approached the zoo it lacked the normal jam packed concert feel. Instead we just walked up to the zoo, handed over our tickets, were given some wrist bands, and pointed towards the amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is situated on the banks of the Olentagy river and on a gorgeous night, with the temperatures dropping to the high sixties, it seemed ideal.
We got their early (around 6 PM for an 8 PM start) as I was worried about seating. We brought both camp chairs and a blanket; deciding on the blanket because we could get closer and more centered (the areas for chairs were to the sides and mostly taken). Directly in front of the stage was a couple of rows of corporate tables which added a weird feel to the seating. As they were eating gourmet catering we were eating overpriced zoo food and sitting on wood chips. But it was a beautiful night and we were excited about seeing John Prine again so we mostly ignored the corporate types up front.
As I mentioned, Greg Trooper opened the show. He was actually quite good. He didn't take himself that seriously and he actually got the crowd interested and involved. Apropos a John Prine opening act, he is a little hard to label. Trooper is an Italian from New Jersey transplanted to Nashville. His music is really folk/singer song writer with a dash of country. I think I might check out his latest album Straight Down Rain as the title track (or I should say the track from whence the title comes) and Lovin' Never Came That Easy both sounded good. After his short set it was back to waiting.
- John Prine Live
- Published: September 03, 2002
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- Section: Music: Alternative Rock
- Filed Under: Music: Country and Americana, Music: Folk
- Writer: Kevin Holtsberry
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yea man i most definetly third that advice i live in nashville and saw him play at the ryhman auditorium and was one of the most uplifting experiences of my life. Anybody who sees this do me a favor and go buy the Great Days Anthology, 2 disc set its better than sex. or buy his new album Fair and Square enjoy and its good to see other people who appreciate the man as much as i do
Can I begin to explain the profound experience of John Prine's music live? With a bit of reluctance, I escorted my 16 year old son to Bonnaroo this summer, to make sure he would stay out of trouble. While perusing the band list, which there were over 70 choices, I happened upon John Prine on one of the smaller stages.
I had remembered a friend of mine over 25 years ago, extolling the joys of his music. I brushed it off lightly, prefering the sounds of Kansas or Styx, you know, the easier choice of the young and naive.
When I saw his name on the billing, I figured out this might be a good time to humor that long-ago faded memory.
From the moment Prine walked out on stage, the energy level was surreal. The crowd was going wild; he hadn't even played a note. Just a wiley grin and smile, and it was off to the races.
My reaction was uncharacteristic for me. After all, I was only at Bonnaroo to chaperone a few dedicated teenagers, and try and prevent them from going off the deep end. It was obvious to me that this was something special for me. Actually, his performance was one of the best music experiences that I can remember. It has inspired me to regard him in almost cult status. Not like me at all!
Whatever the case, I plan to see him in Nashville in about a month. I've also convinced my wife to join me. And to add to that, I'm writing this message as an extension of myself.
You mention Greg Trooper opening for John Prine.
"... Apropos a John Prine opening act, he is a little hard to label. Trooper is an Italian from New Jersey transplanted to Nashville."
Yes, he is quite good and has been a big on Prine
for at least 30 years. He is also very tight with Steve Earle and Steve has appeared in several of Greg's recordings. Greg is not Italian, but Jewish/Irish, and has lived in Kansas, Texas, and New York before going to Nashville.
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I love John Prine. I've been a fan since a friend gave me a compilation tape in college many years ago. I now have a small collection of his albums and I force my family to listen to me sing along with JP on long trips. My wife has gradually come to appreciate him, but the kids are still to young ( but I have hope for them).
A few years ago, before the kids, we caught John Prine in Jackson Hole in a hotel ballroom. We were skiing on the cheap with a big group, and he happened to be playing the same weekend. It was unforgetable, a couple hundred people, good acoustics, and cold beer. I still remember his gravely voice belting out Dear Abbey.
Anyway, I'll second your advice. See John Prine if you ever get a chance.
Redd