John Prine Live
Published September 03, 2002
Once John Prine came out, however, all was forgotten. How does one describe John Prine? Folk, country, rock, blues, alternative? Tender, cynical, funny, dark? He is all of those things and more. He is just a unique personality and his music reflects that uniqueness. For this show he started out folksy with a touch of wit by launching Spanish Pipedream (AKA Blow Up Your TV). He went on to sing most of his classic hits, from the dark Sam Stone, Hello in there, and Donald and Lydia; and the humorous Illegal Smile, Dear Abbey, In spite of Ourselves, and Please Don't Bury Me; to the tender Angel From Montgomery, All the Best, and Far From Me.
It really was quite something. He had the crowd rocking and laughing one minute and silent and in awe another. Two members from the Lost Dogs Band backed him up for the first 45 minutes or so and then he did almost an hour by himself before they rejoined him for the end. The night was so peaceful and beautiful that when he sang his poetic and touching lyrics it seemed almost surreal. You could lay down, look up and see the stars, here the crickets in the background and listen as John sang touching and powerful lyrics. Or just sit and laugh at the humor and lyrical double entendres he weaves into his songs. But just when you thought he was getting soft he launched a rocking rendition of the Carter Family classic Bear Creek and a rousing Grandpa Was a Carpenter. And as a finale they, including Greg Trooper, gave an extended version of Paradise. Throughout the show I just kept thinking "wow, what a musical talent." How many acts these days can keep a crowd practically silent by the force of his lyrics and then bring them to loud laughter and raucous cheering the next minute? John Prine was sharp and hard hitting, tender and sincere, funny and mischievous, humble and playful, and just plain entertaining.
If you ever get a chance to catch a John Prine Show I heartily recommend it. It will be a great experience for any music fan or just plain human being.
- John Prine Live
- Published: September 03, 2002
- Type:
- 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