Playing three full hours that spanned all four albums, Cope & Band certainly did not avoid any one's request or leave any ticket holder wanting to do anything other than purchase The Rainwater on their way out the door. My favorite account of the night would be the band's old-school style, which is full of funk.
"Let The Drummer Kick" (Citizen Cope) set the crowd off right, with chilling rhythms and an intimate piano solo over a repetitive chorus line, this is one of Cope's more recognized songs. Clarence did not dance much, but he didn't really need to. His melodic mumbles and careless guitar chords backed the band just perfectly.
He doused us with songs from the new LP, "Healing Hands" was one of them. Upbeat and soulful this song reminds us why in an article from The Washington Post in 2002, Clarence Greenwood was hailed as "the city's most soulful export since Marvin Gaye."
"Hurricane Waters", The Clarence Greenwood Recordings (2004), kept feet tapping, and head's nodding, as the crowd seemed to sway in unison. Some sort of underlying attitude of peace is felt amongst his songs, the lyrics of this song particularly.
Unsuspectingly a cover came about, 2/3rds of the way into the show, as he tuned his worn Martin down and announced "Here's one from Neil Young".
Yep, he did, he covered Neil Young's "Out On The Weekend". Much to my surprise, and I believe the rest of the room, he pulled it off relatively well.
Citizen Cope undertook one hell of an encore as they split between the band and straight, solo-acoustic in a five song set. "Salvation" was a great success. With a silent lull of reform, the fans stood at attention and in total respect. It seemed when he got down to it, we could all see Clarence truly shine as the brave talent emits from his presence.
Closing up the set, he played "D'Artagnan's Theme", and "Holding On", keeping everyone guessing [and screaming], if he was ever going to play the most praised "Sideways", which would turn the room just about diagonal, with impatience and emotion. The band joined in mid-way through "Sideways", leaving everyone totally impressed and fulfilled.
Citizen Cope proved to be a success, and a modest asset to a modern blend of Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. Not an easy undertaking by any means.
You can check for downloads of The Rainwater LP, and tour information at his official website.
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