The sound was spectacular, instrumentally speaking. Everything was well placed and had the right amount of volume and separation - everything except for the lead vocals. Knopfler's microphone was not turned up nearly loud enough, which was frustrating. I suspect part of the reason is that he was having some sort of throat problems, because despite not singing vocally demanding songs he struggled to hit notes that are seemingly still well within his range.
Another curiosity to me was the set list, or rather one part of it. It was a nice selection of songs and I enjoyed every one of them, even songs I didn't know particularly well (if at all) before last night. What I don't understand is why arguably the two most popular songs of the evening are played back to back, in midset. "Romeo & Juliet" and "Sultans of Swing" were played in the seventh and eighth spot respectively. They were brilliantly played, absolutely aural treats. I'm not complaining but was frankly surprised two songs the entire audience is sure to know and love were paired together and dispatched.
I walked into historic Ryman Auditorium a casual Knopfler fan and left even more suitably impressed, wondering how he slips through as many cracks as he does. With all the dodgy bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, how have Dire Straits been left out?
Article comments
1 - Arman
I am fan of both. To me they are quite different. As a guitarist, Knopfler has wider range than Gilmour -- is perhaps "technically" deeper. Their writing at times have similar textures. Telegraph Road (which he played last night) for instance. But on the same album, Private Investigations is quite "Dylanesque". As a song writer, knopfler is far more prolific. His background in journalism shows up in so many of his songs (check out the comic / sarcastic Industrial Disease and Dont Crash the Ambulance for example).
My question about the concert last night is why only one song from the new album ?
As for hall of fame, does it really matter ?
2 - Mat Brewster
Since falling in love with his duet album with Emmylou Harris I have increasingly a fan of Knopfler. His guitar work is very subtle, but quite brilliant.
3 - Josh Hathaway
Arman, of course it doesn't matter in terms of whether or not we enjoy the music but it matters to me in as much as I find it interesting for discussion.
There were two songs from the new album played at Ryman: "True Love Will Never Fade" and "The Fish and The Bird."
Agreed, Sir Brewster. I held out quiet hopes that Emmylou Harris might make a cameo. Sadly, it was not to be.
4 - Hope
What a treat, to finally, after all these years to hear my favorite musician. I feel let down that I cannot see him again before the tour ends. Yes, I wish I could make half the speed you do, Mark!
5 - Josh
Hey,
Thanks for the review. He's going to be performing at Chastain in the Atl tonight.
I now know what to expect :-)
6 - Josh Hathaway
Josh, you'll enjoy it thoroughly. I wish I could make it over to Chastain to see him a second time. You should be in for a great show.