Jonathan Richman at Old Ironsides

Imagine Sylvester Stallone, if he had been a heroin junkie instead of a fitness fanatic. He sings and plays guitar, sounding like a cross between Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. He is singing songs that Jon Mayer might sing, after he has added about 30 years of living experience to his resume, jumping easily from English to Spanish, French or Italian while singing about things as different as getting over a break-up to watching UFO's flying over the California desert. That pretty-much sums up my impression of Jonathan Richman live, and also the problems with reviewing music.

So now, without comparing him to anything or anyone, let me say that Richman is both a gifted and skilled performer. Nobody can teach the way he twists rambling phrases into musical stories. Yet, it takes years of playing to large and small crowds on a regular basis to become so skillful at connecting with an audience and creating such full music from an acoustic guitar with simple rhythm accompaniment.

The small club, Old Ironsides, was packed for Jonathan's show. The audience spanned several generations, but all seemed to enjoy themselves, and most sang along, knowing all the words to his songs.

Jonathan drifted between slow sad songs and up-tempo silly ones. He would stop playing and explain the story behind the music, or translate the lyrics sung in various languages. His act was part musician, part comedian and part philosopher. All parts were excellent.

It was a joy to see someone so comfortable in performing that the set list was just a rough outline of how the show would go. He seemed to draw from the crowd's energy and play songs based on what felt right for that moment. Tommy Larkins, on drums, kept up with every change in beat.

Some who were fans of Richman's older punk persona might have found the music too soft and the mood too happy. I think everything was just right for a man whose career has spanned several decades and continued to mature with the passing of time. This wasn't an 'oldies' show. It was a master's living performance. Don't miss Jonathan Richman, should you have the chance to see him live.

Article Author: wKen

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