The title of that is not because today is "take your kid to work day," Maddy is at the office and I need some help (although that is all true - say hello, Maddy - "Hello, Maddy"). It's my intro to my Bruce Springsteen concert.
Now usually when you see an artist in concert for the first time, it tough not to enjoy them (if they have even a little talent/skill). My first Bruce Springsteen concert was like that. Classic songs, incredible energy, three hours of intensity but joyful. This was when he first returned to touring in 98/99. Then I saw him two more times and it turned out what appeared spontaneous was choreographed and planned. not to take away from the mans work ethic, it was still a little disappointing to know what was going to happen next. He played the same hits, did the same speeches, same guitar solos. Like watching the same movie over and over.
But I got call from a buddy who had to unload some tickets at face value, I took a flyer. And boy am I glad. This show was either for the fans,t he guys who want to hear the fifth cut from side two of 1980's album ("born to run" is must own, musical masterpiece and then I loose track) or people like me who just want to hear good music. He played some hits, but over three hours focused more on obscure tracks. This allowed me to focus more on the music and playing than on the songs.
This was a revelation. This is a great band, but not necessary great musicians (although guitarist nils loghren and drummer Max Weinberg are). The key to "born to run" is the layered effect: piano on guitar on sax on drums on keyboards. Each part doesn't have to be technically challenging, but with four guitars, two keyboards, one base, one sax, one drum kit, three singers (and sometimes accordion, extra guitars and banjos) it's tough to pull off. More like an orchestra than a rock band. So I was able to sit back and enjoy the music, rather than singing along. Both the playing and writing.
Now, Bruce is a great performer and a legend for a reason. I would describe him as the link before Bob Dylan and Elvis, combined with a shrewd musical mind. His work ethic as a performer is incredible. A great voice (why aren't there any good alternative singers?). He's got a way with words that is like a poet (i.e. the opposite of sadness is "joy", not happiness) even if his message is a bit pedantic (I've never turned to entertainers for political guidance as they are not the most disciplined thinkers or factcheckers). His charisma is undeniable and he loves being at the center of things (see Elvis). But he is clearly much stronger with a backing group. They make both him and the music better. Whether its a folk song, rockabilly or straight rock song, his (and the bands ) layered approach comes through. I don't want to say genius, but he's been doing this for thirty years for a reason.
One of the more spontaneous moments was when he took suggestions from the audience. This is usually requests for Bruce songs, instead they play the Ramones. It took a minute to figure out the chords and then they ripped into it.
At the end, they brought on Boston's Dropkick Murphys. One of them asked his girlfriend to marry him, then they jammed to a Bruce song followed by A Pete Seeger song, Irish style. I'm pretty sure no one will see Bruce/Ramones or Bruce/Dropkick Murphys nexus again for a long time. This is what music is suppose to be: spontaneous joy, not corporate rock.
The night really captured what appeals to me about a Bruce. He's a lefty, liberal, cheatin' sob, but a great musician and an incredible performer. You get your moneys worth, there is no doubt.
Give it a listen. Once of these has 96 bootleg concerts to choose from (that's over the top but you gotta love the internet):
http://theultimatebootlegexperience.blogspot.com/search/label/Bruce%20Springsteen
http://captainsdead.com/you-can-trust-your-car-to-the-man-who-wears-the-star.html
http://addictedtovinyl.com/blog/2009/03/21/bruce-springsteen-the-e-street-band-10-years-back-still-burnin-down-the-road/
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