reCAP :: Jackson Browne w/ Special Guests Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams :: 2015.09.15
Jackson Browne seamlessly started a week of legendary performances at the historic rock palace on September 15, 2015. The first of Browne’s two shows at the Cap was welcomed with open arms, as fans both young and old gathered to get their taste of Lauren Canyon 1970’s mellow classic rock.
Opening with a beautiful rendition of “Barricades of Heaven,” Browne succeeded in letting the theatre know while he may have aged, his voice only got crisper, smoother and better. An all-star backing band supported Browne on his “Standing in the Breach” tour, his latest studio album, as he navigated the crowd through new tracks, classics, deep cuts and sing-a-longs. Multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell, who also opened for Browne with singer-guitarist Teresa Williams, was featured on lap steel guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and violin. Adding his Americana/country-rock flavor to Browne’s timeless classics, Campbell produced the perfect amount of country twang that concluded each song so beautifully. Guitarist Val McCallum also added his flavor to each piece as he suavely ripped through melodic and chromatic solos.
Halfway through the set, Jackson put down the guitar and made his way towards the piano, beginning a great set of songs including my personal favorite, “Fountain of Sorrow.” Browne’s backing band brought these acoustic songs to life as percussionist Mauricio Lewak led the rhythm section and perfected dynamic transitions between guitar and lap steel solos on the toms. “I know you are all used to calling out for my songs, but it’s ok, I still like it!” Browne joked in between songs to an energetic crowd and continued on with “These Days,” which featured crisp harmonies from keyboardist Jeff Young. The highlight of the show was definitely its conclusion, as Browne wrapped up his set with some of his biggest hits, “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” and “Doctor My Eyes.” Those numbers ended up being giant sing-a-longs as the crowd rushed the stage, disregarding any seats that lay ahead of them to get closer to the iconic singer-songwriter. The older, 40-60 crowd loved clapping along to the beat and swaying in their seats to songs they grew up with.
Earlier in the set, Browne told a story about how he train hopped with musicians throughout the southwest in the 1970’s, striving to bring music everywhere. They decided to stop in Winslow, Arizona, as it must have been such a fine sight to see. This story foreshadowed Browne’s “Take It Easy” encore, a classic hit he wrote for The Eagles back in 1972 with Glenn Frey. The Capitol Theatre absolutely adored Browne, as he was met with several standing ovations throughout his set. “Thank you Port Chester,” Browne exclaimed, “and see you tomorrow!”