Jackson Browne at Wolf Trap
	I have been pretty unhappy with Jackson Browne for about the last year. In the interest of balance, I thought I'd better post my positive thoughts.... I went to the Wolf Trap show last night, where it was ungodly hot and steamy. I don’t know how the band can function in that heat. Jackson asked the people on the lawn if there was a breeze, because there certainly wasn’t one in the pavilion. Jackson and band didn’t seem to notice they were playing in a tropical swamp. He came out grinning, just about right on time, and he never stopped until 10 44 when the show ended. I couldn’t have been more delighted when he opened the show with I’m Alive. That’s one of my all time favorite albums, and favorite songs. Next was Barricades of Heaven – a sort of dreamy version, with a long fade out (is that the right term?) I wasn’t that surprised to hear I’ll Do Anything, after reading reviews here, but I was really happy he played it. I can’t remember the last time I heard it played live. Next was a rollicking version of Fountain of Sorrow. From the crowd reaction, it was obvious this was the 1st song most of them knew. He introduced Time the Conqueror as from his new album. This one is growing on me. Off of Wonderland got the same treatment as has been reported here – it’s from the 60s, not HIS 60s…I like this song a lot. In the Shape of a Heart was next. I’m always surprised by the evolution of this song, which was once such an…angry song, when done live. I always loved the crashing drum punctuating the chorus lines…Keep it up (BOOM) try so hard (BOOM) and such. It sort of meanders quietly now, more sad than angry, no drum crashes. Too Many Angels was very nice with the 2 girls. They did a nice job with the counter songs. Unlike some who have posted recently, I like The Naked Ride Home. He told us it was a drinking song, and should never be sung alone. I was happy to hear it. Take It Easy – Jackson had some real problems with the notes in this song, and not just the high ones. It was the Eagles version. 18 minute intermission here… Jackson came back and opened the second set with a gorgeous Jamaica Say You Will…just lovely. The 2nd/3rd songs were the Doctor My Eyes/About My Imagination combo. This used to be one of the highlights of any show, for me. I looked forward to the sassy back and forth between Jeff and Jackson. My favorite verse (the cradle to the hearse) as well as the part that used to be between Jeff and Jackson have been turned completely over to the girls. Everyone else seems to like it, but I liked it better with Jackson and Jeff… Followed by Lives in the Balance. I watch Fritz sitting on his little box, and just wait for this one to be over. Going Down to Cuba. Jesse Helms is dead. He was dead before that album ever came out. That line just makes me cringe. Jackson teased us here – he said everywhere he goes, people are calling for Redneck Friend. I was very excited about him playing that, but he didn’t. He just asked if there were any rednecks in VA…apparently there are a good many, from the crowd reaction. He told us we’d be surprised to know there are rednecks in Vermont, and that it’s a rapidly spreading social phenomenon. I think it was here when he talked about it being the first time he’d played Wolf Trap. He asked who was from DC, from MD, and curiously, who was from Alexandria (a VA city near DC.) He also asked what to call us – and settled on Wolf Trappers. That struck him as pretty funny. He played Just Say Yeah instead. This has never felt like a Jackson Browne song to me, but it’s okay. He sat down again at the keyboards, and started to play The Late Show. I hadn’t even dared hope for this, even though a friend assured me he’d really heard it at his show. I LOVE this song so much. And, the CAR DOORS were there! Jackson half rose from his bench, and “slammed” each one. Next was For a Dancer…the girls did a nice job with the overlapping parts. The Pretender was next. I love Fritz’ drums in this song. I wish Jackson hadn’t given the “get it up again” line to the girls. Running on Empty…Always in my top 3 Jackson Browne songs. I never hear it without a whole range of emotions overtaking me. Hearing it live never fails to just overwhelm me. The crowd was finally on its feet, and I think everyone sang on the “I don’t know about anyone but me” line. Jackson left the stage, and returned for the encore. The 1st song was I Am a Patriot. When he sang “I want to be with my family, people who understand me” he opened his arms to the entire crowd. Segue into It’s Your Thing. The final song was The Load Out/Stay combo. Of course, the entire place sang along on this one. During Stay, he said, It’s your turn to sing! And turned up the lights to laugh at us while we sang. The whole band hung around and applauded the audience at the end of the show, instead of just walking off. It was fun. This was the 4th show I’ve seen promoting the new record - the September show in DC, which was technically before the release of the new album, and 2 in March in Europe, and was really disappointed in all 3. It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that this is my least favorite album since Lives in the Balance. I devour anything new Jackson does, but this album just left me cold. That he only played 4 of the new songs, and they were the 4 I find easiest to listen to, was a relief. But his entire stage presence was very different. He seemed to be having a really good time. And so did I!