7.23.2010 - Jack Johnson @ Verizon Wireless

Friday night’s Jack Johnson show was our 3rd in a series of Verizon Wireless Amphitheater shows. It was another hot evening where you felt that no matter where you stood or sat or breathed, you were sticking to something.



First up was G-Love, with a simple acoustic-bluesy type set accompanied by the harmonica. G-Love was a great pick as an opener with his laid back sound and approach. We have seen G-Love once before, as an opener for Jason Mraz…so for Jack Johnson to pick this guy seems about right on par with what seems to be a new genre of music: the laidback sound. However, G-Love accomplished his mission and got the crowd in the perfect state of energy for Johnson’s set.

First, let’s talk about stage production…I loved it. The main component of the stage was a giant LCD screen that concaved around the back portion of the stage. During various songs, the screen would show the artwork from Johnson’s latest album, “To the Sea,” and included live video feed with black and white effects similar to the effects seen on the live DVD “En Concert.” It was simple, yet artistic, and was perfect for Johnson’s show.

It was great to see Jack play the electric guitar for a number of the songs on the setlist, especially since he was so widely known for his acoustic abilities. His last couple of albums have included more electric playing, so it’s great to see him play it live.



Now, I have to admit that I was a little late jumping on the Jack Johnson train. I bought the “In Between Dreams” album while in college and nearly wore it out. That almost tropic sound brought me lots of warmth or at least the hope of warmth while waiting out the Minnesota winters. Since then, I have widened my knowledge of his music. I love how it has evolved, even in the slightest of ways…from just full on mellow sounds to some of the heavier stuff on the new album, “To the Sea.”

Johnson didn’t disappoint the crowd and seemed to work the perfect balance of playing familiar tunes and new material. For instance, he played “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” with a verse from “Just What I Needed” from the Cars and then launched into the title song “To the Sea.” He played favorites such as “Banana Pancakes,” “Go On,” “Upside Down,” and “Bubble Toes.” He even covered Bob Marley with a verse from “Mellow Mood,” and “The Joker,” by Steve Miller.


A highlight from the show was Johnson’s collaborative efforts with ALO, G-Love, and Paula Fuga. My personal favorites were “Country Road” with Fuga and “Better Together” at the end of the show.


All in all, the show was simple and well done. There was a great vibe among the crowd and the music was perfect.


It should also be noted that on our way into the show, we were handed bio-degradable recycling bags to put our waste in. Also, 100% of the profit from Jack Johnson’s tour are going to various charities. These facts, along with a solid show, have re-ignited my interest in Jack Johnson and his music. My first thoughts when I heard his music were “What a cool guy...” and I found myself revisiting that thought as we left the show that night.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Posted in | , , , , | 0 Comments »

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