Last Night's Josh Ritter Show

Show Recap #6: Lewiston, ME - Bates College - 12/7/09

2010-01-04T21:26:00.000-05:00

Many of you have asked - or maybe just wondered - about why the final show of this mini tour (Bates College) was omitted from Last Night's Show treatment. Unfortunately, I was not able to travel with the band for this particular show, and thereby could not include the Recap, photos, or setlist.

But thanks to Seth Warner and photographer Phyllis Graber Jensen, we now have Josh's edited setlist and a few fantastic photos. Thanks Seth and Phyllis! Note to readers: the gentlemen you see joining Josh and the band onstage in one of the photos are the Manic Optimists, one of Bates College's all-male rock/pop acappella groups who had arranged a version of "Good Man," performed that night...

See more photos below.

Tour Video #6 (Bonus): Before Soundcheck in D.C., Dec 1st (Ol' 55)

2009-12-15T00:28:00.000-05:00

As promised, though the Northeast December tour has finished, I'll be posting some bonus material from the week on the road with Josh and the band.

Here, Josh is captured before soundcheck gets underway, singing a certain little Tom Waits song, at The 9:30 Club in Washington DC...

Even more to come!

Special Guest Show Recap: Burlington VT, by A.M. Saddler

2009-12-11T12:01:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to bring you all a 'bonus' show recap from a special guest: A.M. Saddler. "Tony" is one of the best kept secret legends in rock music photography, capturing most often and notably Bruce Springsteen. You've seen his photographs in Rolling Stone and on the websites of everyone else from Phil Lesh to Josh Ritter. After attending the Burlington, VT show (12/4/09 at University of Vermont), Tony offered up this review of the show - and, thankfully, his always great photographs...

Some of you know me, some of you don't. You could say that my job is much like the old adage of capturing lightning in a bottle... I'm the guy who takes photos. Occasionally I speak (hell, I can even roll over, beg and play dead). Woof.

Doug "Wordsmith" Rice has been giving you the details on Josh's late fall quickie through the Northeast. Doug gave you the trees, maybe I should focus on the forest. In other words, I will give you the big picture.

If it wasn't for Burlington, VT I may have never heard of Josh Ritter. A couple of years ago he opened for Grace Potter and The Nocturnals and I was taking photos of Grace for a Rolling Stone piece. Being a working concert photographer I get to see a lot of different performers in my travels. You could say (cue my inner Tom Waits) "I'm so jaded the Ming Dynasty has me on speed dial." It takes a lot to impress me these days. Well, Josh and crew caught my attention and how. I was going to make sure our paths crossed again.

Each time I have seen Josh and the band since then they have only built on the foundation that I witnessed that afternoon in Burlington. They get better and better, and more importantly, more surprising with each performance. The band is more than the sum of the parts much like Ryan Adams and The Cardinals and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Each member seems to read the thoughts of the others and turns on a dime when someone goes where they haven't gone before. I look forward to each new show knowing that I will get something living, dynamic and, at times, dramatic.

Fast forward to last Friday night at the UVM Davis Center. The last time attended a concert on the UVM campus it was in the gym, Jerry Garcia was playing lead guitar and I was driving a '75 Chrysler Newport Royal 2DR. Walking into the new Davis Center wasn't quite like the last time...first of all, I actually remember going to this show. I arrived at The Grand Maple Ballroom when the doors opened and there was a line waiting, full of anticipation and more than a few college giggles of glee. It seems others knew what I knew and where looking forward to getting some (a common college theme, for sure). The first thing that struck me was how nice a room for a concert it was. Comfy chairs and couches in the back, nice acoustics and a serious Green Mountain vibe.

As Doug mentioned in his review, the audience was a majority of college students but there was more than a few 40 – 50 years olds hanging towards the back of the room and they too were dancing and singing and being a part of a group dynamic lead by Josh. His smile is contagious; his demeanor disarming, his energy self-sustaining and multiplying.

And what can I say about the band?

Plenty.

I can't say that I have ever described a rock band as dapper but there's a first time for everything. These guys should have clothing sponsors they look so good up on stage. Everyone knows that any band is only as good as its rhythm section and damn, this is one tasty combo. Liam and Zack hold down the beat and meat as good as it can be held down. Stage right Sam and Austin provide the high to the stage left low with understated flourishes and overtones sent from on high. ESBP (extra sensory band perception) bind the whole thing together with Josh being at the middle and stage left, and stage right, and at the piano and jumping off the kick drum and...well you get the picture.

New songs sound like old friends. Old songs show new nuance. Wrap it all up and you've got a Josh Ritter concert. And if you don't go see him as soon as you can you won't be able to say, "I saw Josh back in the day." And you are going to want to tell those tales because this band is going places. Big places.

- A.M. Saddler

Visit www.amsaddler.com

It's Not Over...

2009-12-08T22:40:00.001-05:00

Hey folks!

Yes, the tour is over. I didn't want it to end, either. But come on back! Because while the shows have stopped for now, what I captured during them - in my memories and with my camera - are still lurking. And I'd love to share more with you all, my fellow Josh Ritter faithful. So look for BONUS material to come, including more photographs and perhaps most fun of all: more behind-the-scenes video clips of Josh and the band.

Let me just say also that it's been amazing to see the wonderful comments people leave here and in person at the shows about what I was trying to do, and about what the band does onstage. Absolutely amazing. Thanks to everyone for tuning in and spreading the love for the music...

But stay tuned!

Tour Video #5: During Soundcheck in Troy NY, Dec 5th (Rumors)

2009-12-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

I never realized how beautiful "Rumors" actually is. That's Sam Kassirer's piano playing for ya...

Hope you enjoy.

Bonus video clips from the week's tour to come...

Show Recap #5: Troy, NY - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall - 12/5/09

2009-12-06T18:34:00.002-05:00

"Now those memories come back to haunt me / They haunt me like a curse / Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true / Or is it something worse? / That sends me dowwwn to the River / I know the River is dry..."

Last night's show at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall was one for the ages. The fifth show in as many days, and Josh and the band pulled out more surprises and curveballs than they have all week. Not one, not two, but count 'em FOUR tour premieres last night, including one of Josh's newest songs followed immediately by one of his oldest. Huge music hall. Huge snow flakes barraging the venue outside. Huge piano for Sam Kassirer on the stage. Huge voice from Zack Hickman for "Wicked Game." Huge encore and cover song. Huge night.

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is indeed a big, big place. Old, too! Built in the late 1800's, it's a gorgeous cathedral-like setting with tiers and tiers of opera boxes climbing up to the heavens. It's only the second all-seated show of this little tour, but this one feels like it's going to be even more reserved, or quiet, than the show at The Calvin. It has to be, right? When the band takes the stage, it's like children taking to their instruments at a large recital – except for the presence of the diehards in the audience who are already having trouble containing their excitement. Definitely playing respectfully to the famous hall, they open with "Idaho" – a first for this tour. Josh sings almost the entire song alone with his acoustic guitar, as even the band stands motionless, listening. The sound is incredible, the song is as beautiful as always, and it's a real powerful moment right away.

They follow with another tour premiere, "Other Side.' With the band behind Josh on this one right from the beginning, the sound in this hall REALLY hits you. I definitely wasn't the only one to look up in astonishment, jaw dropped, as if we were going to see something; there must be a full orchestra in the ceiling or something. One thing that's noticeable right away – both visually and sonically – for anyone who's seen Josh and the band perform multiple times is the huge grand piano (!) on the stage. During soundcheck, you couldn't get Sam Kassirer off that thing. He was reveling in it. But now it was our turn to revel, because the sound of Sam's playing on that behemoth – in that hall – was something beyond beautiful.

When the song concludes, Sam Kassirer returns to his keyboards (proudly displaying the state flag of Maine, home of his recording studio where he produced Historical Conquests and Josh's new yet-to-be released album among others), for "Rumors." Sure , Josh and the band seem to be respectfully holding back a little, but when this rocker kicks in, it's the audience who starts to have none of that. Three girls in one of the 'opera' boxes are on their feet, dancing proudly. Two more take to the aisle. Another to the back of the room to get enough space to hop around. "Right Moves" is up next, and as always, this does anything except put people back in their seats. Several more pockets of people rise to take to the aisles or their box to dance like no one's watchin'.

Though most of the crowd remains calmly in their seats, they're anything but calm between songs as their uproarious applause and yells are among the most enthusiastic of the tour so far. The new song "Southern Pacific" is next. In addition to the great, hypnotic chorus I've mentioned in previous concert recaps, I must note that what else stands out here is the presence of an "omnichord," a new toy in front of Zack Hickman he uses to make some of the prettiest sounds you've never heard in a Josh Ritter song before. It's harp-like, and it's a touch to this song – and some other of the new tunes – that gives the song a fresh new sound for Josh.

"Troy has the largest amount of Tiffany stained glass than anywhere else in the world," Josh comments afterwards. Hmm. You always learn something new at a Josh Ritter show. "My apartment...has the least." I have to note at this point just how damn sharp Josh and his band look on stage. They've always taken pride in their duds, from classy suits or ties and hats, but on this tour they've also taken to wearing vests (Josh, Austin, Liam). No one outdoes Zack Hickman though, who pulls off a classic three-piece (I think his had about 11 pieces) like a proud southern gentleman. His famous twirling mustache does nothing but further make him the coolest sideman in music right now. Springsteen has his big man in Clarence Clemons. Josh has his in Zachariah Hickman.

Sam Kassirer returns to the huge piano for "Good Man" and it's a crowd favorite judging by the reaction. Again, Sam's piano playing is so wonderful sounding that even Josh pauses halfway through the song to ask him to "play something 'baroque' for us, Sam!" He obliges by running up seemingly each and every key, tickling all the way to the top. It draws both laughs and applause from the audience. "Thank you, we do birthday parties" is Josh's perfectly timed joke. Before toes can stop tapping and dancers can sit down again, "Open Doors" keeps people moving. This song continues to stand out – in a great way – during the show. I revealed in a previous recap that it's due largely to the fact that it's the only song the full band does with both Josh and guitarist Austin Nevins on acoustic guitars together. It's also pointed out to me that Kassirer barely touches his keys during this song. The absence of that, coupled with the dual acoustic guitars, certainly gives this song a whole different sound than the other songs. Personally, I love it, and it just adds yet one more dimension to the wide variety of styles and speeds you get at a Josh Ritter concert.

Before the next song, an adoring shout from the crowd is aimed at Hickman and his famous mustache. He takes that time to announce to the audience that he’s actually the creator and seller of "Dr. Zachariah Hickman's Mustache Wax and Gravity Suppressant." And he's "not just the president, but also a client." Josh has to wait for the laughs to subside, or to "let pathos refill the room" before starting the next song. "Girl in the War" is a highlight, thanks in most part to the amazing acoustics of this large music hall. When Josh backs away from the microphone to sing "Paul said to Peter you gotta rock yourself a little harder / Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire" mostly unamplified, it sends goosebumps down the arms. He then slowly leans back toward the microphone for "But I got a girl in the war, Paul" and he's back at full volume for "her eyes are like champagne." The drums crash back in and the refrain of "They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain" is chilling. What an emotional whallop.

This is the time in which the band then exits the stage, leaving Josh alone on the big stage with just his acoustic guitar. He then introduces another tour premiere by remarking "I love old murder ballads" and explaining that he tried to take all the famous folk ballads and "combine them into one big mess." The result is a new song called "Folk Bloodbath" – and it’s anything but a mess. In fact, it's one of Josh's prettier songs, and if you're familiar with the classic folk tales he references (from Louis Collins to Delia to Stagger Lee), it's a real treat. If you're not, you'll still be hooked; if the chorus from "Southern Pacific" isn’t still in your head, then this one will be ("The angels laaaiiid him away / laid him six feet under the clay / The aaangels laid him away").

Josh then admits "I’m trying to stick to the setlist, but I'm gonna stray." And with that, he pulls out a deep-cut classic. It's so deep-cut, it's not just from his very first album – it's not even listed on the track listing. "Stuck to You" is a hidden track on the eponymous album, and it's also a hidden gem. Longtime fans will attest to that, as Josh then sings his "Science Song" (which it’s also known as) and the audience is in the palm of his hand. Another highlight of the night.

Sam Kassirer is then welcomed back onto the stage and sits behind the grand piano. He's only several sad notes into the next song when it's clear to me what we're about to get. With Josh ditching his guitar and standing lonely at the microphone, Josh starts to sing "He opens his eyes, falls in love at first sight with the girl in the doorway / What beautiful lines, and how full of life / After thousands of years, what a face to wake up to..." It's the new song "The Curse," this time – and for the first time on this tour – being played with no guitar and just Sam on the piano. Just when I thought this song couldn't absolutely slay me more, it does. The story about a mummy who comes to life one day and falls in love is not just one of the most romantic songs ("The first time he moves, it's her hair that he touches") you'll hear, it’'ll also be among the most imaginative and saddest you'll experience. Stunning. Again.

Josh begins to talk to the audience once more as Sam exits, revealing that his high school girlfriend was 6'7" tall. "We were in 8th grade wrestling together." When he starts to ramble about her becoming a professional wrestler that goes by the name "Vengeance," he apologizes to the audience with a laugh, noting, "I’m having a lot of fun up here." The crowd applauds their forgiveness, and it's they who have the most fun next when Josh strums into "Kathleen." Josh walks over to the drums where he hits the cymbal with his guitar as he plays. When the band slides quickly back onto the stage as the crowd is held at Josh's command in a suspended "whoa oh oh ohhhhh," they storm back into the song with a crash of drums and swirling organ. It's no doubt that this is Josh Ritter's most popular song, and is the true anthem in his canon. When it's over, it draws a standing ovation from many of the people still seated.

The joyous start to "Lillian, Egypt" causes the applause from "Kathleen" to morph into a rhythmic clap along! It's another party for the band onstage; when Kassirer strays from the song during his piano solo to play the festive "Little Drummer Boy," the audience loves it and gets a laugh out of Josh and Nevins, who sit down to gaze adoringly at him. No longer playing this show like the soft opening to a classical music hall, Josh ditches the guitar again to confront the audience at the microphone with the new, rocking tune "Remnant." It tumbles and tumbles and tumbles out onto the crowd. It's the most in-your-face song Josh has right now. Hope you get it at your next show!

"Monster Ballads" brings things back to something a bit tamer, and it's again the sound of Sam Kassirer's piano that steals the limelight – and it should. I think the piano is the heart of this song. Nevins remains after the song, while the other three exit the stage once again. With just Josh and Austin there, they break out the classic cover they’ve been featuring all week during the shows: "Moon River." This has been silencing the rock clubs. But here, in this classical music hall, it's downright ethereal.

The full band is onstage again for the new song "Another New World." If the ballad lovers aren't buzzing about "The Curse" after a show, it's this epic-feeling song that they're gushing about. I'll join in on the gushing: it's a show-stopper. The story Josh weaves here is almost too big to take in with one listen; and the mood the band creates the words are breathtaking. Though most subtle throughout most of the song, it's drummer Liam Hurley that is also perhaps the busiest. Using everything at his disposal – from what appears to be a chain being dragged in a circle around a cymbal, to his fingertips tapping lightly on the skins – he creates sound effects and an atmosphere to the song that is downright cinematic. By the time the song comes to the loud, crashing conclusion, Hurley's drums are the opposite of subtle, gloriously. My god, this band...

The furious finale of "Another New World" bleeds right into Josh’s furious strumming for "Harrisburg." It goes over HUGE with the audience. And it sounds huge. The entire audience rises to their feet now, and this cathedral-like music hall is transformed into a barn stomping rock club. It's an awesome thing to witness, and to be a part of. When Zack Hickman steps to the microphone to try - only for the second time ever - his singing (belting) of the Chris Isaak song "Wicked Game," he nails it. Josh and Austin lend some harmony vocals, and the crowd loves it. They can barely catch their breaths – which they'll need desperately if they're going to keep up their singing along – when he and the band fire right into what is fastly becoming Josh's new signature song, "To the Dogs or Whoever." From the tongue gymnastics in Josh's vocals, to Kassirer's and Hickman's helping to slam Hurley's drums and cymbals, from Nevins' ripping guitar work, to the crowd's chorus sing-a-long, this song has everything. And I mean everything. Pure Josh Ritter.

After taking a bow, the band is off the stage but Josh is quick to return for an encore. An early glimpse at the setlist revealed no song title at this point, merely "Josh solo."

And it was then that Josh delivered the high point of the entire tour, especially – I’ll admit – for your's truly. He talks again with the audience, but this time to talk about a certain guy out there who's been traveling all week with them, reporting back to his fellow fans. I'm too embarrassed to divulge in this concert recap exactly what he said. I was beyond flattered, tickled, humbled, and ultimately very moved. Thank you, Josh. "This is for Doug..." But thank you even MORE Josh, on behalf of everyone there in that music hall, for what you did next. Josh unplugs his guitar, walks away from the microphone to the edge of the stage, and sings – completely unamplified – "I come from down in the valley..." It's the Bruce Springsteen classic "The River" that Josh has gained quite a reputation for covering in his concerts. But tonight, after it having been so long since he's last done it, and doing it unplugged (something else he resists these days) belting it out to the cathedral-like music hall...it was just...something magical. Dedication aside, honestly, it was probably THE moment of the tour.

"Snow is Gone" is a fitting way to celebrate a great night, even if the snow outside actually continued to fall. No one cared. The warmth coming off that stage and filling that music hall was blazing. The ushers were dancing and singing.

This was the final night of the tour for me, folks. I hopped off the tour bus this morning to return to planet Earth. I still hope to bring some photos and more though from tomorrow night's final show of the tour at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Check back regardless however, for more odds and ends captured during this amazing year-ending tour from Josh Ritter.

It was only a week on the road, but the memories of those shows will last a lifetime. I hope this site helped those of you who were there to preserve them, and that it helped those of you who weren't feel like you could have been...

More to come, hope you'll come on back.

Tour Video #4: Backstage in Troy NY, Dec 5th (Wicked Game)

2009-12-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

The 4th in my series this week of capturing the band each day, at work and at play behind the scenes. In this clip, bassist Zack Hickman is captured backstage in Troy, NY just about an hour ago after stringing one of Josh's guitars before soundcheck. The night before during a concert in Burlington VT, the band segued from their song "Harrisburg" into a certain late 80's classic by Chris Isaak...

Show Recap #4: Burlington, VT - Univ of VT - 12/4/09

2009-12-05T14:48:00.001-05:00

"What a wicked game to play...to make me feel this way...what a wicked thing to do! To make me dream of you...no I don't wanna fall in love....with you".

Yes, those are the words of Chris Isaak. But you haven't truly heard that song until you've heard it belted out from Dr. Zachariah Jebediah Obidiah Book of Revelations Hickman to a sold out University ballroom. Read on.

Last night's show, the fourth of this little tour in as many days, found Josh and the band on the campus of The University of Vermont in Burlington. If you've been tracking the concerts here on this site, you know that each show has been different from the shows before. This one was certainly no exception; the band once again strayed from their setlist, they played at least one tour first ("Wolves"), the audience was almost completely young college students this time, and most alarming of all: dry campus. Take away a band's extra towels or something - fine. But mess with their whiskey? Bad things could happen.

But they didn't. Josh and the band brought their high energy and rocking show right to the young, packed audience, clanging their drumsticks together to greet them with "Rattling Locks." The standing crowd was pressed right up to the barrier as far as they could go at the front of the stage; they couldn't get close enough. "Rumors" is launched next, which sends the faithfuls up front into a tizzy. I should mention - if I haven't yet already - that the band has a new setup onstage that places keyboardist Sam Kassirer not to the audience's far left with guitarist Austin Nevins between him and Josh (which it's been for as long as I can remember), but instead slightly set back and facing the audience to drummer Liam Hurley's right. With Nevins able to move over to where Kassirer used to be, a lot more room is freed up for Josh - who has been using that extra elbow room to move is...well, elbows. And hands and feet and knees and his head. He's ALL over the stage these days, like a little kid playing his favorite record in his bedroom. It's infectious, so if the audience wasn't bumping into each other up front during "Rumors," they certainly were during the next song, "Right Moves."

The ballroom on campus there at the Davis Center allowed for a sold-out capacity audience to fill the floor, but left a bit of space toward the back of the room - which young fans quickly used to spread out and dance or just joyously flail about. To be honest, I absolutely love witnessing reactions like this. The set slows only slightly here for the new "Southern Pacific" (have I mentioned the chorus that will be stuck in your head yet?), but when the band hits the first few chords of "Good Man," the audience is back into a tizzy. To see what a crowd favorite this song has become isn't shocking - but still surprising to see the almost anthemic heights it has reached. Then, for the first time since opening night in D.C., it's "Open Doors" with Josh and Austin both on acoustic guitars. At the moment, I can't think of another song the band does with BOTH Josh and Austin going acoustic, and it really does make the song stand out from the rest of the full band songs, both sonically and attitude-wise. "Open Doors" was always an underrated favorite of mine from The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, so I welcome this song onto the setlist every time (*some Josh trivia for the diehards: Nevins confirms this morning that these two peformances of "Open Doors" this week are the first time he's played acoustic onstage with Josh since the 'secret' show at NYC's The Box, well over two years ago).

The audience is really into the show at this point, barely able to settle themselves when the song finishes. So it doesn't surprise me that Josh decides to stave off the next song on the setlist ("Girl in the War") to slip in another tour premiere, the rockin' "Wolves." And I say it's about time, Joshua. Hell, even the tour poster and Josh Ritter t-shirts being sold at the merchandise counter feature the images of wolves emblazoned across them. Speaking of anthemic rock songs, this is perhaps at the top of the list for Josh's catalogue, and it goes over with huge approval from the crowd. Needless to say, the space at the back of the room was utilized big time. I notice one girl dancing all around and singing her heart out, while her boyfriend (?) stands nearby, eyes on the stage. Not a fan? Nah, he's proudly wearing a Historical Conquests t-shirt. I dig that.

"Girl in the War" follows, and though the dancing in the audience subsides, the singing along does NOT. For a long time, this song was a show opener, then eventually becoming the classic you hope to be rewarded for near the show's end. On this tour, it being worked into the show somewhere near the middle (whether solo acoustic or with the band) works great, and serves as not just a high point, but as a rewarding closer to the show's first "act." Because then it's Josh solo for awhile, as the band disappears from the stage and Josh is left talking to the audience about being nervous, playing there in Burlington only once before "down by the water," and how he's from Idaho - "which borders the Pacific Ocean."

"You Don't Make it Easy, Babe" again makes an appearance during Josh's solo acoustic segment. And when he fumbles a lyric or two, he - perhaps returning to something familiar and definitely fail-safe - dedicates the song midway through to Dick Cheney. It's been awhile since one of those, and it's still as funny, especially when Josh sings the final line as "I'm trying hard to love you, there's gotta be an easy way.... Dick."

And now it's that time. Josh asks for the lights - ALL the lights - to be turned off. But after some quick darkening around the room, a lone spotlight remains on top of Josh. He looks up and pleads. "God? Please? It's me, Margaret." It doesn't work. And though again not on the setlist, Josh decides to slide in an extra song for the audience. He must be reading my recaps or listening to me rant or just seeing me in the audience practically sobbing. Because "The Curse" is next, and I think this song is starting to hit audiences the way it has hit me: absolute silence in the ballroom, and the looks on everyone's faces is something to behold. The hush in the room is deafening as everyone stands, motionless, soaking in every word of the story. It's so solemn, it's eerie. The tone is as if everyone is paying respect to something tragic or important; it's church-like. I'll say it again and unashamedley not for the final time: it's an artist's masterwork.

Josh stays solo acoustic for "Rainslicker" and for the first time there's some chatter in the audience during the performance. It's not about that song though; I truly believe the audience was still buzzing about 'The Curse." After, Josh starts talking to the audience again. He introduces the next song with a story about his high school years, highlighted by the amusing "I had a girlfriend in high school. Well, we were close. Several times a day (laughs from the crowd). Her locker was close to mine." Perfect setup for "All the other girls here are stars / You are the Northern Lights," the opening lines of "Kathleen." Having switched from solo acoustic to full band for this song during the week, they switch it up tonight by giving us BOTH. The band slyly rejoins Josh onstage during the song's climax "If you'd like to come along / I'll be yours for a song / Whoa oh oh ohhhh" which the crowd joins in with a loud humming before Liam Hurley crashes back into the song on his drums. I believe it's the first they've attempted that rendition, and I think it worked beautifully.

With everyone's hands in the air in the form of clenched fists or furious applause, it's everyone's heads that get bobbing and feet stomping next when the band jumps right into "Mind's Eye." You can tell it's a favorite with the audience, but nothing can prepare them for "Remnant" - the new song the band has premiered on this tour that features Josh at the microphone, sans any guitar, trying to knock the entire mic stand into the crowd with the loud, relentless tumbling lyrics in front of the hard driving beat. He almost does it, and I think will one night. Even for longtime fans, this song will surprise many. It's a haymaker punch of a jam. In fact, it's a sucker punch. And even when I know it's coming, I forget to duck.

The pace is then brought back down a bit, and I think the audience needs a breather at this point. "Monster Ballads" is the perfect way to do it. Josh doesn't let them breathe long though, as he fires up the show again immediately after for "Lillian, Egypt" which draws the biggest and most enthusiastic yells of the night from the crowd. As they've done all week during this performance, the band segues into the festive "Little Drummer Boy," featuring Sam on the keys. But as they've also been doing during the tour, they steer the rollercoaster ride of a show right back down to play the new song "Another New Word," another stunner of a narrative that will pay off for anyone who invests in its long, moody, and ultimately rocking presentation. Another highlight of the current show, and another new song that folks seem to want to talk about after each show.

"Harrisburg" gets everyone back to jumping around - but this audience will get more than just the rockin' favorite about the existence of evil. Whereas the band has been flipping back and forth this week (and well before) with the song's midpoint segue from Josh doing "Rambling Man" by Hank Wiliams to bassist Zack Hickman taking to the mic to do "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," tonight is a first. Ever. Zack takes to the microphone and softly starts to sing the chorus of the Chris Isaak 90's classic "Wicked Game." He doesn't even need the mic's amplification, as he absolutely belts out "What a wicked thing to doooo!" with a bravado and gusto that only he can pull off. And he nails it. It's another fun, honestly weird curveball from Josh and the band that keeps us fans on our toes. Just when you thought you knew a Josh Ritter show...

"To the Dogs" gloriously - and furiously - closes the main set as the diehard fans up front once again try to keep up with Josh's lyrical gymnastics as they sing along at a lightning pace. If anyone is still with him by the time a Casey is killed by swerve laid low by a curve, I'm impressed. This song just gets faster and faster each time. Exhilirating is still the best word I can use to possibly describe the way it's currently being played in concert.

The encore finds Josh and Austin (playing his electric softly and gorgeously) covering "Moon River" before not only does the band rejoin them onstage, but Josh invites The Low Anthem (who has been opening the shows all week) up there as well. I must apologize to my fellow Josh Ritter fans and any Low Anthem fans at this point for not saying anything yet this week about this amazing band. I will in a future post. But they are NOT to be missed; their new album Oh My God, Charlie Darwin is must-hear, and their live show features an array of talents, sounds, and even instruments you won't see with any other band. See - and hear - them immediately. On this night, they make a great backing vocal chorus for "Empty Hearts." Josh convinces the crowd to sing to THEM first though, a serenade a la Romeo and Juliet, that the audience obliges with some real love. Another highlight that no other town has gotten.

For the first time during this little tour, "Come and Find Me" is skipped in lieu of "Snow is Gone." It's a wise move, for this young Friday night crowd on the university's campus did not appear to want to slow down. And they don't. When Josh gushes his thanks to the crowd and the house lights come up, the fans go skipping out the door, some still singing "Be my darrrlin'!" Another amazing and different show from Josh Ritter and his band.

And you should have seen me skipping.

On to Troy New York!

Show Recap #3: Northampton, MA - Calvin Theatre - 12/3/09

2009-12-04T15:34:00.004-05:00

"They won’t let us stand up! They're making us sit!"

The shout came from the audience between songs, toward the end of the night. "Oh no," Josh replies. "Revolution." And this highlights the obvious difference between last night's show and the two previous ones on this tour: tonight was in an all-seated theater. Yes, the band again shook up the order of some songs, Josh again premiered a couple songs for this tour, and Josh ditched the set list a few times once again. But it was everyone on their rear ends that made this show a little different from the rock clubs previous.

But they weren't on their rear ends by the time the closing numbers came around – and it was another AMAZING show. Let's not forget how wonderfully the seated thing can actually work for a Josh Ritter show – especially in a gorgeous theater like The Calvin – when experiencing songs like "Girl in the War" and especially the new ones "The Curse" and "Another New World." But the band certainly did NOT lean toward the softer numbers tonight.

Opening tonight with "Wildfires" like they did on opening night in DC, it works again as guitarist Austin Nevins (ironically also starting the night seated, playing lap guitar) adds to the slow, practically scary rumbling build of Liam Hurley's drums. Watching Hurley here is again a treat to see how he gets an array of different, crack-fire percussion sounds from using the top then sides then bottom of his sticks on each drum and cymbal in front of him. It's martial arts-like, and it's times like this I wish he was on a huge drum riser above the stage. Suspended, maybe? He's a subtle scene-stealer, but a stealer nonetheless.

Then it's into the clack clack clack of "Rattling Locks" – which is quickly becoming my favorite intro to any Josh Ritter song ever. Similar to how they start "To the Dogs," it's actually a harsh sound at first. It's alarming, it's different, it's weird. I love it. When Nevins' guitar jumps in...well, I've already said it in other recaps, this song is just nasty. The words of this song are just now starting to really jump out too, whether it's the ominous refrain of "black hole, black hole" or lines like "I had a dream where I was dying / but it wasn't no nightmare I was peaceful as I fell / And if I was falling into heaven / Then heaven must be hotter than the bible tells," make this song one that just keeps giving. It's a new highlight to any Josh Ritter show.

It's very clear that – seated show or not – the band was gonna rock things tonight. "Rumors" is next, with a long jam intro that's about as close to a drum solo as they get. When the song kicks in, Josh is jumping around all over the stage already, as if it was the night's closing number. One couple in the audience can’t contain themselves any longer, and take to the aisle to dance. They are asked to take their seats by an usher, however. They'll have their time. It's coming. They and many others were probably ready to burst in their seats, since "Right Moves" is next. And this song is an infectious, irresistible tune with a groove that I defy anyone not to dance. Or tap your foot. Or nod your head. Whatever it is that you do when the music gets ya. Because this one will, every time.

Josh comments to the crowd that he's played the Calvin Theatre only once before, when he performed as part of the Signature Sounds Anniversary concert several years ago. Signature Sounds played a huge role in Josh's career, being his first real record label here in the US. But they were more than just a label. Josh dedicates the next song, the new tune "Southern Pacific" to president Jim (Olsen) – who's in attendance – and Flora (Reed). And there again is that chorus that’s been stuck in my head since band rehearsal: "Remember me to Roxy Anne / You know she's still lovely / Tell her I was on the move / the last time you saw me / that you only saw the back of my heeaaaad…" After the song, Josh tries to say the line once again about playing the new songs being like introducing someone to your parents – but the funny line is actually drowned out by the excited yelps and applause from the audience at the mere mention of a new album!

Though they don’t get another new right away, they're rewarded with a tour first: "Good Man." And it draws the biggest approval applause of the night when those opening lines come out of Josh’s mouth. The seated crowd doesn't hold back during the chorus, belting out the words with Josh. After the song, during a quiet moment, a fan yells out for "The River!" (the Springsteen classic Josh has been known to cover in concert), and the fan’s friends join in the pleading. "Never heard of it," is Josh’s coy reply – to which even the pleaders laugh at and return with respectful applause. Josh can do no wrong with his faithful.

What the audience gets instead, they’ll gladly take: "Girl in the War," and it’s once again a more mellow and appropriately solemn rendition (even the band's set list has a note to play "soft"). The song is just as powerful as always and it's one of the moments of the night in which you're glad you're sitting, listening, and just taking in the powerful words. When they finish, the band gets up and leave the stage – something we've come to expect for Josh's shows – but these days it's for a small handful of Josh solo songs. And I must say, though there's no bigger fan of that band than me, I'm also a big fan of this segment of the performance – where Josh is stripped to just his voice and acoustic guitar. It's how he started, it's how some of his songs often work best, and he seems to become a different performer during this stretch of the show. In fact, it's such a different vibe, that it’s like getting two different concerts in one, or like seeing Josh in two different phases of his career, but in one moment there in front of you. There are many sides to Josh Ritter as an artist, and it's a joy to behold this one at this point of the show.

Josh also gets more conversational with the audience when he's in solo acoustic mode, this time telling the audience about his days in not-too-far Providence RI and playing open mic nights at The Iron Horse (right down the street there in Nothampton) while he worked at an MRI screening facility. More glimpses into Josh as a performer and as a person, and more connection with the audience that is becoming just as signature as any song he sings. For him, it's a talent. For us in the audience, it's a gift. Josh ditches the set list to play "You Don’t Make it Easy, Babe" and when he forgets the words to one of his own songs this time, he covers by actually singing – in the song’s melody – "I know I already sang this verse." Good recovery, Josh. Again, it's a charming and genuine moment that only keeps the audience on his side. "Rainslicker" (from Hello Starling) is next, and it's another tour premiere. It’s also probably one of the more underrated songs in Josh’s catalogue, and I’m moved tonight by it. There are some real lyrical gems here, and yet the one that always gets me is the simple "...it’s a long time oh such a long time / and I hope for your sake I've changed / and I hope for my sake you managed to remain the same."

Staying solo acoustic, Josh again mentions having just made a new record in Maine with his great band, and it's the perfect time for him to ditch the set list again to play "The Curse." As if this song isn't stunning enough (see my previous show recaps), it's this song that Josh chooses to play in total darkness. You can't see the hand in front your face, all you can do is listen. It's such the perfect setting for this song, as it is a true fable – a bittersweet fairytale even – that will test the limits of your imagination. Tonight, in darkness, it’s emotionally shattering. At least for me. I literally need the complete next song to recover from it. I’ll stop raving about this song soon, I promise (note: that's a bold faced lie).

It helps my recovery that the next song is the jubilant and wildly popular "Kathleen," which Josh stays solo acoustic to do. And it illicits the biggest approval applause of the night, since "Good Man." Before the applause has a chance to fade, the band is back on the stage and jumps right into the rocking "Mind’s Eye," which gets a lot of folks stomping their feet below their seats. They have to contain themselves a bit, but Josh doesn’t. And by the time the song segues right into the new rocker "Remnant," he is all over the stage. With this being brand new to almost everyone in attendance, it’s Josh himself who is most into this song, and it’s the most "into" it I’ve perhaps ever seen him. The band shines on this one too and you can tell by Josh’s jumping around that they’re his favorite band to rock out to...

Before slowing down the pace a little for "Monster Ballads," Josh tells a story about how Mark Twain left Huckleberry Finn unfinished for seven years before deciding how it would end. Josh says that about how long the "Fung Wah bus" takes from New York to Boston. Though he's mentioned his recent bus trip to the other audiences on this tour, it’s this crowd that truly gets it; it’s obvious that many people there are familiar with that economical option to get from NYC to Boston. Still laughing from that, the audience welcomes the always fun "Lillian, Egypt" next. Sam Kassirer again segues his piano solo into "Little Drummer Boy," and it's certainly been perfected over the last couple of shows. It works so well that it even draws Josh over to the piano to sit, and listen affectionately to Sam’s seasonally spirited tickling of the keys.

It's after this song that the fan yells "They won’t let us stand! They’re making us sit!" You can tell that no one wants the crowd to stand more than Josh, but he warns them that they might want to wait: the next song is "more an interpreted dance" number. That's one way to describe the new song "Another New World." Other ways would be: beautiful, haunting, majestic, long, romantic, big, sad, and remarkable. The tale of a man who searches for new lands at the price of his true love (his ship) is quickly becoming one of the more talked about songs after the shows. In fact, it’s not a tale. It's a saga.

"If you want to stand, now would be a good time!" Josh says as he begins to strum the furious opening acoustic chords of "Harrisburg." Whoosh! The entire audience is on its feet in less than a second, no exaggeration. The show, as it has done all week, ends with a rousing bang as the band heads right into "To the Dogs or Whoever." The once all-seated theater has been transformed into a huge rock club, with fans pressed up against the stage, singing along, screaming, and losing their minds. It's an awesome, awesome thing to witness, let alone be a part of.

Congratulations are also in order for "Zack and Valerie." When Josh returned to the stage for the encore with just Austin Nevins, the yell from the crowd comes, "She said 'yes' Josh!" Apparently, a loyal fan chose tonight’s concert to propose to his girlfriend – with ring and all – and it included an early wedding gift from Josh: the couple’s favorite Josh album, signed by Josh before the show for the special occasion. I don’t think the next song "Moon River" – the classic cover Josh and Austin then do – could have been more apropos.

The rowdy as ever "Snow is Gone" is even more welcomed by the crowd before "Come and Find Me," still sounding better than it ever has over the years, closes the night.

That’s three shows in three nights, and if anyone managed to be at all three like I've been lucky enough to do, they would attest that it's a different concert every night. Because between the rousing rock numbers, the classic fan favorites, the stunning new songs, that band and Josh playing solo acoustic...I don’t know a music lover out there who wouldn't leave a Josh Ritter show right now completely satisfied – and then some.

In fact, I don't want to know that person.

On to Burlington!

Tour Video #3: Backstage at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton, Dec 3rd

2009-12-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

Here's the third installment of our tour videos each day, folks - this time I managed to capture Josh a few hours ago, backstage before soundcheck, playing a Merle Travis song called "Dark as a Dungeon."

Hope you get a kick out of it...

More to come!

Show Recap #2: Philadelphia, PA - The TLA - 12/2/09

2009-12-03T13:13:00.006-05:00

Clack clack clack clack clack!! Clack clack clack clack clack!!

Last night's show at the TLA in Philadelphia opened with a bang, or should I say "banging." Literally. After the crowd got a quick, warm hello from Josh, the first lone sounds they were met with was a violent - though rhythmic - clanging of sticks from all over the stage. In addition to drummer Liam Hurley's, bassist Zack Hickman and keyboard player Sam Kassirer were armed themselves, simply clashing away. When Austin Nevins enters the fun with some nasty guitar, the harsh clack clack clack continues. And it ROCKS. Josh starts singing - in an almost spoken word even hip-hop style, Sam ditches the sticks to lean on the keys before ditching his post again to clash away with sticks and it's JOSH who runs over to play the keyboard for him. The audience just got introduced to "Rattling Locks." Obviously a new song, it's also a brave, in-your-face way to open a show! I wrote yesterday that the new songs were exactly that - in your face - but this is ridiculous. And awesome.

There's a totally different energy already to this show that differs from the night before; they hit the ground running tonight. After "Locks," it's "Rumors' - which draws a huge enthusiastic response from the audience after the opening seconds, and it's Austin Nevins who again steals the show during this song by absolutely riiiiiipping. At this point, I'm looking around the theater and wondering how many fans were there who hadn't seen Josh perform in a long time, perhaps expecting a couple folksy opening numbers. Not tonight. At least not yet.

But the crowd, of course, is on Josh's side from the start. In fact, when Josh has to slow the pace to an almost standstill after these two rockin' numbers to tune his guitar, the audience waits, patiently. And when he finishes and gives the guitar a big, slow test strum, the audience hoots and hollers as if he just finished a great jam. Josh can't do wrong tonight. "Right Moves" is next, which gets most of the audience (a very full room, packed on the floor) dancing. The new song "Southern Pacific" is next, and tonight Josh introduces it by saying "these (new songs) are the awkward teenagers of what hopefully one day will be....Brett Favre." I think we know what he means, even the Eagles fans there. The gorgeous chorus of this song was still stuck in my head from the night before, and this didn't help it go away. It's perhaps the only new song Josh has been playing that is very subtle - both lyrically and melodically. And it figures into the set perfectly.

Then there's a fun surprise for us fans. The next song starts with a catchy, upbeat and groovy vibe. New song? Then Josh starts singing, "Now my work is done / I feel I'm owed some joy". "Bright Smile" is an old fan favorite ballad, and arguably a Josh Ritter classic, but it's got a fresh new spin! The guy next to me, after recognizing it, turned to his group and exclaimed "Whoaaa!" That sums up my reaction as well. It's a TREAT. With everyone still buzzing about what they just heard, the band jumps right into "Lillian," which is once again a party both onstage and on the theater floor. Kassirer's piano jam, as it did the night before, turns into "Little Drummer Boy" and it's again just as fun.

The show then steers away again from what the audience got the previous night. Tonight, the audience is treated to the full band rendition of "Girl in the War," as opposed to the solo acoustic version Josh did in Washington, DC. This song is never not emotional, never not powerful, but tonight it's the best it has sounded in awhile. After, Josh lightens up the mood a bit by talking to the audience - something I've always appreciated in Josh's - or any artist's - performance. He makes no bones about it, announcing, "Sorry, I'm just gonna talk awhile. I have this friend named Rocky..." Then there's stories about his high school prom, dating, and how he and Rocky painted a girl's name on their town's water tower. It's not just a genuine and entertaining part of the show, it's downright rewarding trivia for the hardcore fans who I'm sure immediately thought of the lyrics of "Me and Jiggs". These stories between songs - a la Springsteen - is an integral part of a Josh Ritter show, and I welcome his connection with us in the audience during them every time. Every time.

"Kathleen" is up next, and Josh tries it solo acoustic as he did the night before. Another highlight of the night, especially for the longtime fans who consider this his signature song and for those who crave the acoustic folksy Josh. For me, I can NOT believe this is the same concert and same artist that opened the show with the absolutely nasty "Rattling Locks." It's a real feat - the range of Josh Ritter's music and performances. It's incredible, and I don't know many other artists out there pulling this off.

Josh stays solo acoustic for another changeup from the previous night, and gives us "The Temptation of Adam." The crowd is thrilled judging by their burst of recognition applause (always a cool thing to hear for a soft ballad). But this is the one song of the night where Josh shows that this is, indeed, only the second show of the mini tour and the first time he's played this song in awhile. As he did in Washington DC, Josh pauses to remember opening lines of verses and has to start a couple over. It's no biggie - in fact, it again somehow (I don't know how he does it) comes across as genuine and charming. He covers himself during one long thinking pause by stalling with the remark, "...the ending is just...so sad..." It's funny. And true. But as he keeps strumming and delaying the next words, he comes clean. "Oh no" he says. He's drawn a blank. Josh knows his audience though - and they know him even better. So Josh, like an actor prompting for his line, has no problem asking, "Who's got it?" Fans shout back in unison, excited to lend a hand, simply, "Something tells me!" And with the huge smile on his face never disappearing, Josh jumps right back into it with "Oh Marie there's something tells me things just won't work out above / That our love would live a half life on the surface / So at night while you are sleeping I hold you closer just because / As our time grows short I get a little nervous." The song's clever beauty takes over again, and everyone forgives...

Josh then ditches the set list to play the haunting "Wings" - this time quickly getting the total darkness he requests from the lighting person. The band rejoins Josh for the song's finale, which is a wonderful touch since most of the audience can't see their return in the dark; they can only hear the hum of Kassirer's keys and Hickman's bass suddenly swell in, practically like a magic trick. It's immediately back to a full on rock show though when the lights come up - and so does the volume - for "Mind's Eye". It's an assault on the audience who were just seconds ago swaying in the dark with their eyes closed. The assualt turns into a legitimate attac though when the song's closing drum beat transforms into a new, driving beat. It's the new song "Remnant," in which Josh ditches a guitar altogether to belt out a relentless tumbling of words at the mic in front of the band's groove. Folks, this is as different for Josh Ritter as perhaps the new songs get. It's a new head banging (yes, head banging) favorite of mine that is sure to surprise fans on their first listen. Then thrill them. It's an exhilarating part of the show, for both fans old and new.

Again throwing in a song not played the previous night and ditching tonight's set list, the band brings the pace back down to a mellow vibe with "Monster Ballads" before doing another first on the tour, "Chrystal Chandeliers". A Johnny Cash cover, it fits the venue wonderfully since chrystal chandeliers (well, they were chandeliers anyway) are actually adorning the theater's ceiling! Josh asks them to be turned up for this song, and they are - so bright that it's like "last call" at a classy dinner party. It's such a great cover for this band to play, and I hope it makes its way into the shows to come.

Now fully recovered from the one-two punch of "Mind's Eye" and "Remnant," it's time for another haunting ballad - the new song "Another New World." To call this song simply a ballad would be a crime. Like "The Curse" (criminally not played tonight, especially after I wrote yesterday that it's one of the greatest songs I've EVER heard), "Another New World" is neo-classic, a storyteller at his best. Invest in this song when you hear it; it's a tragic tale that will absolutely transport you outside the walls of whatever theater or club you're in. When it's over, you'll forget where you are. Trust me.

Like a rollercoaster ride of course, the audience is shaken back to reality with the always rollicking "Harrisburg," which seems to spark extra approval from this Pennsylvania crowd. Before the audience can slow down, the band kicks into "To the Dogs or Whoever" - this time opening the song with that great banging on the cymbal from bassist Zack Hickman. Talk about exhilarating...not many songs get more exhilirating than "Dogs". And I still contend that Josh and the band play it faster and faster each time they play it. It's going to implode soon. It has to. It's just a furious burst of lyrical bashing and instrumental clashing that, in my opinion, is now a definite classic.

The set closes with yet another song not played the previous night, the rousing fan favorite "Snow is Gone." Hearing the crowd belt out the lyrics louder than Josh is always a joy here. The calls for an encore come in the form of a rhythmic stomping from the crowd. Josh returns with just guitarist Austin Nevins, and delivers the cover of "Moon River." It again elicits a few chuckles from people upon realizing what song it is. Because it IS a curveball of sorts. And it again silences the packed floor; Josh's voice rarely sounds prettier and Nevin's tasteful guitar sliding is something to behold. Hope this rendition is included in all the shows still to come...

The show concludes with a sing-a-long-filled "Empty Hearts" before Josh leaves the audience with "Come and Find Me." This is such a great way to send the audience home. This, too, has been referred by some as Josh's signature song, and it puts his peerless songwriting and the talents of his band fully on display. And everyone walks out grinning.

My grin was the biggest, though.

On to Northampton...

see more photos here >

Tour Video #2: Practicing "Moon River" in Soundcheck on Tuesday, Dec 1st

2009-12-02T19:20:00.000-05:00

Our second installment in a series of behind-the-scenes tour videos from Josh's tour this week captures Josh and Austin rehearsing the cover of a classic during their soundcheck at The 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. last night.

Hope you dig...

More to come!

Show Recap #1: Washington DC - The 9:30 Club - 12/1/09

2009-12-02T14:09:00.010-05:00

"Playing new songs is like introducing someone to your parents. You wonder what they’ll think..." Josh said halfway through his show last night in Washington, DC It’s a metaphor he’s used before about playing something new, but this time he added, "...but you can’t hide tattoos...especially ones on your forehead."

This perfectly sums up last night's show and what it was all about: the new Josh Ritter songs the sold-out 9:30 Club audience heard Tuesday night. Whether with an unrelentless pounding on the drums ("Remnant") or chill inducing new narratives ("The Curse" and "Another New World") – they're just in your face. You can not NOT look at them. Or listen. Which is exactly what the crowd did.

Josh and the band took to the stage last night, led by Josh's usual bounding to the microphone to yell "Howdy!" before settling into "Wildfires." Interesting way to open a show, perhaps, as it starts with a whisper. But Wildfires is disguised as a mellow song, and when it swells and swells, anyone watching drummer Liam Hurley’s arms (they hit every piece in front and around him at a furious pace, with every and anything in his hands – including his actual hands) will attest to that. The furious build subsides for merely seconds before the band kicks into "Rumors," from the same Historical Conquests album, highlighted by guitarist Austin Nevins absolutely ripping. You know it's going to be a rough and tumble show, judging by Josh’s wristwatch either falling (or being ditched) to the ground at the song's start, before he kicks it aside. Great. Throw the clock out the window, I say. No one’s looking at the time now.

After "Rumors," Josh again thanks the crowd and remarks how much he loves playing The 9:30 Club, "one of the finest places to play music." The audience returns the love when, after Josh reveals that tonight is bass player Zack Hickman’s birthday, serenades him with an enthusiastic "Happy Birthday to You." With the crowd now even more on the band’s side, they fire up a groovy rendition of "Right Moves" before playing their first new song of the evening, "Southern Pacific," which features a gorgeous chorus melody sure to be stuck in your head after the show. It's still stuck in mine. It gets the audience excited enough about the new album that one fan can't help but yell out to the stage after the song finishes, "When's the new album coming out?!?" When Josh reveals that it will likely be April, you could hear half the audience chortle with joy, while others nearly gasped. I'm sure the latter are the fans out there who just can't have this new album soon enough!

A tastefully mellow "Open Doors" is next, with both Josh and Austin going acoustic, before the band kicks into a Ritter classic, "Golden Age of Radio (Country Song)." I swear, this is one of Josh's songs that seems to get faster and faster and more rockin' each time they play it. But the live incarnations of this song have gone through many renditions, from merely upbeat (like on the record of the same name), to pure solo acoustic ballad, to even combining the two paces into one performance. But last night the song was back to pure rock, and wow did it ever.

Of course, Josh as always spent time between some songs talking to the audience about anything on his mind at the moment. After Golden Age, it was how he took the Fung Wah bus to DC (though I'm pretty sure he meant from NYC to Boston before the tour), a ride that apparently included a showing of the film Lady in Red – not once, but twice, and at an alarming volume. This was before Mr. Mom, according to Josh, made it to the 23 minute mark before hitting a glitch and restarting. For once, the audience was smiling and laughing harder than Josh was. A great, funny moment of candor and irrelevance that fans have come to expect from a Josh Ritter show.

The audience's mood only got better when Josh, now onstage alone with an acoustic guitar, strummed the opening chords to perhaps his most popular song to date, "Kathleen." He doesn’t often do this song solo like this, and it's a refreshing rendition that gets the audience singing the words so loudly, that Josh didn't have to. A wonderful highlight in the show.

It's right about now that the show hits its first truly stunning moment. Still solo acoustic, Josh plucks a strings and says "This song is called 'The Curse.'" Those unfamiliar with the title show excitement because it must be new, while those who have heard this song already celebrate with a quick applause of recognition and approval. Folks...I’m gonna go ahead and say it... "The Curse" is an absolutely masterwork for this artist. For any artist. It's one of the greatest songs I've ever heard, with no exaggeration. If you're wondering, the song is about a woman who falls in love with a mummy (no I'm not kidding), who romantically - and tragically - comes to life. With a full view of the audience's faces from where I was, it was a revelation to see this song slowly wash over the crowd. Over 1,000 people in the sold-out audience fell SILENT. We're talking pin-dropping quiet as they hung on every word. Some people closed their eyes and just listened, others smiled ear to ear or just let their jaws drop over the tune's clever and surprising narrative, while others I witnessed near - or already there - the verge of tears. I'm secure enough in my manhood to say that I'm in the latter category. This song slays me. It's a must-hear, and I'm sure it will be one of the more talked about songs from here on. And it should be.

Josh stays solo acoustic for two more songs. "You Don’t Make it Easy, Babe" and "Wings" - where Josh has to urge the lighting person to turn the lights "all the way down." And when he says "all the way down," he means OFF. Josh does this from time to time, especially for this song, and it's always fun to see him convince the lighting person that, yes, he wants complete darkness. And he gets it. The result is a haunting and stirring performance that seems to transcend where we all are. Another highlight. But it's back to full on rocking the place when the band reappears for "Mind’s Eye". With the crowd back to shaking and bouncing, drummer Liam Hurley starts a monotonous pounding on his drums. Josh ditches the guitar for just the mic stand. And then he assaults the audience with a barrage of word tumbling that gets everyone thinking the same thing: another new one! "Remnant" (or "Old Man" as it's also been called by the band) is not just from the new album, but it's a Josh Ritter premiere. "Thanks for listening – we’ve never played that before" he remarks after.

"Lilian, Egypt" is as fun as it always is – but this time Josh and the band use the piano breakdown during the midway point of the song to sprinkle in some holiday joy, when Sam Kassirer segues into "Little Drummer Boy." It takes a few moments for the audience to catch on, but when they do, it sparks appreciative yells and applause.

It's at this point, I'll admit, that Josh shows the first signs of tonight actually being a tour opener. When he ditches the set list to play the rollicking crowd favorite "Me and Jiggs," it's at least the second time of the night where he forgets the lyrics. Obviously thrown by it (he also ditches the 'in-ear' device wired to his ear), the fans are NOT. I've seen performers forget their own words before, but if you've been to one of Josh's shows then you know that his faithful legions are quick to forgive. After all, they know all the words anyway! He didn't have to sing them; and only Josh Ritter could come off as just more charming than he already was as he stammered back to tune's words. Everyone, including Josh, can't help but laugh when he returns to song's "In a town like this, I forget all my songs about trains." What I'm sure Josh later thought to be a rough patch was actually another highlight. A very genuine, very unrehearsed, and very communal part of a live rock show.

The band again slides off stage, this time leaving only Austin to play electric guitar next to Josh. When Josh sings the opening line, "Moooon riverrrr..." it's met with some quick chuckles. Is Josh really covering the classic "Moon River?" He is, and it's a gorgeous performance that once again absolutely silences the packed audience. This is the perfect time for Josh to play another new song, "Another New World." If "The Curse" didn’t move you, this one will. Silence again as we hang on every word of another haunting tale. But this one is not fable-like as The Curse is – it's a goosebump causing story of a man and his ship traveling to the discover a new world, "at the top of the world, for whoever can break through the ice." I won't give away the ending of the story, which once again brings tragedy and yet bittersweet satisfaction. And beauty. Another must-hear, and another testament that the new album could be Josh's finest.

The show closes with a couple rocking favorites: "Harrisburg" (from Golden Age of Radio) and "To the Dogs or Whoever" (from Historical Conquests). Dogs has quickly become a signature song for Josh, and deservedly so. It’s another jam that somehow manages to get faster and faster each time they play it – a real feat considering the furious pace of the lyrical gymnastics. Even more impressive is how much of the audience is able to keep up as they belt out the words! I wasn't sure which side of the stage I was more impressed with.

The call for an encore isn’t just inevitable, it's LOUD. And the crowd is rewarded with a solo acoustic "Girl in the War," dedicated to everyone in Afghanistan. This song is always stirring, but playing it in our nation's capital it's even moreso. The band rejoins Josh for "Empty Hearts," which gets the crowd singing the chorus with gusto. So much, that Josh encourages the folks on the floor to serenade the balconies, a la Romeo and Juliet. They do, and the favor is returned from the fans up high. The concert comes to a close, appropriately so, with the Ritter classic "Come and Find Me." This brings the lights onto a sea of smiling, satisfied faces – and I'm one of them.

What a great, rollicking and emotional start to this short little tour up the Northeast. This promises to be a week full of surprises.

Tour Video #1: Band Rehearsing on Monday, Nov 30th

2009-12-01T18:34:00.001-05:00

Here's the first installment in a series of video clips shot during the tour this week, capturing Josh and the band behind-the-scenes. Hope you enjoy...

More to come!

The Tour Starts: Band Rehearsal, Monday 11/30

2009-12-01T12:27:00.001-05:00

I'm sure many musicians out there might contend that you can always tell how a tour is going to go, just by how rehearsal goes. Or maybe what the bus is like. Or if everyone's plane or train gets them there on time, or how healthy the singer is.

I don’t know. I'm not a musician. But I've jumped onto Josh's tour bus a few times in the past, and there IS something very exciting about the night before, packing up the trailer with gear, loading your suitcases onto the bus, and getting on the road.

Last night was no exception. For me...my train ride from the Jersey Shore to Boston was nothing short of relaxing, with much anticipation – and it was on time. I took 15 steps off the train at Boston's South Station and walked into, literally, a man rushing the other way. It was Steven Tyler, of Aerosmith.

People, you can't make this up. I think that set the tone, perhaps, for how this week-long tour may go. After all, there is nothing wrong with bumping into some rock royalty before hopping onto a tour bus. But before that, I headed over to Josh and the band's rehearsal. As I walked in, they were midway through a rollicking and fun version of "Open Doors." The gang is all there: Josh, Zack Hickman (bass), Sam Kassirer (keys), Austin Nevins (guitar), and Liam Hurley (drums). Standing in a circle, these guys were playing it to no one, for no one, but themselves. And they sounded soooooo good. Then it was an even more rollicking "Man Burning" before Josh suggests throwing a quick bit of Christmas joy into the show's mix, for fun. After experimenting with a couple holiday classics, and without giving too much away, well...just listen for it. And get into the spirit!

"Lillian Egypt," "Come and Find Me," and even the Charley Pride (Johnny Cash?) cover "Chrystal Chandeliers" are rehearsed, among others, peppered between with comments like "let’s do that ending one more time" and "can you play this song with brushes instead?" and "that’s perfect, let’s keep this one mellow." And those songs, too, sound amazing. I've seen and heard Josh and the band countless times. Yet each song sounds BRAND NEW. So by the time they do hit a brand new song (the absolutely nasty and rockin’ "Old Man"), I'm blown away. And psyched FOR them.

With time to kill after rehearsal and before the bus leaves around midnight for Washington DC, we find ourselves down the street in a tavern. I know Josh just flew in from Idaho where he spent the Thanksgiving holiday, and of course is about to set out on tour; he must be tired or at least trying to rest up. I asked him how his morning was. Josh sips his beer and then, as if it's what everyone does each morning, he says "I ran 24 miles this morning." He’s not kidding. He is indeed – amidst the touring and the new album and side projects – training for another marathon. I tell him he’s absolutely insane. He laughs before ordering another beer.

Wow. Welcome to a Josh Ritter tour, folks...

A Preview: Behind-the-Scenes Video to be Posted During Northeast Tour

2009-11-29T11:02:00.008-05:00

Hello again everyone,

Just wanted to give everyone a taste of what I hope to bring here this upcoming week (every day!) to "Last Night's Josh Ritter Show": exclusive video clips of Josh and the band while on tour - whether it's during soundcheck, on the tour bus, or backstage - I'm hoping to capture these artists off the stage, at work or at play.

To whet your appetite, here's one from the last tour I rode along for... Hope you enjoy...

More like this, hopefully coming soon.

A New Site to Track Josh's Northeast U.S. December Shows

2009-11-28T16:02:00.001-05:00

Greetings folks!

Doug here, from joshritter.com, pleased to be putting up the first post on a fun new endeavor for my fellow Josh Ritter fanatics...

I'm thrilled to say that I will once again be on tour with Josh and the band, this time for their quick week-long string of shows in the Northeast U.S. It's an exciting time to be Josh Ritter - and even more exciting to be a fan. Josh's new album is now fully recorded and being prepped for release, and the band is sure to be shaking up their concerts with new tunes, new approaches to old favorites, and throwing in a couple surprises. It's going to be one hell of a way to finish 2009.

To be honest, I won't be able to contain myself. So this time around, I'll be reporting to you each and EVERY DAY, bringing concert recap and reviews from the night before, Josh's actual handwritten set list, photos, and most fun of all: a video clip of the day, candidly capturing Josh and the band while on tour, behind the scenes.

So check back. Each day!

More later,
D

[josh ritter set lists videos concert last night's show]