Jackson Browne
Premiere Theater, Foxwoods Casino
August 8, 2021
It was an absolutely wonderful sight to see Jackson Browne once again take the stage. He walked on sporting the KN95 mask that his band offered to all attendees at the door, encouraging them to trade off with the ones they had on or weren’t wearing at all for the more protective measures. As we all know in this era of Covid-19 just being able to attend a concert of any size is special in itself. It brings back a feeling of normalcy the world is longing for, especially those who love live music. Always a socially and environmentally conscious individual one would expect no less from Browne than to offer protection to his guests for the evening. He removed his mask after taking the stage and let the night of great music begin.
Browne played his tried and true hits and introduced some of the new music off his “Downhill From Everywhere” album just released July 23, 2021 and debuted at #5 on the Billboard Current Album Chart right after its release.
The set began with “I’m Alive”. Like much of the album Browne seems reflective at the age of 72 to what we will leave behind physically, environmentally and emotionally to the children and grandchildren of the generation that was so hopeful for change in the 60’s and early 70’s. This theme was also evident in the song “Until Justice Is Real” with beautiful accompaniment singing by Chavonne Stewart and Alethea Mills about social justice now and where it needs to be.
“Downhill From Everywhere,” the title track, describes how far we need to go as humans to protect this earth and how we are impacting it every day. How everything flows downhill from everywhere to the sea. A sea we all need to survive and breath which gives life in so many ways to the world.
There were many upbeat songs to balance out the reflective messages making a good mix so that everyone came away feeling good about all the music Browne was playing and the feelings conveyed to the crowd.
Joined by his band:
Jeff Young – Keyboards
Bob Glaub – Bass Guitar
Jason Crosby – Piano, Violin
Mauricio “Fritz” Lewak – Drummer
Val McCallum – Guitar
Greg Leisz – Slide Guitar
Chavonne Stewart – Vocals
Alethea Mills – Vocal
Besides being Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Browne is one of those writers and musicians world known for his environmental and social values. His songs through the years reflect how world affairs have influenced his writing and performing.
In a nutshell it was a great evening to see Browne showcase that he is still relevant and putting out music that fans want to hear both live and on albums. As always he backs himself with a wonderful cast of musicians and vocalists to make the entire evening a delight.
By the time the encore rolled around the audience were on their feet dancing and enjoying the last of a fantastic night of music performed by one of the greats. Browne gives a show well worth attending and has not lost his edge.
Review by Donna Erichsen
Photos by George Bekris
Set List:
I’m Alive
Long Way Around
Fountain of Sorrow
Downhill From Everywhere
Cleveland Heart
Until Justice is Real
For a Dancer
Somebody’s Baby
Minutes From Downtown
Doctor My Eyes
Late for The Sky
Pretender
Running on Empty
Encore:
Take It Easy
Patriot
