HOB Concerts from Dream:

I cannot begin to describe what I expected from Russell and The Ordinary Fear of God but I can tell you what I received-in a word, Satisfaction (smile). I stepped off flight 504 from Texas to LA at around 12:55 pm on the day of concert number one. I hoped to hook up with some friends (waves to Eva, Sara, Laura and Jen) that I had not seen or not seen in a long time, do some sight seeing and hopefully form some sort of opinion about a band I've been into since 2001that has changed considerably.

I have read numerous concert reports since the inception of The Ordinary Fear of God and to be honest, this album was not my favorite. I've always loved the rocker in Russell (smiles at that thought). It’s when he picks up his instrument that I know he's there, present, alive-ON FIRE. And he doesn't strum it like a lover stroking tender each chord-Oh No, not that at all. This man, banging out a rhythm on the guitar is more...bruising, straining, passionate-driving the notes making you believe he is every inch the rock god that you want him to be. (blushes) Still bucking up a bit and prepared I hold on tight deciding to let the ride take me where it will and give TOFOG II a listen-bearing in mind that I might be disappointed. I was not. (big smile)

The two nights in LA were decidedly different. The first night I would title "Distracted" though the pace picked up around the end of the first set. What leads me to say this is that, from my experience, what makes a good entertainer is their ability to keep the crowd involved. That is usually accomplished by interacting on an intimate level with the audience and doing so frequently. That first night the eye contact was minimal. He told few stories. (frown) The sound was hardly adequate and frankly he didn't smile all that much. He didn't really seem to be enjoying himself-at least at the onset of the show. The second night, however, was "Amazing"! (big smile) I'm not sure what changed but I can remember him walking onto the stage with the most genuine expression of happiness. Not only did the smile extend from ear to ear but into his eyes where we all know smiles should be. I felt at that moment we were in for something special and TOFOG II did not let us down.

Unlike many Crowe land aficionados I’m not just there for the music. I go to see the storyteller, the entertainer, the crooner and the rocker. Its about mutual pleasure I reckon...his and ours. He banters, we respond. He giggles, we smile. He shakes his hips, we sigh. And most importantly when he tells a story, we listen.

When "The Weather With You" cues up the all the old feelings come rolling back like the deep thrum of that bass guitar-humming inside me to a beat primal and singular in its effect. I came for the music yes, but so much more. My report is sketchy because I didn't write it down. It resides in my head and comes back to me in a series of moments throughout the day-like snapshots of memories. I find myself singing along to "Breathless", or "Weight of a man" or "Land of the Second Chance"…remembering fondly two plus hours of the most honest, enthralling, spectacular concert I have ever had the privilege to witness.

The opening acts:

Kara Grainger -ladies and gents she has a beautiful voice. I would say of all the shows I've seen she was the best opener he has ever had. She only did about four songs and is in the process of recording her first album but WOW! Brilliant she was (smile). Very sure of herself, very honest. And because I cannot come up with an apt description I've stolen one from cravingrecords.com. Here is what has been said of her music:

"Through her singing, Kara Grainger communicates like an old soul that has lived and sung the beginnings of the Blues. Roots meets folk purity - honest songwriting about brave and unbridled love." If you are interested in more info her website is www.karagrainger.com.

Darrin Percival was very good on both nights and not predictable at all-each set was original though he carried some elements through both shows. He has a wonderful singing voice, a beautiful-genuine personality and exceptional rhythm. It is incredible what he does with just his voice, the microphone and the mixer (not sure if that’s the right word). He is very funny and talented-and has a tender spirit just beaming with a kind of love that shines all around him and translates well from the stage to your heart. I am still singing "Children spreading the love around" days later with fond memories (grins).

Highlights: (not in any particular order)

• Stuart Hunter on the piano first encore...”Star spangled banner”...voices lifted in song...reminding me that I still have much pride in my own country. So beautiful and sweet (salute to Stuart hunter).

• Elvis Costello. We sang along…we sang along (smile) and we were happy. "Molly Malone” is just plain fun! (grins)

• “Mr. Harris”...incidentally of the album, this is the one song my young son loves. A cappella...voices mingled expertly and with a story told with such grace and love there was not a moment as sweet the whole night.

• “What you want me to forget”-there’s our boy...rocking like I remember...and so damn good at it! (big smile)

• “Testify”---need I say more! (grins) This is the only part of the show were he is actually acting...and damn if he is not the incarnation of every southern Baptist preacher I've ever heard in my life...he nailed it!

• Stewie and the “Streets of Madrid”-From “I miss my mind”...simply amazing on the horn and a cutie too. (smile)

• “Raewyn”...because it is special to him and because it reminds me of how little I know the pain of my mother...or the path of my father...such simple and striking lyrics...sung with intention and tenderly.

• Bones and many thanks for allowing me, even encouraging me to drum on the stage (huge grin)

• The throwing of the guitar pick...it was white (and couldn't have went to a nicer gal, Jen)

• Sitting on the Steps below Stuart hunter while Russell jammed letting the band have their way with the music. (blushes at the thought)

• “My Hand My Heart”-I would say this song made me a little sad actually...and tears welled in my eyes for a moment only because of the ones that have passed through-the ones we may hold close only in our memory...still in love with you. (raises glass) Cheers.

Russell’s smile…Stewie’s horn….Bones jamming….Stuart solo’s….Chris’s enthusiasm…Dave’s rhythm…Dean’s presence…Thank you all for a wonderful experience! (big smile and a wave)

P.S. Special thanks to Ray the cameraman…Looks like there may be a video in the future…if not the near future then hopefully just the future (grins).

dream