Tamara's Report on GBS in Hollywood 10/3/08:

I was sitting at my desk in between clients on Friday morning and I check Murph's to see what's up as I always do and I nearly dropped my coffee to see Russell's mention he would be at the GBS HOB show that night. I'd had my suspicions and wanted to see the band anyway, seriously needed an excellent live music fix, but had been unable to twist anyone's arm into going with me. With Russell sweetening the pot I called up me old mate Marcy to give it another go. Turns out Marcy had been a major party animal this week. While I'm working my behind off and raising two kids on my own, she's in retirement and having just way too much fun. No one deserves it more.  With just a little reminiscing about old TOFOG times she agreed we could not miss this chance – with one condition – that we sit in the elevated chairs off to right because again, she's been having far too much fun.

I was not happy with my work clothes as concert attire so I went to the department store up the street, bought black jeans and a red shirt, and hit the road. We met up about 6:30pm and went inside the HOB store. I am not allowed to have fun on my own unless I bring my eleven and thirteen year old souvenirs, plus if you buy something it gets you that nifty jump the line pass. Once inside we started remembering details from the TOFOG gigs there in 2001 and 2006. HOB has a highly evocative groove from the design up to the Foundation Room, with its somewhat bizarre sights. This evening we witnessed James Woods in a minor role with a blonde who should have been his granddaughter but wasn't.

We get up to the front of the line and it's just us, Linda, and this totally cool family with three kids. I killed time talking to the sixteen year old about the Jonas Brothers, my only other concert experience this year. Like I said, I really needed this. I casually suggested to Marcy that I was going to have difficulty restraining myself from running for the front. Old reflexes and all that. In the end major waves of nostalgia won the day and we gleefully parked against the stage.

The opening act was Cathy-Anne McClintock's band and they were terrific. Folk singer songwriter style with some real potential radio hits in there and a song I liked about mood disorders. We spoke with the guitar player after the show and he told us the CD is coming out in early November. I will be watching for it. He has the same last name so not sure of the relation. He gave us  hugs and that made him aces in my book. I know, I'm easy, but that doesn't detract from their performance.

I have all of Great Big Sea's records and listen to them often so I was able to at least sing along with the chorus, jump and pump my fist at the appropriate times. GBS is big on audience participation and it's a lot of pressure when you're in the front row! I had a great workout – lost two pounds this morning. I thought their fans were a friendly bunch who know how to have one hell of a good time. While I like their more traditional songs very much, I admit I like the more pop oriented music best, and that is what makes up most of their latest, Fortune's Favor.  They played many of those tracks mixed in with the traditional favorites their crowd expects. It was all good. Gorgeous voices, terrific musicians and warm, funny patter between the band members.  If you ever get a chance, go see them. I know I am going back.

As much as I was enjoying the show I could not help watching the wings and wondering when are you coming out to play for us Russell? As It grew later in the show I started telling myself it didn't matter, it was an awesome fun night out with a great friend, fantastic show, loved seeing Alan again. When Marcy started echoing my thoughts I tried not to despair.  Just as my hopes began to slide, Alan introduced  Company of Fools near the end of the show, saying it was the perfect song to play here (in Hollywood) where there was a lot of acting out.  Alan told the crowd it was the song he had written with Russell. I loved hearing it live, love the lyrics, but was so hoping Russell would duet with Alan. The emotional up and down had me in knots so when Russell walked out after the number holding his stem glass of something dark red, I am thinking port, and smiled down on us it was like pouring sweet blessed wine on the seriously parched.  I confess I am a deranged screamer on Linda's audio file. I am so grateful to her for capturing that performance. I am adding it to my copy of GBS' Fortune's Favor for the pleasure of the memory.

Russell greeted the crowd and did the now familiar intro to Folsom, how it's a song he's known since he was a kid but he's performed it the wrong way so many times he can't remember it otherwise, so if he leaves out your favorite verse then that's too bad or in Russell speak, "stiff sh*t".  The red liquid had done its job as he was in fine and loose vocal form. There was no major head banging but it's not necessary. His hair is glorious, down long and shining, the curls rioting with every move. I believe he was wearing the suit jacket we saw on Leno, and the shiny black polo style shirt beneath, jeans and black boots. All the press about Body of Lies continues to emphasize the weight he gained for the role and I find it highly annoying that they don't give equal emphasis to the point that it's all gone. Marcy even called him "thin". He had his earpiece in, as do the GBS guys I noted, and that little control pack in the back of his belt needed some adjustment, for those of your who remember that image. Short scruff beard turning  sexy grey. In a word, he looked  fanf*ckingtastic.

I think it was between songs that he did a true groaner of a joke which may be too rude for this site but involved Alan and self-pleasure. Marcy and I were toast by the time Russell gifted us a lovely smile and wave. They went on to do a rousing rendition of Molly Malone. I heard Russell and Alan do this song at every gig I attended in Australia so the repeat performance swept me back to that time and I was quite overcome.

He  does not get much opportunity to stay musically limber but he did great.  Meeting people and visiting after the show I heard the usual comments of surprise about how well he sounds and performs. I now remember that the problem with getting a little of the music is that it always makes me want more.  I hope there is more writing going on, Company of Fools shows how he continues to grow as a songwriter.  If it was as much fun for him as it was for us maybe someday we will get a whole show! Holding on to hope.

Tamara