A Beautiful Man Night

The Hollywood Bowl, if you haven't been, is nestled into the deepest of the Hollywood Hills. Sitting, looking out into what seemed to be pure country, the sun was setting. The Spanish wine was flowing. The conversation was splendid. The music was about to begin.

Daytime at the Bowl

Willie Nelson. I don't know how the dude can still be rockin' after all these years, but he manages to win me over every time. His quiet but steady voice echoes out from the stage in almost a hauntingly fashion. The man is a living legend. Chills ran down my spine as he went into On the Road Again, Blue Skies, Angel Flying to Close to the Ground, and Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain...four of my favorites all in that order. I was born and raised on Willie, thanks to my Gram. And forever his music will remind me of her.

Come on Baby, Light My Fire

Ryan Adams. The usual. HOT little rockstar bad boy up on stage. Although it was a bit different from the drunken, meloncholy, country, red-wine drinking "Summer of '69" show back in 2002 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This time Ryan decided to bust out the rock tunes. Every song turned into at least a six or seven minute jam. I guess that's what happens when he goes out back to have a smoke with Willie...he was actually in a good mood. And no one was even thrown out this time.

Neko Case. In a word, brilliant she is. One could call her the female version of Ryan Adams, but without so much angst. She's a hard up woman who knows what she wants. Throw in some banjo and you've got yourself a young, yet original sounding Emmylou. Her voice is solid and she sings of love and loss in minor. I've been following her for a few years and it was great to finally see her live, although next time I'd like to catch her in a smaller, more intimate setting.

Check out this surprisingly accurate review of the show from Rolling Stone.