John Mayer Live at DTE Energy Music Theater on 7/29/10-Review

John Mayer played what appeared to be a sold-out show Wednesday night at DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkson, MI. The hugely popular Train opened the show, and lead-vocalist Pat Monahan was just spectacular, demonstrating that he is far, far more talented than he appears on any one of the band’s five studio records. Furthermore, his lead guitarist, Jimmy Stafford, was truly remarkable, as was his drummer Scott Underwood. Perhaps the most memorable moment of their set was when Monahan, recalling that, when he was growing up, he could only afford lawn seats, walked up DTE’s numerous steps and traced the exterior of the pavilion seating area, giving those on the lawn an unrivaled view, all while singing the simply beautiful track, “Marry Me.”

Then it was Mayer’s turn, who wore a black wife beater, dark gray capris, and a folded bandana under his bangs. He was accompanied by a large band, which included the ever-brilliant David Ryan Harris on guitar and backing vocals as well as the incredibly talented Robbie McIntosh on guitar. Also present were Charlie Wilson on keyboards, Sean Hurley on bass guitar, Keith Carlock on drums and percussion, and Bob Reynolds, who brought the crowd to its feet with his saxophone. 

Mayer started the set off with the infectious “Vultures”, wasting no time in demonstrating his talents as a guitarist. Mayer’s set, which included numerous tracks from both his “Continuum” album as well as his newest record, “Battle Studies”, more than revealed Mayer’s brilliance as a live performer. His fluid combination of rock and blues guitar is spectacular, and even more so live. Mayer’s timing is impeccable, and he’s aware enough of his band to know when he can embellish. Revealing his versatility, Mayer played a flawless cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”, which also included several lines of “Wrapped Around Your Finger” by The Police. 

One of the most remarkable moments of the night came when he played a version of “Do You Know Me” that was over eight minutes in length, even though, on the “Battle Studies” record, it’s just two minutes and thirty seconds long, and, during which, he gave Reynolds the opportunity to highlight his uncanny talent on the saxophone while Mayer seamlessly blended in a ukulele. Furthermore, Mayer revealed his impressive ability to play harmonica on “War of My Life”, a moving track that Mayer respectfully dedicated to those people in the audience who had a hard time facing each day. 

If someone were to ask me what I believe to be my favorite part of the night, I would have to say it was when Mayer talked. Now, if you know the controversy behind Mayer, you might be anticipating some kind of off-color remark (which, more often than not, are slanted and taken entirely out of context, but I digress). But here’s the thing: Mayer showed his ‘human’ side this evening. He talked about happiness, and how material possessions don’t mean anything if you can’t truly say you’re enjoying your life; he stated that, although you may never have as big of a house as the guy down the street, at least your house won’t become foreclosed on. Then he went on to thank the audience for still singing along despite the fact that some of them may not have had jobs, and letting the audience know, sincerely, that he appreciated them being there. And he said all of this with more authenticity and honesty than I can adequately relate. Trust me, I’ll be the first to admit when someone’s being insincere or arrogant. And Mayer certainly wasn’t. 

Perhaps the most moving, and heartfelt, moment of the night was the show’s final song, “Edge of Desire”. Mayer began with an incredible intro that isn’t included on the studio version, and, if I’m being entirely honest, I had mist in my eyes, and I’m certain I wasn’t the only one. Let’s be clear here: I see shows quite often, usually about two or three a month, and oftentimes by brilliant, brilliant musicians. I can honestly say that this is the only time that I have ever had that happen at a show. It was that good. And that real. And that heartfelt. Throughout the rest of the song, Mayer just played and sang his heart out. As he left the stage, it was more than apparent that he appreciated the unending support of the crowd, the majority of which stood for the entirety of his over-two-hours set.

Overall, the show was fantastic, and undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever seen. Mayer and his band’s musicianship was flawless, and he was more than willing to let them showcase their talents on numerous occasions. Additionally, Mayer’s ability to articulate his feelings and thoughts this evening revealed far more than just the ideas of rockstar: they demonstrated his humanity. I’ll be honest: I’ve admired Mayer as a musician for years, but the jury was still out as to whether or not I admired him as a person. After tonight, I can truly say that I do.

Nashville: The Home of the Singer-Songwriter

In years past, if you wanted to become a successful, commercial musician, you went to one of two places: Los Angeles or New York City.  Sure, you can make it there today.  But the chances are must rarer than, say, Nashville.  

When many people are asked about the music in Nashville, the answer is almost automatic: it’s the heart of the country genre.  And that’s certainly true.  However, there’s more to the city than that: it’s also one of the most thriving places for singer-songwriters.

Many of these singer-songwriters are anything but country.  One of the most well-known to be discovered in the city is Mat Kearny, who has several Top 10 hits.  In addition, one of my personal favorite ‘groups’ is Ten out of Tenn, a group of ten singer-songwriters from Nashville who tour together.  And believe me, Nashville has some of the best talent I’ve heard in a while in terms of the potential to make it big in pop music.  

I met the opening act for Five for Fighting’s (John Ondrasik’s) most recent tour, Ben Rector, before a show in Detroit a couple of weeks ago.  Besides being extremely talented, he was humble, intelligent, and authentic.  Having just graduated from college in May, he had moved in Nashville to pursue a career in music, which, undoubtedly, was a risky move.  But, given his career aspirations, I think he made an incredibly wise decision in choosing Nashville over New York City or Los Angeles.  

Far too often, Nashville is overlooked as a source of pop music, but I can guarantee that it won’t be long before the rest of the industry realizes what a select few have come to understand: the future of the singer-songwriter-and potentially pop music itself-lives in Nashville.

First Post/Top 50 Albums of the Moment

So, let me start off my saying that this is my first blog, and, to be honest, I never considered even creating one until a few days ago. So why the change of heart? It’s not that I’m pretentious enough to think that people would really want to read my thoughts, but, instead, a former teacher/fellow music fanatic suggested I write one on music. And, considering my passion for it, I thought that was a brilliant idea. There are so many artists/bands and industry aspects that I would love to share with people, but, let’s be honest, Facebook isn’t very conducive to such sharing, especially considering how it’s becoming more like Twitter every day. (And for those of you offended, I have a Twitter, so I can judge). So here it is: my thoughts regarding music, the music industry, and those things that make it still worth listening to, despite what you hear on the radio.

Let’s start off with something basic. Here are my top 50 albums at the moment, starting with my most favorite, although, after #5, the order is more or less is arbitrary. Keep in mind these are my favorites, not what I consider to be the best albums. And ask me again next week and I can guarantee half of them won’t be there. Why make a list of my favorite 50 albums of the moment? Because I’m on a plane, and there’s nothing else to do. (Well, I was when I wrote this.)

1. 1. Elton John-Tumbleweed Connection (Hence, the name of the blog)
2. 2. Jackson Browne-Jackson Browne (also known as “Saturate Before Using”)
3. 3. Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago
4. 4. William Fitzsimmons-”The Sparrow and the Crow
5. 5. John Mayer-“Where the Light Is: Live from Los Angeles
6. 6. Missy Higgins-The Sound of White
7. 7. Alexi Murdoch-Time Without Consequence
8. 8. David Gray-Draw the Line
9. 9. Mat Kearney-Nothing Left to Lose
10. 10. Andrew Belle-Live at Hotel Cafe
11. 11. Brandi Carlile-Live from Downtown Studios
12. 12. Damien Rice-BBC 4 Sessions
13. 13. Elton John-Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
14. 14. Elton John-Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player
15. 15. Elton John-Honky Chateau
16. 16. Jackson Browne-Solo Acoustic Volumes 1 & 2 (They’re technically two albums, but I like to think that they were released separately so he could go on tour with them)
17. 17. Thriving Ivory-Thriving Ivory
18. 18. The Killers-Hot Fuss
19. 19. City and Colour-Bring Me Your Love
20. 20. City and Colour-Sometimes
21. 21. Josh Groban-Awake
22. 22. The Script-The Script
23. 23. Counting Crows-August and Everything After
24. 24. Bruce Springsteen-We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
25. 25. Eminem-Curtain Call
26. 26. Augustana-All the Stars and Bolevards
27. 27. Adele-19
28. 28. James Blunt-Back to Bedlam
29. 29. Nas-Hip Hop Is Dead
30. 30. The Swell Season-Strict Joy
31. 31. Alanis Morisette-Jagged Little Pill
32. 32. Jay-Z-The Blueprint 3
33. 33. J Cole-The Warm Up
34. 34. Tyrone Wells-Hold On
35. 35. Ray LaMontange-Trouble
36. 36. Eminem and DJ Green Lantern-Invasion Theory Invasion (Part I, II, & III)
37. 37. Kings of Leon-Only by the Night
38. 38. Eminem and DJ Semi-White America 2
39. 39. Kid Cudi-That Kid from Cleveland
40. 40. Eli Mattson-Eli Mattson
41. 41. Train-Alive at Last
42. 42. Natalie Merchant-Live in Concert
43. 43. Cold War Kids-Robbers and Cowards
44. 44. Amos Lee-Amos Lee
45. 45. Chris Ayer-Don’t Go Back to Sleep
46. 46. The Fray-Live from the Electric Factory
47. 47. Diane Birch-Bible Belt
48. 48. Brandi Carlile-Give up the Ghost
49. 49. Angel Taylor-Love Travels
50. 50. The Cast of Rent-Rent Soundtrack