Last night’s show at the High Noon Saloon has entered the books amongst my all time favorites for the venue. I had heard great things about Josh Ritter’s live show from my brother Mike (saw him in Portland, ME) and Jon P (saw him in Edinburgh, Scotland) and his wonderfully engaging show last night didn’t disapoint.
Dawn Landes (who also opened the show Jon had seen) got things off to a great start. My favorite was “Straight Lines” – check it out here. Their playful folk/pop style set a mood that would carry through the whole night. Who can argue with a drummer playing the kazoo?
Ritter took the stage and it was immediately evident that Mike was right: his presence on stage just makes you happy. He has a huge smile on his face the whole time and just generally looks like he’s having an awesome time. A huge handle bar mustache on Zack Hickman (bass) and some synchronized guitar movements were quick to bring smiles as well.
A few songs later I saw what Jon had said coming in: The crowd really gives itself up to him. There was evidence of this in the pin-drop silence for the slow/solo tracks but even more proof when he requested the audience completely turn their backs on him to serenade his swag guy in the back with the chorus of “Empty Heart”.
This was the best show I’d seen in a while and I’ll definitely be seeing him next time he’s around.
…and here comes another lock for a great show!
5 Comments
May 15, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Good time indeed. I walked in late, thus missing Dawn’s set. Her album is waiting for me at home so I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks for the linkage!
Ryan
May 15, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I am soooooo jealous I can’t even stand it!!!! I saw Josh play at Ravinia last summer…and I didn’t want that show to end. Nothing compares to hearing that guy play live. I adore seeing how happy he is as he performs! Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
May 15, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I was a big fan of the show as well. Josh has a great personality and it makes for a great stage presence.
The bassist was very intriguing; I’m not sure I was down with the ’stache.
May 17, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I’m jealous too. Mike and I checked his tour dates a few weeks ago and got really excited when we saw he was going to be in WI around the same dates we thought we would be in town. Then we were disappointed when we checked our travel plans and saw we’d miss it by a few days.
Anyway, I liked the mustache. It makes him more fun to watch.
May 24, 2008 at 8:19 am
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