From: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org (shindell-list-digest) To: shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Subject: shindell-list-digest V9 #267 Reply-To: shindell-list@smoe.org Sender: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-shindell-list-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk shindell-list-digest Saturday, November 15 2008 Volume 09 : Number 267 Today's Subjects: ----------------- [RS] Wolf Trap Show, November 13; set list and review ["E. Wolke" Subject: [RS] Wolf Trap Show, November 13; set list and review Went to Richard's show at the Barns of Wolf Trap here in Virginia last night. The bill was "Richard Shindell with Ollabelle", and I thought (silly me) that Ollabelle would be opening for Richard. They were described as one of his favorite bands, so, trusting in Richard's taste, I arrived at the Barns, having luckily snagged a seat at the end of the FIRST ROW! Goes to show you, kids, look two or three times for a seat if the "best" one they give you is in the back of the house. I first saw Richard in a double bill with another one of my very favorite singers, James Keelaghan. James wrote "Cold Missouri Waters", and he and Richard got along like a house afire on the show, which featured them singing alone and together, and what with things like that and 'Cry, Cry, Cry', I knew that Richard likes to play with other folks as well as on his own. I've also seen artists open for him. Even so, I was gobsmacked when Richard came out WITH Ollabelle, and played as a member of the band! First, Ollabelle is AWESOME. They are an amazing and unique (sorry for the overused word, but in this case it applies) blend of roots rock, country, gospel, jazz, and singer/songwriter chops. They've shared stages with artists from Levon Helm to Diana Krall, and I can see why. Only about 4 of the 6 of them were there, since two of them were off on maternity/paternity leave. They brought in a stunt keyboardist who was just wonderful. You can find them on iTunes or their site, www.ollabelle.com -- and it's worth it. Give them a listen. RIchard 'filled in on rhythm guitar' (as if). He seemed to be doing well with the hand, which may look kind of rough but is healing well. He played beautifully last night, brought a couple of Gibson Jumbo-style guitars with him. My guess is that one was tuned normally and one in DADGAD, for the guitar geeks out there. He also had his bouzouki with him and played that to good effect. The set was a solid two hours of everything from Dylan to "Green Pastures": Change is Gonna Come (ending with "yes it has, yes it has, yes it has", and the crowd singing...) Brotherly Love Next Best Western Elijah Rock (Ollabelle's first feature number, a real burner) Acadian Driftwood (I haven't EVER heard a better version, and I LIKE the Band!) There Goes Mavis Long Black Veil (yes, the traditional tune, and it kicked Mick Jagger out of the ballfield) Sing Me Back Home (a Merle Travis song from his prison days, or so the legend goes) The Songs are on the Ocean (the Carter Family song from South of Delia) Gone Today (another Ollabelle song) Sittin' on Top of the World (another one from South of Delia, a real scorcher) Senor (Tales of Yankee Power) -- Dylan, from South of Delia Baby Got a Bird that Sings (not sure of this title, should have asked) Git Up, Clara (a song from the ever elusive new album, about a mule -- it's great...) Blue Northern Lights (an Ollabelle song where Richard sang lead) Transit (now it's "Ashcroft Republicans, Palin Militiamen") Deal -- (Grateful Dead tune, SMOKIN!) Ripple (Yep, the other Dead tune) Then they came out and did three MORE songs for an encore: Soul of a Man Are You Happy Now? (of course) Green Pastures To say that the audience went wild would be an understatement. The DC area audience is usually a staid bunch -- especially in the middle of the week. Lots of folks work hard and look at me funny when I sing along or harmonize, even though most artists like to hear that (I ask, honestly). I think we were all surprised at Richard's appearance with Ollabelle, but the event is unique, and for the love of the gods/goddessess of music, I hope they took a tape off the mixing board. I'd pay a lot to hear that again. Back to lurkdom and to see if I can afford to get to the Ram's Head on the 19th. Cheers, Evelyn ------------------------------ End of shindell-list-digest V9 #267 ***********************************