The Ties That Bind

Tonight, as a generous wedding present from a good friend, I've got tickets for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Verizon Center. The Magic tour is getting strong reviews. How could it not, though? I mean, it's Bruce!!

I've not seen him since the 2004 Vote for Change tour, which I saw twice. I regret not seeing the Seeger Sessions tour in 2006 - really, I do. I loved what Bruce and a crack, eclectic, ramshackle band did by revisiting and revitalizing a folk catalog for a new generation. Here's Bruce talking a little about the impetus for the project and then a performance of that 1st grade staple, "John Henry":



Here's the classic "Long Black Veil", an Americana standard popularized forty years ago by the likes of Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and The Band:




He also reimagined many of his own songs, couching them in different arrangements. In doing so, he educated many of his fans on the antecedents and influences in late 20th century music. Here's "Atlantic City":




I have recordings from those shows, and he sounded like he was having the time of his life. Of course, unfortunately at some of those shows, there were some narrow-minded jackass fans who just drunkenly yelled for "Thunder Road" and "Jungleland", et al. Springsteen said in an interview that probably his more musically adventurous fans would appreciate the Seeger Sessions album and tour the most. With all due respect to E Street, I hope he goes out on the road once more with the Seeger Sessions band. This is dynamic and invigorating music that unites us all - like the best Springsteen songs. I think it's another brilliant chapter in Bruce's career.

Since it was Veterans' Day yesterday and observed today, and since he's playing in DC this evening, I would be remiss if I didn't post this: