May 2008 Reviews of Glenn Schwartz performances at Major Hooples

May 1: Another great show. 1st set highlights included a solo set opener of "Children of the Day" as well as the always huge "Motor City." The 2nd set included "Pretty song in D," "Friends Don't Treat Me," and a nice "All my Sorrows" opener. 

May 8: MOTHERS DAY.  Glenn was in fine form on this day. Often preaching about the strength of character of mothers as well as their ceaseless labors. In a good mood, he whipped out "Pretty song in D," "People Get Ready," "I'll fly Away," "John the Revelator," and "Undertaker (with motherly overtones)."

May 15: Glenn opened this show on DOBRO guitar, solo, with slide. He played it for about 15 minutes. It was transcendental. At times reminiscent of an Indian raga. When the band took the stage we were treated to "Pretty Song in D," "Motor City," "Proud Man jam," "Ode to Glenn Schwartz," and some good old fashioned preaching and hymns.  By chance, an old military friend of Glenn's showed up at this gig. I believe his name was Ray. The 2 of them served together in Germany in the early 1960s and apparently both OD'd one night and almost died. Glenn was happy to see Ray and played hard to him.  It was the 1st time they'd seen each other since the 1970s. A beautiful night for all.

May 22, 2008

The 1st set began with a solo version of "Children of the Day." Simple, poignant, good. Paul & Geno take their places & Glenn runs thru short versions of various tunes. A good workout for the band.  A little “Pretty Song in D,” some other random jams, and then they go into “My Poor Generation.” Glenn’s guitar was extra trebly for this version. The band sounded like something out of 1968. Trashy, bright, and hinting at psychedelia.   “Hinting” might be an understatement. What transpired in this version of MPG was a completely tripped out, deconstructed reading of the tune. However, after reciting various verses of the tune, GS settled on “Puffing pot, you live in slop,” and proceeded to repeat  this line for God knows HOW long. It was very strange. He kept saying this line and then occasionally laughing loudly   ( all in a  very exaggerated manner).  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of fixating on this line, the set was over.

The 2nd set was completely ridiculous. Following a blues jam, the band then had the longest finish to a song in the history of perform-ed songs.  This “ending” must have lasted something like 15 minutes and was the most daring, free form jamming that I’ve EVER seen this band perform. It was ballsy, insane, and fun.

  Set 3 was rather uneven, and was briefly saved when Glenn sang “Get off your trike and get on a bike” and Laz yelled “Children of the day!”  (mistakenly, but fortunately). GS then busted out a little children of the Day. At one moment Blanco walked by and GS rubbed the neck of the guitar against Blanco.  A beautiful moment.

   A completely bizarre show, (set 3 aside).  And unfortunately, we’ll never  hear set II again.

tz

May 29, 2008 courtesy of Damian Johnson

Well, last night was interesting to say the least.  Glenn was in an unusually good mood.  The audience was small and Glenn had a few long-time friends in the crowd.  He came further into the crowd to jam with the folks than I have ever seen previously. 

His first set began with Wagon Wheel – a favorite it seems, and perhaps a good song to warm up with – and then transitioned to Motor City, and ended with a lengthy, lengthy Mountain Top.  Sweat was dripping off the Glenn schnoz way before this.

The second was a bit more blurry for me, and for those that know me this is not rare.  I believe it started with Promises-Promises (forgive me if that’s not the name), and segued into American Female.

I have some photos from the evening if you care to take a peek.  They’re rather large, so I think I’ll have to send in a few different emails. 

I also have a 30 second video clip of Glenny jamming.  I thought some of you might be interested in loading it to the Web site, but I’m not sure how to minimize it enough to send.  It is currently 165mb.  If anyone has any helpful hints I’d be fair game to try and send.

For now, let’s stick with some photos.

Missed all of you there last.  Hope to see you soon.