October 30, 2008

The Last Waltz?

  I arrived halfway through set one. It was about 10:30. Crowd was large and lively, but for the most part attentive and well behav-ed. As I took my position north of Dom, next to the end of the bar, I had the strange sensation that everything looked different this evening. It wasn’t just the fact that Glenn was wearing what appeared to be a “new” outfit, but more like my perception of reality had somehow shifted into cinemascope mode. I was overcome with the sensation of watching a movie on a large screen. Almost as if I wasn’t standing 5 feet away from the most amazing guitarist I’ve every witnessed, but more like being in a private screening room. I mentioned this to Dom, but he was involved in some serious psychic three-way conversation with Glenn and the heavens.

              Glenn was ON. His playing was crisp, clean, and economical. He played the old country style song that has the line, “You know, sometimes…” throughout. It was gorgeous. Paul & Gene were right there with him. Thanks to the addition of a small, antique amplifier, we’re again graced with Glenn’s singing and occasional preaching to the audience. A welcome return.  During this tune, Blanco arrived and found his way next to me in the front.

              Following this tune, there was a pause and Glenn walked toward me & Blanco and as he held a note he waved his hand in a circular motion in our direction about 2 feet away. I was immediately covered with goose bumps and a warm rush of blood throughout my body. I mentioned this to Blanco and, as if on cue, he rolled up his sleeve to show me his goose bumps as well. It was a transfer of energy to us and we were grateful recipients. Glenn then played “Pretty Song in D.” Following this song Dom yelled his approval (as did many others in the crowd) and Glenn said, “We ain’t going nowhere. We’ve got our best songs to play now, “Water Street” (Blanco’s fave), “My Poor Generation,” (mine!). And off they went into “Water Street.” 

              While it wasn’t the blitzkrieg march to victory version we heard a few weeks back, it was strong as ever. I still perceived reality to be reminiscent of a movie I’d seen….it was “The Last Waltz!”  Everything was crystal clear and in perfect focus. My perspective was perfect and the band was tight as they gave us “My Poor Generation.” Then setbreak.

              After a short break, the band resumed and began playing a nice boogie blues  jam (I THINK it was “Wagon Wheels” but that could’ve been played in set 1). They were slinky, they were forceful, they were in deep groove. The crowd was starting to build and crowd to the front. After about 4 minutes of this good jam, a man and woman decided to walk up from their spot at the middle of the bar and proceeded to begin dancing hand in hand directly in front of Glenn. Fortunately Glenn’s eyes were closed as he wailed away, but before we could stop them he opened his eyes and immediately shut down the band. SET OVER.

              What then transpired was a very heated exchange between GS and a certain favorite bartender of ours. It was very unpleasant and the magic of the night that was building had quickly dissipated. Blanco & I decided it was time to leave and we took our memories of a fantastic 60 minutes of music home with us. A fantastic 1.5 sets of music RUINED by people that unfortunately were unaware of what Glenn needs to work.

              EPILOGUE:

The Saturday following the show I called Laz and gave him my rundown of the show and asked if he’d ever seen “The Last Waltz.” He told me he had not seen it, and lamented the fact that he was not present for this excellent set. We then hung up and went our separate ways. 30 minutes later I got the following text message from him:

              “The Last Waltz just started at  on VH1 Classic. Of course it did!”

Of course it did.