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 bouncing bard

FOLLOWING THE BOUNCING BARD

The show at PNC was singular in that the location itself is not an ordinary large showcase venue.  The small proscenium stage allowed for a more intimate view of what historically is a huge show.  As it was confined to this small playing area, the  musicians close physically,  the music was completely tight.   I had an opportunity to listen to the warm-up and even called a friend to share the rare opportunity to hear him work.  I was so pleased to be right too.  Gabriel is renowned for creating music for it's own sake and not fussing over what is marketable and to hear him with his band minus the special effect lighting and extra soundtrack was a treat.  It was a treat because they were rehearsing "San Jacinto".  As a transplanted expat Texan of color, this is enough to get me to my feet but the actual treat was to hear this 20 year-old tune being lovingly tweeked in rehearsal.  Gabriel's low-pitched speaking voice and Buddha-like demeanor and direction was a welcomed bonus particularly when the papers are filled with other artists with a quarter of his talent "throwing arty" or childish tantrums.  I sank back into the grass a bit, content and clapped to myself,  'Oh yea!  I love it when the professionals come out to play.  Wheeee! This will be fun!'

Uzbek singer/songwriter, Sevara Nazarkhan, opened the show -- spectacular voice coupled with a strong and confident stage presence made the soggy weather easier to bear.  

Gabriel's first three songs were delivered rapid fire:  "Red Rain", "More Than This" and with "Secret World" and the audience came alive and to its' feet as the band moved down center for the first 'dance number'.  The level never dropped and I felt, it peaked with the band skipping through the audience during "Solsbury Hill".

"Growing Up" was my favorite moment in the show as the clear plastic ball positioned over the stage during most of the show was lowered over Gabriel as he climbed into this giant ball and proceeded to bounce and roll the metaphoric egg across the stage bumping into band members and producing hilarious pratfalls from David Rhodes  lead guitarist and bass profundo, Tony Levin.

"Father, Son" from Ovo, closed the show with quiet emotion and sincerity.  I was particularly gratified to be there having never seen Mr. Gabriel perform live before.  It was indeed a special treat.  One wonders how long we'll have to wait for the Bard to return...