GHMT Milwaukee WI May 9, 2004
It seemed at first as though time had slowed to a crawl after I bought the tickets on April 28 for the GHMT concert after receiving an email news notice from the official AKUS weib site. Immediate action upon announcement would probably have given me front row seats. However I didn't act until April 28 but in spite of that had reasonable seating in row S (some distance from the stage - I could not see musicians faces, but coudl kind of determine who they were) in Orchestra 2 section.
The show began perfectly on-time (if not a bit before). A local radio station DJ gave a brief intro about the show.
Then at this venue Buck White came on stage and served as opening MC from the cast (at least at this show). The set list on the official web site of the tour (
www.thegreathighmountaintour.com/ or at my site (
www.netshare400.com/~GMILLER/GHMTSET.pdf will elucidate upon the order of progression of the music. No further need to detail that in this review.
The performers appeared on stage, combined with others and then disappeared from the stage until they had another song scheduled. The music was preformed flawlessly (I've been involved with singing and playing instruments since 5th grade) from the first song to the "Amazing Grace" encore. The set list included songs many have heard for over 50 years as well as those for the movies "Oh Brother - Where Art Thou" and "Cold Mountain."
Of all the concerts I have been to this will rank as either #1 permanently or for a long time (unless the fall tour materializes and is better - if better is possible) if it can ever be overshadowed.
My observations:
1.) The intermission was too brief to afford all to "take care of business" and get a beverage. I returned to my seat as "Down To The River To Pray" was being performed (about mid-song).
2.) AKUS (at least to my knowledge), Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Whites, Norman and Nancy Blake did not meet and greet or at least sign autographs and talk to concert goers.
These are the only negative things I can say about the show, that was under control of the musicians or T Bone Burnett.
The remainder are my fault:
I had hoped to arrive early at the show in case AKUS, et al would talk with people before the show as other have mentioned did happen where they saw the show. I didn't arrive until 7:05 p.m. just in time to find my seat and the show was starting.
I didn't buy a ticket soon enough, again my fault.
The show was excellent, I don't recall seeing a show like it.
One person commented here or on GHMT that the musicians stated that "this is how a show and music like this should be played" (rough paraphrased quote - not exact word-for-word). I'd reply yes-and-no.
The open air concert/bluegrass or accoustic music can be great. However, wind, humidity, and other climate factors can and do affect ( fiddling on stage in a wind can be a fun challenge while trying to use the bow, vocalizing mixed with insects flying can be fun...) an outdoor performance. In a small group outdoor (small stage and small audience) performacnes can work. What I saw May 9 in Milwaukee, if performed outdoors, those great sounds vocalized and played could likely have been tampered with, wind will cause intermittent and changing sound of the voices and instruments (lessened quality or worse the wind carrying away the sound completel).
In summation, an excellent show that was woth spending more than $75.00 for the ticket I bought. Flawlessly performed, professionally executed wtih perfect timing including appearances and various artist mixing on stage. Amazing Grace was a perfect and fitting finale.
There were a few standing ovations during the evening and I think the last one was at the end of the show. I had seen Nickel Creek live at "The Rave" in Milwaukee Nov 1 2003. Alison and NC must have talked, since Nov 1. It appeared the audience was going for an encore performance after the encore. The audience at the NC concert I think called them back on stage (by cheering, applause, whistling, etc) maybe four times? The bass player with NC finally said no more. But Sara Sean and Chris went - totally accoustic with no microphones for a fourth or fifth "quick set." I think GHMT was not prepared to do the same, and may have been forewarned?
One shouldn't try to keep the band playing all night ;D. (Sorry for the non-AKUS thread here)
But I recommend seeing GHMT, or any of the participants/bands/groups/musicians in GHMT, or Nickel Creek also if you get the chance. I can see why Alison produced their CD. Excellent and very talented musicians, she seems to "associate with that type" or they seem to gravitate or be attracted to each other.
Another highlight of my life ;D All in al the night was the best ever and I dont think anything could top it.
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