LOCATION: Taft Theatre, Cincinnati, OH
LINEUP: Karin, Linford, Nick Radina, Andy Boerger, Jason Goforth, David Piltch, Levon Henry, Joe Henry
REVIEW BY:
Bill Ivester:
As I noted in an earlier post, 12 years, 13 wonderful shows (2 in 2008)… “I need thousands more, at least.”
These shows for so many reasons are so special. It’s hard to express the whole feeling, the sentiment, the vibe unless you have experienced it in person. This time of the year, the word “magical” is seriously overused. This show (and now weekend) is, indeed, a magical experience. Saturday night, as usual was no exception.
The bar was set unbelievably high on Friday night. Saturday night, opening set, the incredible Joe Henry…did i mention high expectations?
Well, let’s start with the incomparable band: Karin, Linford, Nick Radina from Cincinnati (on cuatro, guitar and percussion), Jason Goforth of Nashville (pedal induced harmonica, pedal steel, lap steel), Brooklyn native Andy Borger (drums & percussion, has played with Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Ani Difranco), David Piltch from LA (upright bass and session man extraordinaire). They were also joined on two songs by Joe Henry and several more by Joe’s son, the amazing 19 year old tenor sax man, Levon Henry.
Next the setlist, someone described it as “ballsy,” featuring all 13 songs from the yet (widely) unreleased (and unfamiliar to many) “The Long Surrender,” I would concur. To take your most important show of the year and preview largely unfamilar songs to a huge audience, rather than go the traditional, safe “greatest hits” route that most artists would take is yes, “ballsy.” But, man…did it ever work, big risk, HUGE reward. So set the bar by a preview show and a brilliant opening act, not a problem. Just jump right over it with room to spare.
“Taft,” as it’s known to regulars is, and always will be more than just a “show.” It is a meaningful and soulful experience. It truly brings people together from all over the world (literally, people travel from all over the world, to Cincinnati, specifically for this single night of music) and all over the country. There are dinners, sightseeing, drinks afterwards, late night conversations and more laughter and hugs than you can imagine.
Yes…12 years in a row, I pray it’s only a beginning. I honestly can not imagine my life, much less a Christmas season without it and the music and people that make it what it has become. And yes, still “I need thousands more, at least.”
And Karin & Linford, Thank you! And you know why.
Setlist:
The Laugh of Recognition
Rave On
Soon
Sharpest Blade (w/Joe)
Trouble
Bluebird (w/Levon)
All I Ever get For Christmas
Northpole Man
Undamned
Oh Yeah By The Way
I’m On A Roll
The King Knows How
Only God Can Save Us Now
Snow Angels
Days Like This
All My Favorite People
Unspoken
-E-
You Can’t Fail Me Now (everybody)
Infamous Love Song
No Kill Shelter
YouTube:
The Laugh of Recognition - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-MgpQTvo8Q
"The King Knows How" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXrwqS1aDYY
"The Sharpest Blade" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJmgMPfPSVg