November 12, 2013 – CONCERT REVIEW

Musicians:           Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Richard Thompson

Concert date:       Wednesday, November 6

Location:              The Orpheum Theater/ Vancouver

Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell go way back – to the 70’s where Crowell was an up-and-coming songwriter in Harris’ touring band. They are currently on tour promoting their new collaboration Old Yellow Moon.

The show at the Orpheum in Vancouver featured solo opening act, Richard Thompson, a magnificent songwriter/guitarist who held the audiences’ attention with his extreme, sure-footed delivery. His voice is a commanding growl that never left you searching for his lyrical content. Musical highlights included Walking On AWire and the old Fairport Convention classic, Who Knows Where The Time Goes. Thompson was so well received that he could have carried the whole show himself.

After a brief intermission, Harris and Crowell entered the stage, supported by an excellent five-piece band. Emmylou’s voice is so distinguishable; at one moment riding high above the music like a bird in flight, to suddenly becoming a whispered hush. Her stage presence is all silver and wispy, strumming these huge Gibson guitars. Crowell remains cool Americana with a warm, dusty southern drawl. Together, they define that signature California-country style.

Their choice of material reached back to some choice 70’s cuts such as, Harris’ Luxury Liner, The Flying Burritos, Wheels and Crowell’s beautiful ‘Til I Gain Control Again. Emmylou’s Red Dirt Girl and Crowell’s Ashes By Now were standouts in addition to the old classic Love Hurts.

About the middle of the set, Thompson was invited back to the stage and added some of his signature guitar.  At that point, I turned to my friend Patrick and said, “It doesn’t get much better than this”.

The show ended with a three-song encore set and the feeling that these artists genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. It was obvious they genuinely enjoyed the audience that filled the Orpheum.

Chas