Set List: Trouble, Dead Man, Long Road, Face of Love; Encore with all: Innocent When You Dream

Imadonut10@aol.com
Well, I went to the "Not in Our Name, Dead Man Walking" benefit concert to see Ed and Jeff, but what a night for music. Ed and Jeff were more icing on a big, beautiful cake.

Highlights? There was one after another. Ok I was most looking forward to Ed and Jeff, Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett in that order. Tom stole the show. What a guy. Humor, pathos, music - one great big ball of talent. And if you have never seen him act, catch one of his movies. One of most moving is his performance in "Ironweed."

I love Eddie - he totally bowed to Tom and let him have the spotlight. He was "as fortunate as I," that night standing on stage with Tom at the end, supposedly to sing along with Tom and the others, but mainly standing back from the mic to gaze at Tom Waits, at the piano, singing his heart out. I think outside of Eddie's performance, he was just like us in the audience, happy and feeling lucky to be part of this night. And, Eddie and Jeff, no one deserves more to be such a great part of a great evening.

Great sets from everyone. Acoustics of the Shrine were excellent. One powerful voice after another from Steve Earle to Michelle Shocked to Lyle Lovett who came on with just a celloist. Then intermission and a 40 minute set from Tom Waits. Who could follow that? How great it was to see that. Well, I will tell you who could follow that, Ani DiFranco. Hearing her songs on the radio do not compare with the raw emotion you see from that little being on the stage with the huge guitar. I will be going to the record store ASAP for some Michelle Shocked and Ani. Already have my PJ collection of course and Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett.

Then, the moment I came for, Eddie and Jeff were to come out. By that time, I had "upgraded" my 20th row seat to 10th when Steve Earl came out up to 7th at intermission. Due to some poor souls who left after Ani, I was 7th row center for Ed and Jeff. Out came THE MAN. Alone in the spotlight, singing Trouble which we got a taste of in Maui. Oh, THE VOICE. So clear and beautiful to our ears. Thank you Shrine for the great sound. Then Jeff came on with his, and excuse this technical lingo, his "guitar/cello thingy" and accompanied Ed to Ed's version of Dead Man Walking-not chosen for the soundtrack as Eddie explained because Tim had to go with the "seniority thing" and put Bruce's song of that title on.

Next, out came John Densmore from Doors on percussion, David Robbins, Tim's brother, on guitar and Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan vocalist and Dildar Hussain on, again, excuse the technical lingo, some "bongo type thingy."

The magic continues - "Long Road", "The Face of Love." Oh, to sit there and see that group accompanying the best voice in the whole world, Eddie Vedder, was the best thing ever. Eddie was seated, looking relaxed and, God, I hope was enjoying himself as much we were enjoying this whole experience.

Then, as Tim Robbins promised, Tom Waits returned on piano with everyone else. He started a long piano intro and launched into a carousel-rhythmed song, "You are Innocent When You Sleep." Eddie stepped back from the mic for the most part and just gazed at Tom, in his own world, singing and playing his heart out. I snuck in my hand held walkman recorder and got Eddie and Company plus the last song with everyone on stage. As was apparent at the concert, everyone just let Tom belt out his lyrics, even though they were supposed to be singing. I did, once catch a sound of Ani DiFranco's voice, but only for one short second.

Anyway, run, do not walk, to your nearest record store the moment this benefit concert comes out - I am assuming it will, please.

Hail, Hail the lucky ones, me included, who got to share this magical evening of music and the message of Sister Helen.

Imafortunatedonut