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Tom Rush was a perfect Birchmere performer. Related to the audience, told stories, sang songs, had a young pianist with him, Matt Niccola who was amazing, and entertained us as any of our oldie, but goody entertainers from the 1970's would do. We got what we came for! It was great.
Tom Rush with Matt Nakeo were great as per usual, and I've seen them every year at the Birchmere except for COVID since at least 2018. Only thing was, they were only half the of the bill, so their performance time was only half of what it usually is. And, as always, the sound board for their performance, both vocally and instrumentally, was a set of audio excellence. Instead we had what seemed like an hour of Cheryl Wheeler, who sat down at the end of the stage on the other side from where we were sitting, and sang into a microphone that almost seemed muted, the volume was so low, and half the time she was speaking she was not speaking into the microphone, but away from it to the side, and seemingly chatting with a group of her fans who were sitting in the front section on that end of the stage. Anyway, I could hear her guitar, but understand only about half of her lyrics and almost nothing of what she was saying between songs. For a vocal performer known for her humor, both in song and between songs, this made for a very frustrating first set of music. In sum, I would've preferred two sets of Tom Rush and Matt Nakeo.
It was a wonderful full-circle moment for me to see Tom and Cheryl together in a double-billed concert, since the first time I saw them (something like 30 years ago) was in a double-bill together at Salt in Newport RI. After so many years, both now have even more songs and more stories to share, and the mix of old favorites and new ones, sprinkled liberally with wonderful (often hilarious) stories, was perfect. The addition of Matt Nakoa to the lineup was an excellent compliment to Tom's material, and so now I have discovered another new young artist. As always, the staff at the Birchmere was amazing.
The only thing I missed is him not singing "No Regrets"but everything else was perfect!
Tom Rush recently turned 83. I believe that none of the audience for the 3/16/24 Birchmere show would believe that is true. His performance was effortless is the best sense of the word. There were no forgotten lyrics or struggles to sing. His recollections of his first encounters with Joni Mitchell were gold. His recalling of opening for Gordon Lightfoot at the shows that reopened the renovated Massey Hall in Toronto was funny and tender in recalling Canada’s famous and prolific singer songwriter. The set list featured most of Tom’s new album. For many older artists, the muse has left the building. Clearly these new songs testify that Tom has delivered a very good album worthy of being showcased. This was the first time I saw Tom in a few years and the first since he’s been touring with Matt Nakoa playing keyboards and an occasional second guitar. Matt was very impressive and it’s clear to see why Tom speaks so highly of him. I brought along friends who had not seen him before and they were very impressed too. Great show by a great artist. So glad to have been there.
Like most of the audience (doubt anyone was under 60) Tom at 80 is getting old, but I was introduced to his music in 1970 and have loved it ever since. Still have some of the original vinyl! He is a wonderful storyteller and musician and I will attend his performances as long as he and I are able!
Got to Birchmere "late" (6:45 PM), but lucked out and got two seats in the row of tables fronting the stage. Closest I've ever been to stage in all the years I've been attending concerts here! Tom was great and fun as usual, with usual backing of Matt adding depth to his singing and guitar playing. Matt did his usual two-song solo bit, playing two songs I don't know, including a very slick replica of Motown soul, and a lovely piano solo. Jonathon Edwards was a very good opening act (have never seen him live before), and liked his playing the harp of some of Tom's songs at the end, although the music mixer never increased Jonathan's mic volume enough to really hear what he was playing, and he is such a good harp player. It would have been nice to pump up the mic so it was drowned out by Tom's guitar and vocals and Matt keyboard playing (great as usual). Birchmere, as usual, great sound system (except for mic that Jonathon used to accompany Tom and Matt in songs at the end) and great service (Colleen?), and good BBQ sandwich and good array of draft beers, which made my brother very happy, as he had three different kinds.
Would not have missed it! A packed audience. Superb performance by Matt Nakoa and Jonathan Edwards. Tom got off to a rough start but recovered nicely. The ad-lib was funny…. Something for old and young folks and in between. Can’t wait for the next one. Come prepared to relax, be absorbed in the music and stories and forget the troubles.
Tom Rush always gives a great concert and he did not disappoint!
It had been many years since I had last seen Tom Rush perform [The Cellar Door]. This show was good all-around. Tom's voice is very good and Matt Nakoa was an unexpected plus.
