Okee dokee folks… Tonight at the Garde Theatre in New London, CT, it felt like 1969-space travel, with socially conscious songs and a Woodstock alumnus appearing. Projected onto the big screen behind the stage, astronauts descended from space and splashed down in the ocean. That moment was met with a wave of applause and cheers from the audience. The crowd had assembled for the Graham Nash concert but the show start was held about ten minutes until the space capsule safely landed. Not since the initial moon landing in 1969 have I felt like such a part of a collective viewing of a historical event.
Graham Nash took the stage immediately after and commented, “This was the best opening act I’ve ever see, cost me millions!” The song “Chicago” began the evening’s set. He followed with “Marrakesh Express” and “Wasted on the Way.” Nash introduced each song with a little background story about it or a dedication. “This is a song I wrote for Joni,” he noted before playing “I Used To Be King.” He talked about his father’s military service as an introduction for “Military Madness.” The crowd chanted “No War” during the closing chords and Nash thanked the audience for adding their voices to the song. “Milky Way” was dedicated to the astronauts. Graham told the story of how he and a Hollie’s bandmate went to a young kid’s house, just to appease someone who bugged them to do so, to hear a song that the 15 year old kid had written. The young man played the song “Look Through Any Window” and as we all know the Hollies recorded that one. He also played a song for them that he had written that very morning called, “Bus Stop,” which Nash launched into after the story.
Graham Nash has never been one to shy away from being politically outspoken and he interjected comments about the current state of this country, Tr@mp, and war into his song prologues, or even by changing the lyrics in some. The crowd cheered in support every time. “Field Worker” was followed by a rousing version of “Immigration Man,” which brought a mid-show standing ovation. Songs dedicated to Rita Coolidge – ”Better Days,” David Crosby – ”Critical Mass/Wind On The Water,” Stephen Stills – ”Love The One You’re With,” and military veterans against war – ”Oh Camil (the Winter Soldier)” brought the homestretch of the set. The tale of a bet with a “low-level drug dealer” was the inspiration for “Just A Song Before I Go,” which was one of CSN’s biggest hits. Nash’s two most famous songs, “Our House” to which Nash noted, “I can’t be the only person who is glad that Joni is still alive!” and “Teach Your Children” ended the show.
The audience, who loudly sang along with “Teach Your Children,” was on their feet and wanted more. The band obliged. “Find the Cost of Freedom” and “Woodstock” followed, but the crowd still wanted more. They went into a reprise of the chorus of the song, “Chicago” and the band sang, ”We Can Change the World.” “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” brought a satisfactory ending to the evening.
Nash’s backing band was stellar. Members Zach Djanikian, Adam Minkoff, Todd Caldwell were a powerhouse of instrumentation and vocals! Zach and Adam rounded out the CSN harmonies and rotated from guitar, to bass, to drums throughout the evening. Zach also added saxophone and mandolin. At one point during the night Minkoff played drums AND bass at the same time. Todd Caldwell was not to be left out of the mix and added tasty keys and vocals throughout.
At 84 years old Nash has no plans to slow down. If you have the opportunity to see one of these shows you should take it! I can honestly say that Graham’s concerts are some of the best performances that I have attended. Though CSN is no more, this is extremely close and it is a very satisfying substitute. The set list, the harmonies and the talent will leave you speechless!
I recorded a podcast with Graham a couple of weeks ago and photographed the show as well. You can find the links for both below.
Another note, The Garde Theatre in New London, though a not RI room, is one of my favorite places to see a show. It is just an easy hour drive, has ample parking, and the venue itself is wonderful – not a bad seat in the house. The staff are some of the nicest folks you will encounter anywhere. They often present events that we don’t get here in RI. Check it out! gardearts.org
That’s it for now. You can listen to my podcasts at motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast and find my photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening. johnfuzek.com