VIRB

So we drove to the Gorge yesterday for the JM/BF concert and it was even better than could have been expected. It was the first time I had ever had seats at the Gorge and it was really nice cause we didn't have to get there early to fight for a close spot on the lawn. The weather was perfect and the sunset behind the stage was incredible.

The opener was Rocco Deluca (I don't know if that's the guys name, or the band name, he never really said) It was ok, they jammed a little and played for about 20-30 minutes. The guy had pretty darn good voice.

Ben Folds was second and I was probably at least as excited (if not more excited) to see Ben Folds as I was John Mayer. He had the usual bass and drums with him while he played piano, but they were new guys who looked really young (they did a good job). Ben also played a little synthesizer that was right next to him which was basically there for comedy relief (It was hilarious). He played really low notes on it and made some jokes about low notes at high volumes will make a person "S**t their pants" Hilarious. My favorite songs from his set were "Not The Same" (with the crowd as back up vocals), "Kate", "Landed" and a cover of the Postal Service's "Such Great Heights". Ben Folds is an amazing song writer and performer and puts on a simple but very good show.

So halfway through Ben Fold's set, Chase and I had been standing up (and dancing, etc) for a couple songs and some guy behind us started yelling to sit down. So ridiculous! We sat down and then stood up again at the next song. People came up to us later and said they thought we should be able to stand up if we want to, and that the guys who were yelling were jerks. The best part was when we were walking out at the end of the night and heard multiple different parties of people talking about the whole incident.

Ok, so John Mayer comes on with his band and it was dark by now and the lights are all going crazy. He is an absolutely amazing guitar player. He just gets up there and jams. His tone is beyond perfect and his playing is flawless. He moves a lot with the music and really gets into it. I know John Mayer is thought of by a lot of people as just another pop star, and while he may not have any 'indy cred' he is a true musician. His skill and musical ability are incredible.

They mostly played songs off the new album "Continuum", with only one song ("Bigger Than My Body") off of "Heavier Things" and a few off of his debut "Room For Squares". Highlights were "Vultures" especially the jam at the end, the acoustic versions of "3x5" and "Slow Dancing In a Burning Room", "The Heart Of Life" and "Stop This Train". There were a few I was hoping for that they didn't play, "Clarity" and "Who Did You Think I Was" were two I missed the most.

All in all a very good show. I bought the John Mayer Trio album "Try!" which I have wanted for a long time. Next show I have planned is Sherwood (playing with Motion City Soundtrack) on July 7th (I think...). So I'll let you know how that goes.