In the beginning of the RARW tour Key West dragged, Paint my Masterpiece was old hat and for me the best song was Every Grain of Sand because it was so different from the album versions which to me, didn't sound sincere. Crossing the Rubicon wasn't even in the setlist yet. Everyone wanted Donnie's accordion like the album and it just didn't happen. But Caryl hit the finale right on the head even though she had only seen one show and I had seen 25. There was a short time when I thought Bob should stop playing EGOS (for reasons I won't go into) but miraculously over the first three years of the tour, all the songs and the dedication of the band, and especially Bob's piano playing just got better and better. Key West evolved to become a beautiful jazz duet between Bob and Charley, and then Bob and Tony. Doug changed his tune from being a seemingly impatient gum chewer pacing around the back of the band to a focused guitarist with a prominent stage-front position once he concentrated on learning the songs the way Bob wanted them played. At the end my favs were Crossing the Rubicon and Key West, but the ones that jumped the furthest for me quality-wise were I'll be your Baby Tonight because it turned into such a happy and sexy song from what it once was, That Old Black Magic because in the last days everyone got such a kick out of playing it, and Paint My Masterpiece, which Bob has always done more through his music than with a brush or a torch.
Love this piece! Re Key West, I'm one of the lucky ones who went to multiple shows, and it wasn't until my 3rd, the second night in Toronto, that I felt it really landed for me, "laden with meaning," as Caryn says. I felt it was the particular, quiet way just the sounds of Tony's acoustic and Bob's gentle piano supported his knowing, rich voice. Transformative for me. It's wonderful to hear it riveted that chatty crowd, because it's often been a time when folks go out for their bathroom breaks. Must have been a real stunner. I hope it conveys when the tape surfaces! Live Bob is the biggest gift 💝
Fantastic show! First time for me catching this tour. Grateful to catch. Not sure why such a scathing review of the setting. No love for the 'fly over states' once again. I, too, captured an audio recording of the show. Sounds fantastic to my ears. I was located in the first balcony.
In the beginning of the RARW tour Key West dragged, Paint my Masterpiece was old hat and for me the best song was Every Grain of Sand because it was so different from the album versions which to me, didn't sound sincere. Crossing the Rubicon wasn't even in the setlist yet. Everyone wanted Donnie's accordion like the album and it just didn't happen. But Caryl hit the finale right on the head even though she had only seen one show and I had seen 25. There was a short time when I thought Bob should stop playing EGOS (for reasons I won't go into) but miraculously over the first three years of the tour, all the songs and the dedication of the band, and especially Bob's piano playing just got better and better. Key West evolved to become a beautiful jazz duet between Bob and Charley, and then Bob and Tony. Doug changed his tune from being a seemingly impatient gum chewer pacing around the back of the band to a focused guitarist with a prominent stage-front position once he concentrated on learning the songs the way Bob wanted them played. At the end my favs were Crossing the Rubicon and Key West, but the ones that jumped the furthest for me quality-wise were I'll be your Baby Tonight because it turned into such a happy and sexy song from what it once was, That Old Black Magic because in the last days everyone got such a kick out of playing it, and Paint My Masterpiece, which Bob has always done more through his music than with a brush or a torch.
What a beautiful review Caryn!!….I want him to be smiling too!!
Love this piece! Re Key West, I'm one of the lucky ones who went to multiple shows, and it wasn't until my 3rd, the second night in Toronto, that I felt it really landed for me, "laden with meaning," as Caryn says. I felt it was the particular, quiet way just the sounds of Tony's acoustic and Bob's gentle piano supported his knowing, rich voice. Transformative for me. It's wonderful to hear it riveted that chatty crowd, because it's often been a time when folks go out for their bathroom breaks. Must have been a real stunner. I hope it conveys when the tape surfaces! Live Bob is the biggest gift 💝
What an amazing review! And that sneaky gonzo 😂
Caryn's elegant writing enhanced my memory of a recent RARW show that elevated me from a theater seat to the heavens.
Fantastic show! First time for me catching this tour. Grateful to catch. Not sure why such a scathing review of the setting. No love for the 'fly over states' once again. I, too, captured an audio recording of the show. Sounds fantastic to my ears. I was located in the first balcony.
Caryn, I am very sorry I misspelled your name, but very happy that you liked my review.