After an impressive opening set by Kate Davis ( vocals, guitar, stand up bass) with a drummer and guitar on board that climaxed with a fun cover of the Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun”, Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin took the stage opening with a raggedy version of the Rolling Stones’s “Let’s Spend the Night Together”. The stage was set for a musical roller coaster ride with the two alternating songs, providing backing vocals for each other, and singing together. The packed City Winery was treated to a storyteller type evening with the two performers mixing their own songs with covers and included Browne introducing one of his songs as having been written for Albert Brooks to sing in a movie. There was obvious affection and admiration exchanged between the two and the crowd appeared to realize that they were witnessing a special performance.

The beautiful Shawn Colvin, who shared that she just celebrated her 59th birthday and said she would spend the next year planning her 60th, sang a wonderful version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than the Rest”. The two primarily played their acoustic guitars this evening but Jackson Browne played piano on Warren Zevon’s “Mohammed’s Radio” and Shawn Colvin covered Tom Waits “Freeway Cars and Trucks” also on the piano.

Another Springsteen song proved to be the emotional high point of the evening. With Browne on lead vocals and Colvin accompanying, American Skin (41 Shots) proved to be a politically charged focal point to the sometimes seemingly meandering set. The stark acoustic performance highlighted Springsteen’s powerful lyrics demanding admiration and attention whether you agreed with the message or not.

The iconic Judy Collins, who could be seen enjoying the show from a seat in the audience during the intimate performance, was brought on stage during the encores where she played on piano what was said to be the first song she ever wrote (with Colvin on backing vocals). Judy also joined the two for Jackson Browne’s classic “Take It Easy”.

The over two hour concert was an extraordinary glimpse into the artistry of two great performers and the fact that Browne and Colvin added an impromptu couple of encores made it quite obvious that they did not want the night to end either. A very special New York City evening was had by all.

They did stay
Just a little bit longer

Rock on

GQ