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Oct 08, 2014 Jackson Browne By Robert Altman Photography by Robert Altman

Some people age well—“successful agers” as they say. After 66 years and over 18 million albums sold, a bit of wear and tear is to be expected. And a “bit” is all that Jackson Browne shows. Looking youthful—and sounding equally so—he has lost very little over the years. Of course time is not always kind to music. Yet here too the term “successful aging” is an apt description for the way time has treated the 42 year span of Browne’s musical output. You can’t run on empty, and Jackson Browne doesn’t have to worry about his fuel gauge.

From “Doctor My Eyes” (1972) to songs from his latest album, Standing in the Breach (2014) –on its’ official release day—the audience followed the various twists and turns of a truly iconic career. It is easy to forget how many classic hits were created by the man standing on the Beacon Theater stage. Just a man, a smooth voice, and a guitar as the foundation. Recently Browne has been touring solo, with a backdrop of over 20 guitars as his only stage accessory. Last night he was joined by a full band, which added richness to the sound. Not to say that Jackson Browne didn’t still switch guitars frequently. Like any expert craftsman, one requires the proper tools.

For over two hours Browne kept a packed Beacon Theater thrilled to relive a history of rock and roll. Unlike his solo shows (which have no pre-determined songs) there was a setlist taped to the floor, suggesting that bringing along other musicians does inhibit some freedom and spontaneity. In fact the set list seemed to be a rough outline, with Jackson responding to audience requests and changing course mid-set. Some scurrying around to go over a few details with his fellow players and an occasional guitar swap seemed to be the only hiccup these mid-course corrections caused. Each song was accompanied by an interesting fact or anecdote, involving and engaging the audience throughout. His fellow musicians were all more than up to the task of keeping up with the twists and turns of a musical legend.

Most of the (older) concert-goers are probably unaware how truly unique the spontaneity and flexibility they were witnessing is in today’s overly scripted and planned music world. It made the show more like a conversation than a lecture- though certainly dominated by the man in the spotlight! Only a musician as completely in control of his oeuvre and instruments can be so casually free on stage. It was an artist who seemed to just now be reaching his performance prime. Whatever small amount his voice may have lost was more than made up for by the depth of his catalogue and ease in performing that can only come with a “few” years. From heartbreak to triumph, loves lost—found—rediscovered Browne’s songs cover the gamut. A little politics gets thrown into the mix. Heavy on ballads, with some up-tempo tossed in. The product of a life lived—no shortcuts to that.

It was an evening that few will forget. Getting re-acquainted with a musical genius-and having it feel like spending time with a long-lost friend. Not as some throwback or reminiscence, but rather as a rediscovery of musician and music that define an era.

Setlist

1. The Barricades of Heaven

2. Looking Into You

3. The Long Way Around

4. Leaving Winslow

5. Shaky Town

6. Doctor My Eyes

7. I’m Alive

8. For a Dancer

9. You Know the Night

10. Fountain of Sorrow

Break

11. Rock Me on the Water

12. Which Side

13. Standing in the Breach

14. Looking East

15. If I Could Be Anywhere

16. The Birds of St. Marks

17. These Days (Nico cover)

18. The Pretender

19. Running on Empty

Encore

20. Take It Easy (Eagles cover)

21. Our Lady of the Well

22. I Am a Patriot (Little Steven cover)

(www.jacksonbrowne.com)