Glen Hansard and Iron Wine

[Nuge]

Last night at the Paramount. Unbelievable! Totally stripped down. Just a man on the stage with an acoustic/electric guitar.

Glen Hansard could have a second career as a stand up comedian. Hilarious stories in between (and sometimes during) songs. Great, great voice that needs no microphone to project. When he sang "leave" I got goosebumps. It is rare when a performer can draw you into the place where they find inspiration but we (the audience and glen) all seemed to get there. I noticed a lot of people with reactions similar to mine. After the song was over everybody was talking to their neighbor and either rubbing their neck or forearms. It was SO powerful.

Sam (of Iron & Wine) must have been baked out of his head. He was hilariously stoned and forgetful. His stories meandered but when he sang...wow.

This was my first live performance at the Paramount and all I have to say is why in the world don't they schedule more performances there? It was a phenomenal setting for an acoustic show. The performers really got a chance to interact with the audience and you could really tell that they enjoyed it too.

 

[VYFan]

Many, many years ago I saw a concert there with Harry Chapin, accompanied just by his brother. From scanning the internet, it seems it was April 1978. Anyway, it was the most intimate and wonderful experience. Your post reminded me of that magical evening.

 

[l00p]

Sounds like something that Robyn Hitchcock would do or does. His solo stuff with just a guitar and microphone is awesome. Very smart, very witty, very cool.

 

[johnny chimpo]

I really, really wished I could have seen that.

A few years ago the wife and I saw Bruce Hornsby at the Paramount, and agree it is a fantastic venue for the right type of music.

 

[Titan]

My wife and I attended the show as well...agree with everything Nuge said. Great, great performance by both artists...never heard of Hansard before that evening but walked away wanting to purchase some of his music. "Leave" was easily the highlight of his set...and the story he shared regarding friends in Ireland that converse with spirits was very touching.

As soon as Sam Beam started chatting with the crowd I leaned to my wife and said "he must have smoked a ****-ton of pot before taking the stage"...either that or he's just generally a scatter-brained individual. Every single one of his songs was meaningful and moving...was especially pleased to hear "Such Great Heights", as this was the song played at our wedding.

 

[Nuge]

That's funny. The other couple in our group got married to that song too. They were very happy to hear it performed live.

If you enjoyed Glen Hansard go rent the movie "Once". Some of the songs that were performed (including Leave) come from that movie. If you have seen and enjoyed "The Commitments" you will like this movie. It is one of the best that I've seen in the past few years.