We drove out to The Gorge Amphitheater (near George, Washington) Friday night to hear John Mayer. If you are not a fan of JM, it's all good. I wasn't a huge fan until last year when I started walking everyday and tuned into him on Pandora. When I'm walking my dog, I'm in a zone where I am able to hear only the music piping through my headphones, keeping my thoughts from scattering into a million pieces. He didn't sing it Friday night but one of the songs that hooked me on this phenomenal singer/songwriter is I Don't Trust Myself Loving You.
No, I'm not the man I used to be lately
See, you met me at an interesting time
And if my past is any sign of your future
You should be warned before I let you inside...
See, you met me at an interesting time
And if my past is any sign of your future
You should be warned before I let you inside...
The pinnacle moment of the evening, for us, was when he and his two equally talented band members belted out Stevie Ray Vaughn's Caught in the Crossfire. They could not have ramped up this song any more than they did. From there, he gave his guys a break while he switched guitars and played a couple of acoustic tunes that made me love him even more. Like, a serious John Mayer crush.
There is something about him that I find completely irresistible. I'd have to say first it is his songwriting. When I hear the lyrics, I think I understand him. Secondly, he is awkward and I really dig that about him. When he came onstage Friday night, he simply said good evening and started playing. I think he's a guy who isn't really all that comfortable with stardom and just wants to write and sing. I hope he always keeps it real. In the meantime, I feel like he is going to go down in music history as a great guitarist. He'll be 40 in October. I can't wait to see what he brings to the world next.
I'm not one to spend hard earned money on frivolous things like concert tickets but I'm glad I made the impulse buy this time. I truly can die happy.
Have you seen an artist that knocked your socks off?
love, susan
Oh that sounds like not only a fun night but a memorable experience. I don't know that much about John Mayer's music but your post certainly has given me some newfound appreciation for the man behind the music. I'll definitely be checking him out.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a great experience Susan.
Michele at Angels Bark
I think you'll enjoy his various works. Anybody who loves James Taylor will probably love John Mayer. He's a jacked-up James Taylor.
DeleteWell, I asked myself of all the many artists I have seen, 'who do I think connected best with the audience?' and I would have to say Kenny Rogers. Not sure he knocked my socks off though, lol.
ReplyDeleteI saw Kenny Rogers once when I lived in Fairbanks. We had to drive 6 hours to Anchorage to see him. I remember him walking around the stage, talking to the audience. He put on a great show.
DeleteTwo artists that "knocked my socks off" are #1: James Taylor and #2: Dolly Parton. James Taylor blew me away: I walked away from that show saying "I just know had we grown up in the same neighborhood, we would've been great friends." He was just so down to earth and really connected with the audience.
ReplyDeleteDolly Parton was also very interactive with her audience and fun. She pulled everyone into her stories and I'm sure everyone there walked away with a better impression of Dolly than what they came with, no matter how much they already loved her.
Thanks for sharing your John Mayer experience Susan.
Michele at Angels Bark
Oh, I think I'd feel that way about James Taylor as well. He is right up there on my favorites list.
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