LOCATION: Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
LINEUP: Karin, Linford, Matt Slocum, Devon Ashley, Rick Plant
REVIEW BY: roekbarnet
Hey folks, Just a quick note to say thanks for coming out in support of the current Christmas tour. You, the audience, have been especially gracious towards us. There has been alot of love in the room. It's hard to argue with sold out shows. And thanks of course to those of you bearing treats again... (Bob - the roses were beautiful and the cookies, outstanding as usual. We hope you made it home safely in the snow.) We, the band, spent our first day off in the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where we were pretty thrilled to see one of our own Emery posters on display for an exhibit of Ohio bands and musicians. It is only a poster, but a temporary exhibition, so if you're really a diehard, you might want to check it out sooner than later. Thanks to Howard Kramer for including us. Personally, I would recommend the Jeff Buckley exhibit. It includes an eight page handwritten letter. Incredibly moving. I think the general concensus was that we all could have spent another couple of days there. But we closed it down and headed for Pennsylvania under a clear December night sky. We'll put a few more shows under our belts to bring this year around to a close. I look forward to seeing you in these coming days. bring your lighters.... Karin
A fine show last night. The band seemed pretty together,and Karin was all smiles. Linford seemed playful,especially when sitting next to Karin at the keys. She repeatedly mentioned that he was "annoying her",but her smile contradicted her words. The cover of Hallelujah was especially well played;an instant favorite for me. The peak of the show had to be the final encore, Jack's Valentine. This usually isn't one of my favorites,but last night was the exception. They played a particularly funky version,and about 2/3 the way through the audience began to STOMP in time with the band. This led to an extended jam with the audience, followed by an unbelievably dynamic crescendo by the entire band to end the song. Certainly the best verson of Jack I've ever seen. It felt to me like maybe they had another encore planned,but decided to end the show after this one. That's OK,there was nothing more to say after this one! Set List: Hometown Boy Show Me Long Lost Brother Nobody Number One I Let It Go Darling Christmas Is Coming All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue I Radio Heaven Ohio Give Me strength Hallelujah Silent Night Poughkeepsie Let It Be encore: B.P.D. Jack's Valentine