Concert Review: Jackson Browne - "LIVE in Thousand Oaks, CA"

Jackson Browne Live @ Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks, CA March 9, 2011

Jackson Browne has been performing his laid back style of singer/songwriter California rock for almost 40 years. Some might even say he invented it. Last night, the youthful 62 year-old proved that he is definitely not "running on empty." (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Browne is currently in the middle of a solo acoustic tour and last night - for over two hours - he entertained the packed house with just his voice, guitar, piano and a little humor.

The audience was more mature in age (wink) than the usual concert crowd but that didn't stop them from yelling out requests between every song like a bunch of grade schoolers looking for attention! It was hard to tell if Browne like it or loathed it. Sometimes he seemed open to it and obliged and sometimes he would just tell the audience he wanted to play songs that he hasn't played in a while. Note to the dummy who yelled "Free Bird:" It's not funny anymore and to be honest was probably only funny once.

Back to the music.

Playing songs from his first album, "Jackson Browne" all the way up to his current release "Time The Conquerer," Browne dug deep into his catalogue. While this worked well for the hardcore fans, it left quite a few hits out of the set list which might have pleased the casual fan. There was no "Doctor My Eyes," "Somebody's Baby," or "Lawyers In Love." Instead, the audience was treated to songs that haven't been played in a long time like the show opener "Farther On" from his 1976 release "Late For The Sky."

The most humorous portion of the show came when Browne obliged a fan by playing the song "Shaky Town" from the album "Running On Empty" which was written by Danny Kortchmar with lyrics forgotten by Jackson Browne... forgotten tonight that is! After a few attempts, Jackson asked his roadie for a copy of the lyrics and when they arrived Browne admitted, "Now it really gets embarrassing… I need my glasses." Without missing a beat, the roadie removed his and handed them to the singer who finished the song without a hitch. This is a perfect example of what makes Browne an "in the moment" performer. Nothing seems staged and there is no fake patter repeated night after night. What you see at that moment is just for that audience. The songs may not change that much from show to show but the mood certainly does.

The show closed out with three songs hand-picked to please all: "The Pretender," "Running On Empty," & "Take It Easy."

I've seen Browne in concert many times and this show was as good as any. The mix of dark heartfelt lyrics plus fun upbeat stories and banter left all who attended smiling on the way to the parking garage.

Drumroll please: 8 out of 10 drumsticks!