Patti in Central Park

["dagosta" <dagosta>]

It was fascinating to see Janet Hamill perform. She and Patti went to school together and have been friends for a long time, so it's no surprise that their work is very similar. The difference, I think, is that Patti's is music with poetry and Janet's is poetry with music. They use many of the same themes (and many of the same words. I imagine that they've had many conversations about the poetic use of "seas", "sees" and "sieze.") Morning star shares many musical sensibilities with PSG. Janet's more beat poet than punk, however, which gives the music a different flavor. It was really interesting to see that contrast up close and personal. I will say that if you like Patti, you should consider picking up Janet's CD. You'll probably like it. 

Patti was under the weather the last couple of times I saw her but last night she was "on." Everybody was really "on" last night (including surprise guitarist Jackson Smith). It should be no surprise the Fred Smith's son would be a very good guitar player, but I was surprised. Jackson's a VERY good player. He wasn't thoroughly familiar with all of the songs, so Tony provided cues here and there. Whereas the CBGB gig was rather somber (all those spirits floating around). This gig was absolutely celebratory and very much a tribute to Jerry Garcia. I don't recall seeing any band have as much fun as the kids had last night.

Patti was as animated as I've seen her in a long time and her voice just keeps getting stronger. It continues to amaze me, as I've seen other artists slow down as they get older, that the years seem to have no effect on Patti.

Patti was having so much fun dancing around and engaging the audience that she forgot to get back to her mic a few times. It was fun to watch. At one point she told the photographers at the edge of the stage to, "get the fuck out of here." Then, of course, she smiled that big shit-eating grin of hers. I'm not sure if she was kidding - you're never sure of that, but within seconds, the front of the stage was devoid of photographers. 

The set list was something resembling a "greatist hits" set list. I assume that that's the set for the European tour. No real surprises except a very different version of "Barefoot." Very clipped and staccato with almost, but not quite, a dance beat.

In July, Lenny told me that the next PSG album was going to be all covers. They did smokin' versions of both "Like a Rolling Stone" (with thousands of people singing along) and "Not Fade Away" (another tribute to Jerry). Thankfully, Tony didn't do "Like a Rhinestone Cowboy." After the CBGB gig, I couldn't get that damn song out of my head for a month. 

There's nothing like seeing Patti at home.