John Prine SCOTLAND CONCERT REVIEWS

Queen's hall, Edinburgh, Scotland
June 24, 2004

By: Tom Doig
“So, what is it you like about John Prine, then?” asked the knowledgeable taxi driver when I was on the way to join my wife for the gig. I was unprepared for the question. I could have coped with “how many times have you seen him?”…” “What’s the farthest you’ve driven for a gig?” etc, but why one likes John Prine is a bit more intangible and difficult to define. Sometimes taxi drivers have a knack of going for the jugular, question-wise. The cabbie was long gone with my “Dunno… just because!” answer when I satisfied myself that the reason I was here to re-charge my Prine batteries. I got the booster, a trickle charge, and a top-up of electrolyte on the night. So to the gig… For regulars like us, there was the comfort of the stalwart support of Jason Wilber and David Jacques to whom we have become accustomed and who provided the sympathetic backdrop throughout, like one hand washing the other. My initial delight was tempered with a disappointment with the hall acoustics but as time went by, that feeling diminished. I don’t know if someone tweaked an audio level somewhere or if it was just me, but focus shifted to the songs, most old, a couple new. John’s voice was even gruffer than usual and it was apparent that he was having a little trouble. He even paraphrased some of his own song lyrics on occasion referring to the “frog in my throat”. Alternating between a swig of water and a swig of Benolyn, John gave as good as we have seen and come to expect, for a magic couple of hours. We can forgive him the occasional croak, and perhaps be inspired by his resilience. On the faster numbers, John’s left leg flailed like he was trying to disentangle an imaginary cable, but it was obvious that he was enjoying it, as was the audience. There were the poignant moments too, and the full spectrum of those Prine slants on life that can’t be defined. His little in-between stories seemed a little more embellished this time round, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they were Benolyn-enhanced as he seemed to be more relaxed, laid-back and just having a plain good time than I can recall. I caught a couple of classic Prine similes in the new songs which I recall being clever and poetic, but as I was concentrating on enjoying the concert rather than taking notes, these will have to wait until the tracks come out. So we’re no further forward in answering the cab driver’s question.

By: Peter Leslie www.peterleslie.com
I was initially disappointed when I discovered that Jason was not the warm-up which had been hinted at on the Mark Radcliffe radio show three days before. I was looking forward to hearing Jason in his own right but it was not to be. Instead we were treated to a newcomer called Roddy Hart - a 24 year old singer songwriter who was impressive. Roddy ran through a 40 minute set which was enough to make me buy his debut album - "Home Tapes" from the bar. On to the main act and a two hour set from John who was suffering from throat problems which improved as the show progressed with more than a little help from Benylyn (Non Drowsy!). Launching with the now trademark Spanish Pipedream - a great song to open with and then onto one which George Bush had forced him to unretire Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore. This was preceded by a story about how they were flying into Ireland the next day but that the airport had been closed due to the aforementioned Bush arriving for a Summit. As a die hard Priner, I go to these shows as much for the stories as the songs. John has excellent comic timing and this time we were entertained to stories for All The Best, Bottomless Lake and That's The Way The World Goes 'Round, New songs were I'm Just Gettin' By, Long Monday, Bear Creek and That's Alright By Me. Missing was The Other Side Of Town although it was great to hear the new stuff which sounds pretty good. He spoke of a new album for 2005 or just as soon as he can write another 4 songs. He is producing the album himself. The Queens Hall is a poor venue both from a seating point of view - some people were right on top of the stage, and the sound was shocking at times. Hopefully when he next visits he will choose a better venue. That apart though Mr. Prine remains a master of his craft and few could have been disappointed by the show. It never ceases to amaze me how many 'first timers' I meet at these shows and yet when I say that I am going, I am met with the usual John WHO? In many ways this serves to add to the mystique that is John Prine. 

By: Kevin Moug
Dear Abby, Dear Abby
Don’t that beat it all
I’ve just seen John Prine
Down at the Queen’s Hall
There’s something I have to get off of my chest
Of singer / songwriters John Prine is the best
Signed Ecstatic

Ecstatic, Ecstatic
Your thinkin’s too slow
Try telling us something that we didn’t know
Well Kris may be handsome and Dylan is fine
But the best of them all is the one called John Prine

Dear Abby, Dear Abby
He sang ‘Chain of Sorrow’
At the concert last night
In old Edinboro
His voice may be gruff and his voice may be deep
But his songs are the kind that make growin’ men weep
Signed The Sizzler

O Sizzler, O Sizzler
Your thinkin’s too slow
Try telling us something that we didn’t know
If anyone doubts you then make no mistake
They’ll be sittin’ at the bottom of the Bottomless Lake

Dear Abby, Dear Abby
It sure makes me gladder
To hear John Prine sing
‘The happy Enchilada’
You don’t think it’s maybe goin’ too far
To think that John Prine is the world’s greatest star
Signed Sam Stoner

Sam Stoner, Sam Stoner
Now don’t get me wrong
But the drugs that you’re takin’
May just be too strong
Get out of the daylight, get into your bed
Lay off of the cocaine, try Benelyin instead

Signed Dear Abby

By: Neil - Dundee
John looked older than on his last visit and his voice was gruffer but he quickly warmed up the audience with his own brand of humour that is so well timed. Despite his voice being under par he demonstrated that he is such a craftsman in the way he not only writes a song, but delivers a story, to convey a message that few other singer song writers can match. Johnny Cash possibly comes the closest. His tribute song to June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash - an old Carter Family tune was pure class! The whole band (all 3) absolutely enjoyed hammering the song out in a manner that both June and Johnny would have endorsed. - If your looking for 4 tracks for your new album - put a live version of the Carter Family track on the album, -it was obvious you all loved playing it. The venue was packed, the audience hung on his every word, especially his new material, as we were hearing his stories for the first time "I'm just Getting By" - it was pure theatre at its best. John himself was tireless energy even with the help of his "drowsy" benolyn. His voice grew stronger after the intake of benoyln. Many other performers would have cut their performance short, having played for 2 hours in Manchester the previous night- but he is a professional performer who gives his all. I would have paid the whole price of the ticket again just he hear his delivery of Lake Marie - what a ballad and what a performance. I believe him when he says I'll be back - I'll definitely be back. He touched the audience and the audience touched him. When he returns I for one will be there.

By: Bernie from the West Midlands
This was the concert my very best friend went to see, he goes to as many John Prine concerts as he possibly can. Above all other artists John is by far his MOST favourite. I sat with my friend and watched a CD of one of John's concerts in Nashville and I have to admit I would love to see him live. John writes and sings his music with an honesty of life and experience that touches everyone in some way. I have to admit I was surprised by his rather ruggish exterior but that made what he said in the words of his songs all the more potent. He strikes me as not out to impress or pull at heartstrings, he just sings what he thinks and feels and if you feel the same way then that's just fine.

By: Mrs Fallon Edinburgh
John Prine demonstrated that he is a master craftsman in the way he crafts a song to deliver a message that can take you through the full spectrum of emotions. It is often what is not said as much as what is said in the songs he crafts. His voice is past its best, but his delivery was excellent, including his stories in between songs, that gave a greater insight into the humour that often lurks just beneath the surface of many of his songs. I could listen to him talk all night, as each word he uses is not wasted. It is this art that he uses when crafting his songs. John was in a very relaxed mood and his personality and warmth was clearly felt by the audience. It was a real privilege to be there to listen and watch this master craftsman at work. His Cater Family number was superb, in tribute to June Cater Cash and Johnny Cash. Please put it on your next album. It means you only have then 3 more songs to write. You are never short changed when John Prine is in town. Yes there are some songs you would have liked to hear that didn't get played, but one is just grateful for the songs and stories that we did here.

By: JIMMY MON
Well another great night with John Prine and the boys Different side of the country this time but just as good I thought the queens hall might be a let down but I was proved wrong sound was really good Cant say a bad word the guys in the band were brilliant as usual Hope the new cd is as good if not better than the rest PURE DEAD BRILL AS WE SAY IN SCOTLAND COME BACK SOON JOHN

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