JOHN PRINE ALABAMA CONCERT REVIEWS 2005

Alabama Theater, Birmingham, AL
April 16, 2005

By: tommy zadick
I give it a 4 star. New album is also a 4 star. 

Folksy Prine's presence conveys fond spirit Monday, April 18, 2005 
MARY COLURSO News staff writer 
http://www.al.com/entertainment/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/111381581417911.xml
  The title of John Prine's next album, "Fair & Square," fits his live performances, too. 
  This masterful singer-songwriter, 58, comes from a folk tradition that emphasizes honesty, eloquence, humor and a sense of social justice. 
  He offers a down-to-earth concert for a reasonable price. He plays hard and well, to the best of his ability, and people respond accordingly. Perhaps that's why the Alabama Theatre looked full, or darn close to it, Saturday night in Birmingham. I
  t's been about four years since Prine paid a visit, and fans were more than ready to hear that scratchy voice, rubbing us exactly the right way. Aside from old favorites, Prine had a few new songs to toss into the mix, from a disc that'll be released April 26. These tunes proved that his lyrical gifts are richly intact, along with his ability to convey the beauty in life amid much sadness. 
  Simply put, Prine sure has a way with words. His 9 p.m. set list included "Crazy as a Loon," "Glory of True Love," "Taking a Walk," "Long Monday" and "She is My Everything." 
  No Prine show would be complete without "Lake Marie," and he dedicated that shimmering song, with its bittersweet storytelling, to two Ohio women in the front row. 
  The worshipful audience listened to unfamiliar material with rapt attention, sang along with favorites ("Souvenirs," "Whistle and Fish," "Donald and Lydia," "Angel From Montgomery") and shouted requests. But Prine, guitarist Jason Wilber and bassist Dave Jacques had their two-hour performance already figured out, and they delivered it skillfully. For President George W. Bush, Prine revived his political oldie "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore." It was a request, of sorts - as Prine put it, "He's asking for it." Funny thing about John Prine's music: Some of us require his presence to thoroughly enjoy it. 
  All of those albums are fine, but there's a wonderful spirit to his shows that never quite translates to recordings. May he return soon. E-mail: mcolurso@bhamnews.com 

By: Lemesa
Mexican Home was a special treat, I haven't heard him play that since Pensacola 2003. Birmingham show was an unbelievable show, seats were better but luckily I wasn't as emotional as Friday! John is so real and talented he brings tears to your eyes. Dave and Jason aren't to shabby either! Enjoyed meeting all my Prine family at Hemingways, Atl., and B-Ham (lets make it a more frequent occasion, those of us in Atl. should be ashamed if we don't celebrate from time to time). Reeda--- You really are the mother I shoud've had! XOXOX

By: ChrisGTL
A John Prine show - a great reason to get out of town. Lucky for my my mother lives in N. Alabama and when I saw tour date in Bham with Keb Mo, I knew I had to go. So Friday after work I took off from Louisville, KY for the drive down. I took my mom (78 years young) to the show. We had a wonderful time. The Alabama is a gorgeous theatre with great sound. As I saw quite a few shows last year I had the set list in my head, but with the new album coming out, the routine was mixed up a bit. Songs included in the show from the new CD were: Crazy as a Loon Glory of True Love Some Humans Ain't Human She is My Everything There might have been more, but I just can't recall as this time. Added bonus was being able to pick up the new CD before the release date. Can't wait for Louisville Show.

By: Spence
I've been looking forward to last night and the night before for a long time. Now that it's over I'm a little sad, but I have tons of great memories from two outstanding shows. The set list was as follows: Spanish Pipedream, Flag Decal, Six O'Clock News, Souvenirs, Fish and Whistle, Glory of True Love, Takin' a Walk, All the Best, Angel From Montgomery, Long Monday, Crazy as a Loon, Donald and Lydia, Dear Abby, Clay Pigeons, That's the Way That the World Goes 'Round, Sam Stone, Bear Creek, She's My Everything (John on electric), Ain't Hurtin' Nobody (John on electric), Some Humans Ain't Human, Hello in There, Lake Marie, enc. Christmas in Prison, Sweet Revenge (John on electric), Paradise (with Keb' Mo' on mando and friend on banjo). Dave was giving the bass hell last night and Jason made the late Luther Perkins look like an amateur. John's voice was great as always. I got the honor, for the second night in a row, of sitting on the same row as Reeda. It was nice to meet you, Reeda. Thank you for all you do.

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