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I actually attended that 75th anniversary Joni show. A good friend* and colleague of mine was the MD on that show, along with Brian Blade, and he put me on the proverbial “list”, and so knowing nothing more about the show, i just went. It was in LA at the Frank Gehry designed auditorium (Walt DIsney Concert hall), and I ended up walking away from the concert realizing i had experienced something historic.
The lineup of notable singers was incredible. It included Seal, Rufus, Graham Nash, James Taylor, Norah Jones. Also, Diana Krall, whom i never really liked/disliked, but she performed these Joni Tunes amazingly. I was convinced of her powers and talents after this performance. (I think the material always needs to be strong, otherwise I won’t really care….which brings me to Brandi Carlisle).
Kris Khristofferson was also performing. He came out and was escorted by a young woman, whom I didnt recognize. She was holding KK’s arm as he was physically unstable. I was about 25 rows back, and she could’ve been anyone. But she was so warm with her supporting KK that I assumed it was a daughter or niece. The song started, and he was a bit disconnected already missing lyrics as he stumbled into the first verse, she joined in to assist him, just to get it rolling again, which he managed to do fine. Obv dementia had already set in for him. But her tiny helpful vocal interjection was absolutely noticed, as up to that point, I assumed she was a niece of his. Her voice was striking, and so expressive. I was shocked. Of course, as the song went along, she joined in and then there was the “ah haaaa” moment, where i and the people i was with said, “that’s got be Brandi Carlisle”, which of course, it was. Her voice is really something. She has “it” in spades. I think shes just so good., but also, in a way, “too good”. The material shes singing doesn’t seem to live up to her voice. When she sings something classic or known, she’s frighteningly amazing. But to me, her recorded material fails to move me. I can’t put my finger on anything. I’m still a huge admirer of her awesome talent. That was a memorable night, to be sure.
*Jon Cowherd, pianist, who’s parents both went to IU School of Music by the way. He also grew up a UK basketball fan, so, our conversations in that realm have been “strained”.