We had a wonderful time seeing three fantastic performers this weekend. Imagine Terri Hendrix, Nanci Griffith and Judy Collins in one spectacular show.
We arrived very early at Montclair High School in North Jersey to be sure that we would find the auditorium and not get stuck in traffic on the parkway. This allowed us to be close to the front of the line when the doors opened. We managed to get two seats in the center of the very front row, about 20 feet away from the performers.
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Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines (Grammy winner for producing the Dixie Chicks 2002 album Home – as noted by the emcee), led off the show. As always, Terri and Lloyd played and sang with skill and joy. Terri played guitar and mandolin, with Lloyd accompanying her on guitar and dobro while adding backup vocals. They opened with "Hole in My Pocket" (which Marsh predicted they would play)
Show me ways to save my soul
show me ways to save my soul
I've got a hole in my pocket
where it all slips away
They also played the title track from Terri’s newest CD (due out in July) "The Spiritual Kind", and Terri’s signature song "Wallet".
You've got to own your own universe
roll in the grass and kiss this earth
and keep my name on your mind
and my number in your wallet
for when you got the time
They finished up with the raucous "Take Me Places", which features both strenuous strumming and vocals, ending with Terri singing scat in several octaves.
Take me to Mexico
wake me up in Singapore
Maybe we can see morocco
Take me where I've never been before
rat tat tat rat tat tat etc...Come on baby let's go let's go
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Nanci Griffith followed, delivering songs with a wonderful clear high voice. She added a dose of political commentary, while relating stories of her beloved "chain smoking, scotch drinking, socialist" mother, and her inspiring hip (with a finger snap), jazz musician, two-time WWII POW step dad.
She culminated her performance with a great rendition of "From a Distance", which she was the first to record. She then brought Terri and Lloyd back on stage for a great version of the Buddy Holly tune, "Well...All Right". Nanci declared herself as an honorary "Crickette".
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Finally, the magnificent Judy Collins took the stage in a sequined suit and a glorious mane of flowing white hair. The emcee asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday – Judy turns 68 on May 1st.
Playing 12 string guitar, and accompanied on piano, she opened with terrific versions of "Both Sides Now" and Someday Soon". She also included a cover of Harry Chapin’s "Cat’s in the Cradle", which she insisted everyone join in on.
Judy also added her own key board and piano (she was a young piano prodigy before moving to the guitar). She told stories and sang of growing up in Colorado, joining the New York folk scene in the early 60’s with the likes of Joan Baez, Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan.
For an encore, Judy brought Nanci Griffith back out for an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace".
What a finish. What a night.
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Memorable Concert Quotes:
Terri Hendrix, introducing her song "The Spiritual Kind"
"Spiritual people inspire me.
Religious people frighten me."
Nanci Griffith told of repeating this quote from Texas journalist Molly Ivins in front of a group of fellow Texans.
"Next time I tell you someone from Texas should not be president of the United States, please pay attention."
Judy Collins before singing Harry Chapin’s "Cats in the Cradle" said that she thinks Harry is up in heaven "Looking for a word to rhyme with ‘indictment’".
