We’ve had a semi-drought in New Orleans. We used to get rain nearly every day in the summer. Those days seem to be gone baby gone.

What does that have to do with Jackson Browne? Here’s what: the sky opened up right after we parked three blocks from the Saenger Theatre where Jackson was playing. It’s on Canal Street, which is a wind tunnel during a storm. The wind gusted up to 35mph and blew the barricades at the Joy Theatre across the street around as if they were Lego barricades, not steel.

Speaking of barricades, Jackson closed his first set with this number:

I was wet by the time we got to the theatre. I dried off eventually, but I was cranky until Dr. A fetched me a double Maker’s Mark over ice. Thanks, babe.

I did some set list research before we went to the show. I learned that Jackson usually plays two sets for nearly three hours. I was gobsmacked that a 74-year-old would play such a long set. Jackson looked as fresh as a daisy at the end of the show.

It’s been a long time since I saw Jackson Browne live. I don’t recall as much snappy stage patter from my last Jackson show. His interactions with the audience were hilarious. Somebody kept calling for Running On Empty, which Jackson always closes with. He told the audience member that if they played it they’d have to stop. The requests kept coming and Jackson kept teasing them.

I wish I could take credit for the surprise inclusion in the set of Redneck Friend because I posted it in Odds & Sods on the day of the show. I’m not that egomaniacal although I think a lefty like Jackson Browne would like First Draft.

There was the hoped for shout-out to the late David Lindley before Call It A Loan, which they wrote together. Jackson called Mr. Dave his best friend. Dr. A and I were among the few people who cheered loudly at the mention of Lindley. The same thing happened when Jackson called I Am A Patriot a Little Steven song. Perhaps he should have called it a Silvio Dante tune.

Here’s Call It A Loan with Mr. Dave doing that polyester clad voodoo that he did so well:

Jackson was  in great voice, especially for a man who used to be a heavy smoker. When I saw him in the Eighties he smoked like Keith Richards on stage. This time, he drank water,

Some in the crowd hoped that Jackson would play nothing but oldies. I did not. He played lots of recent material, which pleased me. Jackson is a world class songwriter with much to say. I’m glad he’s not just a nostalgia act.

Back in the day, people noted their approval of an artist or song by holding up lighters. That’s been replaced by people holding up smart phones to film the show. Few of the videos are any good: I know that because I spend too much time on YouTube.

It was a great show and Dr. A was thrilled to see one of her faves for the first time. Jackson Browne  did not disappoint.

GRADING TIME: I give Jackson and his crack band 4 stars and an Adrastos Grade of A-.

The last word goes to the set list:

FIRST SET:

Don’t Let Us Get Sick  

Some Bridges

For Everyman

Black and White

The Long Way Around

Downhill From Everywhere

Until Justice Is Real

Somebody’s Baby

Doctor My Eyes

These Days

The Barricades of Heaven

SECOND SET:

Farther On

Time the Conqueror

For a Dancer

Something Fine

Rock Me on the Water

Call It a Loan

Redneck Friend

Your Bright Baby Blues

Take It Easy

The Pretender

Sky Blue and Black

Running on Empty

ENCORE:

I Am a Patriot  

The Load-Out/Stay