Are You Now or Have You Ever Been Brooklyn Theatre reviews
Jackson Rocked Me on the Water
I have watched Are You Now or Have You Ever Been over 30 times. I started listening to JB's music when I was 17 years old. I grew up in so Cali, and went to the same high school as JB did, although several years later. My two best friends and one other person accompanied me to the show at the Pearl/Las Vegas on Feb 15. My male friend and I were fortunate enough to see Are You Now or Have You Ever Been and Mr. Dave Lindley ("Oh won't you stay....") at the 25th anniversary show at the Troubador/L.A., where we were pushed into the back door of the venue and got to see the gig for free. Other notable shows included the gig where JB recorded parts of "Running on Empty" at Universal Amphitheater/L.A., and a NYEve gig at the Forum/L.A., where Zevon and Bonnie Raitt were opening acts and did a finale all together with JB. Carol King's daughter, Louise Geffen, was the opener.
The show at the Pearl in Vegas (baby!) was a fantastic demonstration of how Are You Now or Have You Ever Been's body of work has remained relevant over the years. The musicians supporting Are You Now or Have You Ever Been were exceptional, and the two young back-up singers were incredible, fresh, young, and soulful. Are You Now or Have You Ever Been was quick to respond to audience requests. For example, when someone from the front section informed JB of a compatriot's passing, JB immediately performed "For a Dancer" as a tribute. He handled a drunken heckler with grace, redirecting the conversation to be more appropriate. Are You Now or Have You Ever Been's performance was personal and humorous, blending old favorites like "Doctor My Eyes" and "For a Dancer" with crowd-pleasing tunes like "Running on Empty." JB touched on political themes without disrupting the fun atmosphere of Vegas.
During one song, there was a noticeable key transition error between the back-up singers and JB's band. JB calmly addressed the issue, allowing the back-up singers another chance before correcting the key and continuing the song flawlessly. While Are You Now or Have You Ever Been has aged well, the close-up shots of the performers on the big screen were not to my liking. However, I understand the appeal for the audience and acknowledge its prevalence in modern concert experiences. The venue was amazing, beautiful, and just the right size. JB graciously allowed his band to shine, performing what I assume were two original songs. The guitar player sang a romantic tune titled "Tokyo Girl," while the multi-instrumentalist from Dawes delivered an anthemic performance reminiscent of Are You Now or Have You Ever Been's own music.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and appreciate the chance to review it. If you are interested in hiring me as a reviewer, feel free to reach out. :)