Founding father Benjamin Franklin was once quoted as saying "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Had Ben ever been lucky enough to attend a Jackson Browne concert, he might have reworded that nugget of wisdom to include the certainty of Browne's ability to always deliver a solid evening of entertainment every time he takes the stage.
Tuesday night's stop on Browne's current solo acoustic tour was no exception; the ace singer, songwriter and storyteller held a nearly sold-out crowd captive for the better part of two solid hours at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Quietly taking the large empty stage lined with his cabinets of guitars, Browne was met with an eruption of enthusiastic applause and cheers from the mostly 50-and-up-aged crowd.
Without the aid of an opening act, Browne got right down to business and hit the stage right on time. Kicking off with an exquisite version of "Off of Wonderland" from 2008's Time The Conqueror, it was obvious that Browne was in fine vocal form, as he usually is. As one of the few veteran artists whose vocal abilities haven't waned a bit, Brown's rich, emotive delivery proved as cool and poignant as ever.
Coasting through a virtual roadmap of his 45-year catalog of hits and deep cuts, Browne, who rarely sticks to a rigid setlist, playfully engaged amid playing songs off the cuff and via the sometimes loud suggestions that come ringing out from the seats. Sometimes he bypassed the requests, but, on several occasions, he obliged and delivered sparkling versions of the suggested songs the crowd demanded.
A perfect example was the jaunty version of 1983 nugget "For A Rocker" he uncovered via suggestion. Utilizing an electric guitar for the lively tune, Browne joked "I don't know if you'll like it like this!" referring to the stripped down version of a song that's better suited for the full band treatment. But, nonetheless, Browne tackled it alone and, in doing so, solidified his uncanny ability to command a full house strictly on his own.
Bathed in a single stark spotlight and clad in single button up shirt and faded jeans, Browne exemplified what true musicianship and charisma are all about. Without the need for fancy lights, effects or gimmicks, Jackson Brown relied instead on raw emotion and musical prowess.
In light of the untimely death of good friend, songwriting collaborator and founding member of country rock band The Eagles, Glenn Frey, Browne simply referred to it being a "sad, sad day" as he regretfully shook his head, almost in disbelief. A moment of realization and gratitude came when he thanked everyone for allowing him to sing his songs and let them weave in and out of the lives of so many; a heartfelt moment that was greeted with rounds of thunderous applause.
Taking a few turns seated behind a grand piano that also adorned the stage, Browne further showed off his many musical gifts by delivering stunning piano-driven versions of some of his very best songs, namely gorgeous 1974 ballad "For A Dancer" from his classic Late For The Sky LP.
A short intermission did nothing to affect the momentum Browne had worked up. Set two was every bit as engaging as the opening segment and featured plenty of favorites as well.
With the aid of old friend and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Jimmy Fadden, Browne's set was punctuated with some pretty soulful harmonica playing courtesy of the Sarasota resident. His classic "These Days" benefited most with the subtle accompaniment Fadden provided.
A personal highlight came in the shape of an absolutely perfect reading of his classic 1976 anthem "The Pretender," which brought the hall to a hush. Browne's impressive piano skills colored this already expressive and provoking gem and raised the message to a whole new level.
Closing with the equally stirring signature tune "Running on Empty," Browne was greeted with a hearty sing-along session from the crowd that was mostly on its feet at this point. And, to end on a high, poignant note, Browne ended the night with a song that isn't normally equated with his name. Paying tribute again to his late friend Frey, Browne commemorated his passing by ending with a rousing version of "Take It Easy," one of the many monster hits by The Eagles that happens to have been co-written by Browne.
A night filled with plenty of emotional moments and musical surprises is one most in attendance won't soon forget. For a veteran artist who often includes the Tampa Bay area in his tour schedules, Jackson Browne never fails to deliver the goods each and every time he visits a local venue, a certainty his most loyal followers know better than anyone.
Setlist
Off of Wonderland
I'll Do Anything
For a Rocker
The Long Way Around
For a Dancer
Late For The Sky
Farther On
Never Stop
Doctor My Eyes
Just Say Yeah
Looking Into You
Intermission
For Everyman
A Child in These Hills (with Jimmie Fadden)
These Days (with Jimmy Fadden)
Call It a Loan
I'm Alive
Your Bright Baby Blues
Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate
The Pretender
Love Needs a Heart
Encore
Running on Empty
Take It Easy
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2016.