Shaffner Photography: September 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

Prime Prine

John Prine captivated the audience at the Orpheum Theater Saturday night. From the opening notes of the playful “Spanish Pipedream,” to the soulful and somber “Hello In There,” Prine performed with grace and intensity throughout a two hour set. The encore included a special guest appearance by opener Pieta Brown for an eagerly anticipated “In Spite of Ourselves” duet. It made perfect sense for her to join Prine onstage as the original duet was sung with Iris Dement, who is married to Brown’s father, Greg Brown.

Highlighting Pieta’s set was a story she told about being booked to play a gig with J.J. Cale. She said she walked in and saw Cale leaning on a wall talking to Tom Petty and was so overcome with awe and emotion she had to go to her tiny dressing room and write a song about it.

Prine’s set was all highlights: “Souvenirs,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” Hello In There,” “Space Monkey,” and all of the other songs were eaten up by the appreciative crowd. His warm voice was a bit raspy but it just seemed aged like a good wine, more seductive, more character. It only adds to the credibility he has as he tells his stories that make you feel the ups and downs of life.