Thursday, August 28, 2008

Concert Review and Photo Gallery: Tom Petty and Steve Winwood at AAC (August 27)

It's Good to be King

Susan Kandell

In Denver it may have been an historic night for Democrats, but here in Dallas we were too busy to notice. We had our own coronation to attend and it was unanimous – Tom Petty was crowned King of Rock n’ Roll.

Ok, I admit it. I’m a Petty-phile. At home, when I announce, “Tom’s coming to town,” my husband knows exactly what that means. Not some long-lost relative or friend coming to pay us a visit, but Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are headed our way. And judging from my extensive t-shirt collection, he’s been here many times.

The concert at the American Airlines Center opened with another icon of rock, Steve Winwood. Hell, I would have paid to see him play alone. Correction: I have paid to see him in concert – al fresco at Starplex/Smirnoff/Superpages.com (whatever alliterative name they’re known as these days) many years ago. And he didn’t disappoint. Playing a Hammond organ and singing some of his greatest hits from Spencer Davis Group and Traffic, I closed my eyes and went back in time.

He opened with a recognizable, but jazzed-up version of the 1967 song, “I’m a Man.”

Whoa – where’s the time machine? He looked the same, long and lean, and his voice sounded as clear and soulful as it did over forty years ago when he was the 19-year-old lead singer for the Spencer Davis Group. He continued the set with a song from his new album released earlier this year Nine Lives. And then he did something that I have never seen in concert: he thanked his crew. That was a nice touch. Of course, the obligatory band intros followed. Next up was "Dear Mr. Fantasy" (Traffic), sounding exactly as I had remembered it. And last (but not least) was “Higher Love” – a spiced up version replete with congas. And the spark was lit! The crowd (a mix of young and old and in-between) was clearly appreciative and almost every seat was filled early; unusual for an opening act. But no one was standing, presumably conserving their energy for the Petty and The Heartbreakers. And that was a wise decision.

Petty started off the evening with a boisterous rendition of “You Wreck Me” and we knew we were in for a wild ride. “I Won’t Back Down” was the first of the sing-alongs, but to tell the truth, Petty fans are a compulsive lot and sing along with all his songs. By the time he hit “Free Fallin’,” everyone was on their feet, never to return to the relative comfort of their stadium seats.

Note for note, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” sounded exactly as it does on the album. As the rule, most groups tweak their songs in concert and understandably so. How many times can a musician sing the same tune and have it sound fresh without tweaking the formula? But The Heartbreakers are the best back-up band in the biz. A couple of opening notes and instantly we respond. He finished the song by turning the spotlight on the audience. “Let’s look at this place,” he pauses, “That’s a good looking crowd!” And the crowd cheers in response; we’re all part of a mutual admiration society. Who cares if he obstructed his face with a beard and mustache?

Next up was the tune “End of the Line,” an homage to his time with the Traveling Wilberys. Now we’re more than an hour into the concert and we’re reintroduced to Steve Winwood. As he takes the stage, all embrace (didn’t they just see each other in Austin last night?) and Winwood thanks Tom and The Heartbreakers for their hospitality and generosity. Is this guy really that nice? No matter! He breaks into “Can't Find My Way Home” (Blind Faith) and a rollicking rendition of “Gimme Some Lovin'.”

We’re back to Tom for “Saving Grace,” (the “single” from Highway Companion) again instantly recognizable from the opening riffs. And then, with his arms out like a mock airplane, we’re pressed into service as back-up for “Breakdown.” It was followed by “Honey Bee.” It was a quiet ballad and did require assistance on vocals from the audience. We’re glad to oblige. No wonder I have no voice this morning!

And although he had his arms outstretched on many songs (pilot? preacher? mixture of both?) on “Learning to Fly” the audience was flying with him. Followed by “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” he encouraged a clap-along to accompany the up-tempo that was strengthened by the rhythmic glare of the strobe lights and a Joshua light-show for the 21st century. The last song before the obligatory encore was “Refugee” played note-for note from the original version.

Amid the cheering, whistling, and clapping, the AAC was on fire. Not with Bic lighters (that was so yesterday), but with cell phones waving overhead. It’s a strange sight, but at least they won’t literally burn the house down.

Petty and The Heartbreakers returned for three more songs. During an extended version of “Gloria,” he entertained the audience with a story and no one dared leave their seats for the exits. And he finished the concert, as he had so many times, with a stirring rendition of “American Girl.”

Thank you, your majesty, for gracing us with your presence. And we all look forward to your next visit. As they say, “The Waiting” is the hardest part.

Susan Kandell, in addition to being a PegNews user, writes movie reviews for Pop Syndicate.

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