Concert Review: Citizen Cope at the House of Blues (October 9)

by Brenna Rushing

Red, green, and blue lights are creating a serene mood while acoustic notes float around the room. Clarence Greenwood knows how to entertain a crowd with just his guitar and deep, monotone voice. He is also known as Citizen Cope, the band that blends reggae, indie, and soft rock together.

He is playing a solo acoustic set tonight at the House of Blues. There are seats where general admission normally is, which supports the quiet show that’s expected.

There is a living room scene set up on stage with a lime green couch, a chair, a piano, and a metal peace sign adorned with flowers. We all know, or think we know, what Greenwood includes in his “take it easy” lifestyle…

The singer comes onstage 30 minutes late; no surprise here because he’s famous for starting late. There are no complaints from fans either. “Every Waking Moment,” the title of his newest album, is his opener. He sounds just as good live as on his records.

The Tennessee-born turned New Yorker makes performing in front of a sold-out crowd look easy. He switches from acoustic to electric guitar throughout the show, singing as if practicing for the real thing the entire time.

Instead of continuously talking to the crowd, he just says a few words of welcome and gratitude. Half the show was completely acoustic, but “Hurricane Waters” brought the background music. From then on he played along with the recordings.

It’s apparent he loves what he does, but it really comes out in “Let the Drummer Kick.” This song is one of his more famous singles. It talks about staying strong in doing what you love. Greenwood pounds his chest and closes his eyes as he strums his guitar.

He plays mostly from his sophomore album, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings. This album seems to be where his heart and soul is, and where his fan base grew. Most of the songs that were sung along with were from this record.

“Sideways” and “Son’s Gonna Rise” were his encore songs. He really saved the best for last. “Sideways” brought all the mushy people out because of the sickeningly sweet lyrics.

Greenwood’s heart comes out in his music, displaying his creative as well as romantic sides. He brings people together through his sometimes gloomy yet perceptive words.

This is a great venue for him. HOB gets everyone as close as possible to him and to each other, creating a warm atmosphere.

There’s good news for fans! He sang two new tracks, so there’s an album in the works.

It’ll be nice to see him with a band next time, to see how different his show is. But the “solo acoustic set” works well with his serene style.