Live Review: Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth 11 April 2023
Review by Erica Lorimer of Lorimer Images with contributions from Angela Frodsham
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography of Sheldon Ang Media
Voices in the air
Sympathetic harmony
Coming from the trees – Jackson Browne, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, One of Greatest Song Writers of All Time (Rolling Stone).
Towering gum trees above the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens stage in Perth is a picturesque and serene setting for the highly anticipated Jackson Browne concert. Joining other devoted fans in the natural bush setting, I feel the excitement in the air. Despite the drizzle on this cool autumn night, the audience eagerly awaits to be enraptured by the poetic and soulful melodies of a musical icon, whose love for natural environments like this one is reflected in his music. We are heading for an unforgettable night of music and I can’t wait to be a part of the opening night of the Australian and New Zealand Tour.
As the crowd find their spot for the night or grab a drink and dinner, the vocals of Perth based singer-songwriter Helen Shanahan sparks the night with Deer in Headlights, Subtlety in the Silence and Smoke, hypnotising the crowd with the potent and soulful blend of modern folk and pop infused with an acoustic flair. Shanahan also showcased her title track and critically acclaimed Canvas, oozing the vocal dexterity by translating an introspective, reflective lyrics into a mellifluous flow of vulnerability and instrumental ebbs. The sincerity and visceral propagation of her live vocals across eight tracks are immeasurably palpable with a fusion of poignancy and consolation, drawing the joys, heartbreaks and sorrows of love and life from her sophomore album Canvas (2022), and her earlier works in Every Little Sting (2017) and Driftwood (2015).
The WAAPA graduate – majoring in (unsurprisingly) Voice, ends her mesmerising performance with the 2015 track Finding Gold, co written by Nashville songwriter Kim Richey, “which felt fitting”, as Shanahan tells SAM. We couldn’t resist, so we caught up with Helen after her performance for a quick chat (at the end of the article).
A Welcome to Country ceremony is performed by Kerry-Ann Winmar on the land of great significance to its traditional custodians, the Whadjuk Ngoogar people for at least forty thousand years. The sun starts to set and local folk-rock legends, The Waifs, take the stage and owned it. Their pride in Western Australia is not a convenient statement, it’s a fundamental part of who they are. It’s very clear that, despite their massive success both nationally and internationally, they remain true to their roots. Donna Simpson, lead singer with a personality that shines on stage, tells us she is from “Hammy Hill”. Throughout the show she shares little snippets of the band’s story, including teaming up with bandmate Josh Cunningham in Broome and a chance encounter with Jackson Browne who tuned her guitar before another show.
I knew the audience would recognise that The Waifs’ song writing shares similarities with Jackson Browne’s. Their lyrics carry a vivid imagery and delve into themes such as love, loss, nature and adventure – and a concern for the environment and the planet’s well-being. While listening to The Waifs and reflecting on their ties to Jackson and Perth, I realised why I used to play their music with my kids, especially when living overseas and feeling homesick. Having a familiar sound that brings back memories of home is truly comforting, and this is the meaning of their song “London Still”.
The Waifs’ performance of “London Still” and “Bridal Train” stands out with their distinct Western Australian references in the lyrics. Meanwhile, “Highway One” is a celebration of the Australian landscape and the exhilarating sense of freedom that accompanies traversing the open road. Dressed in a striking vermillion pants suit, Vikki Thorn’s dynamic performance on stage passionately playing the harmonica demands attention. Josh Cunningham, the multi-talented musician and songwriter, always commands a stage with his unassuming and understated demeanour, yet his performance never fails to impress. Other band members include well-known Canadian born David Ross Macdonald and bassist Ben Franz from Kalamunda. Throughout the years, I’ve had the chance to catch The Waifs performing in Fremantle, and their ability to captivate the audience and form a connection with them has only grown stronger, if that was even possible. Their joy to be together on stage is obvious to all. These guys continue to be the real deal!
As Californian Jackson Browne takes the stage, he greets the Perth crowd with a simple: “It’s great to see you.” The legendary singer-songwriter, often considered the classic “everyman” artist, exudes confidence and charm in his performance. His strong, smooth, and pitch-perfect voice still vibrant despite his 74 years, is a testament to his enduring talent as a singer and poet.
The iconic singer-songwriter appreciates the welcome from his faithful fans and kicks off the show with “Downhill From Everywhere” from his latest album of the same name. The song addresses the relationship between humans and the environment, the ocean, and raises concerns about the damage caused by plastics. This is followed by the powerful post breakup song “I’m Alive,” from his 1993 album. The song portrays a journey through adversity “With its beauty and its cruelty, with its heartbreak and its joy”, ultimately leading to a sense of gratefulness to have come through the other side and appreciate life even more.
Although technical difficulties arise soon after taking stage with a “volume pedal situation” causing some delay, an unfazed and relaxed Jackson Browne takes the opportunity to engage with the audience, strumming his guitar patiently and making witty remarks about a previous performance at Kings Park and the “inter-species communication between ducks and humans” in the pond. Jackson Browne clearly loves being in “unique” Perth, and having been told earlier it was the world’s most isolated city only seemed to add to its appeal, particularly in the wake of COVID. His last visit here was to headline the 2018 Leeuwin Estate Concert, so he has also seen what regional Western Australia has to offer.
Despite the volume pedal situation persisting, Jackson Browne remains optimistic and jokes that the delay was an unexpected “bonus soundcheck”. He points out the value of analogue simplicity: “Cool thing is you can take away all these peddles and flashing lights and effects and shit and just plug straight into an amp and it’s awesome!”. The seasoned crowd, who are notably not distracted by their mobile phones during the night, show their appreciation. Despite a rocky start with the technical difficulties, the early interruptions became an enjoyable addition to the show.
Many in the audience are eagerly anticipating the beloved classic “Fountain of Sorrow” from the revered 1974 album “Late for the Sky”, which does not disappoint. The introspective lyrics of regret and sadness from a lost relationship are quintessential Jackson but, as often is the case with his music, a note of hope emerges to a triumphant crescendo with the powerful final line: “But you go on smiling so clear and so bright”.
Light rain falls throughout the evening but doesn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Next up is “Rock Me on the Water”, a song Jackson wrote at the young age of 24 and one of the songs he has been performing more often these days. He reminds us that this song was from his debut album released fifty years ago and there is an audible gasp. Next, he introduced us to another song from his latest album called “Until Justice is Real”. The song underlines social justice and the fight for equality. Jackson was an activist well before it was fashionable, and his current efforts to promote social causes are consistent with his longstanding commitment to authenticity.
We come from different countries, we all come from somewhere.
When he follows up his new work with the crowd-pleaser “Doctor My Eyes”, it’s enough to get people up and grooving on the side of the stage. This is a tradition I’ve noticed at all his concerts in Perth since my first at the Entertainment Centre nearly forty years ago. When I attended that first concert at 19 years old, I wore a shirt I had personally hand-painted with the album cover of “Saturate Before Using”. Regrettably, the new shirts available at the merch stores out back don’t come in my size!
I find it difficult to not get emotional when I hear Jackson himself sing the evocative lyrics of “Late for the Sky” on a local stage. I feel engulfed in a sea of other fervent supporters, swept away by the song’s enchantment. The iconic classic car image on the vinyl record always cover comes to mind when the song is played. Moving on, Jackson faithfuls know the encores are a big part of the gig and he will deliver not one, but two, if not three, encores. This started with a rousing version of the “Take it Easy” with a mandatory sing along of the famous chorus line “Take it easy, take it easy, don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy”. Is there a more iconic phrase in popular culture?
Even if you are not a “Jacksonut” and are new to the world of Jackson’s music, you’ll recognize the iconic tune of “Stay”, which Jackson explains is his “love song to his crew”. Throughout the night, Jackson’s band proves to be nearly as accomplished as the man himself, with each member given the freedom to showcase their own musical talents. Among them is Jackson’s long-time friend and American bassist, Bob Glaub, who has been a key part of Jackson’s touring band for many years, having played on numerous albums. The partnership between Greg Leisz and Jackson Browne has been one of the most solid in contemporary music. His mastery of the slide guitar adds a soulful depth to the music, and it is little wonder he is considered to be one of the best of his generation. Backup singers Alethea Mills and Chavonne Stewart have a big task ahead of them, stepping into the shoes of Rosemary Butler and Valerie Carter, however they rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that complements Jackson’s music beautifully. David Linley, Jackson’s iconic slide guitarist collaborator of the 1970s and 80s, passed away last month and was on my mind and many others in attendance. Jackson never overlooks the contribution of support acts either. A Jackson Browne performance is never solely centred on Jackson himself, and he made it clear that he was pleased to share the stage with The Waifs and Helen Shanahan.
The loyalty of his dancing fans on the hill in Kings Park is a testament to the global reach and enduring legacy of his music. I certainly feel the deep connection that many in the audience have to Jackson Browne and his unique artistic vision. Surrounded by other Jacksonuts, singing his lyrics by heart, I am transported back to my younger days when his songs helped me make sense of the world and bring back memories of countless Sunday sessions in Perth where local bands would cover his work.
Jackson can’t play all his extensive song catalogue and he wouldn’t even attempt to, including SAM’s favourite – Somebody’s Baby (!). He has had a legendary career as a prolific songwriter spanning decades, producing a plethora of classic albums and hit songs. For this he has received numerous awards and accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, multiple Grammy nominations and wins, and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. His discography is extensive, with 14 studio albums, numerous live recordings, and singles, accumulating to over 150 songs. Attending one of Jackson Browne’s concerts is not solely about enjoying his hit songs or admiring his humble and intelligent personality. It’s also about the thrill of anticipating which songs he will choose to perform, as his repertoire is extensive and varied. After his concerts, you leave with a sense of elation and a feeling of being both satisfied and yet wanting more, much like the themes of life in his music. It’s a journey, afterall.
After half a century of giving us his soulful voice, skilful musicianship, and meaningful lyrics, it’s clear that Jackson Browne has a tight bond with his loyal fans who’ve grown up listening to his music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, his live performances are not to be missed – a testament to his enduring talent and legacy in the world of music. It sure is something fine and doesn’t come around often.
Afternote with Helen Shanahan:
SAM caught up with Helen Shanahan after her performance and asked these two hard hitting questions!
How was it like to perform in front seven thousand music lovers at a Jackson Browne concert?
It was an absolute privilege for the band and I to perform on the same stage as artists we admire so much. Both The Waifs and Jackson Browne paved the way for singer songwriters like me to do what we do, so it was a huge honour. As much as I felt nervous, I was trying to take in every minute and enjoy the moment!
It must have been so satisfying – relieve even, to showcase your latest album Canvas – which you worked so hard for, in front of an arena sized crowd?
I felt extremely lucky to be able to present my sophomore album Canvas to such a respectful and sizeable crowd. When I released the album in 2022, my launch was at 50% capacity and I was restricted from touring due to covid. So it felt amazing to get the songs out there, and hopefully they resonated with the crowd.
To connect with Helen Shanahan, visit her website for albums, singles, merchandise, upcoming tours and social media links.
Jackson Browne Setlist
Downhill from Everywhere
I’m Alive
The Long Way Around
The Barricades of Heaven
Fountain of Sorrow
Rock Me on the Water
Until Justice Is Real
The Dreamer
Your Bright Baby Blues
Doctor My Eyes
Late for the Sky
Running on Empty
Encore 1
Take It Easy
Our Lady of the Well
Encore 2
The Load Out
Stay
Thank you Mellen Events, A Day On The Green and Rosita Stangl Publicity for the accreditation. Visit their websites for upcoming events that include Robbie Willliams. Jackson Browne is touring across Australia and New Zealand. Click here for more information
About the Writer: Erica Lorimer holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree from the University of Western Australia (UWA), majoring in English Literature and Economics, and a Certificate IV in Design. She is also a freelance photographer who loves capturing images of live music and travel photograph, sometimes with film from vintage cameras and making prints in a home darkroom. She has lived in Japan, the UK and Nigeria and is also a Marathon runner.
Contributed by Angela Frodsham – a music lover who has enjoyed live concerts with sister Erica and friends since the early 1980’s. A career in Government economic development and transport policy followed a Bachelor of Economics majoring in the Japanese language. More recently, Angela’s love of writing and history has led her back to UWA to study Classics and Ancient History, including the Latin language.
About the Photographer: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to photograph and review most of the arena and stadium concerts in Perth including Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Post Malone, Sting, Harry Styles, Backstreet Boy, and KISS with reviews shared by the likes of UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Fabulous Caprittos and Synthony on social media. He has interviewed rockers Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS), Floor Jansen (Nightwish), Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) and forty other legends.
