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Acoustic Tour of the Curbside Prophets
By Jocelyn Chan
Vancouver
June 10, 2004
Take away studio production and ProTools from an album, and only
chords and lyrics are left behind. The Acoustic Tour of the Curbside
Prophets featured a back-to-basics approach, showcasing the talents of
Makana, Raul Midon, and Jason Mraz on acoustic guitar. In sharing the
stories behind their songs, each artist highlighted technology’s
irrelevance when it comes down to songwriting.
Jack Johnson has been selling out shows locally for a few years, and I
wouldn’t be surprised if his fellow Hawaiian Makana does the same.
The slack key master was thoroughly engaging; to hear him interpret
traditional Hawaiian tunes was a treat, and it was obvious that he sang
from the heart. The only downside? His set was much too short.
If his infectious jazz/soul fusion wasn’t enough, Raul Midon innovative
guitar playing was simply amazing. The way he plucked, strummed, and
slapped his acoustic guitar, he made it sound like he had a full band
behind him: merely watching him play was riveting, let alone listen to
his insightful lyrics. I’m sure he did Ray Charles proud with Blind to
Reality, sung in honour of the late, great musician. Maybe I’m pushing it, but
Midon could very well be Charles’ second incarnation.
Two mock video trailers introduced Jason Mraz’s presence, both
approved for Mraz audiences by Mraz janitorial services. While amusing,
it wasn’t necessary to hawk his forthcoming live album, as
Business plugs aside, Mraz charmed the pants off the most polite
crowd I’ve ever seen.
Clearly enjoying himself, the former busker peppered the gig with witty
commentaries on everything from Canadian beer to online file
swapping to why he hates zippers on his jeans. By recollecting the
events inspiring his songs, Mraz added depth to them that his smartass
lyrics only hinted at; Song for a Friend, for example, turned out to be
a critique of masculinity. Not a weak track was to be found, and Mraz was
a class act all the way.
Mraz was so honest and amiable that he broke down the distance
between himself and his audience, giving the Centre the atmosphere of
an intimate, neighbourhood coffeehouse - which was his intention. The
only drawback was the one-song encore; the a capella act should’ve
been replaced with all artists performing together with their guitars.
But that’s a minor complaint. I mean, it’s hard to find fault with a
headliner who was humble enough to thank his crew and sign autographs after
the show.
No doubt that the Bluebird North-like setup worked to the artists’
advantage. Hopefully the Curbside Prophets tour will be an annual
event, because this show was pure magic.
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