Saw Jackie Greene Saturday night when he opened for the Derek Trucks Band.  He completely blew me away with his songs.  Infectiously catchy changes and engaging lyrics.  Hugely enjoyable!

He plays a potent combo of blues, funk, bluegrass and folk.  That might sound kind of odd, but the songs this cat writes are as cool as anything and are ALWAYS like musical candy.  You gotta have more!

This is the second time I've seen Jackie.  The first was when he opened for Mark Knopfler a few years ago.  At that time is was just Jackie and his guitar.  Here's what I wrote about him three years ago:

"The evening started with a five song set from songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jackie Greene.  He's a 24 year old kid from Sacramento who writes blues/folk tunes and plays very competent acoustic guitar, wailing harmonica and boogie piano.  His songs are interesting, world-weary and witty.  His voice is his biggest asset.  He is frail looking, but possesses the voice of a BIG man.  Great songs, great playing and cool attitude.  I like this guy.  His songs would make good driving music."

What's changed?  A few things, all of the positive.  With a full band behind him Jackie got a chance to strut his stuff as a player.  He is truly a very talented multi-instrument player.  Guitar, harp, keyboards.  All great.  This guy can play.

His voice is now even more of an asset.  Three years ago I said that it was that of a big man's.  Well, now I would characterize him as having the voice of an old man in a young man's body ... and that's a VERY good thing.  His voice lends weight to his lyrics with the result that when he tells a story, and every one of Jackie's songs is a story, the listener is riveted.

I'm not big on lyrics - they add emotion and melody to a song, but I'm more interested in the music - but two songs in to Jackie's set I realized that I was listening intently to the story.  Very cool!

Check this guy out when you can, it will be well worth it!

BUY TONE NOT GLITZ