Tom Rush at Old Rock House, October 27, 2011
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Barbra Wiseman
As Tom Rush quietly took the stage at the Old Rock House on October 27, the sixth game of the World Series was in progress at nearby Busch Stadium. Those of us who attended Tom’s concert were richly rewarded. This legendary folk singer performed a two hour set for the ages. Tom kicked off the set with “Hot Tonight”, a song from his latest CD entitled What I Know. The CD, which is Tom’s first studio effort in over thirty years, is a delight!
The CD was awarded Folk Album Of The Year. Other songs off the CD that were performed included “East of Eden”, “River Song”, “Fall Into The Night”, and the title track “What I Know”.
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Michael Wiseman
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Michael Wiseman
Much of Tom Rush’s charm as a performer lies in his quick wit and humorous storytelling abilities. A CD entitled Trolling For Owls showcased the aforementioned talents. Several songs were presented from this disc. Standouts included “Let’s Talk Dirty In Hawaiian” and “Making The Best Of A Bad Situation”; the latter he dedicated to himself. (The World Series, remember?). Speaking of remembering, Tom did perform the “Remember Song”, a tune about the trials of growing older. It’s hilarious. The song was also a YouTube sensation, garnering thousands of hits….”Or perhaps it was just one guy who couldn’t remember”, as Tom likes to explain.
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Michael Wiseman
Tom Rush’s first attempt at writing a children’s song was also included in the set. “The Fish Story” is a delightful song that is being incorporated into a children’s video. Stay tuned.
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Barbra Wiseman
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Barbra Wiseman
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Barbra Wiseman
I suppose at this point I should confess to the fact that I have been a fan of Tom Rush for forty years. During that time I have compiled a wish list of songs to request at his shows. Somehow the audience must have gotten access to my list, as their shouted requests were one and the same. I can now take pen to paper and cross off four songs on the list: “Urge For Going”, a melancholy song about the changing of the seasons, “No Regrets”, the song that reached a national audience, “Rockport Sunday”, a beautiful instrumental that showcases Tom’s abilities on guitar, and “Child’s Song” a song with lyrics that mirrored my situation at one point in life. Maybe the next time in, my list will become even shorter. “Wind On The Water”, “Biloxi” and many others still wait in the wings.
Judging from the extended standing ovation that Tom Rush received upon the show’s conclusion, I would guess many in the audience felt as I did.
An old friend had come to town and provided two hours of musical magic. No one wanted to see it end.
Thanks, Tom!
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Michael Wiseman
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Barbra Wiseman
Tom Rush at Old Rock House. Photo credit: © Barbra Wiseman
Set List (Partial-No Particular Order)
1. Hot Tonight
2. East Of Eden
3. River Song
4. What I Know
5. Fall Into The Night
6. Urge For Going
7. Child’s Song
8. Let’s Talk Dirty In Hawaiian
9. Making The Best Of A Bad Situation
10. No Regrets-Rockport Sunday
11. Remember Song
12. The Fish Story Song
13. Mole’s Moan
14. Panama Limited
15. Galveston Flood
Find out more about Tom Rush with this LINK: http://tomrush.com/
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