You read it right. Just found this on my lunch break. I listened to the show Saturday night when it was streaming live (AMAZING), but didn’t realize it was still up. To listen to a stream of John Mayer‘s two-hour performance this past Saturday at LA’s Nokia Theater click here. This concert definitely gives you some insight into the singer-songwriter’s past and present. Who knew he could be so comical? Enjoy! You can thank me later 😉
Tag: John Mayer
If you’re familiar with my music taste, you already know that I am a die-hard John Mayer fan. In fact, it’s one of those qualities that seems to be ingrained in my musical makeup and everyone knows about me. Even while interning at MTV News Online I’d get the occasional joke about my obsession with him. But, no matter what anyone thinks about Mayer as a person or his recent stints in all the gossip mags, his talent is undeniable. I wish I could play guitar even half as good as he can . . . but I probably should actually practice my guitar regularly to reach this goal. Below is my review of his Madison Square Garden concert from 2007. Feel free to read it below, or check it out on MTV here with a full photo archive of the show.
John Mayer Goes Out With Alicia Keys — At Sold-Out New York Show
Singer shows sold-out crowd there’s a lot more to him than pop.
NEW YORK — With a guest appearance from Alicia Keys, sing-alongs galore and an intimate two-song acoustic performance on a small stage in the middle of the crowd, John Mayer’s sold-out performance Wednesday night delivered everything a headlining spot at Madison Square Garden should.
After a strong opening set from Mat Kearney, Mayer’s show began with the venue darkened before the sounds of Mayer’s guitar drowned out the screams from younger members of the audience. A blue spotlight revealed him as he began “Belief” solo before being joined by the rest of his band.
(See Mayer dazzle by checking out photos of the MSG show right here.)
As the 90-minute set (consisting primarily of songs from his latest LP, Continuum) progressed, he joked with the crowd often, introducing “I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You)” by saying, “In America, you’re allowed to be an a–hole.” While it seemed at first to be a political reference, he instead described a first date and surprised the crowd by saying, “This song is telling you I’m the type of person that will do you wrong.” With lyrics like “If my past is any sign of your future/ You should be warned before I let you inside,” Mayer got the point across.
The crowd went wild for songs like “Waiting on the World to Change” and “Stop This Train,” but longtime fans made their presence heard on older songs like “Bigger Than My Body,” “No Such Thing” and “Why Georgia.”
But even though Mayer, who won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album at the Grammys last month (see “Timberlake Rocks; Blige Weeps; Chicks, Chilis Clean Up At Grammys”), has a pop audience many would envy (need we mention Jessica Simpson?), the crowd at the Garden showed that his efforts to diversify musically have worked.
Sure, there were plenty of teeny-boppers in attendance, but there were also parents with their children, couples young and old, businesspeople coming from work, and high-school and college students. And Mayer made sure that his show contained something for everyone: His solos and improvisations with the two guitarists in his band pleased the guitar geeks, and he dipped into bluesy John Mayer Trio mode for “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “I’m Gonna Find Another You.”
And throughout the show, Mayer constantly let those fans know just how much he appreciates them. “I’m not mature enough to be the kind of person to thank you for how much this means to me,” he said after “Waiting on the World to Change.” And then later, “This [success] doesn’t exist without you. I’m not sure I deserve it, but I’m going to keep writing and playing and doing whatever I have to do.”
Perhaps taking a tip from the Rolling Stones, for his encore Mayer performed two acoustic songs on a small stage set up in the middle of the venue, singing “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Stop This Train” just feet away from surprised fans, bringing the intimacy of a small club to the nearly 20,000-capacity venue.
Mayer left the small stage at around 10:30, but had one more trick up his sleeve. Returning to the main stage, he played “Vultures” — saying at the end, “This is the best night I’ve ever had” — before beginning his last song of the evening, “Gravity.”
As the song seemed to be ending, female vocals were heard — and just as cries of “Who is it?” became nearly as loud as the music, out came Alicia Keys, who took over the song’s vocals while Mayer accompanied her on his guitar. “Keep me where the light is,” she crooned, as the song ended with the spotlights shining brightly all over her and Mayer.
My friend Deana recommended Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray to me after she studied in Australia and constantly heard his music playing while she was there. She said I’d love him since I’m a fan of most acoustic singer-songwriters, and I definitely can’t help but repeatedly listen to his MySpace page while at work, especially his song “Opportunity.” I think an accurate comparison could be calling Pete Murray the Australian John Mayer.
When listening to his MySpace, there’s a blend of soft singing and acoustic guitar playing as well as the occasional harmonica feature, exhibited in his song “Saving Grace.” Murray’s voice is mellow and mixes well with the various musical interludes. Whether it be piano, guitar or strings, Pete’s voice sounds strikingly perfect throughout.
“You Pick Me Up” demonstrates the laid-back feel to Murray’s music. It’s faster than first track, “Saving Grace” but his voice is still ever so gentle and tuneful. “Better Days” and “So Beautiful,” both somewhat somber songs, the listener can easily hear the pain behind the lyrics and meaning encompassing the song.
I absolutely LOVE his song, “Opportunity.” The lyrics have so much meaning and it’s one of those songs that just hit you. I don’t do this often, but I’m posting the video and full lyrics below. I hope you like it just as much as I do.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCuvsFMSyE]
“Opportunity”
Verse 1:
So it goes another lonely day
You’re saving time but you’re miles away
Your flowers drowning in some bitter tea
Forseeing lost opportunity
Find your mirror
Go and look inside
See the talent you always hide
Don’t go kid yourself, well not today
Satisfaction’s not far away
Chorus:
Hold on now, your exit’s here
It’s waiting just for you
Don’t pause too long
It’s fading now
It’s ending all too soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Verse 2:
Your coffee’s warm but your milk is sour
Life is short but you’re here to flower
Dream yourself along another day
Never miss opportunity
Don’t be scared of what you cannot see
Your only fear is possibility
Never wonder what the hell went wrong
Your second chance may never come along
(Chorus)
(Music)
(Chorus)
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Shortly after 9 p.m. the lights flickered and PNC Bank Arts Center went dark amidst incessant screams and flashing cameras. A guitar could be heard in the distance and within seconds John Mayer walked onstage starting the night off with a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.” It seemed only fitting, being that he was playing in Springsteen’s home turf. However, many in attendance weren’t familiar with the song as a confused hush rose throughout the crowd.
Clearly in his element Tuesday night, Mayer told the crowd, “This doesn’t get old at all. There’s nothing like playing a show and knowing I can sleep in my own bed tonight” before he rattled off each television network in the tri-state area adding: “I like playing the places where I know the TV stations.” Mayer played a nearly two-hour set while opening acts Colbie Caillat and Brett Dennen thoroughly impressed the crowd.
For those hard-core John Mayer fans, his current summer tour is different than previous tours. His set was made up of three segments — his more popular songs, some blues numbers and covers as well as an encore where the fans pick which song is played by voting on his Web site. Mayer’s set did not disappoint as he changed up his more well-known songs with varied guitar riffs and instrumental features, slowing down or speeding up the tempo from time to time. When introducing hit single, “Daughters” Mayer told the crowd, “This is a song called ‘Daughters 1974′” before playing the song slowly and breaking into a cover of Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman” while cleverly singing, “She’s always a daughter to me.”
The night included impeccable covers of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” as well as Van Halen’s “Panama,” which got the girls swooning as he took off his shirt and jumped around the stage releasing his inner Eddie Van Halen while playing guitar. Mayer made a 10-year-old birthday girl’s night when he serenaded her in a round of “Happy Birthday” before segueing into “Waiting On the World to Change.”
Despite the various cover songs he included in his set, crowd favorites seemed to be his better-known material. Bluesy number “Gravity” as well as current single “Say” from movie, The Bucket List, gained much excitement from the crowd while older songs such as radio hit “No Such Thing” and “Bigger Than My Body” garnered much attention as well.
Brett Dennen opened the night and had an impressive set featuring many songs from his most recent album, So Much More. His music encompasses a blend of folk and blues and is thoroughly enjoyable. Songs like “She’s Mine” and “Ain’t No Reason” demonstrated Dennen’s versatility and craft as a singer-songwriter.
Colbie Caillat followed Dennen with a solid 40-minute, nine song set. Her light, airy voice had the crowd singing along throughout most of her performance, especially radio hits “Bubbly” and “Realize” off of current album,
Special thanks to Deana Koulosousas for taking the photos from the show Tuesday night.
For more on Brett Dennen check out his MySpace.
To listen to Colbie Caillat’s music check her out on MySpace.
For more on John Mayer’s tour check out his Website or MySpace.
Categories
John Mayer
I don’t want to call myself an “unlucky” person, per say. But as far as winning anything throughout my life — whether it be carnival games, slots in Atlantic City or free vacation getaways, I’m never dealt the best hand. So when local radio station Z100 was giving away John Mayer tickets two weekends ago I thought I might as well try — one call can’t hurt. To my shock and amazement the phone on the other line rang and someone answered. Here’s how the conversation panned out:
Me: Hello?
DJ: Hey, who’s this?
Me: Hi, it’s Annie.
[really long pause]
Me: I’m calling for John Mayer tickets.
[another really long pause]
Me: Do you know what number I am?
DJ: Yeah, I do.
Me: What number?
DJ: You’re caller 100, Annie!
Me: Are you serious?
DJ: Yes. I’m serious!
As luck would have it, I actually signed up to be a ZVIP literally the day before I won the tickets. So, in addition to winning a pair of tickets to John Mayer’s show at PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey, I also won a pair to his Z-Lounge performance at Spotlight Live in Times Square. Pretty sweet! I guess I’m not too unlucky anymore.
For the half hour John Mayer was onstage at Spotlight Live Tuesday night, I learned a lot more about him than I ever could by just listening to his albums. For one, he informed the crowd that yes, he has in fact slept with a fan before. When asked about his next album, he jokingly told the crowd while he has no idea what his next album will be like, it could possibly be club hits. His sense of humor is a bit eccentric. If you read the full Q&A; from last night’s event below, you’ll get the picture. In between the interview, John played an impeccable version of latest single, “Say” as well as a solid cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin,'” “Belief” and “Waiting On the World to Change” from his most recent album, Continuum. Read below for the full Q&A.;
Tell me about writing “Say.”
They sent me the script for The Bucket List, said that it was for a Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman movie and I said, “Let me read it” and I read it and cried like a baby bitch on the couch. You can say bitch if it’s a baby bitch. [Laughter from crowd]. Because it’s hyphenated, it’s not really the B-word . . . well, it is a B-word, nevermind. So yes, I wrote this song for this beautiful movie and it just happened to really strike a chord with me and I was really lucky to have the script as the sort of jumping off point for a song I probably wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for that, so it’s cool.
So now, I actually love the process so much I’m actually writing songs for movies I wasn’t asked to write for. I’ve written myself a song for WALL-E. It’s called, “Will Somebody Please Say Something!”
Tell us how you got involved in the music business. Is this something you wanted to do as a little kid or did you sort of fall into it?
I did, I did. I won a contest, no I didn’t. I’m lucky enough to have gotten a record contract before they handed them out with oil changes. I just worked. People ask me all the time, “How do you make it happen?” You just practice. You don’t even have to be a guitar player, but if you’re out there and there’s something that you love doing. I don’t mean just like clicking a mouse ball, a real trade. There really is a difference between being famous for playing a song and being famous for tripping. That’s the only way you make it. Just commit yourself and dedicate yourself to something and I’m lucky enough to have done that.
What is your favorite part about being an artist in general?
You know what it is, its total mental freedom to know that whatever song or record or project I want to work on, can happen. And that’s why every day I have a new brainstorm, like “That would be the coolest thing to put out on the radio” or “That would be the coolest thing to put on a record” and I can do it. So that mental, sort of creative freedom, to know that I can do whatever I want to do musically, and not to have to ask for permission. That’s the coolest thing in the world.
You’re not especially known for being a guitar maniac. You’re known for the whole package. It’s like John Mayer, he’s a singer-songwriter.
Thank you. I’m not excellent at any one thing. But if you put it all together in some sort of, like a nice stew, it makes . . . Thank you, I do think that is sort of when I really shine. That if you just take all of it together and go, “That’s a lot of things to do at once.”
Have you guys heard the Fall Out Boy cover of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It?” [asks crowd who then scream incessantly]. I mean, its no “Your Body Is a Wonderland.”
Neither is “Your Body Is a Wonderland.” I don’t even know what that means. Yeah, though, that was cool. Pete asked me, would I come in and play a guitar solo on “Beat It.” And I just think that their skewed sort of sense of humor was perfect. ’Cause it’s kind of tongue and cheek, but it’s also a cool track, so when they asked me would I play on it, I actually went out and found the Eddie Van Halen replica guitar and I learned how to shred in like three hours and put it on a record.
What inspired you to be a writer and who is your greatest influence?
I make a lot of observations, a lot of strange . . . I seem to sort of avoid obvious things to want to talk about. I have always, since I was a kid, made very slight, strange, twisted little observations that I don’t really feel happy unless I have at least tried to make other people understand the way that I see that and writing is a really great way. Writing is really good for people who get told all the time. . . like I’m sure there’s more than a couple people out here who meet new people and they say to the friend they’re with, “Where did you find her?” or “Where did you find him?” And the answer is, “Well, in a good place” because if you can write and get that out, then that’s what’s always drawn me to writing.
The influence, is just, I guess violence in the media and video games. [Crowd laughs]. Smoking in movies. I don’t know. Yes for smoking in movies! I don’t know what I’m talking about again. You guys put me in this situation where it’s like, “Let’s talk to the guy who can’t talk very well and writes songs to make up for it.” But yeah, I’m inspired by people who have a whole lot of control in what they do. You know what it is that I’m inspired by? I watched this Wimbledon match and I was more inspired by the championship Wimbledon match then I’ve been by some music in the last couple of months. I mean just watching greatness or listening to greatness happen. I’m inspired by anybody with really gr
eat control.
Is the next album going to be a Trio album or the full band in the studio?
I don’t really know. The thing about art for me is that you tour on something or you get known for a certain group of songs and you even know yourself through this certain group of songs. So, I need to go home and forget about all the music I worked on and go back to, sort of ground zero and just start from scratch again and find out what moves me. Maybe that’s the Trio, maybe it’s a new quartet. I don’t know, but that’s the fun part of going off sort of a record cycle and deciding what the next type of music is going to be. I would like to do a record full of club hits. [Starts beat boxing and singing Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music”, then tying in some guitar and plays “No Such Thing”]. Because man, when those lights go on and that beat starts goin’, and those glow sticks are turning. That’s what a John Mayer club remix sounds like.
I did hear there’s going to be a special edition re-release of Continuum. Is that true?
I don’t know. They keep re-releasing that record so many times, who knows. Now they’re just going to be like, “Yeah, but we didn’t put gum in it yet.”
There is a new DVD in stores though, right?
There is a new DVD in stores. It’s called “Where the Light Is” and it’s this live performance that transpired back in December in LA and its cool.
Have you ever hooked up with any of your fans from a concert?
I can tell you this, I might have hooked up with people, but as soon as I hooked up with them, they weren’t fans anymore so technically no. Listen, do you respect me for my honesty? The answer is yes I have! Not in a really long time. Not since the camera phone. That camera phone will get you, even if you’re sleeping. Your doughy frame all laying in the bed, dead like. And a picture of that, I can’t deal with that. I’m not trusting enough to really open up to anybody I don’t know very well anymore, which is good for my immune system.
Why are you the only celebrity that TMZ does not make fun of?
No. They do! Well, because TMZ is made out of the same garbage I am. It’s like; you can’t kill what you’re made of. I can’t be killed by garbage because I’m made of garbage. You can’t get trashier then me. No, you can’t. So I just out TMZ everyday and then after a while they just couldn’t get around it and went, “Alright. Truce. Let’s be friends.” But they still like to catch pictures of me when I’m blinking, but that’s the game that’s fine, I’m okay with that. I just want to roll with the punches. It’s not like it was, there’s no TRL, there’s no . . . if fans are saying, “The way that I want to see my favorite artist is walking out of a port-o-pottie or walking down the street to the gym,” that’s the new way to communicate, then I’m going to communicate that way. Especially if I don’t have a choice and it’s in my face. I’m not going to hide from it. I’m going to show my lovely personality and my giant brain.
Which is your favorite song that you’ve ever written?
My favorite song I’ve ever written is “Gravity.” I learned how, if you put too many words in a song, then you diminish the opportunity every day to put your feelings into it, no matter what your feelings are. “Gravity” is so open as a song that I can either lose a wicked game of Halo or have my heart broken and I can still, sort of put that into the song.
Do you do anymore stand-up?
You know, you lose too much focus. If you do stand-up, a lot of the stuff that you talk about isn’t true, it’s just reference to sort of, help illustrate the overall truth. And I really can’t get away with getting onstage and talking about poop or something because then it’s gonna make . . . you know, I’m aware that there’s a certain focus on the things that come out of my mouth. So I have to be really careful. When you get onstage and do stand-up you really are supposed to be allowed to say whatever comes to your mind if it is really thoughtful overall. So I can’t do it. Plus, I wasn’t funny. I don’t know if that’s a prerequisite. But I actually wasn’t funny either.
Listen or watch to the full interview as well as John performing “Say” on Z100. Check out John Mayer’s Website for more on his summer tour and latest news.
Categories
New Music Tuesday
So I realize I’ve been slacking on the album reviews lately. I’m going to try my best to get at least one up every few weeks. We’ll see how that goes. Just released today was singer/songwriter Jon Foreman of Switchfoot’s first of four solo acoustic EP’s, entitled Fall. I’m about to download it now and will hopefully get that review up by next week. There’s actually a pretty cool offer on his website, jonforeman.com, where you can purchase all 4 EP’s for $20 and receive a signed poster by him in the mail. I’ve read a lot of good reviews about his first EP so I can’t wait to listen!
In the mean time, another great album released recently was Alicia Keys’ fourth album, As I Am. My advice – go buy it! But if money is tight, (which I totally can relate to) I’m going to write up a review below so you can read it and decide for yourself.
Alicia Keys
As I Am
Release Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
As I Am marks the fourth consecutive No. 1 album debut release on the Billboard chart for Alicia Keys. Being her third studio album, As I Am encompasses a complete and thorough artistic work. First single off the album, “No One,” is already a hit on the airwaves and is only an example of the success this album will surely bring Keys. As I Am is filled with the classic R&B; and soulful sound Keys is known for. Her vocals and keyboarding talents are showcased through the entirety of her album. From her slow, piano-playing instrumental intro track to her last song, “Sure Looks Good To Me,” Keys’ album comes full circle, a feat that not many artists can pull off.
While her album includes some slower ballads, it also offers many up-tempo songs such as “Wreckless Love,” which has a faster beat to it and is reminiscent of older, classic Diana Ross songs. Another track, “Teenage Love Affair” is a moving, relatable story-book song of teenage love, telling tales in her lyrics that include secret meetings on fifth-floor staircases and writing love letters. Keys’ second track on As I Am, “Go Ahead” showcases a very refreshing sound. The strong background beats accentuate her voice extremely well on this number.
While the album has its share of slower ballads, each has a varied style, keeping the listener tuned into the entire album from the first track to the very last. “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” showcases Keys’ soothing voice and has a classic, older R&B; sound to it. “Lesson Learned” is a slower track, which features John Mayer. Mayer’s background vocals accentuate the chorus well throughout the song. On the surface it’s a very simple song, but when listening more intently to the lyrics and beats, this track has so much depth to it.
Best Songs:
“No One”
“Like You’ll Never See Me Again”
“Lesson Learned”
“Teenage Love Affair”