BoDeans
2006.11.16 Metropolis • Arlington Hts, IL

Sam Llanas, Kurt Neumann, Bukka Allen

Thursday November 16, 2006
Metropolis Performing Arts Center - Arlington Heights, IL

Since it has been a few years since I've seen a trio show, I was definitely looking forward to these shows. Hopefully some rarities thrown in and basically an all around unique experience. And of course they didn't disappoint on either account!

We were lucky enough to have a table in the front section for Thursday night's show. Kurt, Sam and Bukka came out a little after 8 and proceeded to wow us. We heard many of the usual suspects, but to hear them performed in such an acoustic manner was the real beauty of the whole event.

Kurt had with him his beautiful black electric/acoustic Taylor T5 and from the very first notes I was immediately brought back to Ravinia and the awesome acoustic portion of that show!

Sam stuck with his acoustic for the entire evening and while it appeared to be plugged in, there was also a mic set up right in front of the guitar. On Saturday night in Schaumburg, it was definitely not plugged in, but still sounded so sweet coming through that one mic.

Bukka stood between them with his accordion and added such a smooth, rich sound to everything. Not only that but there was an upright piano on stage that Bukka played for a few songs. And wow was that ever a treat to hear! That man sure knows how to work those keys! Although the apple sitting on the corner of the piano will always puzzle us.

The crowd was fairly well behaved the first night. I think for the most part everyone realized what a special show this was and didn't want to ruin it by making a bunch of noise, although that didn't stop some people from making a few outbursts throughout the show. Although there was once or twice that the guys encouraged us to make a little noise.

Setlist:
1. Going Home - And the beginning of an amazing evening.
2. Idaho - Kurt began by telling the story of how they were driving through Montana in an RV on one of their early tours and had to pull off the interstate because of a snowstorm. Since it was someone in the crew's birthday, they all went down to a local bar and as Kurt walked through the door, the first thing he heard was "What the hell is that?". Sam pipes in at that moment and reminds us "he had lots of hair then". Kurt goes on saying that this song is about that experience and how everyone has their own view of the world. During the song, when they got to the end and keep repeating "staring at the world" it was absolutely breath taking. Their voices sounded fantastic, and while I have always loved this part especially when it's performed acoustic like this, it just takes your breath away. Everyone had been listening so intently that when the applause died down Kurt whispered a comment that "its so quiet".
3. Makes U - wow, it seems so heartfelt and so smooth. And the highlight by far was when Sam normally yells "Bellissimo", instead he softly whispered "beautiful" - still gives me chills just thinking about it! By now I had put my feet up on the empty chair at our table and found it quite amusing since I never though I'd be at a BoDeans show with my feet up!
4. Runaway - Sam just stated that "this one goes WAY back". The harmony on this was amazing. There is something slightly different in Kurt's harmony near the end in the acoustic version compared to a rocking electric version. No matter what it sounded fabulous!
5. Fadeaway - Kurt began by telling us that this was the first song he ever wrote. Then stopped himself and said that actually there may have been one before that. He was trying to remember what it was and Sam mentions that it was called "How Will I Survive" Kurt said that was when they were heading into their "glam-rock direction". He then rephrased his first statement and said this was more like the first BoDeans song he ever wrote. As for the song, the guitar work was unbelievable. Absolutely had me mesmerized. And through it all I couldn't help but smile when considering how very unique this version was compared to my last show (Boulder). To go from all that power and percussion in CO, to this quiet, smooth acoustic version. How can you not love it?
6. Stay On - In between songs, people were calling things out and Kurt turns to Sam and says "they're calling for ya, Sam". He reply was "no thanks". :) The song sounded great just like everything else but I must say its a little hard to "bounce" when you're sitting in a chair. Will have to save the bouncing for next time.
After the applause died down, some guy yelled out "If I could hold" and Kurt answered "if you could hold what, sir?" :)
7. Trying To Get To You (Elvis) - Kurt played a second or two before going into his story about playing this back when they were The Strand, and how they listened to alot of Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, and those 2 seconds were all I needed before my jaw hit the floor in disbelief. Haven't heard this since Bayfield last year and definitely didn't expect to hear it again any time soon. By far one of the biggest highlights of my night because when Sam comes in on the second version it never fails to make me weak in the knees. So it's a real good thing I was sitting!
8. Brand New - Sam mentioned the drought that Wisconsin had in '88 and that it inspired a few songs including this one. The accordion was sounding so good that I think I floated through the whole song on the sounds of it. When it was over and the applause died down after the song, it was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop in the theater. So Sam mentioned that they appreciate us listening but "I know it's hard to be quiet that long" So we responded by making a bunch of noise. Sam seemed to enjoy that. And then someone yelled out "Freebird" and Sam laughs saying "how did that get to be the song?"
9. Angels - Kurt started the song by himself and a few people cheered and clapped along, and Kurt pointed out "you don't even know what song it is yet" But we knew. :) No matter what the song sounded great. Even the acoustic version rocks!
10. Two Souls - Another real treat of the evening. Such a rich soulful song. How can you not love it? It suits Sam's voice perfectly.
11. Good Work - Another one you can't help but love. It was a little strange having Bukka playing his accordion since he usually plays the keyboards on the rocking version. But it sounded great this way too! And by the end Bukka was definitely rocking out with lots of facial expressions to match! And when it was all said & done the BoDiva's have a new rule for their board game. After the song, Kurt (who sat the entire show) got up to take his jacket off....how does his saying go again....."we're all friends here, start taking it off!" :) When he sat back down he looked down at his setlist and asked out loud "what are we playing?" Sam replied "Good question" before going on to say that the this next song used to be a new song, but it's not so new anymore. "But maybe new to you."
12. First Time - Somewhere in the middle of the song a couple of people near the back stood up and were dancing. Kelly made a comment surprised that it wasn't me that stood to dance. I mentioned that that IS a First time. :)
Kurt stated introducing the next song by saying the last time they played it was in the 80's (this of course peaked the BoDiva's interests) And he went on saying that every now and then people post on the messageboard that they'd like to hear it and then they went into....
13. Forever Young - What a treat. It sounded fabulous. I never expected to hear this one either but it was such a highlight of the evening! And the piano? Unbelievable!
14. Naked - This too sounded great acoustic. Such a rich sound and Sam's voice couldn't get any better. Considering the quiet, intimate show that it was, we didn't have the heart to interrupt it with our echos but when the moment came Kurt appeared to be waiting for us. Ahh...maybe next time. :) Besides we have to keep him on his toes.
15. Good Things - Sounded great acoustic just like we suspected! And although people sang along when it came to our part. Kurt urged them by whispering into the mic "thats it, sing it loud"
- encore- The guys walked off, we stood & cheered for more. They returned of course and treated us to a few more.

Warning: There was a sasquatch sighting in Arlington Heights Thursday night. Eye-witnesses say he was briefly singing "If I could hold you tonight..." I'll keep you updated if any more sightings take place.

After a few good laughs, the guys went into....
16. True Devotion - Wow, does this highlight Sam's voce when it's performed acoustic. And was he ever sounding amazing. Absolutely breath taking.
17. Atlantic City (Springsteen) - Oh my gosh....such a treat. I've heard old recordings of this and was even lucky enough to see it performed once. But there is no doubt in my mind that this is the best version I've ever heard. And there's also no doubt in my mind that Kurt owns this one. Love Bruce and all, but no one sings Atlantic City like Kurt.
18. Still the Night - Everyone finally gets up to dance and sing. What a fun way to end an unbelievable show! Somewhere in the middle Kurt threw in a "do the polka!" and like always the sped things up near the end as if to go into Wanna Be Sedated but instead they just kept going with the lines "If I could hold you tonight" "I might never let go" at twice the normal speed.

We took our time heading out and just enjoyed some good company back at the hotel along with catching Eric's performance with Josh Groban on Jay Leno. (wow, talk about a gorgeous bass!) And then the following day (Fri) we enjoyed a leisurely day in the hotel with a little shopping mixed in. Not to mention our traditional tub shot....too bad it wasn't our tub! ;)