Setlist posted to Humans by Ramcey Rodriguez (the Cuban Hillbilly)
who added:
The Ironhorse is legendary amongst singer songwriters and fans alike as one
of the best
music clubs in the country. That's why it has always been a dream of mine to
attend a show
there in Northampton Massachusetts. As fate would have it, I had met a
online
friend, Fern, who lived only a 40 minute drive away. When I saw that Bruce
was going to play
there, I knew that I must fly from South Florida and join my friend for the
show. She is not on
Humans and had never heard of Bruce until I sent her his music about a year
ago. She was
excited to buy tickets and invited me to fly up for two shows.
The concert was NOT reserved seating and the club holds about 200 people.
Both shows (tonight's
and tomorrows sold out very quickly some time ago). As most of you know,
it's VERY rare to see
Bruce play a small club like this. And the Ironhorse did not disappoint.
First and most importantly
is the audience. QUIET, respectful, knowledgeable and INTO Bruce's music.
(And I thought I was
the only one! ;-) ) Among the throng of 200 was our own Jamie (the
bird man) that I had hoped to
meet. I did exactly that while waiting at Bruce's bus to get my photo
signed. (Thanks Daniel !!) Jamie
had brought his LP of "In the Falling Dark". A great choice if I do say so
myself.
We arrived early to stand in line and got a front row table. People in line
were very excited as we
were. The doors opened at 5:30 and the show would start at 7:15 PM. The
tiny club has
a balcony that runs along the back of the club and along one side. The stage
is small and backs
up to the front of the club and the street that it fronts. While standing in
line it's easy to hear the
sound checks. The only negative of the Ironhorse is the bathrooms. Only 2,
and down in the basement.
There's almost always a long line when you get down there. At least they are
coed so that the poor
ladies don't have to wait forever to get to the ladies room. So men, women
and even children line
up and take the next available bathroom. One of the MOST fantastic things is
that there is NO
SMOKING anywhere in the club. It was so enjoyable to not have to deal with
all the cigarette smoke
for an entire show.
Bruce's girlfriend was in attendance as we saw them get on and off the bus
together during the
afternoon sound check. She is attractive, early 40's with short blondish
hair. She seemed very
nice as she politely made her way past those of us lined up early to get the
best seats. The bus
was parked on the street in FRONT as there is no back entrance into the
hall. Bruce, his girlfriend
and the boyz had to walk out through the mini throng after the soundcheck to
go into the bus. Only
a few of us noticed him and said a quick hi. He gave us the gracious Bruce
smile and quickly
shuffled onto the bus.
At 7:15 Bruce bound onto the stage with the boyz in tow. I was immediately
struck by the thunderous
applause and just knew right then that this was going to be a special night.
Bruce, Ben and Steve
were continuously surprised by the loud extended applause after EVERY song.
You could see the
guys just getting into the whole thing more on every song. Ben and Steve
were amazing. No other
way to put it! The challenge of Bruce's music has made 2 excellent young
musicians into something
to behold. Steve's bass work was superb. Ben played his heart out. Most of
the time with a smile
on his face, his eyes closed and singing along (like a fan would/no mic) to
many of the songs. Both
of them looked totally shocked at the audience response to their
introductions by Bruce midway
through the show. This was a special night and they felt it. I've been to
hundreds of shows in my life,
and only a handful where the audience was so into the music. It was
incredible. No talking, everybody
totally into every note. Thanks to the knowledgeable and respectful audience
for making a dream come
true for me.
The Fashion Report:
Bruce wore black pants, his orange short sleeve shirt with orange tee shirt
underneath and
brown snake skin shoes. I've seen Bruce a few times now, but never happier
than tonight when he realized
that he had the audience eating out of his hand. He kept shaking his head in
amazement to the audience
reaction to each song. Early in the show he stepped back and said something
to the effect of : "wow, and
this is just the beginning of the show" because it sounded like the audience
was reacting to a final encore.
As Bruce finished the encores, he looked out at the crowd and sincerely said
"you guys have been incredible!"
What a night. Wish EVERY Human coulda been here. If tomorrow nights show is
anywhere near this great,
I will just not be able to believe it. Thanks to my dear friend Fern, for
help making this night possible.