As a long time major Dan Fogelberg fan, I feel
qualified to represent the San Diego fans in a review of his show
last night at Humphrey's by the Bay. First of all, before I talk
about the show, if you've never heard about Humphrey's by the
Bay, then I should describe this fine venue first. Humphrey's has
a very good reupation of putting on a solid, quality line-up of
major entertainers during the summer and fall. What makes
Humphrey's so special is that the shows are outside, surrounded
by beautiful palm trees and a great view of the bay and docked
sail boats. Take a minute and go to Humphreysconcerts.com and
click on the box that says "view our site". You'll see
what I'm talking about. I've attended dozens of shows at this
venue and believe me, it is a fantastic place to see anybody. The
sound system is very good and there is not a bad seat in the
house.
Although I would have been happy to see Dan from any seat at
Humphreys, I was very fortunate to get my tickets early and land
a front row seat. I have seen Dan in concert at least 15 times,
and it is a real treat to see him less than 15 feet away. I play
acoustic guitar including dozens of Fogelberg songs, and this is
the first time I was able to watch his fingers to see how to play
the songs the right way. (not nearly as good of course!)
As usual, Dan was sensational. The only bad thing I can say, and
I really can't blame Dan for this, is that he has a pretty good
summer cold going on. He apologized at the beginning that his
voice is not at its best and he did sound rather hoarse at times.
He managed to get through his show though, without it really
affecting the overall quality of his performance. Remember, Dan
not only is a great songwriter and singer, but he is a very fine,
and underappreciated, guitar and piano player as well. He took
several cough drops during his instumentals which might have
helped his voice as the show went on. Dan has always been great
when he's performing with a full band, but he knows how to put on
such a good solo show that if you're a true Fogelberg fan, you
really don't miss the absence of a full band.
As you might have read in previous reviews, he has been
particularly talkative with the audience this tour, and sometimes
humorous as well. At one point, after he had just gulped down
some cold medicine, he said in a stoned voice "wow, I'm
really coming on to this Nyquil, wow, look at the moon man, see
how its all round and everything". Although he was joking
about it, I could tell he really wasn't feeling all that great
and unfortunately I think we might have been shorted a few songs
that he played at other venues during his current tour. I have
read the song list from previous shows, and I have to say that I
was disappointed that we did not get to hear Old Tennessee,
Believe in Me and Longer. Other than those three, I beleive the
song list was identical to most of the other shows for this tour.
The audience was very appreciative after each song, especially
the more familiar ones. After seeing Dan in concert so many
times, I can tell he really does love his fans but he is not too
fond of the traveling. I'm sure he means it when he sings
"the audience is heavenly but the traveling is hell" in
"Old Lang Syne". Although he wants to grant his fans
the honor of seeing him perform on stage by scheduling as many
shows as he can, he is really ready for his upcoming break that
he looks forward to every year. Just before performing "The
Reach", he talked about how he is looking forward to his
annual visit to his home in Maine.
So Dan, if you're reading this, then allow me to speak for your
adoring fans. Go relax on your boat off the coast of Maine like
we know you like to do. Rest, take it easy, enjoy life! But we
all know you have more music inside of you that needs to come
out. Your fans will be eagerly waiting for you to return to the
studio and to go on the road again!
If you have a review to submit, please e-mail it to Wynn.
This page was last updated Tuesday, March 21, 2000