Kevin Kane at Richard's on Richard's (July 13, 1997)
(Review by Patrick Jacobson)
I stepped in part way through Kevin Kane's set. I thought I was being smart by showing up early (the posters said show at 9:30). I got there at 9:00, but Kevin was already playing. When I walked in, he was performing "O My Heart". It seemed to be a much moodier version of it than usual. He followed that up with "Green Shirt". I finally found a stool to sit on, and I sat down to watch the show. Kevin proceeded to perform the best rendition of "No Reason" I have ever heard. It sounded exactly like it did on the album except that he added to the guitar part. WOW! This song is one of my all-time top three Grapes songs, so it always means a lot to hear him play it. He continued on by playing a newer song called "Mock Star". It starts off sounding really depressing and moody...

Had some fun, for awhile
Just to see how long I could keep on a smile

During this part (and every verse) Kevin plays a beautiful (but sad) riff that seems to be crying out for help. Then he breaks into the chorus which gets a little heavier and louder. He strums his guitar agressively while shouting out the lyrics...

...In case you didn't know
I didn't come for a show...

...In fact I feel a little pride
For shameful past...

Unfortunately, I don't know the entire lyrics, but they're pretty heavy. He did play this song very differently than he usually does, but it still sounded great. Upon finishing the song, he pulled the volume back down again and played "Someone" (another one of my favorites). His last song of the night was a cover of Madonna's "Borderline" (I kid you not). It had been changed somewhat, and morphed into more of a Kevin Kane song with Madonna's lyrics (and chord progression), but it was actually really cool! All in all, an excellent peformance by Kane.

When Leo Kottke came on stage, I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect. I had heard his records, but I've never seen him play live. Well, as it turned out, he was quite the story teller as well! Bonus. Unfortunately, I don't know many of Leo's song titles, so I can't recite his setlist. It was, however, one of the most dazzling displays of guitar playing that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing in my life! He switched back and forth between 6 and 12 string Taylor guitars while playing his unique blend of folk, ragtime, blues and classical. Brilliant performance! Good stories too. Lot's of humor in them.

Anyways, there you have it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

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