John Mayer with Mat Kearney - Mullins Center Amherst MA 02/26/07
After a damn fine brunch at the Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, Hannah and I began the trip south to Amherst and an 8pm engagement with Mat Kearney and John Mayer. Our route was one I had never taken, Southwest, across much of Northern Mass. I had erroneously assumed that a trip to a major university like UMASS would be mostly self explanatory and consist primarily of highways and heavily traveled roads. As it turns out, while I-95, I-495, and RT-2 fit that description, US-202 has an erie, backwoods, middle of nowhere feeling that left us doubting Google Maps until we managed (after having missed it on our first pass) to find our turn and weave our way into Amherst. I would later describe the last 20 minutes of our approach to UMASS as "sling-blade-like". At least, I naively figured, our return trip would be smoother.
We pulled into a parking lot adjacent to the Mullins Center as directed by an unnecessarily abundant pack of parking attendants lazily waving their glowing batons. At the time I commented that such an act would make a great fraternity prank if a group of brothers were so motivated to direct a group of unwitting concert attendees to the wrong location. Fortunately, this was no such prank, and Hannah and I made our way over to join the pack of folks gathered to await the 7pm doors open time, now about 20 minutes away. We passed the time in a neighboring ice arena with a number of other chilly early arrivers, only sort of watching a group of high-school aged figure skaters practicing. We eventually strolled outside and down a stair case marked "floor entrance" where we were quickly let inside to be patted down. It was at this point that my biggest misconception about this particular show was dispelled. While the gathered demographic certainly leaned toward the female end of the spectrum there were far more dudes than I had figured there would be. That not withstanding, the male side of the pat-down line was sparse and I briefly chatted with the two security "officials" about their impending boredom that night while I waited for Hannah to make her way through the throng of young ladies getting cursory pat downs and even less thorough bag searches. It was clear at this point that my concern over Hannah's camera being disallowed was foolish and unnecessary.
After having our tickets scanned we cued up yet again in the hallway to receive our "floor bracelets" from a young woman who was clearly less than thrilled to be working that particular night. We would encounter her again later on as she eagerly put the kibosh on a group of youngsters trying to "improve" their seats. She was not in any way interested in conversation as I inquired if she had a wrist preference when I reached the front of the line, responding with a gruff "It doesn't matter to me" as she haphazardly applied my bracelet, followed by Hannah's which was stuck more directly to her wrist, rather than to itself around it. We made our way through the entrance tunnel and to our seats in section 3, row 11.
After a few minutes of taking in our surroundings we headed out to the concourse to find some dinner and peruse the various Mayer and Kearney merchandise. We grabbed some Subway, a pretzel and a pack of Dippin' Dots (which Hannah had never experienced) and made our way toward the mass of humanity encircling the merch table. There were a slew of t-shirts, sweatshirts and various other swag up for grabs and the throbbing mass of crazy gathered around the hapless sales folk took to shouting their orders and generally being inconsiderate. Having attended many a show or two in my time, I've become accustomed to this scene and took the opportunity to push past some of the less brazen gathered around me and made my way toward the front of the pack. As has become the norm, I found myself behind three or four young ladies determined to take their sweet time in making their choice and yet more time to hem and haw about what size t-shirt would best suit them. Fortunately the older gentleman helping them continually implored them to speed things up as there were "a lot of OTHER people", emphasizing the word "other" with the understanding that it might be the only clue they would get that other people actually existed. I eventually (and efficiently) purchased a shirt for myself and one for Hannah (with correct change) and made my exit, with a total transaction time of about 15 seconds. I won't go into any more of a diatribe about merch table etiquette except to say that if you buy concert merch with a debit or credit card you should have your ticket violently revoked and be escorted out of the venue.
A few minutes after 8pm we were back in our seats and the lights dimmed and were brought back up upon Mat Kearney and his band. Having never heard a Kearney tune I was interested in what his set would bring. I had heard good things and knew of him only anecdotally through the use of one of his songs on one of the few modern physician-centric tv shows. Mixing soft-rock guitar riffs with breezy lyrics and a good dash of spoken word delivery, Kearney certainly brings an original sound to the scene and even graced the piano for a few numbers. I'm a sucker for multi-instrumentalists and enjoyed the set quite a bit. He definitely had a number of very vocal fans in the audience and he made at least a couple more in Hannah and myself. I haven't had a chance to pick up his album yet but I will, and would like to see him in a more intimate setting with a full set to work with that might represent him better than his hour long, 8 song showcase this night.
Photo by Victoria
Kearney leaves the stage to an enthusiastic ovation and we're left with our thoughts and anticipation for another few minutes as the road crew switches out equipment. It is at this point, having already taken a couple dozen pictures during Kearney's set that Hannah and I attempt to take a self portrait to commemorate the night, and the camera alerts us to its dangerously low battery. I quickly switch if off and curse my shutter-happy tendencies. Two songs into Mayer's set the camera battery gave up the ghost which was both a blessing and a curse as there would be no more distraction of picture taking for the remainder of the show. It is only thanks to a couple of kind members of the mystuipdmouth message board (thanks Lauren and Victoria) that I now have a wonderful assortment of pictures of the show, some of which I'm posting here.
The lights go down, the rear curtain parts to reveal a large light board behind the band and they launch into the beginning riffs of "Vultures". After a minute or so, a tall figure in a white shirt bounds up the right hand stairs, receives his guitar from a roadie and takes his place center stage to thunderous applause and more than a shrill scream or two.
Photo by Victoria
John Mayer's presence is admittedly powerful. Even for the slightly jaded music fan it's impossible to deny the sway he holds over the crowd. With expertise garnered over what has amounted to a healthy career at this point, Mayer bops and taps through the opening number. While the song itself is a bit low key for an opener, the energy of the crowd doesn't waver for a moment and the follow up "Good Love is On the Way" finds Mayer belting out "Good Love!" before playing the intro chords and rocking, along with the rest of the band, through the bluesy track from the John Mayer Trio days.
Photo by Victoria
Photo by Victoria
From the moment the first notes of "No Such Thing" reached my ears it was obvious that this show was going to stand out amongst the others in my concert going history. I am an admitted music snob who tends to tire quickly of, and subsequently shun, singles. I find myself consistently wishing that live shows would only include lesser known, seldom heard tunes that almost always more accurately portray a given artist. "No Such Thing" was easily one of the most over played songs of it's time and while it led me to John Mayer in the first place I tend to glaze over it out of principal when it comes up on a mix cd or randomly on my iTunes. But hearing it played live, amongst a few thousand enthusiastic fans and by the artist who, at the time of the songs release had been so appealing to me and who I had labeled as "real music" in a time that was so lacking in it, I was back in 2001, hearing it again for the first time and reliving the experience, this time with perhaps the one person who shared such a close connection with the music. Hannah and I sung our lungs out along with everyone else and took a moment to appreciate the chance to see what was already amounting to an amazing show.
Photo by Victoria
Next came "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)" a song I was quickly drawn to when I picked up Continuum. The first few lines are impossible to ignore, endlessly relateable and probably my favorite from the new record. Mayer sings "No i'm not the man I used to be lately. See you met me at an interesting time. And if my past is any sign of your future, you should be warned before I let you inside". Something of a hesitant welcome, it's the way a lot of people, including myself, approach a new relationship and being from an album that has been forever bound to Hannah and I, this song is one of a few from Continuum that will always hold powerful meaning, along with "The Heart of Life", arguably Hannah's favorite track from Continuum, which was played a couple of songs later.
Photo by Victoria
The current single "Waiting on the World to Change" soon followed and was met by the loudest applause of the night. The politically charged track launched Continuum on it's current, massively successful track and does a fair job encompassing the political leanings of many of Mayer's fans. The live version of the song rocks harder than I would have expected and I wasn't left feeling at all like I would have preferred not hearing it. In fact the one overriding theme of the show was the power of the music and the skill with which it was performed. John's band was crisp, talented and above all played off each other at every opportunity. It was amazing to finally see Mayer sling his guitar chops in person. Taking a few (though not as many as I would have liked) extended guitar solos and making his trademark faces as he wailed away brought a joy and excitement to the show that I thoroughly relished. If there's one thing that none of the critics can ever take from John, it's that the man can play a mean guitar.
Photo by Victoria
Photo by Victoria
The fan favorite "Why Georgia" followed and brought with it smiles all around the arena. It's been a long time since Mayer played a small, coffee house show but this song seems to package some of that nostalgia for the masses. The song's lyrical content didn't serve to take me back in any way, I'm a New England boy and I held no tie to the tune when it was first released, but hearing it now was like hearing it for the first time. This was already a night to remember and I didn't need a defining moment to etch it indelibly, but for whatever intangible reason, "Why Georgia" will be the song I remember most.
Photo by Victoria
The final song on Continuum closed the pre-encore set. "I'm Gonna Find Another You" is one of a number of breakup songs on the album that really finishes off the tale of a relationship gone bad and the recovery process detailed on Continuum ( My Continuum Review). Here it's played in all its bluesy glory and with the flourishes and extended guitar parts one would expect. Mayer thanks the crowd and exits to return shortly there after with his rhythm guitarist for an inspired take on "Wait Until Tomorrow" complete with dueling guitar breakdown.
Photo by Victoria
The set concludes with perennial scream producer "Your Body is a Wonderland" and the current single "Gravity". I was a bit disappointed to see the single placed in the far-too traditional closing set position but was surprised by my enjoyment of "Wonderland". In another example of a song given new life by its live performance from the distinctive opening chords the breezy track felt far more fun and well orchestrated than I'd ever given it credit for. If there's one thing I took away from the show it was the knowledge that John Mayer can put together quite a rockin' show from his catalog of light rock gems.
Photo by Victoria
The show left me wanting more. The entire set flew by and leaving the stadium after the three song encore, smile glued to my face, I was struck by how quickly it had gone and pondering to myself when the next tour would be and how soon the pre-sale would begin. Hannah and I spent the time mulling out of the Mullins center exchanging smiles along with "wow"s and "so good"s. John Mayer is an act to be seen and enjoyed and should remain so for many years to come if he can escape the all seeing, all knowing, all destroying big music machine. Here's hoping.
Photo by Victoria
Full Set List
Vultures
Good Love is On the Way
No Such Thing
I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)
I Don't Need No Doctor
Bigger Than My Body
The Heart of Life
Belief
Waiting on the World to Change
Why Georgia
I'm Gonna Find Another You
-- encore --
Wait Until Tomorrow
Your Body is a Wonderland
Gravity
Photo by Victoria
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Addendum: The Trip Home
We didn't know it was supposed to snow. When we got out of the show there was a solid inch or so and it was still coming down at a decent pace. Unconcerned we took to brushing the car off and proceeded to sit in the parking lot for half an hour or so, people watching and cursing the lack of organization. The huge pack of parking attendants and their mini lightsabers had vanished, replaced by a single lowly police officer only attempting to keep some semblance of order. After a quick, unintentional jaunt though campus, we began weaving our way out of Amherst. We found ourselves five back in a line of cars on the same route. We were directly behind a Saturn which was clearly ill-equipped for the, now quite slippery, roads. At one point we came to a turn that then quickly ascended a fairly steep hill. The Saturn soon lost traction, slowed and eventually stopped midway up the incline. After a few moments of uncertainty, we were backing down the hill to try and pick up some speed as a few SUVs went through. We left the Saturn to fend for itself and took our turn skidding and sliding up the hill in my Grand Am with only slight doubt that we'd make it. The rest of the trip, while quite slow and a bit nerve wracking, was less traumatic but what should have been a two hour drive turned into three and a half and Hannah and I rolled back into Vin's around 3:30am, ready for some serious rest before heading back to VT the following day.
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