PG1 / East Rutherford NJ

Anciticipation was overwhelming. I'd waited about 10 years to see PG again live. Sure he released music since his last true 'record.' A couple musical scores; some work on the Millenium Dome in England. But he hadn't released a true studio, lyrical album since 1992's 'Us'. His latest effort titled 'Up' (do you see a pattern here?) is instense. Many have characterized it as anything but 'up.' And indeed there are some dark tones to some of the tracks. PG himself describes some of the music as dealing with death. Whereas in other cultures, death is spoken about more freely and with comfort. In Western cultures, death is generally feared or at least stuffed into some dark corner we prefer not to visit.

'Up,' the album, is an amazing work. And though I admit I'm a PG zealot, I convey these positive sentiments after first disliking the album. Well, perhaps dislike is not the best word. But it took a while for me to really digest. PG's work, as with all other efforts, is unique. Rarely does he fall into patterns, preferring instead to strike out into new musical landscapes. And so 'Up' does just that. It is startingly fresh and new and innovative. World, ethnic influences are infused throughout the work; PG himself does not succumb to 'poppy' styles or radio friendly tunes. Rather he creates what he wants, without apology. And it works. Powerfully. But not, make no mistake, on the first listen. This is a record that requires thought and refelction to truly understand and, well, to dig. I dig it. Immensely.

On to the show. The date finally arrives. The drive to NJ was miserable. It is, after all, my home state. Each time I return, I'm reminded why I can't stay for long periods. People need to chill out. Everyone seems in such a hurry to go somewhere. Even on this particular evening - with the rain absolutely painted across my windshield - people were flying. We made it though. I think we were second in the parking lot. A bit anxious? Slightly.

We hung out in the lot til about 7pm, listening to some PG tunes. Eventually we lined up at the door and were allowed entry. Cattle-like, we processed throught the two open doors into the venue. I went right up to the first alley to look at the stage. Smack it the middle; a perfectly round disk. Amazing structures above and around it that would certainly have something to do with the production.

We assumed our rightful position on the floor, about 20 or so rows back. Good seats - probably not the best but I wasn't overly concerned at that moment. I felt like a school kid with a first crush. I don't idolize anyone. I might admire a few folks here and there but I've never rasied anyone to theistic levels. That is, until I got into PG. His music is amazing; its voice goes beyond lyrics and music.

Blind Boys of Alabama opened, peforming a tremendous, if not brief, set of gospel music. Their voices are powerful and rich. Everyone in attendance was treated to their glorious signing.
PG begins around 915pm. Just him and his piano, belting out 'Here Comes the Flood.' A great and tender tune that really shows his vocal ability. And proves - immediately - to any skeptics that his slightly advanced years has only improved his vocal abilities. The remainder of the show mixes old tunes and new, alternating between high-energy and sit-down-and-listen type music. PG has not lost a step. He and his band seem to truly enjoy themselves on stage. The crowd in NJ was decent. Not the best I've seen, but decent still. His last song, 'Father, Son' is incredibly touching. It's hard for me to stay unemotional when I hear this song, especially when I think of my father and the wonderful influences he's had on my life (more on this later).

The point of this - or any of the essays about these shows - is not to present blow-by-blow details or recount the setlist. If you're truly interested in this information, there are plenty of reviews available all over the web or on PG's site.

Rather, the point of this exercise - like many exercises - is to attempt to examine and understand what I learned. And I did learn. Seems odd, right? Learning from a rock concert. But I did, after some time of geniune reflection.

Ever been on a date with someone? It's a natural human tendency to compare that individual with other dates you've been on. Similar to when the DOC jabs at your knee with that rubber triangle. The reflex just happens. Such was the case with this first show. It was good. Notice I didn't say 'great.' But it was good. The problem I had was that I could not help but compare this show to the last PG show I attended, some 10 years prior during his 'Secret World' tour. Those shows were amazing. PG pulled out all the stops. They were, in all ways, theater and not just some rock concert with four chords and a beat. This was my fundamentally unfair blockage: I kept comparing this show to those in the past. And nothing can ever compare to those shows 10 years ago. So in comparison, this NJ was good. But it didn't rise to the level of the others.
And so here's my point, and it took some time for me to understand this. Each tour - each show for that matter - must be regarded in and of itself. Much like on that date, when you go out with a new person. It's inherently unfair to compare that person to anyone else. They are unique and deserve to be considered as such. And so too with this concert. It was a fundamentally different show. Theatrical? Yup. But there was clearly more focus on the music and on PG and his band enjoying themselves. And in this regard, my friends, he and his fellow musicians excelled.