Jeff Tweedy — 12/6/13, Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

[bböp]

Man, another interesting show. Will write more in a bit but for now, here was the complete setlist as played:

 

Solitaire

At Least That's What You Said>

I'm Always In Love

Remember The Mountain Bed

I Am Trying To Break Your Heart

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

Muzzle Of Bees

You And I

Someday, Some Morning, Sometime

Laminated Cat (aka Not For The Season)

One True Vine

Bull Black Nova

Passenger Side

Shakin' Sugar (aka Alone)

The Ruling Class

Dawned On Me

Hummingbird

Born Alone

Jesus, etc.

New Madrid ("...they all come from Salt Lake City...")

California Stars

-----------------------

The Late Greats

Casino Queen (album arrangement)

I'm The Man Who Loves You

Pecan Pie

A Shot in the Arm

Acuff-Rose (performed at edge of stage w/o PA system)

[parisisstale]

My first solo show since a fall 2005 run and was quickly reminded how special it can be.

 

Highlights:

 

- 5 AGIB tunes!!!! (Shocked after seeing none on the first two set lists)

 

- ALTWYS > IAIL ....not sure if the segue was intentional but there was so little clapping as ALTWYS abruptly ended after the 2nd verse, whatever, itwas sweeeet

 

- Mountainbed (of course). I'm always reminded of probably my favorite Wilco show ever (6.8.04, Irving Plaza), when some dude shouted out "Mountainbed" & Jeff replies that there's no way he's playing that as he just got out of the hospital & there's way too many words

 

- Bull Black Nova for however he was able to make those sounds come out of that guitar

 

- Shakin Sugar/Alone!!!!!! I've felt for years & years like a question no one ever asked

 

- Ruling Class plus the banter on how it's been vetted/accepted by the theological community, again bringing mr back to the solo shows from 2005 (Messiah College & the Loose Fur encore from the free TriBeCa NYC shows)

 

- New Madrid....after a bit of banter about how he still doesn't have the rock star thing down, he throws in the "they all come from Salt Lake City" followed by a "maybe I am starting to figure it out" or something to that effect

 

My first time in Utah (the 25 degrees sure beat the 17 below in Park City my previous two nights) & was amazed how quiet & respectful the crowd was (at least from the vantage point), minus a couple of random hecklers from time to time. I've never been to any show back east where you could hear a pin drop for most of the show.

 

I do selfishly wish that the crowd stayed standing for the encore & that Late Greats etc... were more singalongs as I did travel 2000+ whatever miles for the show but no real worries as I believe we got such an inspired effort out of Jeff in part because the crowd was so great for much of the show. (And cuz my pops paid for my flight out here ....he was a fan before as well but as a fairly decent ol guitar player came out of tonight blown away by Jeff's prowess.

 

Damn, I got to get some sleep, I'll let someone else fill in the banter highlights (abyss guy, cricket, those are the lyrics, etc...). Great, great night, sucks that 24 hrs from now ill be on the red-eye back to JFK

[parisisstale]

Ok, couldn't sleep yet due to having just found & of course having to watch my last solo show on YouTube (search Tweedy TriBeCa if interested).... it's amazing in oh so many ways, with many similarities to tonight's show, including plenty of Abyss banter.

 

Can't believe it's been 8 years, feels like yesterday.

[bböp]

My first solo show since a fall 2005 run and was quickly reminded how special it can be.

 

Highlights:

 

- 5 AGIB tunes!!!! (Shocked after seeing none on the first two set lists)

 

- ALTWYS > IAIL ....not sure if the segue was intentional but there was so little clapping as ALTWYS abruptly ended after the 2nd verse, whatever, itwas sweeeet

 

- Mountainbed (of course). I'm always reminded of probably my favorite Wilco show ever (6.8.04, Irving Plaza), when some dude shouted out "Mountainbed" & Jeff replies that there's no way he's playing that as he just got out of the hospital & there's way too many words

 

- Bull Black Nova for however he was able to make those sounds come out of that guitar

 

- Shakin Sugar/Alone!!!!!! I've felt for years & years like a question no one ever asked

 

- Ruling Class plus the banter on how it's been vetted/accepted by the theological community, again bringing mr back to the solo shows from 2005 (Messiah College & the Loose Fur encore from the free TriBeCa NYC shows)

 

- New Madrid....after a bit of banter about how he still doesn't have the rock star thing down, he throws in the "they all come from Salt Lake City" followed by a "maybe I am starting to figure it out" or something to that effect

 

My first time in Utah (the 25 degrees sure beat the 17 below in Park City my previous two nights) & was amazed how quiet & respectful the crowd was (at least from the vantage point), minus a couple of random hecklers from time to time. I've never been to any show back east where you could hear a pin drop for most of the show.

 

I do selfishly wish that the crowd stayed standing for the encore & that Late Greats etc... were more singalongs as I did travel 2000+ whatever miles for the show but no real worries as I believe we got such an inspired effort out of Jeff in part because the crowd was so great for much of the show. (And cuz my pops paid for my flight out here ....he was a fan before as well but as a fairly decent ol guitar player came out of tonight blown away by Jeff's prowess.

 

Damn, I got to get some sleep, I'll let someone else fill in the banter highlights (abyss guy, cricket, those are the lyrics, etc...). Great, great night, sucks that 24 hrs from now ill be on the red-eye back to JFK

Yeah, I've got a decent amount I want to say as well but I've also got a flight to catch tomorr...er...today. Ugh. But I think you made a lot of good points here and touched on a few things that I also wanted to mention.

 

In particular, I'm glad you also took note of that great transition from At Least>I'm Always In Love. I think it was definitely intentional, and very well done by Jeff. It was cool to hear; I hadn't heard that particular segue before and it personally set the tone right from the start for a show that kept the audience on its toes.

 

I guess I hadn't given much thought to the fact that it was Jeff's first-ever solo show in Salt Lake City until I read a blurb in the local alt-weekly. Having lived in New York and now Chicago, I've had the good fortune to have attended more than my fair share of solo shows over the years so sometimes it's easy to forget that Jeff hasn't performed solo in a great many places (even places that Wilco has played fairly often). So I'm guessing that a decent chunk of the audience at Kingsbury Hall didn't fully know what to expect.

 

And judging from the start of the show, I wasn't exactly sure how the night would go either. Jeff didn't say anything until seven songs in, and he didn't seem like he was in a chatty mood (and that was great for the music). Jeff seemed very focused at the start, like he knew what he wanted to play and wasn't going to let anything distract him.

 

Of course, he did eventually loosen up. It "helped" that a guy in the balcony gave him some material to work with by rehashing the old "abyss" routine and just generally yelling out in an annoying tone. After one last bit of nonsense, Jeff pretty much shut him down in brilliant fashion by asking the rest of the audience, rhetorically, "You guys all heard that too, right?" It reminded me of the comment Steve Earle inevitably used to make to a rowdy audience member at his solo shows: "I remember my first beer, too."

 

Ironically, I don't know if they were selling beer (or booze in general) since this venue was right on the University of Utah campus. Maybe they were, but I don't think it was allowed into the actual theater. In any case, it definitely made for a very respectful audience throughout. There's always a fine line at Jeff's solo shows between being too rowdy and too tame, IMHO, and I think as a whole, this crowd tended toward the latter. But it made for a nice listening experience, just not an especially participatory one.

 

At this point, perhaps I should pay a visit to banter corner (for Mr. Fandango, if no one else ) and say that toward the end of the main set, Jeff had an interesting bit of convo — sort of in reponse to our friend in the balcony, who had proceeded to yell out after Hummingbird that the song was his favorite and quoted a fragment of the lyrics...to which Jeff deadpanned "Those are the words." Anyway, Jeff said that he was "so bad at showbiz (because) I can't lie to you, there are a few of you that are annoying." But overall, he gave the crowd an "A++" grade, and then added that he had never gotten an A+ in anything and that he actually flunked out of creative writing. "My sister loves that," Jeff said.

 

Earlier, just before he played Shakin' Sugar, Jeff talked about how this song wasn't on any record and how only the "freaky fans" had heard it and how he always likes to play a couple of songs every night that will make one or two people happy and that now would probably be a good time for anyone else to go to the bathroom. "Or visit the merch booth," Jeff continued. "That's the first time I've ever mentioned the merch booth during a show. Wait, that's not true. Glenn used to want me to remind people that we were selling his wristbands at the merch booth — he had wristbands with crickets on them. Isn't that sad?"

 

Anyway, those were the main bits of banter I jotted down. There was another good bit as well when Jeff talked about how "there's a lot missing" in some of the solo performances of certain songs. To which several different people yelled various encouragements and Jeff talked about how David Lee Roth probably didn't need people to yell encouragement at him. "But I must look like I need it," Jeff said. "it is really encouraging when tell me I'm OK — especially strangers. People in my (everyday) life don't tell me that."

 

There was also banter about cricket (Jeff's guitar tech is Australian and a big fan, and Jeff joked that all he really wanted to do was watch cricket. "Which takes forever," Jeff said) and later briefly about Jeff's hair and whether he should slick it back (he demonstrated and then quickly reverted to the usual toussled mop).

 

As for the music, I was glad to hear Solitaire and One True Vine (which I had missed from the KC show). I still like the latter better as a piano song, the way it was first released. But it's got a lovely melody, and that came through even in Jeff's relatively spare rendition on guitar. What else? Of course, Shakin' Sugar was great and I'm an unabashed fan of Bull Black Nova done solo.

 

The other interesting musical bit from last night was when Jeff played Casino Queen. He mentioned that he knew how to play it two different ways and demonstrated by starting with the album arrangement and saying we'd probably "miss the big rock band" if he did it that way. Then he teased the so-called LouFest twangy arrangement, which is how he often did the song solo back in the old days but said we might not like that. Then he put it to a vote (sort of) and when a few vocal audience members voiced their support for the album arrangement, he proceeded to do the song that way. Of course, how could most people really know what they were missing by dismissing the twangy arrangement? Next time, I guess. Personally, I glad to hear the album arrangement again if only because it had been awhile since hearing it played that way solo (though I remain probably a bigger fan of the LouFest arrangement).

 

At this point I should say that I did get a glimpse of Jeff's setlist afterward. And to answer my own question that I posed in the Denver show thread, it seems like he has a definite setlist, probably to help facilitate the guitar changes since he doesn't have them all out there in the semi-circular arrangement of past solo tours. But there's always stuff that gets cut for whatever reason — and I always sort of hesitate to mention what did because someone then inevitably feels like they didn't get as "good" a show as they might otherwise have gotten — but last night Gun was listed as the last song of the main set and Dreamer In My Dreams was listed as the show closer. (Presumably Dreamer would have been the off PA song, but Jeff went with Acuff-Rose instead, which wasn't on the list.) Those would have both been pretty fun to hear. There was also a handwritten box off to the side with I'll Fight and Bull Black Nova,

 

But c'est la vie, you know? What we did get was a highly enjoyable evening, especially from a listening standpoint. Jeff wasn't perfect — he flubbed the first verse of The Late Greats, for example, and a stray note here and there — but I appreciate the fact that he's throwing in some surprises and I think really singing and playing as well as he ever has...at least in the time that I've seen him. So it's definitely worth catching a show on this run if you have a chance.

[Atticus]

Alone!!!

[Magnetized]

Thanks so much for all the details--it's almost like being there.

 

I love the remark he made about maybe starting to catch on to the rock star thing with throwing the name of the city into songs. Not that he hasn't done that before, of course, say on Kingpin. But it's cute that he acknowledges it.

[jimjiminy]

This was my first Tweedy solo show. I'm sort of a latecomer to Wilco (2005-2006ish) but I have managed to see the band six times now. I've been a huge fan of his solo performances ever since I got my hands on the various Letters for Santa recordings. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't see Tweedy in Nashville and Knoxville years ago when I was in Tennessee, but I wasn't a full-fledged Wilco convert at that point. Imagine my excitement when I saw the announcement that he was coming to SLC and even more when we pulled seventh-row center seats. The view was absolutely perfect. (Although, one of my friends was sitting third-row center so I'm sure that wasn't a bad view either.) The nice thing about Kingsbury Hall is that there really isn't a bad seat in the venue. It is nicely designed.

 

Here are a few random thoughts, since the previous posts are quite thorough:

 

My wife and I had invited another couple who are relatively unfamiliar with Wilco. As we left our friend asked, "Is he usually that funny? I was laughing the whole time." Even though the set started out quite focused, as mentioned above, he got pretty chatty about half-way into the show.

 

Yes, the Utah audience was quite respectful. I sort of had to sing along under my breath and missed that communal aspect to some songs. 

 

After "Alone" my wife turned to me and asked if I had ever heard that song before to which I replied, "Of course. It's one of the YHF outtakes." I guess that puts me in the freaky fan category.

 

Even being a native Utahn I have to say it was cold last night. I hope Jeff Tweedy had a positive experience and will come back to SLC in the future. And now I just have a few weeks until The Autumn Defense comes to a small club right in my backyard in Provo and then another show in SLC!

[M. (hristine]

The Diamond Dave thread running through these sets is kinda funny. A quick google and Jeff talked about him in a 2009 interview. In KC he talked about hating David Lee as a youngster, but finally realizing that he actually wanted to BE David Lee Roth. Which morphed into hating the "fun havers", and encouraging the audience to say "fuck the fun havers". Ha. I appreciate Tweedy's craft especially, because it seems he overcomes quite a bit of self-consciousness to get up on the stage alone for these gigs, night after night.

 

[bböp]

I just have to say that I find the comments in the Facebook thread about this show on Wilco's page is kind of hilarious. Are people just super attached to "their" song(s) or do they not realize that these are solo acoustic shows? Or both?

I realize most of the people who comment over there aren't the "freaky fans" Jeff mentioned, but yeesh. Take it from me, I've heard Impossible Germany solo acoustic and it isn't that great. One guy commented that Jeff "had a rough night last night & admitted it. There were a few great renditions scattered through out but he seemed not happy w/ his performance." Dude, trust me, I've seen some rough nights and this wasn't one of them.

And 66 comments thus far and not even one about Shakin' Sugar!

[Preferred B]

I really appreciate the detailed reviews in this thread. Lots of great songs in these setlists - I can't wait for Largo!

[kidsmoke]

Yes, this is whetting my appetite for Largo! See you there, Brianne!

[Albert Tatlock]

There was also banter about cricket (Jeff's guitar tech is Australian and a big fan, and Jeff joked that all he really wanted to do was watch cricket. "Which takes forever," Jeff said) and later briefly about Jeff's hair and whether he should slick it back (he demonstrated and then quickly reverted to the usual toussled mop).

 

 

That must be one happy guitar tech at the moment ... Australia are trouncing the Pommies.

 

Not a massive cricket fan, but I am a fan of the great BBC commentary team ... especially the late great Brian Johnston

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsVTpX7LdZQ

 

 

Back on track - thanks for some great reporting.

[D-9]

I'm secretly hoping that this show makes a roadcase appearance, due to the fact that the audience was very quiet.  What I REALLY wish is that the Wilco boys would offer a premium ticket with all of their shows that included a copy of what came off the soundboard.  I'd pay at least $20-$30 extra for it.

[Raskolnikov]

Hello, all.

First time posting, and I know how insane this looks... but got the bug today to try and track down a recording of this show.  Have seen Wilco a handful of times, but hadn't ever seen Jeff solo - and he absolutely blew my socks off.  We stumbled into some amazing seats, and being that close to him as he played those songs in that manner changed my view of him as a songwriter and a vocalist.  I mean, I knew he was good before, but it blew my mind.

Since it's not showing up in the roadcase anytime soon - or so it sadly appears - any leads, people?

Promising that he won't be one of those guys that comes to post just to find a bootleg and will really honestly post other stuff on this site sometimes,

 

-Adam

[kidsmoke]

Welcome to VC! Love your username.

 

I hope someone will be able to give you a lead to a recording of this show. I know how satisfying it can be to get to re-hear a show that powerful!

[Analogman]

There are sources out there for the shows right before and right after the Salt Lake City show. But nothing for this show - so far.

[IRememberDBoon]

what is the "Wilco page" bbop is talking about??

[Magnetized]

what is the "Wilco page" bbop is talking about??

I assume he means Wilco's Facebook page.

[bböp]

what is the "Wilco page" bbop is talking about??

Yeah, Wilco's Facebook page. Some of the comments on various show threads can be pretty hilarious.

[IRememberDBoon]

ahhh Ive liked that but I guess I never look at the comments.

[Raskolnikov]

Welcome to VC! Love your username.

 

I hope someone will be able to give you a lead to a recording of this show. I know how satisfying it can be to get to re-hear a show that powerful!

 

Thanks - look forward to it.  Need to spend some more time noodling around on here.