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Rising to the occasionBy GINA VIVINETTO, Times Pop Music Critic© St. Petersburg Times published November 25, 2002 TAMPA -- Anyone doubting Bruce Springsteen's power circa 2002 need only to see the guy live. A crowd of 19,644 was lucky enough to do that Sunday at a nearly sold out St. Pete Times Forum. Springsteen, 53, and the E Street Band kicked off the night with the buoyant title song from The Rising, Springsteen's first album with the band since 1984. Springsteen relied heavily on the new record for the show, which surprisingly turned out to be a smart move.
New member Soozie Tyrell drenched Lonesome Day with her violin. Clarence Clemons' ribbony saxophone solo drew wild praise from fans, who sang along on its hope-filled "It's all right" chorus. Despite the heavy topic of the new disc, Sunday's show was steeped in hope. The E Street gang thrives on merriment and a camaraderie that fans relish. Little Steven Van Zandt -- who kills time when he's not touring portraying Silvio on HBO's The Sopranos -- sported his trademark bandanna and mugged as he strummed his six-string. Posture-perfect drummer Max Weinberg -- recognize him from his gig on Conan O'Brien's show? -- also scored squeals when he appeared on video screens above the stage. The oldie Darkness On The Edge of Town was punched up by the dueling keyboards of Danny Federici and Roy Bittan. Weinberg's pounding beats on She's The One pumped up the song's sexuality. (And isn't it always fun to see Clemons grooving with the maracas?) No one made a peep during Empty Sky as Springsteen picked an acoustic guitar and played harmonica. The song featured a stunning vocal harmony by Springsteen and singer-guitarist-wife Patti Scialfa, whose fluttering soprano sounded otherworldly. Springsteen dropped the guitar, grabbed the mike, and worked the crowd for the feel-good Mary's Place, a new tune that has all the fist-pumping sis boom bah of his knockout hits. Sunday's concert wasn't merely for the Boss' die-hard fans. Newcomers who came on board with The Rising found much to enjoy. As did the unconverted. (Okay, me.) Nearly two hours into the show, Springsteen still hadn't resorted to any monster hits and it didn't matter. When those encores started -- whoo, boy! Springsteen was grinning, singing Dancing In The Dark, Glory Days, and an unbelievably boisterous Born To Run. Born In The U.S.A., which Springsteen called a "plea for peace," ended in guitar cacophony between Springsteen, Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren. Bonus: a fun cover of Twist & Shout.
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From the wire |
