song performed: “The Dreaded Spoon” from their self-titled album
conan’s reaction: “how are you? *claps two times* yeeeehaw! *shakes ricky’s hand* thank you very much *shakes bruce’s hand* ricky skaggs bruce hornsby that was fantastic *claps four times* we’ll take a break, we’ll be right back, stick around *claps once* ”
the band: wow, it’s bluegrass and bluepiano together on stage. last time I saw either of these two gentlemen was back when bruce hornsby had a range and sung about “the way it is”. last time I heard either of these artists was when tupac was also telling my about “the way it is”. time has changed things, because now bruce is telling me about a fictional greasy breakfast joint that sounds fun. i like it.
ricky has been strumming his cute little mandolin since the 50’s!!! even playing with violin master django reinhardt. bruce of course had a huge hit on huey lewis’ label back in 86? I think? these two gents were both slapped with that nasty hand of “contemporary”, ricky hitting a dry period during the “contemporary country” movement of the 90’s, bruce doing the same right after his hit. two talented men desserted by their fans for billy ray cyrus and celine dion. it’s not right. so it’s a great thing that the two have come back with a rootsdown album which has gotten great reviews.
the performance: well fiddle me dee! it’s great! After two semi-annoying interviews (read: adam brody), it was nice to hear some upbeat music. If i recall, i think that conan is a big fan of both guys, ricky was on Conan’s 10th anniversary show.
bruce looks the same! same hairstyle, maybe a few shades grayer. I can’t totally understand the lyrics, but they are making me want to go to dairy queen. the “fiddler” is a young man who smoking away on stage. at one point bruce yells “play ball”, and I think that is the feel of the whole performance. a bunch of talented peeps on stage just enjoying themselves, which is kind of at the root of bluesgrass.
lighting was much more subdued, with busy camera action that kind of kept things feeling grand old opry-esque. the song was quick and toward the end I realized there were like 50 banjos and guitars all on the right of the stage - starting with a tiny guy in the back and ending with this huuuuuge man up front holding a gigantic guitar. he kind of turned the performance into a bill plympton toon where guitar players keep birthing guitar players that are bigger and bigger and crawl out of each others mouth like reverse nesting dolls.
other notes: my supernice girlfriend made me breakfast - time to go!
