Memories of Unforgettable Concert Experiences
Concerts have always held a special place in my heart, and two of the most unforgettable evenings were undoubtedly the live performances of Miles Davis and Ellis Paul. Each concert not only left me with memories to cherish but also taught me the true magic of live music.
Super Bowl Sunday, 1987: A Concert Memoir
It was Super Bowl Sunday, 1987, and the theater where I worked had a change-over. With a chance to miss work, and knowing that Miles Davis was playing right down the street, I urged my boss to let me go. Miles Davis, the legendary jazz musician, was known not for his on-stage antics but for his raw talent and the way he could move the audience with his music.
I managed to secure front-row seats in a 3000-seat venue, which, embarrassingly, was only about 1/10th full at the time. However, it didn’t matter to Miles. He knew everyone was there to see him and wasn’t in the least bit concerned with the football game being shown on the enormous screens around the venue. Miles mostly played with his back to the audience, occasionally gesturing to band members or stepping behind the keyboard to suggest chords and then wandering over to the curved proscenium to experiment with echoes.
At one point, he was searching for his mute in the deep pockets of his long, flowing silk robe. Frustrated and still searching, he finally cast the mute offstage with a clatter and a growl that came only from a voice damaged by years of singing. After dabbing a handkerchief to a vocal cord that might have been tortured by pharaohs, he called for guitarist Hiram Bullock. He sent out a scowl that could have made the pyramids dissolve. But, according to backstage sources, Miles was in an exceptionally good mood that night.
The crown moment for me, however, was my own little mistake. Overwhelmed by the music, I stood up in my front row seat and let out a guttural fanboy whoop. Miles shot me a curious look through his sunglasses, silently asking, ‘Who the fuck is this jiggy white guy dressed like a carpenter in the front row getting all wired up over raunchy savage funk?’ It was an unforgettable moment that made my night.
Ellis Paul: A Front Row Seat in Berkeley, 2003
Though I have been to many magical shows, the one that stands out to me is an Ellis Paul show in Berkeley’s Freight and Salvage. My partner Jen and I arrived early, making us among the first in line to secure seats in the very front row. The venue, now upgraded and moved, was a much larger club, but the old FS, as it was known, was small, putting us only 2 yards from the performer.
Ellis Paul, a truly personable and witty individual, captivated the audience with his songwriting and voice. About halfway through the show, his guitar pick went flying. He stopped the performance to ask if anyone in the audience had a pick he could borrow. As it happened, I had a keychain that was also a leather pick holder. He decided to use the Dunlop Tortex medium gauge, an excellent choice and my personal favorite pick.
After the show, we were able to grab a spot at the merch table where Ellis was signing CDs and saying hello. He even gave me back my pick and autographed it. To this day, I still keep it somewhere special, treasuring this memory of the live music experience.
These two unforgettable evenings at concerts not only brought me closer to the music and musicians but also reminded me of the power of live performances and the unique connection they create between artists and fans.
To all the music lovers out there, do not hesitate to attend concerts. These experiences can leave lasting memories and remind us of the profound impact live music can have on our lives.