Concert Reviews

World musician, Rod Picott’s music has been compared to Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, and John Hiatt. He is a thoughtful artist in his own right, and in this brief interview he tells of some memorable shows he has seen over time.

Jupiter Index: Over the years, you have seen many musicians perform on stage, but which three concert performances have you attended that moved you for the musical ability and skill of the artist or band? What is it about that show that still stays with you?

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Venue: The Music Hall Boston
Year: 1978

This was the very first full on rock and roll show I saw. So, the bar was set very high from the beginning. The band was at the height of their power and the songs from Darkness On The Edge Of Town were made for the drama of playing live. It was everything a show can be; moving, exciting, cinematic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better show. Springsteen gave everything, just laid it all out there. The power was something to behold.

Artist: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Venue: The Ryman Auditorium Nashville
Year: 2019?

For me, Jason is probably the finest songwriter playing in a rock and roll band today. What he does is right in my wheelhouse; a great writer fronting a killer band. The Ryman is such an amazing venue to see a show. There honestly isn’t a bad seat in the entire room. There is the ghost of musical history in the air. I think they played eight or nine shows in a row. Jason fronts his band so well - giving everyone room to shine. He’s just great at what he does and there is something very convincing about his beautiful rich tenor voice. I believe him when he sings, it’s the most important thing: do I believe you?

Artist: John Moreland
Venue: The High Watt Nashville
Year: 2013?

Moreland was opening for Amanda Shires. I’d never heard of him. He came out and sat down, started playing and this voice came on the p.a. that was incredibly moving. I was sort of stunned. He was touring on the In The Throes Album. It’s such a beautiful album. I don’t think he said much of anything to the crowd. He simply played then walked offstage. Now, normally I would say this was a lazy performance, without addressing the crowd and sort of seeming in his own world but there was a vulnerability to the performance that was incredibly emotional. I knew two songs in; this guy is magic. It is hard to say why exactly something moves you. I think it happens when the singer believes what they are singing and they are speaking their truth, really giving you their heart and offering it up. As a listener you take on the depth of the performance.