Daniel Lanois

I waited for Daniel to play The STL for years. He came onstage first with Rocco Deluca, a singer/musician/songwriter who played steel guitar opposite Daniel, who also played a steel guitar. The music was atmospheric/sonic/ethereal and frankly, after 40 minutes, boring and soporific. Daniel then took a break and then came back onstage to play more familiar material, some from his early album, Acadie some that I did not recognize. The fact that there was no seating in the Duck Room forced us to stand for, not only the hour prior to the show, but the entire show as well. My date left early to go upstairs and sit at the bar. All in all, I enjoyed finally seeing and hearing Dan play. It was more of an experimental studio performance than I was expecting. Still, very interesting.

It's in the title, son! Manna from Heaven ... Much needed acknowledgements shouted out loud in music form ... Crying out loud what goes on. "The Sound Is Dying"... straight up. Each note was played, sung, performed with full effort and integrity. Daniel Lanois is my hero ... his seriously talented bandmates kept tight alongside. Black Dub and this particular performance will be with me 'til the end and beyond. Rocco Deluca - no words. Slay slay slay away with your lyrics and steel ... Keep on keepin on doing what you gotta do. .

Seeing three consummate pros have so much fun on stage was really great. Almost cathartic. Trixie the new-comer was intense, super-talented.

To watch Brian Blade play drums is worth the price of admission. Daniel Lanois is one of the most creative and influential guitar players alive. The whole band rocks. Can't wait for the CD in January.