Randy Newman

No, it is not the Dos Equis Guy. After watching his concert at the Birchmere the other night, there is no doubt in my mind that the most interesting man in the world is Randy Newman. Now, Randy is not cut from the same cloth of most of my musical icons. He is not a rock \u2018n roller. In fact, he is hard to define, which is part of what makes him so interesting. There is some gospel, some blues, some ragtime, some ballads, and movie soundtracks. There s irony, satire and pain, all sung with a so-so voice. But the stories and the lyrics are something else. From the brutal put-down of bigots in Short People (you ve got to love the lines: They got little baby legs; And they stand so low; You got to pick \u2018em up; Just to say hello ) and the satirically romantic ode to Cleveland and its burning Cuyahoga River in Burn On , to the frighteningly prescient political solution offered up in 1972 in Political Science that was part of our Moron-in-Chief s speech to the United Nations in 2017 ( No one likes us; I don t know why; We may not be perfect; But heaven knows we try; But all around; Even our old friends put us down; Let s drop the big one; And see what happens ) and the abject pain of a father for his estranged son in Wandering Boy , he kept the audience engaged and on its toes. And his takes on Putin and Jack and Bobby Kennedy are brilliant. It is hard to reconcile the artist who wrote those songs with the one who can also write terrific songs for Pixar movies. You just never know what you re going to get with a Randy Newman song. Fortunately, you do know what you re going to get with a Randy Newman concert. Randy and a grand piano, a great songbook, engaging stories, and the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with the most interesting man in the world.

I first saw Randy Newman when I was a college student back in the early 70s and have seen him a few more times over the years. He's as good as ever. It was just Randy and a piano and the audience. He played some old tunes, new tunes and a bit of his Disney work. He talked to the audience, told us stories, did two sing-a-longs and took requests. A fan couldn't ask for more.

I've been a fan of Randy Newman since Good Old Boys was released in 1974. Probably have listened to that album/CD over the years than most of my collection. Had always wanted to hear him live. When I got tickets for this solo performance I thought w/o a band to back him up, some of the music would be lost. I was wrong. The accoustics at the Tilles Center, were excellent and since it wasn't a sold out performance we sat in a loge seat and had a great evening. It was as if we were enjoying a private session in Mr. Newman's home. He was self-deprecating and thoroughly enjoyable. Couldn't have been better. Only disappointment was he didn't sing "The Naked Man".

This performance was very good. The mixture of Mr. Newman's eclectic songs and the beautiful scores for motion pictures gave us a new perspective of the tremendous talent and scope of his work. The orchestra was also very good, both in the support role for his individual songs and the movie scores.

The overall performance was very good. The fact that Randy performed with the LA P O made the evening very good.

An evening with Randy Newman was about as intimate one can get in a auditorium filled with hundreds of people, and still provide the feeling you're in Randy's living room listening to him casually play many of his top hit songs. With the exception of his tickling the ivory and accompanying the tune, the auditorium was silent. Everyone in attendance appeared to appreciate the musical genius who has continued to bring "true to life," no nonsense music to the world for the past 30 years or so. "You love LA," Randy and LA loves you! We understand that you weren't feeling up to par last night and yet that made the concert more real. 5 Stars all the way!!!

After buying tickets that were billed as (obstructed view), was thrilled that the balcony seats were right above Newman and we could see his hands play the piano. They were fine seats. Newman was wonderful, even his "mistakes" were charming and one could hear a pin drop. The audience was glued to every word of every lyric and Newman had us singing with him on a new song which was funny since the song was filled with his sardonic wit. And the audience part made it funnier. The show was a great mix of old and new. Am a big fan of "Harps and Angels" his last c.d. and was glad he performed songs from it. EXCELLENT!

When you spend a lot of money for an evening out on the town, a nice dinner, and then a concert in the beautiful Royce Hall at UCLA, one expects a magical night. Not so last night. Randy Newman was absolutely horrible and owes everyone either their money back or a new concert. His excuse for forgetting the lyrices to many songs or forgetting how to play the notes to a song was that he'd been working on his compositions for "Toy Story 3" all day, had a cold, and was just plain having trouble concentrating. I would say that the reason he performed so poorly is that he's been doing this for so long he thought he could skate by without rehearsing. How unprofessional is that? I want my money back!

It left me sad and angry and groping for answers. I am a life long fan and had seen Randy Newman numerous times. But last night......sigh.... There were missed chords and forgotten lyrics. And when you are playing to people who have listened to you for almost 40 years there is no way to fake it. At first he joked about it. He admonished his left hand that would not bounce around the lower keys. At one point he stopped and noted, oh I already did that part. He had to know how badly it was going. I don't know if he felt poorly or was just unprepared. It was like watching a former champion who was taking one fight too many. We walked out into the night air at intermission and kept going...

Poet, musician, sage, philosopher/clown are only some of the descriptive words evoked by his masterful performance. It didn't matter that he forgot a few lyrics here and there and that his hands did not always perfectly trace the composed pathways through the keys. Audience members were more than willing to fill in lines with nostalgic whispers. His songs still stand the test of time and are anthems for generations. If you have young adult children, take them to see this legendary artist. I took my life-partner who is also a soul stirring songwriter. I feel grateful for the gift of those who follow their muse and delight us all with the dance.

Wonderful songs by a down to earth and friendly performer who seemed to relish being able to play both the old and new songs for real fans. Plus one of the new songs about Vladimir Putin was fantastic. Can't wait for the album!

First time seeing a show at The Space in Westbury. Beautiful theater and more importantly really enjoyed seeing Randy Newman!

Randy Newman was great the other night. The space at westbury is a great venue and newman's piano sounded terrific. Played so many great songs and entertained the crowd

rANDY WAS GREAT !SANG ALL HIS HITS AND TOOK REQUESTS COULDN,T ASK FOR A BETTER SHOW WITH ENCORES PLAYED 2 1/2 HRS.

A decent show with just Randy at his piano. I say decent, because form my seated area (balcony) the sound was muffled when he briefly spoke, as well as the majority of song lyrics were hard to understand. I think this was due to the speakers facing the floor audience, and not angled toward the balcony. Still, it was enjoyable. The fist set lasted just under an hour, followed by a 15 minute break and an hour-long second set. The vast majority of songs were condensed, but I doubt most people cared. Some of the longer songs, were: Old Kentucky Home, Short People, You Got a Friend in Me, Mama Told Me Not to Come, Louisiana 1927.

If you missed this, as my wife did regretfully,oh well. Audience made not a peep till asked to.do so. Audience also sang well. Packed house. Great venue. Thanks Randy Newman for sharing your work.Those who left early dont appreciate music or whatever. No one moved during music. 1 man 1 instrument

Blast from the past and some great new things. Most enjoyable. Loved every minute of it. Thanks Randy Newman for sharing your talent with us.

Mr. Newman has an interesting take on the world around him, and his observations are always incisive, insightful and entertaining. Unfortunately, his performance skills are not so good. Here is an example when song writers should NOT be allowed to perform their work. Aside from his personal banter, which was very engaging, his voice and style (southern black?) were fixed and lacked range. Every song took us to the same place. My only consolation was remembering performances by Streisand and Collins, which brought his words and music to life. Time to let it go, Mr. Newman. Time to enjoy the warmth and glow of a very productive songwriting life. At 72, it is time to let others move into the spotlight. Does he serve the beauty and humanity of his songs any longer? No. He's dead! (metaphorically speaking, that is).

Big fans of singer/songwriters and Mr. Newman definitely made our top tier!! He performed nearly 40 songs including a couple of audience-participation!! Loved the performance, love Randy Newman! Royce Hall was the perfect venue. Can't wait to see him again!! Thank you.

Randy was charming and funny. He played just enough old stuff and we loved the new. And, he played for almost 3 hours - quite a wonderful show, several standing ovations. Heartfelt ending. Just wonderful.

What an amazing performer! So much emotion in his voice and lyrics. We loved it from beginning to end.

I'm a fan of Randy Newman and a huge fan of the Chateau St. Michelle venue, so I was profoundly disappointed when Randy took a "low entertainment" approach to his performance this year. Shame on me for not checking on prior reviews, but I was surprised to see that Randy was performing solo, and disappointed to see that he took a very low key approach to the entire show. For a smart guy, I think he took a foolish approach by not trying to add energy to the show with at least a well-prepared delivery.....he actually forgot portions of a couple of different tunes! A composer of his reputation should be able to round up a quality group of musicians to build an entertaining stage presentation. Instead, he tried to pull off a low-key piano bar-style performance with a few brief anecdotes and not very interesting versions of his songs. FAIL.

A most amazing concert in spite of the torrential downpour. We stayed almost dry until the end and we stayed until the end.

Randy performed without a band or musical back-up. He didn't need anything accept his piano and voice. His famous funny lyrics were great. The rain didn't get serious until the very end. It was an entertaining show and wonderful venue.

Did not attend; wind and heavy rains. Additionally thunder storms were predicted and once before I was run out of a concert along with a multitude of others by a lightning bolt

A rather geriatric crowd, but lively. Randy Newman is a great American song writer and has an amazing sense of humor. He has a wonderful presense and seems to really enjoy the fans (and they enjoy him). The Putin song was one to remember. . .

Great show! Just Randy and his piano. Clever banter in between tunes. And he played a lot of them. He was connected with and engaged with the audience who stuck it out through an August storm. I'd definitely see him again. An American treasure!

The best thing you can say about something in Boston is wicked Boston. I felt privileged to see him in person. And seeing him perform is personal. He puts himself into his performance as if we're all hanging out together in some really, big, weird room.

My husband I attended the Evening with Randy Newman, as he is a big fan. The show was great- Randy did a nice job, and can still play that piano!

wonderful and fun - really gave a lot of value with two sets. A moment to remember with a musical genius

Outstanding performance by one of America's best satirist and story teller. Over the course of two hours, mr. Newman, accompanied by his piano, entertained in every sense of the word. The audience was extremely respectful listening intently to every song and respectfully holding their applause until the song ended so we could enjoy every nuance of the music and his soulful inflections. We laughed and cried as each song told of love lost, love eternal and self reflection. The Wilbur theatre was the perfect venue for this solo accoustic performance.

Excellent show liked the simple venue. Randy is always interesting

A great evening with an incredibly quirky songsmith. He dug deep into his reportoire and also did some new songs. While other artists have covered him, he does his stuff best. If not for the discomfort of the seats and muddy sound it would have been a 5 star event.

Randy Newman has an wide variety of music-fun night

First time seeing Randy. Most of the performers I see hit their prime in the 60s and 70s and their performances can be a half hearted, faded victory lap. Randy walked out on the stage with swagger, his voice hadn't faded and his playing was fierce, off the cuff and masterful. This was one of the better shows I have seen in a long time. His in between song banter was as loose and witty as his lyrics. The real deal, this guy was present. Really glad I saw him. I hope Randy comes around again.

I sat in a box seat and the speakers were right in front of me...it was hard to understand what the singer was saying or singing. I think that Randy should stick to recordings. Yes, he is a talented song writer but I think his stage presence was more suited for an intimate setting rather than a large audience. It almost looked like he was drugged or drunk.

Wonderful performance - outstanding musician and as funny/clever between songs as he is in his lyrics. A bit pitchy on higher notes but it happens. Highly recommend seeing him - a vastly underrated icon.

No T-shirts. No table of CD's. Not even a voice telling you to put your hands together. Just Mr Newman, a Black Steinway and 2 solid hours of the best entertainment I have ever been lucky enough to enjoy. Randy Newman is probably the best observer of human nature in our generation. Great vocalist? No. But his lyrics and music and comfortable living room style made us feel like we actually were spending the evening with a close friend. Dont miss it.

At 54 years old, Randy Newman was one of the few performers left to see on my bucket list. I enjoyed this show more than any concert I have ever attended and I've seen most of the greats starting in the early 70's (Springsteen, Queen, etc...). Randy sitting at the piano singing and telling story's with his blend of sarcastic wit and humor beats them all. He's a music writing genius yet comes across so humble and down to earth. I feel very lucky to have seen him giving the fact that he doesn't perform regularly anymore.

Two 50 sets of humor, satire, and touching songs. Great melodies, very impressive piano playing and good lyrics.

SHOW WAS FUN AND ENTERTAING HE PLAYED ALL HIS HITS A SOME NEW MATERIAL. I AM A CASUAL FAN. I WOULD RECOMEND SEEING HIM A LEAST ONCE. YOU WILL LEAVE FEELING GOOD AFTER CONCERT.

He is so funny and an awesome piano player and writer. Did perform some new ones he's written. Fun interplay with the audience. If you like Randy Newman you should buy his new compilation album whenever it is released. I did not know he wrote some hit songs in the '60s like Three Dog Night's hit "Mama Told Me Not to Come". I loved hearing him live. I would do it again.

randy newman @ the count basie theatre in red bank was brilliant... enough said!

Newman really seemed to enjoy himself. He didn't sing my favorite, Love Story, but he hit everything else. He's funny and delightful.

Lots of love to and from New Orleans' son, lost to LA but always welcome back

I've seen Randy Newman at the Jazz Fest and the Theatre of the Performing Arts and the show at the Orpheum Theater was the best. He had the best setlist, it was the smallest venue and the sound was excellent. His connection to New Orleans, his humor, his songwriting and his performing skills are great. Actually, I'd give him a 4 1/2 star rating because he's not the best singer and he doesn't perform Rednecks but it was a wonderful show.

A great show in a beautiful, well-staffed venue with awesome acoustics. Started a little after 7 to allow for late-comers (good move for all parties). Two 45-minte sets with a 20-minute intermission-perfect!

The Orpheum and Randy Newman were the perfect combination for me. Just a beautiful and small enough old theatre, a grand piano, and a songwriter, singer, humorist! What a night.

Randy Newman is still amazing! We enjoyed his storytelling and sense of humor throughout. His casualness and ease made you feel like you were sitting in his living room requesting your favorite songs...even better than we expected.

Great music venue at the Orpheum, hard to have bad seats. Sound was awesome. Randy played most of his favorites. I "found" his music in 1981 and have liked him ever since. Would repeat a visit agsin, for sure

Randy Newman is incredible performer - great catalogue of songs, fun banter with audience and amazing piano ! A lot of sound from a one man band !

It was just Randy and his piano. He played songs from back in the '70's through songs from his current album Dark Matter. For Randy fans, it was a memorable trip through time with an incredible songwriter. I was worried about him, though, because he's put on weight and he doesn't look so good. I hope he hires a personal trainer and nutritionist--we need him around much longer!

Randy Newman continues to surprise me with every new show. He's not a flashy performer - the show is just a man and a piano. But the worlds created by this master craftsman make the lack of flash largely irrelevant. He intersperses the show with stories that sparkle with his self-deprecating wit. For two and a half hours, he wandered through his entire catalog, sharing stories about the songs and his process. His voice, of course, is not for everybody. But for the fans who have appreciated him for so long, he did not disappoint. I can't wait for the next show.

Excellent show, so glad I got to see him live after all these years. Great set list, he plays tons of songs old and new. He's funny and piano playing and voice are as strong as ever. Played about an hour and 45 minutes not counting a 20 minute intermission. Highly recommend the show!

Randy Newman's body of work is vast through subject and time. To be at his performance, especially in light of the title song of Dark Matter set in Durm, had a special resonance. Masterful!

The show was in a great venue, Carolina Theater, Durham, NC. He played much longer than expected and played everything everyone wanted to hear. At 74 he still has it and puts on a show not to be missed by fans. His interaction with the audience was perfect, even took some requests. I can't recommend seeing him enough. Do yourself a big favor, if you like fun and excellent showmanship, music, and songwriting - GO SEE this man!

It's been a couple of decades since I last saw Randy Newman in concert and wasn't sure what to expect. He is 74 after all, has nothing to prove to anyone, and could be excused for almost phoning it in with a quick sampling of his favorite tunes. To my delight, and to the delight of the rest of the crowd at the Carolina Theater in Durham, he was in good voice, did a thorough review of his musical career, and played for a little more than two hours. He told jokes, related stories from his personal life, bantered with the audience, and did several audience singalongs, including an new song titled "I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It)", about a over-the-hill rocker who is still on the road well past when he should have retired. Randy is a national treasure and this show was one that I will recall as a favorite. As usual, the Carolina Theater was a joy and the staff friendly and helpful. Sound was very good after a little adjustment during the first two songs. This venue never fails to deliver.

We were treated to an evening of songs old and new. His words are poetic with meaning for my life and he played the music from his soul. There wasn t even one slightly disappointing moment all evening. Thanks for bringing him to us.

Newman is an American treasure. Fabulous composer, lyricist, pianist and performer, across genres and through decades. It was wonderful to see him in the city he chose for the first cut of his new cd!

I have been listening to Randy Newman's music since I was a teenager, and I'm 68 now, so that's 50 years. His songs are masterpieces. Each one vividly describes a character, or a location, or a feeling, or each one tells an interesting story: and all in about three minutes. He is the only person in the entire world of entertainment with whom I identify. He is so funny, and so smart, so talented, so perceptive: I could go on. His latest album is not great. He did do a large number of old songs that I love, which was wonderful. His age is showing now: he's 74, and going on tour must be a real hard challenge. But he rises to it, and works very hard on stage. His voice is deteriorating, but for us it really doesn't matter. We still laugh when he sings "You can leave your hat on." He is like no one else. I hope that he is still touring when he's in his late eighties. I love him.

A one man effort, no warm up act, no support musician's, just Randy, his piano, and the audience. Glad we got to see him "live" but another sound to break up his "style" wouldn't hurt.

Randy Newman's lyrics, music, and style manage to express important and controversial ideas with elegance and wit. Many of the songs he performed are more poignant now than ever.

Great lyrics, very good on the piano as well. Enjoy his wry writing. "You can leave your hat on"

Randy was in fine voice and humor. His performance was everything you could have wanted.

One piano, two hands, ten fingers, one voice, and a very, very singular experience. Newman sang the great American songs you've heard and a bunch you haven't. Stunning. He didn't talk very much, but he explained a lot, with teasing, mostly funny bits and pieces of stories, some autobiographical, followed by songs that show how a genius turns an image, a character, a short vignette into a song that speaks of worlds. Can't say enough good about it. As a technician, his singing was never much, and his piano playing may have lost a few steps, but his harmonic sense, his storyteller's instincts, and those songs were all that and a bag of chips. Salt and crunch and just enough to be more than you could have hoped for.

Everything I expected and a whole lot more. I had not seen Randy Newman in 40 years and he has still has it nailed.

Birchmere is the perfect spot to see a show. Randy did 34 crowd pleasing songs.

great writer, and entertainer, put on a great show.

it was fun to go to the Birchmere and see Randy Newman, what a great performer!

Funny, entertaining and engaging. Not just an old fart playing out the string.

Randy Newman has long been a poet-laureate of socio-political satire, and the rest of his music is just downright FUN! I'd go see his show again, anytime. Thanks!!

Randy put on a great show. He played for a solid 2 hours with a 20 minute potty break. Flagler Auditorium is a great venue, I'll be looking for more shows to attend there.

I knew of Randy Newman from the songs he has written for movies. My daughter is a huge Pixar fan. We came as a family expecting to hear his recent works. His songs were political and often didn't support family values. I should have done more research on him and his past works. If I had, my family and I wouldn't have attended. Also, my seats were not worth the money we paid. They were right behind the sound booth and the sound man blocked our view. It was a very disappointing experience, especially for the money I paid. Lesson learned: do your homework on the artist and location before buying tickets.

Seeing someone who has done so many iconic songs for movies brings back so many great memories with my kids. Although he didn't play all his movie theme songs, just hearing his distinct voice was enough. Really enjoyed his humor and storytelling as well.

Randy Newman in St. Augustine Sunday night was an unfortunate concert experience. Whether it was the acoustics or him, we probably could not understand more than half of his words. The piano was set so that he was facing stage left - for those sitting stage right or right center, you spent the evening looking at his back as, never once, did he turn and sing/speak to that side of the hall. And, his song list was exceedingly disappointing - very few (some but few) of the greats; rather for the most part 1 1/2 minute or so ditties that were either unfamiliar, obscure or both. He is truly of our great songwriters of the last 50 years - sadly, either his aging is catching up to him, it was an off night, or he was in a very strange mood.

Randy Newman at the Lexington Opera House was a fantastiic time. Our seats were on the ground floor, three rows back from the Orchastra Pit in the left side section. It turrned out to be great since Randy sat on our side of his piano. Randy's performance amazing. His piano playing is the best. The crowd could not have been better. They were very respectful of the music. There were times you could here a pin drop during his playing, it's great when people aren't talking during a concert. I would estimate 700-800 people there. Randy performed from about 7:45 until about 10:00 with about a 30 minute break. He performed a lot of lesser known songs but some classics also. I was a bit dissapointed he didn't perform "Short People" but "Feels Like Home" sent shivers down my spine and a lot of tears in the place. Overall, I could not be happier with the whole experience. By the way, expect to pay $9.00 for parking in the Parking Garage catty-corner from the Opera House.

Great show! Just Randy and the piano! Very intimate setting! Loved it! First time at Lexington Opera House. It was teriffic.

This year the bat didn't come out of the raffters. Newman didn't need it though. The crowd was even louder than the last time he was here. He sounded better as well. He was also as funny as usual. it was a very entertaining as could be. I felt great seeing him the same year that he was inducted into the rock n roll Hall of Fame.

The man came to entertain and enjoy himself in the process! I've never had issues with the typical length of performances (90 minutes +/=). At ninety minutes Mr. Newman, having already referenced "halftime", excused himself for a short intermission. He returned to play another hour! The song selection ranged from humorous to melancholy, replete with enjoyable sarcasm throughout. Randy was humble, engaging, and appreciative of an obviously enthusiastic audience. Some well-known tunes were not performed, but with such a prolific writer, were that not the case, we'd still be there. This was one of the best shows I've seen this year.

The Lexington Opera House is an intimate venue, and the show reflected that. Randy Newman who has performed here several times, treated this performance like he was performing for a group of friends rather than an audience. I would definitely see him again. His tangent stories added to the show overall.

Randy Newman had a great first half - however, with the exception of "I Love LA" the second half droned on! Randy Newman not playing 'Short People" is like the Beatles not playing "Let It Be" at a concert or the Rolling Stones not playing "Satisfaction"

Ok this man is a great mind, heart & musician. What else can be said to do him justice.

The concert started off a little rocky, with bugs and forgotten lyrics; however, as Mr. Newman is an experienced musician and entertainer, these all became props of the show and the evening was a delightful visit with a musical friend. I'm a fan, but had no idea he wrote some songs that I've been familiar with for years, and I enjoyed the satirical quality of his short pieces.

he sang all the great songs and even a few that we didn't know. The venue was fabulous and the camaraderie great. It was just a perfect evening. He is a genius and to hear him play and sing was a real gift.

What a fantastic event. Randy Newman was in spectacular form. From the free parking and shuttle (with no waiting) at West Valley College to the intimate setting in the woods this event was nothing short of a special night that will never be forgotten. This very relaxing, wonderful venue gives the feel of being in someone's backyard. Randy Newman must have felt the same way because I've never seen him so relaxed and sharing wonderful stories as he did. Most amazing was the sound was crystal clear. I thoroughly enjoyed this evening and look forward to seeing other artists in this woodsy, close knit setting. I've been to a lot of concerts, but this is definitely the best place to see someone.

Randy Newman was extremely charming on stage. He mostly performed tracks from his early career, and was able to render tracks that had elaborate orchestral arrangements effectively himself with only a piano. The Montalvo arts center was beautiful, and everything ran smoothly.

Much of his material is politically incorrect but anyone and everyone is fair game (and yes, he includes making fun of himself as well). You can't help but enjoy his charisma and charm, he's so down to earth.

Iconic songs and lyrics - in the curmudgeonly Newman voice.

Randy Newman is a prolific and beautiful song writer. Each song is a story and it just pulls you in with his mesmerizing melody and beautiful lyrics. It is so refreshing after all the bad "music" you are bombarded with on the radio today. Go see a true songwriting genius!

Last night Randy Newman performed a one-man show, a 2-hour concert, in two parts, at the extravagant Montolvo Arts Center in Saratoga. It was outdoors. We were blessed with fantastic weather. This guy has delighted me since 1972 when he released his satirical album Sail Away. In part Burn On, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear, God s Song, and Lonely At The Top. Lonely At The Top was written for Frank Sinatra but he declined it. Barbara Streisand said if she sang it people might think it true of her. Last night he performed four or five songs from Sail Away. I recall SA s review in the Sunday S.F. Chronicle pink section . It concluded, This guy can t sing, but he writes one heck of a song. Peggy Lee (I Think It s Going To Rain Today, Love Story), Rick Nelson (Same as Peggy), Joe Cocker (You Can Leave Your Hat On), Harry Nilsson (Nilsson Sings Newman) and others would certainly agree with that assessment. During his first offering he stopped playing the grand piano not more than five bars into the music to chase off flies buzzing around his head: Calling on divine intervention (read God damn it) to make them fly away. He then proceeded to perform a series of touching love songs and songs of humorous and serious observations on the human condition: Racial, political, natural disasters, corruption, and religion. I wonder what Paula Deen would have made of his liberal use of the word that got her bounced off the Food Chanel among other punishments. I Miss You, was written for his first wife even while he was married to a second. The past can have a lasting effect: I still believe, though many would argue, one never quite stops loving someone. It s a memory thing. With memory defined as something that happened and never quite stopped happening. Occasionally he paused to tell stories: Some about his career in writing movie soundtracks. For me, Ragtime is his masterpiece. At one point the studios thought he might be kinda stupid because he failed to notice Toy Story is animated. (He was just kidding.) His casual attitude makes one feel like you d known him for a long time. We both agreed that he is not only has talent and imagination but a great sense of humor. As with most bright people they seem to enjoy life more than the dull. Earlier this year he was inducted into the Rock And Roll hall of fame. My companion, though we were separated by time for many years, has been one of my delights for 29: We met in 1984. She smiles and laughs easily: Her tacit message is I know how to live. 1984 never realized what Orwell imagined. However, this century finally realized it in part and likely, in full, soon. Be concerned about Big Brother as well as Little Brother. Next: Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks at Montolvo on February 1st.

My wife and I enjoyed the concert very much (even though my wife is not a fan!) He was very self-deprecating and funny, moving from serious songs to funny songs. He played songs from his full career, all the way back to his first album (Think It's Going to Rain Today and Love Story) through Harps and Angels.

An intimate evening with one our best contemporary composers. We all know Randy Newman as brilliant, humorous and enormously talented, but to see it up close in such a great venue was a wonderful treat.

He played for two hours, did two encores, and was really funny. He played a wide variety of songs from the beginning of his careers all the way to the Toy Story songs he's won awards for. I highly recommend his concert to anyone who loves great music with smart, funny lyrics.

Loved, loved, loved it. he played for over 2 hours with 3 encores! Randy Newman is better than ever. A must see for the entire family!

The show was more than what we thought it would be. We enjoyed hearing old favorites as well as some new numbers. We thought the evening went by too quickly and appreciated the 2 encores.

Randy is spot on. He is as hilarious as his music is great. He is a very very fun act to go see. I would again.

I'm glad I went, but I wasn't blown away. Randy was a little rough at first, both his vocals and his piano, but he got sharper as the night progressed. I like his gravely voice, but found it hard to understand a lot of the words on many of the songs. My spouse, less of a music lover than I, actually fell asleep at one point. I'm glad I went, it was a nice evening, but not a magical evening.

What an incredible show! Randy Newman is funny, intelligent and a wonderful performer. I would highly recommend seeing him.

Randy Newman showed himself to be an American songwriting treasure on Friday night. His performance was sharp, funny, and deeply engaged with the audience. He played from his vast catalog, hitting the ones that have garnered airplay for himself and others ("Short People", "Mama Told Me Not To Come", "You've Got a Friend in Me"), and deeper into the catalog, too. Gems like Harps and Angels from recent outings fit in perfectly well with songs in their 3rd or 4th decade of livelihood like Rednecks. Newman's voice was strong, his solo grand piano playing sharp and full. He introduced a song as a love song written for his first wife after he married his second life. Three fourths of the way through, someone's cell phone rang several times in the audience. After finishing, Newman quipped "If that's my second wife, I'm not here." Two sets and some two hours of songs that show he belongs with Cole Porter and Stephen Foster in the American Songbook later, a responsive and charming Newman left the stage.

It was an amazing show. He played the perfect balance of his work while interacting with the audience. It was worth every cent!!