By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: The Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Graham Nash Tour-Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, Florida—March 11, 2022
The last time I saw Graham Nash was at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida in 2016. It just happened to be his 74th birthday that day and I was excited to be photographing him—but had to depart after the first three songs. I vowed to see him at his next visit to the area and stay for the entire show. Nash was set to perform in Clearwater, Florida in 2020 but COVID and postponements eventually pushed the date to March 11, 2022.
Finally, the wait was over.
As Graham Nash stepped on the stage, he paid his respects to the people of the Ukraine and performed peace songs “Find the Cost of Freedom” and “Military Madness”. These songs were written during the Vietnam era yet feel eerily familiar and relevant today.
During the night’s concert, Nash performed with Shane Fontayne, his guitarist and co-writer of The Path Tonight (2016) album as well as pianist/vocalist Todd Caldwell. The composition of the trio was most intriguing because of the absence of drums and a bass—yet the sound was rich with rhythm and vocal harmonies.
Nash said during COVID lockdown he was inspired to write songs and teamed up with old friend Allan Clarke of The Hollies. He lamented how after he left the band, they had a huge hit “less than two years later.” He then performed “Bus Stop”, penned by Graham Gouldman for The Hollies during Nash’s tenure.
Admittingly, most of the concert I sat verklempted in my seat (when I was not chair dancing) due the mental time traveling experienced during the songs “Marrakesh Express” and “Immigration Man”. The songs of Crosby Stills Nash & Young were frequently heard on the radio in my childhood household, having been raised by young parents who embraced the hippie movement. I can still hear “Marrakesh Express” playing on the AM radio in the ’66 Buick Riviera as my mom, toddler sister, and I headed to the local head shops to purchase blacklight posters, incense, and rolling papers. We would take scissors along so we could cut the lilac flowers off the bush near the head shop. Hearing the music and seeing Nash reminded me that my mom is slightly younger than he. Where did the time go?
During song break Nash told backstories before introducing the next song. He introduced “I Used to Be a King” as being written after he and Joni Mitchell broke up. Ironically, one of her early hits was “I Had a King”, which described her breakup with former husband Chuck Mitchell.
Nash traded the acoustic guitar for the piano on “Wind on the Water”, a song which describes the slaughter of whales. During the song, a miniature Stonehenge dropped down from the ceiling and was suspended above the piano. Particularly moving was the next song “Cathedral, which garnered a standing ovation.
“Love the One You’re With” penned by Stephen Stills had the audience singing the chorus and Caldwell was particularly fantastic on the B3 organ.
Before a brief intermission, Nash said, “We’ll take a short 10-minute break. I still have to pee.” After returning, he noted the band would perform “stuff we really don’t know to keep the band fresh and push ourselves.” The band performed Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and a newer song “Unequal Love” inspired by friend and music archivist Joel Bernstein. The song incorporated Nash on the guitar and harmonica, Fontayne on slide guitar, and was lyrically emotive.
A woman yelled out, “We love you Graham!” and he responded, “Thank God it was a lady.”
More songs with lyrics that hit heartstrings ensued such as “Taken At All” and “4 + 20”. A song “Golden Days” from The Path Tonight seemed appropriate for this retrospective evening. “Chicago” reminded me of the power of words and the timeless nature of the music. “Country Girl” was full and rocking and “Our House” was ever so poignant, a reminder of domesticity and the relationship he had with Mitchell.
Nash explained “Just A Song Before I Go” was written on a dare while he was “at a home of a friend, a low-level drug dealer”.
After Nash left the stage, a roar of applause gave the audience two last gifts—“Ohio” and “Teach Your Children”. It was an evening of classic songwriting from the era of Woodstock, the Vietnam War, and the draft. The Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Graham Nash Tour was that and more—a retrospection of life in the form of music and lyrics.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
