I just finished the third of my shows with David Bromberg and his wonderful band. David and I have been friends for a very long time and has been a pleasure and an honor to call him friend. We really started to get to know each other in the mid 80’s. I had just separated from Margareta, my wife of 20 some years and was starting to navigate the treacherous waters of single life in the 80’s. I have heard it said that the 80’s were hard on everyone but that is a story for another time.
Anyway, I was doing a solo show in Chicago… it might have been Biddy Mulligan’s, I can’t remember. In any case, David stopped by right before the show and we started talking and picking together. We had such a good time I started the show with David and two sets later, he left the stage with me. WE have been friends ever since.
In the cosmology of American music, David has always been one of the brightest stars in the firmament. He became a heavyweight early in his musical career and even though we both spring from the same well, his path has been more that rich and diverse.
Fast forward to today. When I headed out from Meigs County for this Jorma Run I was told that David was going to make this his last run. I guess the time comes in all our lives when one realizes that the world is changing around us, and we are changing too. Mr. Bromberg and I did not discuss his decision other than it was made. It was really not my business. It was, however, my business to be a good friend and musical companion and we had some serious fun together on these gigs.
It is a bittersweet moment for two older friends to share the changing landscape of their lives and still enjoy the glorious present that is embodied in live music.
First night for me:
Jorma 1, 2023
Sharing The Stage With The David Bromberg Quintet
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Ponte Vedra, Florida
Sunday, February 19, 2023
- True Religion
- Been So Long
- Come Back Baby
- Second Chances
- Ice Age
- Hesitation Blues
- Great Divide Revisited
- Ode To Billy Dean
- Sleep Song
- Good Shepherd
- How Long Blues
- Candy Man
- Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
David had me sit in on Buddy Brown’s Blues and then through an electric blues at me in B flat. Thanks David. 🙂
Photo by Phil Jacobs
Jorma 2, 2023
Sharing With The David Bromberg Quintet
The Variety Playhouse
Little Five Points
Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
- Broken Highway
- Genesis
- Ice Age
- Letter To The North Star
- Barbeque King
- Great Divide Revisited
- Hesitation Blues
- Trouble In Mind
- Trial By Fire
- Sea Child
- Good Shepherd
- Come Back Baby
- Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
Photo by Phil Jacobs
Jorma 3, 2023
Co-Billing With The David Bromberg Quintet
Charleston Music Hall,
Charleston, South Carolina
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
- Dime For Beer
- Been So Long
- Hesitation Blues
- Barbeque King
- Death Don’t Have No Mercy
- Genesis
- Ice Age
- Second Chances
- Trouble In Mind
- That’ll Never Happen No More
- Living In The Moment
- Sleep Song
- Trial By Fire
- Good Shepherd
Photo by Phil Jacobs
A touching, truly unplugged moment.
I’ll be seeing you… in all the familiar places…
Thanks, but it’s not all gone…Jorma will be back here next year and all will be OK…
I’m really going to miss that little oasis which was FMB Sanibel and Captiva. It was a beautiful escape from New York no crime no traffic no bullshit, it was just Old Florida. Whenever I wanted to getaway for some R&R I knew where to go. I can’t believe it’s gone. I’m glad you’re alright but so sorry for what you’ve been through. It must be so depressing to see the damage all around you. We’re still thinking of you. Keep your chin up and Keep On Truckin’.
@Brian Doyle
We’ll learn of passing of President Carter shortly. Might a bit of Amazing Grace be heard from your guitar, Mr K?
I rode my bicycle past Sun Dial…It is wrecked, gutted, and a gray wasteland however the Pink Hibiscus seems to be trying to make a comeback with large pink blooms that stand out in vibrant contrast to the background…There is a large wild patch of daisy’s on the front lawn that sprang up naturally with bright yellow flowers…I got the Still Waiting Blues Carey…
Seen David Bromberg Band a handful of times over the years, dating back to early 1970s: Bottom Line, Central Park, other NYC venues, and down here in Florida. First couple though were at SUNY-Binghamton, first in the small Social Room and then opening in the Men’s Gym in spring 1975 for some crazy rampage Tuna.
And if you wanted a cussin’, just ask Lightnin’ Hopkins to play something other than what he was playin’. I didn’t ask, but I heard him when someone else did. I went to see the show, not produce it.
Hell, I’ve seen crusty 40 year olds. I’m a crusty old fart from time to time myself at 68. More a state of mind than appearance in my purview.
That’s interesting about Dave Bromberg and the unplugged encore. It’s been a long time since i’ve seen him. He isn’t the only artist i know of to acknowledge the role of the audience in creating a great live music experience. Other musicians i like and respect have commented on the sense of entitlement that some in the audience have–entertain me while i look at my phone, film the show for YouTube, and talk to friends ‘cuz i paid my money and i can do whatever i want–and how disruptive it is to musicians and those in the audience that want to be transformed by the music. Being in the moment is important and there is a percentage of most audiences that fails to appreciate the ephemeral nature of a live performance and some musicians are really bothered by this. It seems to be happening more and more in the age of the not-so-smartphone. When i’m at a show, it bothers me to be near one of these people if they’re obvious about being preoccupied with nonmusical concerns.
@Brian Doyle
Hey Brian. Maybe this will help ease your troubled mind: https://youtu.be/8idFEcXIQ5Y
I hope your insurance company finally got off their ass.
Quote__”I have heard it said that the 80’s were hard on everyone”. Jorma, question. Who did you hear this from? __let’s look back on the infamous 80’s..as from a Long Island/N.Y.C. perspective. You had A.I.D.S…Crack..Good ol’ “Silence equals Death” (the Pink Star litterally going back to designations of those in Nazi Concentration camps. But as a tot__as I was__Who knew?)__But anyway, back to the expression “hard”. There was Michael Falzarono & you doing ‘These are Hard Times’. Well, Mike sang the song. But, what was that song that you ‘used’ to do? Yea, Ice Age of course. What was it? oh yea..”Junkie on Angel Dust”. Anyway, thanks for posting the pic (finally) of you jammin’ with Dave. If you can call it that. With all due respect, you both look crusty. You ‘hardly’ look like you can jam out “Junkie” anymore
A quick aside… David like to do a truly unplugged encore… no mike even. Daring stuff for a show today. It tests the audience’s ability to listen to things deep under the skin. As for jamming out… whatever that means, I’m on a solo run right now and my show is a two hour show. I’m doing OK. Ice Age has come back for a bit, but ‘Junkies’ will never see the light of day again. It’s just too one dimensional. As for crusty… I’m going to be 83 this year but you know… so far so good.
Remember Brian’s travails? When’s the last time you heard anything about Hurricane Ian? People are still hurting down there, but the cycle has moved way on past. We gots to slow down, people. The machine gets us moving so fast we forget one another. I hope East Palestine spurs reforms that will prevent further occurrences of that nature, but if we move on too quickly, it’ll just be another blip on the screen.
@Brian Doyle
Hey Brian. See if this helps ease your troubled mind. https://youtu.be/8idFEcXIQ5Y. Hope your insurance company got off their ass.
Sometimes it is important to give an artist his space…Some artists need that untouched zone to make their stuff operate the best…Jimi’s audience would sometimes request him to go places that were digressive to where he had planned to take them and it would frustrate him…He was sensitive to that and would voice it in interviews…He would also voice it with a hearty “FU” to the audience…And then he would proceed to rip the wrapper off the planet lol…Man a good Jack and Jorma Electric jam would do my Hurricane Blues good right now…
Was this Woodsongs show from the same time period? m
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDFHOZ548wM
Sure enjoyed the shows you and Big David did at the FP Station. Safe travels. m
Saw your buddy Michael Falzarano the other night on Long Island NY. He did the NRPS first album in its entirety..Wow did that bring back memories. He and his band were awesome.
@Ham Neggs
Furthur desultory thoughts on (at least) the NY area in the eighties and the Jefferson Family- SVT, Vital Parts, KBC, Happy Go Lucky…,Jefferson Starship, Papa John, Mr Balin with Dwaz and the Wolf Pack,NRPS( or was Spenser only managing then?) Starship ( shudder for many but Grace and Mr Frieberg can play for me anytime), Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna with just about everyone, Pete Sears , Derek Trucks at the Danny Gatton Tripute, Jaco, Papa John!!!!,Paul’s Wooden Ships, Anyway for this Airplane Freak there was always something on the calendar.…. Places would be another story for another rambling. Peace✌🏻️❤️Love All Ways🔥🚲🌹🙏🏻🖖🏼
I’ve seen Bromberg live many times. One very memorable show was in NYC at the pier on the West Side right by the Intrepid Air & Space Museum, joining Jorma, Jack, and Paul Kantner. Bromberg did his “Will Not Be Your Fool.” I guess Kantner was not familiar with David, and Paul said, “Where did you find this madman?” Great, great musician and a really funny guy as well (cost of entry for me).
My buddy Mike caught y’all in Charleston the other night. Said it was an awesome show. Sorry to say I’ve never seen David Bromberg live. And, sorry I won’t catch you tonight in Charlottesville. I do look forward to getting back to FPR this summer for Dave Alvin.
Hey Jorma,
I’ve seen you and David in Chicago on YouTube. Enjoyable, to say the least!! And many times live with or without you. Always a treat to see you two together as well! But time move forward! Best of luck Mr Bromberg and I’ll be seeing you soon Jorma!
My best to you,your family and to John and Myron!
Jim Tulgan
Back in the mid-nineties, myself and a group of friends went to see Mr. Bromberg.
Front row center in a “very” intimate setting. Although the venue was referred to as a theatre, it was actually a room with a flat white tile floor with no stage and chairs that can be removed or arranged at will. A couple of hundred people. None the less it was a perfect setting.
I was excited and ready to enjoy a fine night of music. Before the opening number, a member of our group called out for a particular number at which point Mr. Bromberg not too kindly shut him down. Next thing I know the entire group of friends got up and left.
I had no choice but to follow because of transportation concerns.
Very awkward situation. Would love to know what transpired afterward.
I “recently’ saw Mr Bromberg in Tarrytown, NY. Someone in the crowd screamed for a song and David did a little riff about never playing a requested song in a a light hearted way. Another voice on the other side of the theatre replied “DON”T PLAY SHARON.”. Mr. Bromberg laughed and mentioned something about a ploy. He didn’t play Sharon but did a Majestically killer version of Diamond Lil. At the Cool Yule party a month or so later had a laugh with an old friend who said “That was me”
The Eighties were also a time of singing, dancing, playing, in all the madness. Jorma’s short tale of Mr Pastorius exiting through revolving doors and into the NYC snow succinctly captures the vibe. We , the fans,were blessed because both of you guys were playing regularly in the area. I saw a good number of shows with the two of you, and both of you solo since the early seventies. Needless, to say my friend across the Theatre was at many of them. As were many others we’ve gone to shows with over the years. In this area their are Bromberg Freaks in sizable numbers. Beautiful friends, moments and times even if outside the revolving doors, you have to leave naked and into the snow.
So glad to hear that you’re enjoying yourself with us at the show. Of course that’s why most of us are on its page in the first place. My friend called the other night, but I was sleeping and hit the I’ll call later. I figured he had an extra ticket to you or Bromberg and went back to sleep. Next day I see it was his wife’s number as it rang me. Yup, wake yesterday. She said they had a great time at Los Lobos the day before she called. Good Grief was shared by ALL. Woke up this morning and checked with you, a Wavy Gravy magic type moment. We ride and savor the music that cascades over our friendship and families through the years thank you for that.The voice on the other side of the theatre can make us laugh. Peace✌🏻️❤️Love All Ways🔥🚲🌹🙏🏻🖖🏼
The comment about Bromberg’s retirement jogged my distant memory. This wouldn’t be the first time. I did a search and found this (apologies for the really bad writing in this review):
https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/15/arts/folk-david-bromberg.html
This is just to show that he “un-retired” once and hopefully will “un-retire” again. I saw the two of you together before and it was something else (definitely at Pier 84 and possibly at Tarrytown Music Hall–unless it was a hallucination).
So glad you got to share the FL. shows with David. We’ve been at many of the Chicago shows where you and he played together at over the years and each was magical. I was not at Biddy Mulligans but I was at the Vic Theater in the 80’s where David surprisingly appeared and played what I believe was most of the second set you you and Jack. And there was a great duo show at the Old Town School of Folk Music where you and David alternated songs through the night. Wonderful days. Looking forward to the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in April. And, those FL set lists are outstanding. Safe and healthy travels!
The Ponte Vedra show was terrific Jorma. I really enjoyed your solo set. Sort of a different arrangement on Keep your Lamps…
Always keeping me on my toes!
David’s set was great! A lot of variety. The electric ending very exciting. B flat huh? You were on it. Glad when I saw you reach down and turn that puppy way up. You really cranked it out.
I hope I can get out to some more of your events this year.
I’ve only seen you like 275 times. I don’t take it for granted. ✌️&🩵