Guster
with the Boston Pops
Symphony Hall-June 23, 2005
By Rory Flynn
Boston's Symphony Hall has long been the center of some of the city's finest
musical moments. However, throughout its 105-year history there has been a
missing edge. That missing link was fulfilled when Boston Pops Conductor Keith
Lockhart brought pop-rockers Guster to the hall for the first ever "Pops
on the Edge" concert.
As odd as the pairing may seem, the power of music brought these two extremes
and their vastly different fan bases together for two nights that perfectly
entertained all. "Gusterhead" dominated the balcony while many of
the elder Pop's season ticket holders (wheelchairs included) took the floor.
However, just as the Pops and
Guster grew tighter on stage, so did their audience. When Guster's lead vocalist
Ryan Miller told the crowd to stand up and act as if they were at one of the
band's "regular" shows during the encore reprise of "Come Downstairs
and Say Hello", this reviewer spotted one 20-something dancing away with
a senior citizen. It was definitely a comical yet refreshing sight to see.
As for Guster, the new foursome (with the addition of multi-instrumentalist
Joe Pisapia) seemed to be much more at ease and their happy-go-lucky self
during this show (night #2). After a rousing opener of "I Spy",
Miller told the sold-out audience that the band had been so nervous the night
before that they "don't remember what happened, but that ("I Spy")
just sounded awesome."
"Backyard" sounded particular strong as the thunderous drumming
of Brain Rosenworcel met the sweet horns of the Pops Orchestra. Added to the
set list for the second show was "Barrel of a Gun" which came with
no rehearsal for the Pops so Miller just asked the 70+ piece orchestra to
give the band some kind of "free jazz" lead before the band took
it over.
Giving their diehards something that they always wished for, Guster included
an extremely rare rendition of "Two Points for Honesty." Rarely
played live because of its complexity and lack of appendages, there was no
excuse for playing it with the full Pops Orchestra, and the final result was
outstanding.
New for everyone in the crowd were "Empire State" and "Deer
Valentine", both of which will be included on the band's forthcoming
album. The first faired well with country pick-up sound while the second was
more of a lethargic ballad.
Though difficult to hear, an encore acoustic "Jesus on the Radio"
played with a Pops' violinist was very entertaining with all five musicians
making comical faces during the song.
Lockhart's goal of bringing a younger audience to Symphony Hall and introducing
them to the Pops was easily accomplished and proved to be quite entertaining.
Bringing Boston's own Guster, a college favorite, was also excellent choice
and hopefully this is the first of many more "Pops on the Edge"
nights to come.
