By: Jen Paulson
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Personnel: Johnny Marr - guitars/vocals Official website: http://www.jmarr.com |
I don't own Johnny Marr and the Healers' first release "Boomslang" (Artist Direct, bmg, 2003) yet, but I can promise you by the end of the day I will. I'm basically your run of the mill Smiths fan who went to last night's show at First Avenue to gaze upon one of my favorite guitarists of all time, and one of the most influential ones.
I was not "warmed-up" by the opening set by Palo Alto, and having heard only a few of the tracks off "Boomslang" I wasn't thinking that I'd be so ready to rock out. However, we went down to the first floor at First Avenue anyway, about ten feet away from the stage and prepared ourselves. My minimal excitement at the beginning of the show turned into total satisfaction by its close. This was one of those concert experiences that you just don't forget.
Johnny Marr gave just enough without going into long-winded solos. To be honest, what my eyes kept lingering on was his guitar arsenal. Marr certainly wasn't afraid to show love for his Rickenbacker, which appeared to be a 330 or a 360. He switched back and forth from that and his Gibson SG, perhaps the same heritage cherry one that he sported on the cover of February's Guitar Player Magazine. But nothing got me hotter than the Les Paul gold top that he played for just one song.
The highlight of the show for me was his cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." It was as if, for one moment, you were at a Smiths show, and Morrissey had stepped off the stage to let Marr have the spotlight. I actually made a point to dig my micro-cassette recorder out of my purse and press record. And I'm glad I did, because it sounds totally dreamy. And honestly, how often to you get to hear one of your favorite Dylan songs sung by Johnny Marr? It just doesn't get any better than that.
Location Info:
First Avenue
Artist Info: Johnny Marr
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