One
day, wondering if I would ever see JACKOPIERCE in concert, I laughed
and said, "Probably not. Those days are long gone and my college
years have done passed." Now thinking of what I just said, I can't
explain if the following was a freak happening or Divine intervention.
A few days later, I was in Dallas with a couple of good friends
from college just trying to refuel the friendship that really
needs no refueling—just needs a few beers and a couple of
laughs to kick it in gear. Christy mentioned to us that JACKOPIERCE
was doing a reunion tour. I was stunned. I couldn't believe it.
I needed to see proof that this was true. We then researched the
claim of this great miracle, and behold, she was right.
From
then, the planning and rescheduling of our lives to congregate
to this revival began; a revival of our lives and reunion of one
of the greatest duo's of my generation. Our lives are different
after college, and now I have new things consider. Plans don't
always go as they should, but we try our best. Case in point,
I wasn't able to go to the Dallas concert because of f@*cking
work. But lighting struck twice in my case. JP was coming to my
playground, Austin. Even better, I was asked to write a review
of the concert and their latest CD. Not a problem. I understand
that I am going to be completely biased and probably say a lot
of things in their favor. I DON'T CARE. My article, my review.
And besides, I've been told several times that I have a good sense
of what's good and bad.
I
feel sorry for the generation after me because there is a good
chance they have never heard of JACKOPIERCE unless their very
hip brother or sister introduced them to JP. Looking around the
concert and being a pro of the concert scene in Texas (not that
its really hard), I made an observation. Everybody was 25 years
of age and on up. So then I realized that there is strong possibility
that younger generations may have never experienced a JP concert,
or even worse, never hear of them.
When
JP broke up, it was '98 and I was a sophomore in college. I was
blowing through my monthly allowance on concerts all over Texas.
I was privileged enough to catch them opening for Robert Earl
Keen at A&M. The concert was by far one the best concerts as far
as music goes and just energy alone. Describing the concert would
do it no justice, but I will tell you this that it was DAMN GOOD!
The Concert at the Cactus Café could have rivaled the concert
at A&M. It did have some personal drawbacks; no smoking, and I
wasn't there with my friends that cherish JP. Focusing back on
JP, Jack and Cary look like that never broke up. You would never
know that it had been five years since they had played together
until Jack was telling us how out of shape he was in playing live.
Yet watching them, there were no signs of their break up or how
long it had been for Jack.
The
excitement and anticipation of the crowd was very tense, meaning
it was like a bunch of toddlers waiting for Christmas morning,
a good tension. JP knew exactly what we wanted, and they didn't
let us down. They played all there goodies, Get To Know Me
Better, More Than This, and Woman as Salvation
just to name a few. My personal favorites were Vineyard
and Sweet Ocean. I was going to be pissed if they didn't
play them, but lucky for them they played with the greatest of
style; Jack with his cool-charming style, and Cary with his crazy-charismatic
self.
JP
has a greatest hit CD called Decade. This is two disc set
that has the majors and some great live recordings such as Ocean
and Three Of Us In A Boat. It's a must for any JP fan or
just someone being introduced to JP. Decade hasn't left
my home CD player for the past month. Cary has a new live CD which
is also a great item to add to your collection. Some of JP's best
stuff is their live recordings, and Cary's new album is no exception.
It's a mixture of JP and Cary's past solo album.
I
find that the perfect time to listen to these CD's is early morning
before work or on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Jack and Cary hit a
chord with their music that people can relate to. Whether it's
referring to an old love, family, or that someone special, anybody
can find something to interest them. Then you're hooked.
This
personal thanks to the staff of JP—you're awesome. And another
thanks to Jason—you rock. JP, thanks for one more chance
to hear you together. It was great. Best of luck to future endeavors.
C-ya down the road…
