Okay, perhaps I’m spent from the powerful sounds of Ingram Hill, the opening act for Michelle Branch. But, I can’t blame all of my feelings on the let down that was Branch’s concert on the boys from Ingram Hill.

Now, before you think I’m some ol’ fogey who “just doesn’t understand her music,” keep in mind that I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8 years old. I was in my first band by the time I was 14. I played in my first road band when I was 16. I LOVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC. I believe in the underdog. I root for the street musicians. I like live, “unplugged,” music. BUT, I simply felt that Michelle Branch let her audience down.

I did notice that the average age of Branch’s crowd was somewhere between 12 and 15. Now, I have nothing against 12, 13, 14, or 15 year olds. But, I would present that these young music lovers may not have developed their bs radar to any great extent. Well, I believe Michelle slipped her fans a Mickey.

Okay, okay. Now I’ve got you upset and for that I’m sorry, but I’m compelled to be truthful about music and the bands I review. Remember that I’m reviewing the show. I’m not isolating the songs, the music, the style, the musician, or the venue. The show. The show consists of the “whole, nine yards.” Now, what was wrong with Branch’s show? I’ll give you my call on it.

Right from jump, Branch’s guitarist (the electric one) was too loud for the music to shine above it. It was nearly impossible to hear Branch’s voice above the volume of that electric guitar. Nothing wrong with the fellow’s playing, it was simply mixed too loud. Move ahead and add the electric bass. Again, too loud. I love a bass guitar. But, when the bass is so loud it is distorting over stadium sized speakers—well, what can one say except, “turn it down.”

Michelle has a pretty voice. What I could hear of her voice was pretty. Again, at a number of points in several songs it simply seemed that the vocals were buried by the instrumentation. She is a singer/songwriter? Correct? Are not the lyrics and vocal deliveries more important in most singer/songwriter repertoires? Perhaps you won’t agree, but when I want to hear a song, I want to hear the words as clearly as possible.

What did I like about Branch’s show? Well, I’m going to tell you.

I thought the electric guitarist was good—JUST TOO LOUD!

When I could make out the lyrics I enjoyed Branch’s word play. I believe she possesses abundant talent as a songwriter.

I loved one aspect of the concert and that was the wonderful, sweet, joyous sound of Branch’s back-up singer, Jessica.

Thank you, Jessica.

Jay Mouton
m_mouton@bellsouth.net

Fan poses with Michelle Branch
- Photo2 by Kelly Lockhart