“How could this possibly get any better?” Jon Dee Graham was clearly enjoying himself. It was a Wednesday night in mid-February at Fitzgerald’s, just outside of Chicago in Berwyn, Ill.
After a spirited opening set by Jon Langford, Graham quietly walked out, sat down (still sporting winter coat and stocking cap), and shared his songs. Those in attendance soon realized it was a special occasion. Armed with only his Larivee acoustic he gave us a glimpse into his art. Sprinkled with hilarious asides (meeting his new neighbor Robert Plant while walking his dog), Graham revealed his acoustic side to those of us accustomed to the ferocious rocker that stalks the Fitzgerald stage every summer during the American Music Festival.
I want to avoid all the cliches about breaking down the imaginary wall between artist and audience, so let me just say that it was a special night. And in answer to the opening remark? Pie. Jon Dee Graham served his audience pie. You had to be there. Cheers.
