Mulberry Lane Studio: November 2009

I can clearly remember being infatuated with Def Leppard as a teenager. Apparently age hasn't made me any wiser or less likely to become infatuated. Now the object of my fascination is David Cook, American Idol Season 7 winner. I can tell you without a doubt the stem of it came from the buttery, gravely sincerity of his voice. Once I heard "Lie to Me" off the post Idol debut album, I was pretty much hooked. Of course, the rugged good looks don't hurt a bit.

Seriously... how can that face NOT make you just swoon? Anyway... needless to say, when I heard he was coming back to Dallas I grabbed a girlfriend and made a date for the show. For weeks I had been excited about it. Even more so when an industry friend offered up passes for us to take photographs with the guy. I know, I'm a sap. Arriving at the show, our passes had been issued for the wrong night. Okay...Fail #1. We can hang. Stuck the camera in the car and headed into the venue. General admission, standing room only, we were in good shape. We had waited in line long enough, and were early enough that there were just two sets of people between us and the stage. I'm kind of a short girl, so this was a good thing. After a bit of waiting, opening act number one came out.

Green River Ordinance was really good. As opening acts go, they reminded me a bit of The Wallflowers meet Tonic. The lead singer had some funny performance mannerisms that made it quite comical to watch. Apparently they are a little band from Dallas who made good. Seem like sweet boys. Good music. Night is off to a good start.

Band number two comes out, and I have to admit- I was a bit blown away. The Script is a little trio out of Dublin, Ireland. Kindof like U2 meets Everlast, in a pop, almost dance-like rock version that really will knock your sox off. I think they must either own stock in a B12 vitamin company, or they just get a natural high of performing. The energy and talent trickling off that stage was no less than amazing. By the anthem "We Cry", they had the audiance chanting and singing songs they clearly hadn't heard before. I wasn't able to get a clear shot with the little point and shoot of these guys, so here's a pro-image I picked up off their site. Sweet job done by this little Irish trio.

Now, the lights go down for the third time. The stage lights begin to pulse, and the silluette of Mr. Cook emerges onto the stage. This is the moment I've waited for weeks for. Then, out of nowhere, a skinny blonde with a bouffant hairdo and what apparently was her rockin' granny pushed their way in front of us and parked. Seriously!?!? I am always the last to confront anyone, and I avoid conflict like the plague. But, this was too much. I tapped on the blonde girls shoulder and asked her to move along. No dice. Fail #2. So, David is up on stage belting out the lines to "Mr. Sensitive", looking amazing and sounding even more so. Trying to ignore the rude blonde in front of me, I just enjoy the show.

And I did just that. Don't get me wrong. When blonde girls sister (who had to be about 6 foot 4) joined in, I nearly came unglued. We exchanged a few words. But, as Paula says- it's not a real concert until you almost get into a fight...lol. It didn't exactly go that far, but man I was mad.

Song number 3 lightened up, the stage went black, save for a single spotlight on David. That's when he sang "Lie To Me" nearly a capella. Between the words of the song, the anger I felt for the blonde trio blocking my view of the stage, and the emotion of the night- the tears started streaming. So there I stood, like my own personal island in a crowd of bodies, heat and beautiful noise, just silently crying. Like a crazy person. Luckally, David dropped into a heavier mood and started up "Bar Ba Sol" after that. It's my favorite Cook song, so it snapped me back into reality and back into normal spirits.

David sounded just amazing. With his wit and charming quips between songs, and his energetic stage presence, the only descriptive word that comes to mind is just- "Wow". His voice was smooth, chocolately silk with the perfect hint of angst and pain. The highlight of the night came when he and the boys from the band offered up a rendition of Cutting Crew's "I Just Died In Your Arms". It was heavy, dark and just the right twist to make this old classic one worth airing on the radio- like NOW. David played all but 3 songs from the album (including "Avalanche", which I've heard he only plays when his team, Kansas City, wins). He also threw in an old classic, "Don't Say a Word" off the Analog Heart album (released in 2006- pre Idol). I'm looking for this one on the next album.

All in all, it was an exceptional evening. Afterwards, Paula and I stalked the back gate by the buses for a photo op- which we got.

In the end, I realized that I could easily become one of THOSE girls, who hops from city to city to watch her favorite band in concert, night after night. I think I am prolly too old for that, though. ;) I gotta ask, though- David, what was up with that necklace????

Thanks for an amazing show, David.

Here's a few more shots from the gig.

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I can't remember a time when I didn't relish stepping out into the brisk autumn air. Something about it is rejuvenating and cleansing. It's like a fresh, clean start every year. Something calming and reassuring to say that all is right
with the world, despite whatever problems may be hanging overhead. Residing in Texas, having that loving feeling for fall can be a bit of a challenge. Don't get me wrong. Texas is a lovely place- but more than anything I miss the colors and clear science of the seasonal change back in my hometown of Charlotte, NC. Over the last few weeks I have been fortunate enough to make a trip home and take in some of the old sites, and of course, the beauty of the fall season. I took the time to visit old friends, and spend some much needed time visiting with my Grandmother, who lives in Winston-Salem. I was also fortunate enough to walk through Old Salem while I was there. And, of course, I didn't miss an opportunity to snap shots as I went. Here are a few of my favorites....