Over the years I've noted particular favourites of Bruce Hornsby's performances, whether mine or those well received in the Bruuuce.com community, the website that I run.
A few years ago I produced a list of one hundred of Bruce's finest and compiled them into a torrent... solo performances, Range, Noisemakers, guest appearances, covers, songs made up on the spot... feedback was hugely positive, and I would like to think that it was a worthy documentation of Bruce's career up until 2009. I've now added an additional ten tracks, recording Bruce's most recent work and the latest arrangement of his Noisemakers band.
I've restricted the choice here to soundboards or decent tapings, so the quality should be of a high standard.
What you have is eleven CDs, which I've labelled and given a mini commentary on below.
Thanks very much for reading, and please enjoy your day.
- Si Twining
www.bruuuce.com
CD One
01. February 26 1977
University of Miami .. Miami, FL
Parisian Thoroughfare
From Bruce's senior recital; solo piano.
02. September 2 1986
The Bottom Line, New York, NY
The Way It Is variation
Early (mostly solo) variation on The Way It Is. I can hear Red Plains several times in there too.
03. April 18 1987
Daytona Beach Bandshell – Daytona, FL
The Way It Is
Bruce and the Range concerts featured regularly on the radio in the last 80s. Here's a 12 minute plus version of The Way It Is that made it to air.
04. May 10 1987
Laguna Seca Recreation Area - Monterey, CA
Every Little Kiss
Range show taken from a Westwood One radio broadcast.
05. June 24 1989
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Telluride, CO
Stranger in a Strange Land
Breakneck speed bluegrass version featuring the New Grass Revival.
06. August 16 1987
Daytona Beach Bandshell – Daytona, FL
The Old Playground
An often overlooked "Scenes" song that I wish we heard more of today. The middle to end is a jam that the present-day Noisemakers would take to a ridiculous level.
07. September 24 1988
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
Valley Road
It's funny to compare this to countless modern day versions of this song (see #90) - this is as close to the original as you'll hear, yet still far removed.
08. June 14 1990
Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, CA
Barren Ground
From the Night on the Town video, this features Jerry Garcia.
09. October 15 1990
Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
On the Western Skyline > Not Fade Away > Night on the Town
CD Two
10. June 21 1993
Jazz Cafe, London
The Weight
From Bruce's last tour of Europe with a band, The Band's classic, accompanied by North London's inebriated finest leaning on the piano (I was one of them).
11. June 23 1993
Hamburg, Germany
Pastures of Plenty
Voted by Bruuuce.com visitors as their favourite studio jam, it translates predictably well (although rarely) to a live setting. This jazz-infused version (and The Weight above) was from a tour of Bruce, Molo, JT Thomas and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets).
12. September 4 1993
Classic Amphitheater – Richmond, VA
Rainbow's Cadillac
Always one of my favourite live songs, and it's the old piano-driven version.
13. October 16 1993
The Backyard - Austin, TX
Madman Across the Water
The tribute record that Bruce mentions is Elton John's "Two Rooms". John D'earth nails it here.
14. October 30 1993
Orlando, FL
Jacob's Ladder > Higher and Higher
An eleven minute version (and Bruce briefly forgets the words). Great Jimmy Haslip solo three minutes in.
15. October 31 1993
Tampa Performing Arts Center - Tampa, FL
Down the Road Tonight
A great example of Bruce's horns section at the time.
16. November 12 1993
Arie Crown Theatre - Chicago, IL
Harbor Lights > Look Out Any Window
I always loved Molo's drum intro to this.
17. March 31 1994
University of Miami - Miami, FL
Fire on the Cross
Bruce returned to the University of Miami for the first of his orchestral shows.
18. March 31 1994
University of Miami - Miami, FL
Night on the Town
A dramatic orchestral version - too good to leave out, so I've included two from the same show!
19. July 23 1994
Promenade Park - Toledo, OH
Defenders of the Flag
Debbie Henry's vocals give me the chills on this one.
CD Three
20. August 1 1994
The Strand - York, PA
The River Runs Low
Solo version of an always-popular ballad from Bruce's first record.
21. August 29 1995
Melody Fair Theatre - North Tonawanda, NY
Iko Iko
This show is widely regarded as one of Bruce's best. This was a New Orleans take on Iko Iko.
22. September 3 1995
FM Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA
Swing Street
I wish this song got more attention today! Molo's intricate start to this song was always a highlight for the band!
23. October 27 1995
Manhattan Center - New York, NY
Cruise Control
Just a great show taped for TV. Look for the "Bruce Hornsby and Friends" DVD. They're all having so much fun on this song, and Molo is a joy to behold!
24. October 27 1995
Manhattan Center - New York, NY
End of the Innocence
From the same show, this features Don Henley (This was the second take).
25. October 27 1995
Manhattan Center - New York, NY
The Tide Will Rise
Bonnie Raitt guests.
26. December 5 1995
The Melkweg, Amsterdam, Holland
Spider Fingers
Bruce was so happy with how the piano sounded at this solo show that he bought it.
27. December 8 1995
Brussels, Belgium
Imagine > Friends
Not the greatest quality sound but the music is beautiful. Surprise Elton cover at the end.
28. December 16 1995
Winterthur, Switzerland
You Can Close Your Eyes > I Will Walk With You
A James Taylor cover that I haven't heard before or since, seamlessly into an "old" version of I Will Walk With You. (It's been reworked more than once since).
29. April 4 1996
Wheeler Opera House - Aspen, CO
Country Doctor
Interesting to compare this one to more recent versions, where the horns would take the lead rather than Doug on guitar.
30. April 10 1996
EMU Ballroom, University of Oregon - Eugene, OR
Sugaree
Maybe the second most popular Dead cover(!)... Bobby Read always makes this song.
31. April 12 1996
The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
Jack Straw
Had to be done at the Fillmore - especially when Bob Weir is in the house...
CD Four
32. April 23 1996
Newport Music Hall - Columbus, OH
Terrapin Station > I Know You Rider
Bruce changes direction after a few bars of I Know You Rider into a gorgeous Terrapin referencing Jerry... and then back again.
33. April 24 1996
Miller Auditorium - Kalamazoo, MI
Sunset Road
A Bela Fleck composition, performed with the man himself.
34. May 6 1996
The Roxy - Atlanta, GA
Another Day > Uptight
Some improv lyrics after a minute or so, and a brief Stevie Wonder cover and Debbie Henry is right with him.
35. May 24 1996
Strand Theater - Providence, RI
Carry the Water
JV on bass, JT on keyboard takes turns excelling on this. Another than I wish were more prominent today.
36. June 5 1996
Community Arts Center - Williamsport, PA
Tangled Up in Blue
First time this song was covered by the band in six years.
37. July 2 1996
Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Mandolin Rain > That Would Be Something > Brokedown Palace
Iconic Bruce song into an iconic Dead song, from the '96 Furthur tour.
38. July 4 1996
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center - Darien Lake, NY
Mighty Quinn
Popular show closer and a real blast.
39. July 6 1996
Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Saratoga Springs, NY
Rainbow's Cadillac
No apologies for including this song twice. I love this version - probably my favourite. Featuring Giovanni Hidalgo.
40. July 6 1996
Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Saratoga Springs, NY
Scarlet Begonias
From the same show, a "Latinised" dead song again featuring Giovanni.
41. July 29 1996
I Shall Be Released
Who can resist an old Bob Dylan cover? Not Bobby Read, apparently - fantastic.
42. August 15 1996
Factory Girl
An improved song - lyrics and all - stemming from a misheard song request.
CD Five
43. October 9 1997
Salem Civic Center - Salem, VA
Across the River
Another orchestral show, providing a truly unique take on a Bruce classic.
44. October 9 1997
Salem Civic Center - Salem, VA
Look Out Any Window
The intro to this song always appealed to me - the orchestra version moved me a lot.
45. April 25 1998
Flint Center - Cupertino, CA
The Boxer
"It's too bad, no-one ever requests songs like this..."
46. July 28 1998
The Strand - York, PA
How Far Am I From Canaan
Solo piano take on a gospel standard.
47. July 28 1998
The Strand - York, PA
Cassidy's Cadillac
Little Cassidy is invited on stage, takes to the piano and steals the show.
48. August 22 1998
Sokol Blosser Winery - Dundee, OR
Spider Fingers > Disco medley
What Bruce and the band are all about inside 15 minutes. A seamless disco medley coming out of a throwaway comment from Bruce to introduce it. His closing comment says it all.
49. October 27 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Sugaree
A (largely) solo Sugaree which more than justifies a second inclusion for this song! Dave Ellis shows up late in the song.
50. October 27 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Swan Song
Another from the extended Yoshi's run in '98, just as Spirit Trail was coming out.
51. October 27 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Sunlight Moon
Another from Spirit Trail. I think the quality of this recording is one of the best I've heard.
52. October 31 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Girl From the North Country
Featuring Steve Kimock.
53. November 1 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
The River Runs Low
I always thought this was a unique song live as it's almost played straight, like the record.
CD Six
54. November 6 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Loser
Michael Baker completely wings this on drums. I was just learning about the Grateful Dead in 1998 - this sold me.
55. November 7 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Sunflower Cat
One of the first performances of this song. Bruce had to remind them how it ended.
56. November 7 1998
Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
Tango King
Doug Derryberry had just joined, and Kimock was sitting in. You can hear Bruce coaching him through the song as it was being played.
57. March 26 1999
Paramount Arts Center - Ashland, KY
Play That Funky Music White Boy
Comedic response to a request.
58. March 26 1999
Paramount Arts Center - Ashland, KY
Dixie Lullaby
This one used to come out of Swing Street a lot. Nice solo version.
59. March 28 1999
Memorial Hall - Williamsburg, VA
Fields of Gray > Terrapin Station
Possibly my favourite version of this song... and into another gorgeous Terrapin.
60. March 30 1999
Memorial Hall - Williamsburg, VA
King of the Hill > Blackberry Blossom > Tempus Fugit
If anybody asks what two-handed independence is... play them this.
61. March 30 1999
Memorial Hall - Williamsburg, VA
Sad Moon
From another solo show, and maybe an even better example of the two hands together.
62. April 1 1999
Memorial Hall - Williamsburg, VA
Let the Girls Rock
Bruce revisits an old song - he gives the story.
63. April 1 1999
Memorial Hall - Williamsburg, VA
I Can't Make You Love Me
Bruce knows full well that he won't hit the high notes in the original key, but tries it anyway. Will he make it...?
64. April 22 1999
Proctor's Theater - Schenectady, NY
Stander on the Mountain
A very different version of this song I think, with Way It Is teases thrown in.
CD Seven
65. June 18 2000
Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO
Jumping Jack Flash
It doesn't get more unique than this. A bluegrass version of Jumping Jack Flash featuring Sam Bush. Bluegrass saxophone!
66. October 18 2000
Salem Civic Center - Salem, VA
Lost Soul
The last orchestral show, also featuring Steve Kimock.
67. December 13 2000
Expression Center for New Media - Emeryville, CA
Line in the Dust
Taken from a KFOG radio broadcast. Doug is tremendous here.
68. June 30 2002
Villa Montalvo - Saratoga, CA
Take Out the Trash
For a long time I'd call this my all-time favourite live performance of a song. The song is just so frivolous in nature, and JT proves why Bruce calls him "the best keyboard player in the band".
69. July 1 2002
Villa Montalvo - Saratoga, CA
Crown of Jewels
A slower version of a regular favourite.
70. September 24 2002
Keswick Theater - Glenside, PA
Place Under the Sun
When I first heard this song on Big Swing Face, I said that this was an extended jam intro waiting to happen. Thankfully, I was right. Featuring the late, great R.S.Hornsby.
71. September 28 2002
Landmark Theater - Syracuse, NY
Great Divide > Across the Great Divide
Extended solo piano intro into two divide songs(!). Listen to how quickly Doug is into the switch, and he clearly loves singing it.
72. October 5 2002
Haymaker Music Festival - Spotsylvania, VA
Cartoons and Candy
Bruce's brother Bobby called this their best show in years. A lengthy twelve minute version, and another where Doug is clearly having a blast with the Prince-esque vocals.
73. October 5 2002
Haymaker Music Festival - Spotsylvania, VA
Tongue-n-Groove
The Noisemakers' take on a Steve Kimock classic.
CD Eight
74. September 19 2004
Handelsbeurs - Gent, Belgium
Halcyon Days
I followed this European solo tour around for a bit, and this song always seemed to get the best reaction.
75. September 19 2004
Handelsbeurs - Gent, Belgium
This Too Shall Pass
I prefer the solo version of this - such as this version from Belgium.
76. October 9 2004
Ovens Auditorium - Charlotte, NC
Fortunate Son > Comfortably Numb
Always a favourite, and the Floyd cover is now a staple in a Hornsby show (or as much as any song is ever a staple in a Hornsby show).
77. October 19 2004
Ridgefield Opera House - Ridgefield, CT
Mirror on the Wall
Since reworked as a much mellower song on the dulcimer, I love this version, and especially Bobby Read.
78. October 22 2004
The Strand, York, PA
Candy Mountain Run > Darlin Corey
Nice switch into Darlin Corey and references throughout. "Dig a hole in the mountain..."
79. October 23 2004
Calvin Theater - Northampton, MA
Drums > What a Time > Inflight
"Drum solo" came the request. Sonny Emory obliged. A more than worthy testament to Keith Jarrett's "Inflight" also.
80. October 26 2004 (late show)
Blue Note - New York, NY
Sneaking Up On Boo Radley
This was long after soundboard taping had stopped, so I included a few from this as I think the wuality is amazing.
81. October 26 2004 (late show)
Blue Note - New York, NY
Resting Place
This version made the documentary portion of the "Three Nights on the Town" DVD. Bill Evans features.
82. October 26 2004 (late show)
Blue Note - New York, NY
See the Same Way
More from the miniscule Blue Note. I always love this song, and the intro earns its inclusion here.
CD Nine
83. November 6 2004
Kimmel Center - Philadelphia, PA
Lost in the Snow
Rare piano solo from Halcyon Days translates realy nicely live.
84. November 20 2004
Great Divide > Sir Duke > 1999
I bugged Bruce for years to play Sir Duke, so I love that it made it onto several lists when he finally gave in. When people realised what the band were moving into from here (it took them a while!), they went crazy.
85. November 22 2004
McDonald Theatre - Eugene, OR
Big Rumble > Mandolin Rain
The "new" minor-key Mandolin Rain gets an airing out of Big Rumble.
86. November 30 2004
Denver Palace of Fine Arts, Denver, CO
The Chill
This was the first song I heard from Big Swing Face, and always loved Kimock's solo. Bobby take it on here.
87. December 9 2004
Murat Center - Indianapolis, IN
Circus on the Moon
My favourite version of this song was actually a cover by the Dave Rich Band! This is a cracking version towards the end of the '04 tour.
88. February 19 2005
Paramount Theatre - Austin, TX
Gonna Be Some Changes Made
Wonderful dissonant intro between Bruce and Sonny.
89. February 19 2005
Paramount Theatre - Austin, TX
The Show Goes On
The song has really taken on a gospel feel in the last few years. This is as good an example as I could find.
90. April 30 2005
McDowell Music Festival - Scottsdale, AZ
Valley Road > Rag Doll
I've lost count how many different, reworked versions of this song we've heard. The switch into an Aerosmith classic tells you how flexible Valley Road is.
91. April 30 2005
McDowell Music Festival - Scottsdale, AZ
White-Wheeled Limousine
A rare (for this period) soundboard taping.
CD Ten
92. July 21 2005
Humphrey's By The Bay - San Diego, CA
Big Stick
Always a crowd dancing favourite (as you can probably hear).
93. July 20 2006
Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA
Funhouse > He's Gone > You Sexy Thing
The Mountain Winery always produces a great performance. Always look for Bobby Read in Funhouse.
94. July 20 2006
Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA
The Good Life
Another for Bobby Read. He was red hot during this show (and tour, actually).
95. August 11 2006
Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC
Go Back To Your Woods
From the famous "Biltmo'"... Bruce and co are joined by Joe Lee.
96. August 11 2006
Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC
Sunflower Cat > King Harvest
The "King Harvest" appearances throughout this tour were a huge highlight for me - this was maybe my top version.
97. August 14 2008
Boarding House Park - Lowell, MA
Black Rats of London
The debut of "Black Rats", from the Levitate record, which was yet to be released at this point.
98. September 26 2009
Town Hall - New York, NY
Cyclone
With lyrics by Robert Hunter, this is fast becoming my favourite Hornsby song (for today).
99. September 26 2009
Town Hall - New York, NY
Prairie Dog Town
This was when the dulcimer starting coming out to play.
100. October 8 2009
Burlington, VT
Continents Drift
I spoke with Doug about his solo here, which was played by R.S. Hornsby on the record. Bruce had asked him to play it as close to the original as possible.
CD Eleven
101. June 11 2011
Manchester, TN
Shadow Hand
Bruce was asked to play an impromptu "dulcimer only" set at Bonnaroo in 2011. He played every song he knew at the time - and this was one of them.
102. September 18 2011
Saratoga, CA
Lost Soul
In 1990, Shawn Colvin guested on the Night on the Town record to sing Lost Soul. Over 20 years later, she and Bruce revisited that collaboration in Saratoga.
103. April 1 2012
Oakland, CA
Talk of the Town
A solo rendition, marked by a segue into Bruce's jazz composition recorded with Jack Dejohnette and Christian McBride named "Charlie, Woody and You", closing out with Elliot Carter's "Catenaires". I've included Bruce's background explanation after the song. Bruce began introducing a lot more of the modern classical music at around this time.
104. June 20 2012
Pittsburgh, PA
Valley Road
The only song to "three-peat" on this list, emphasising just how malleable it is. This is the "dulcimer and washboard" version, featuring the great Sonny Emory.
105. July 29 1012
Floyd, VA
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Bruce's love for Levon Helm is well covered, and this performance at Floyd Fest was recorded a few months after Levon's passing.
106. September 26 2012
Amherst, NY
Where's the Bat
Bruce began adding songs from his work-in-progress musical SCKBSTD to his repertoire. This is one of the more popular ones... I've included Bruce's background story to explain why the audience appreciate it so much.
107. September 26 2012
Amherst, NY
Might As Well Be Me
Another song co-written with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
108. July 5 2013
Eugene, OR
I'll Take You There
First time this was performed; this is another song written with Robert Hunter.
109. June 27 2014
Black Mountain, NC
Life in the Psychotropics
The first appearance on this list for the "new" Noisemakers, after Ross Holmes (fiddle and mandolin) and Gibb Droll (guitar) replaced Bobby Read and Doug Derryberry.
110. July 5 2014
Wilmington, NC
What a Time > The Dreaded Spoon
Ross Holmes features strongly on fiddle throughout this track.