Graham Nash, Shane Fontayne, and Todd Caldwell play The Last Whale during the soundcheck at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ, March 2, 2022. First show of the 2022 tour, and the first since the two-year COVID hiatus of 2020 & 2021.
Graham Nash - Guitar/Keyboards/Harmonica/Vocals
Shane Fontayne - Guitars
Todd Caldwell - Keyboards
This was my first ever live Graham Nash, Shane Fontayne, and Todd Caldwell performance. I walked into the soundcheck and was immediately blown away, not only because the man himself – Shane Fontayne - was standing right there, but also by the power of his guitar tone and how it vibrated through me. Certainly, we don't experience that watching videos! The camaraderie shared by these three artists was refreshing and touching to see and a joy and privilege to experience. Seeing these three lads relaxed, chatting, spontaneous, and full of laughter was inspiring. I enjoyed those moments almost as much as the performance.
Three very talented and yet humble musicians. Playing because they love to play. Playing for us simply because they love to play for us. No ego - just sharing their passion for the music. And we love to hear them just because we love to hear them. Graham doesn't need us to stroke his ego. He just loves to play for us because he loves to play, he loves the music, and he loves us. And we sent that right back at him. Clearly, this show meant a lot to Graham being the first show of the almost two-year COVID hiatus - holding back tears as he told stories of the songs, chatting, and recalling moments between himself and Joni.
At 80 years- old, Graham continues to be an exceptional and accomplished musician with his voice astonishing for the number of decades it's been his instrument. Todd Caldwell and his keyboard finesse soaring up and out, and then quietly filling in the melodies, helping make this threesome sound like a rock band with a well-rounded, rich, dynamic, full, and stirring timbre. Of course, it goes without saying that Shane Fontayne's formidable artistry - and what many of his fans refer to as 'God given' guitar skills - helped forge a stunning show we shall never forget. Performing his Lone Justice and Bruce Springsteen 'signature moves' with a dancer's grace, Shane thrilled with deep knee bends, jumps, walk-abouts, lean backs, strumming arm pumps into the air, and many powerful and exactly timed crescendos that left us feeling gobsmacked each time. Shane has talked often about his role as a supporting/touring band member/musician. He notes that part of his role is to provide a safe environment for the main artist, and he certainly is a master at that - helping artists feel comfortable and confident so they can play their knockout best. It takes a very special kind of musician and person to subvert their own ego like that. To put their own desires aside, to fit musically only where appropriate, to orchestrate a performance bringing it to life. Shane has talked at length how he learned to play the same standards - night after night - in a way the audience can recognize the song, yet at the same time adding his own special touch, his own special sparkle to prevent the song from playing and sounding routine to him, as well as us. Shane is known for many things in his live performances. Power, energy, sparkle, and jangle when needed to make a show buzz. On the other hand, he can stroke those strings oh so sensuously, gently winding his notes around any mellow arrangement. Shane is unequivocally a master of those strings!
A few snafus reminded us this was the first performance of the tour. Thankful and moved to be together again, we and they, weren't put off by the flubs. Graham just laughed, embracing the gaffe with the 'gaffer' who laughed too, albietly a tad sheepishly, and we found ourselves laughing with them. Somehow it made us love them more for graciously being like us, human - and for being so in front of an audience!!
It was a true gift not to just see and hear Graham, Shane, and Todd...but to 'experience' them. These three musicians whom we admire and cherish. A wonderful first show for me. An experience that I shall forever be grateful for, and one that I shall remember always...and replay often.
Carrol Ann Chambers
Administrator
Shane Fontayne FanZone
Playlist from Francesco Lucarelli's Facebook page. Thank you, Francesco!
Graham Nash at Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ, USA Tour: An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories. March 2, 2022
Set 1
Find the Cost of Freedom
Military Madness
Here Comes the Sun
Milky Way Tonight
Bus Stop
King Midas in Reverse
I Used to Be a King
Wasted on the Way
Marrakesh Express
Half Your Angels
Love the One You're With
Cathedral
Set 2
A Case of You
Simple Man
Right Between the Eyes
Golden Days
4 + 20
Country Girl
Chicago
A Day in the Life
Just a Song Before I Go
Our House
Encore
Everyday
Teach Your Children
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