T Bone Burnett’s intimate concert Saturday night at Town Hall was a terrific tutorial in storytelling. With T Bone’s anecdotes and voice, both nostalgic and timeless, and the musicians playing with such empathy and energy, this was an event more than a concert, with a narrative woven through the tapestry of Americana, blues, and folk. A soul-stirring evening made of haunting melodies, sophisticated musicianship, hopeful chants, poetic lyrics, and T Bone’s unmistakable presence. It was both a celebration and a meditation—a perfect reflection of his unique artistry.
T Bone Burnett
For those who don’t know, Burnett is a record producer, guitarist, and songwriter, celebrated not only for his musical talent but also for his innovative contributions to film soundtracks, significantly impacting popular music. His work on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack reignited interest in American folk music, demonstrating his skill in merging historical context with contemporary style. He has worked with legends like Bob Dylan, Brandi Carlile, Elvis Costello, Elton John, and Robert Plant, always adding his unique touch while highlighting each artist’s distinct voice.
Colin Linden
The significant evening began with T Bone on vocals and guitar, accompanied by Colin Linden, a man who has written for, played on, produced, or engineered more than 60 albums (so far). Frankly, the duo would have been enough to satisfy: T Bone has an extraordinary ability to create an intimate relationship with the audience that transcends the boundaries of stage, and Linden has the ability to transition flawlessly between acoustic and electric guitar, slide and finger-picking, creating a dynamic range that is hypnotic and precise. It is not about technique for technique’s sake; each note Linden played was informed by emotion.
David Mansfield
Soon, the two were joined by David Mansfield, a musician who joined Bob Dylan’s band for four years when he was only 18, recorded three albums with him and appeared on numerous compilations and live recordings. Besides being a virtuoso instrumentalist, Mansfield is also a composer. During the concert, his command of the violin and mandolin was both virtuosic and deeply expressive, marked by precision and speed, and his warm, rich tones showed a deep understanding of both classical and folk traditions.
T Bone Burnett, Dennis Crouch
Another music star on board was Dennis Crouch, a prodigy in his field and a perfect addition on double bass. His bass lines drove the rhythm forward with a deep, steady pulse, his sound rich and deep but always mindful of the context. He went from soft, subtle, delicate moments to percussive, bold, slapping sounds. With astounding chemistry and nuance, the ensemble beautifully complemented Burnett’s weathered and introspective voice, exuding an authenticity often lacking in the Americana genre, immersing us into the stories as if Burnett had lived them himself. This gave each song its own distinctive atmosphere.
Colin Linden, T Bone Burnett, David Mansfield, Dennis Crouch
Among selections spanning the artist’s career, T Bone performed his latest album The Other Side, his first solo release in nearly 20 years. It kicked off with the acclaimed “He Came Down,” a folk chant that set the tone for the night, followed by the tender ballad “Come Back (When You Go Away),” a song which had the feel of an old love letter placed in an envelope of melancholic sweetness. By the time “Some Day” rolled around, T Bone had firmly established a mood of bittersweet reflection. The song felt like a promise, an eventual “some day” that would bring understanding, or perhaps peace.
Colin Linden, T Bone Burnett, David Mansfield, Dennis Crouch
They played 27 songs altogether; “The Race Is Won” created a space of introspection, while “Sometimes I Wonder” felt like a stroll through an open field of sound, and “Hawaiian Blue Song” gave the mandolin and the violin center stage in a moment of pure Polynesian joy. In the second half of the concert, T Bone and the band dived into the moody atmosphere of “Humans From Earth,” a song that combined intricate finger-picked guitar work and Crouch’s steady, grounding bass. “Annabelle Lee” was a time-travel experience, with the mandolin dancing delicately around T Bone’s delivery of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem. The final song from the encore was a reprise of “He Came Down,” a perfect cyclical return to the beginning of the evening, which felt, overall, like sitting by a campfire in Arizona, watching the sun set and waiting for the stars to appear.
photos by Sachyn Mital
An Evening with T Bone Burnett
The Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St
played Saturday April 5, 2025
tour continues; for dates and cities, visit T Bone
