A BARE-BONE GIG
Last night, October 28, a packed house at The Barns at Wolf Trap enjoyed a mellow and introspective concert as T Bone Burnett performed his latest album The Other Side, his first solo release in nearly 20 years. (Another show was added tonight, but that is sold-out.) Describing the evening as a “coffee house concert,” Burnett humorously welcomed the audience to his “barn,” as his music and lyrics transported us to the vast deserts of the West and the quaint small towns of the Midwest and South, where characters wrestle with life’s struggles while appreciating its beauty.
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 Grammy-winning 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.
Thus, I can’t tell you what a significant evening this was enjoying the multi-hyphenate star in this intimate 382-seat theater, crafted from two restored 18th-century barns.
Burnett introduced his talented bandmates — Dennis Crouch on bass, David Mansfield switching between mandolin and fiddle, and guitarist Colin Linden — joking that collectively they’ve played together for 103 years.
He also shared that Ringo Starr asked him to write songs for his upcoming album, including “Come Back (When You Go),” a Gene Autry-inspired piece for the rock legend. The life-affirming concert also included “The Town That Time Forgot,” with an eerie feel perfect for Halloween; “Waiting for You,” a catchy tune written by Linden; “Hawaiian Blue Song” by the late Bob Neuwirth, featuring lovely blues riffs; “The First Light of Day,” dedicated to Burnett’s wife, Callie Khouri, with a standout lyric: “In the twilight, you are in flight, like a caged bird set free”; and “(I’m Gonna Get Over This) Some Day”.
The ensemble of two guitars, fiddle/mandolin, and upright bass — with no percussion — beautifully complemented Burnett’s weathered and introspective voice. The performance exuded an authenticity often lacking in the Americana genre, immersing us into the stories as if Burnett had lived them himself.
Linden’s guitar work skillfully enhanced each song, ranging from country-blues picking and Dobro acoustic slides to atmospheric electric swells with a Gretsch and pedalboard. The performance, though occasionally raucous, remained controlled and cohesive.
Overall, the evening felt like sitting by a campfire in Arizona, watching the sun set and waiting for the stars to appear.
T Bone Burnett Live in Concert
The Barns, 1635 Trap Road Vienna, VA
reviewed on Oct. 28; one more performance on Oct. 29
for tickets, visit Wolf Trap
tour continues; for dates and cities, visit T Bone