Category: August 2007

For those fortunate to have experienced Tanglewood you know what I mean by the ambience is breathtaking.  The air was heavy with humidity that would soon fade to a chill in the air when the sun went down.  Tanglewood is nestled in the western most part of Massachusetts in the middle of the woods.  Tanglewood is the summer home to the BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra).  Though most of the shows consist of classical music there are a few artist that have had the opportunity to play there as well.

Though the lawn seats are the least expensive they are sometimes the most sought after.  My husband and I bring a picnic feast to enjoy while we are there.  We set up our table with tablecloth and candles and open a bottle of wine.  Since the concert was on a Friday night we were worried about how late we were going to be.  We arrived just in time to part halfway down the first parking lot.  Whew!  The walk would not be that bad. 

We take our wagon full of goodies and find the perfect spot on the lawn.  People come from all around (New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont – just to name a few) to visit the grounds of Tanglewood. 

The sun started to go down and the music began.  This particular concert was the eighth time I have seen James Taylor in concert.  His band was not with him this time therefore it was called the "One Man Band".  He had the opportunity to talk a little more about his music and how he came to write some of the songs.  Being a long term fan this was particularly interesting to hear of the stories of him and Joni Mitchell and Carol King (Just to name a few).

Since he lives only a few miles from Tanglewood it is like playing in his backyard.  He played four encores and we all had the feeling that he would have played all night if he could.  Every show is better than the last.  We look forward to what next years show will bring. 

I was lucky enough to go to another Alison Krauss concert outside. This time my husband and I brought my father with us, as he is quickly growing to be as much of a fan as I am. My husband and I went to see her at the Calvin Theater in Northhampton Massachusetts several years ago. I was stunned to be brought to an even higher level of appreciation for her and her band member’s talents (Union Station). She has the ability to bring such emotion to each and every song she sings. The fortunate thing about seeing her live is she is able to give a little background of the music that she sings.

She is currently touring for her album A Hundred Miles or More with her usual band members but she has a few more for this particular concert. Each member adds depth to each song that brings the intensity beyond your expectations.

Many of you may have heard her duet “Whiskey Lullaby” with Brad Paisley. A very sad song in its own right but the song that brings me to the brink of tears is “Jacobs Dream.” It actually took a few tries to be able to listen to the whole song.   To hear a sampling of her music from this album click here.  Scroll down to the bottom and click on each song.

Alison Krauss Lyrics
Song: Jacob’s Dream
Album: "A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection" by Alison Krauss

In the spring of 1856 with the snow still on the ground
Two little boys were lost in the mountains above the town
The father went out hunting the boys had stayed behind
While mother tended to her chores they wandered from her side
The two had gone to follow him and lost their way instead
By dusk the boys had not been found and fear had turned to dread
200 men had gathered there to comb the mountain side
The fires were built on the highest peak in hopes they’d see the light
Oh mommy and daddy why can’t you hear our cries
The day is almost over, soon it will be night
We’re so cold and hungry and our feet are tired and sore
We promise not to stray again from our cabin door
Now Jacob Diverd woke one night from a strange and erie dream
He saw a path between two hills near a dark and swollen stream
He told his wife he saw the boys huddled close beside a log
For two more nights the dream returned this vision sent from God
Oh mommy and daddy why can’t you hear our cries
The day is almost over, soon it will be night
We’re so cold and hungry and our feet are tired and sore
We promise not to stray again from our cabin door
a thousand men had searched in vain the west side of pop’s creek
But Jacob’s wife knew of this place and said to travel east
With a guide to take him there, Jacob came upon the scene
And found the boys cold and still beneath the old birch tree
Oh mommy and daddy, look past the tears you cry
We’re both up in Heaven now, God is by our side
As you lay us down to rest in the presence of the Lord
Know that we will meet you here at Heaven’s door
Oh mommy and daddy, look past the tears you cry
We’re both up in Heaven now, God is by our side
And as you lay us down to rest in the presence of the Lord
Know that we will meet you here at Heaven’s door

Not all the songs are sad as "Jacob’s Dream".  She sang "Simple Love" at this concert and she told the story of when she first heard it sung by the author and how it moved her.

My appreciation goes to all the members of Alison Krauss for giving yet another unforgettable performance. I wait patiently until you return to the New England area.