Jack Johnson commenced the Vogue’s summer concert series Monday night, bringing the Pacific Ocean with him. Jack, as his fans refer to him, has found success with anything he has tried; he has been a professional surfer, an award winning film director, and has seen unbelievable success with his first album Brushfire Fairytales. Jack combined all of these Monday night for a sold-out crowd.
The show began with the viewing of Johnson’s latest film The September Sessions. The movie was shown on several different screens throughout the venue. Once the movie concluded, DJ Evil Vince came out and played some island music that got the crowd ready to groove. Jack Johnson came out at about 9:20 to a welcome crowd. The front row was filled mostly with girls as they shrieked and screamed and prepared to gaze at the singer all night.
There was no doubt that this was going to be one of the more laid-back shows of the summer as the opener “Providence > Posters” played. Johnson, who has won the ESPN Extreme Sports Award for surfers’ favorite music two years running, showed why with performances of “Fortunate Fool” and “Sexy Plexi.” The crowd found itself dancing along with “Rodeo Cowboys” a song Jack recorded with G. Love and Special Sauce for their Philadelphonic CD.
The highlight of the first set was “Bubble Toes” which had more of a reggae feel than the recorded version. Bass player Merlo and drummer Adam found their spotlight in the song “Night,” playing off each other as Jack filled in some grooves. The band next paid tribute to some of their idols of the island music scene by playing “Trenchtown Rock” and Sublime's "Santoria."
As the set closed after 45 minutes, Jack came out and performed solo for 5 songs. The first song was “Mother Ocean,” a Jimmy Buffett cover. The most serious song of the night came when Jack played “Cookie Jar” a song about the lack of responsibility involved with the school shootings of years past. The band came back out and helped conclude the show with some funkier dance tunes closing with “Mudfootball.”
The show helped showcase Jack Johnson’s many talents. He has a sound all his own, that brings the ocean and its surf with him wherever he goes. Selling out The Vogue on your first trip through Indy is a major accomplishment, especially after only one album. Jack did not disappoint the crowd and I believe there are still girls standing in the front row gazing! I am very excited to see Jack Johnson at Bonnarroo, because he will add a much different feel to the show, with his laid-back acoustic stylings. Expect to hear a lot more from Johnson and crew, as they bring the ocean to a city near you.
Greg Berman
JamBase Indiana Correspondent
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