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Jack Johnson's sunny evening in the park
Rick Pearson, Evening Standard 3 Jul 2008
A cursory glance at the crowd for Jack Johnson's gig in Hyde Park revealed two types of fan: middle-aged couples, who play his inoffensive music in the background at dinner parties, and students, whose imminent gap years on the east coast of Australia will be soundtracked by his breezy balladry.
Fortunately for Johnson, both dinner parties and gap years are highly popular in this wealthy area of west London, and Hyde Park was packed for his evening set of acoustic lullabies.
As Johnson sheepishly took the stage, though, you suspected this level of popularity doesn't sit easy with the shy former surfer. His music, so often in the background (before the dinner parties and gap years, it was the laid-back accompaniment to surf films), now finds itself in the spotlight, with recent album Sleep Between The Static topping the charts this year.
To help him with this newfound status, Johnson was backed by a full band. Joined by recently appointed keyboardist Zach Gill, they gave his gentle songs some much-needed oomph in the larger setting.
Banana Pancakes was palmfringed pop for lazy mornings in the hammock; Sitting Waiting Wishing had a stylish strut. Staple It Together was even in danger of rocking for a brief, heady moment.
For the most part, though, this was soporific stuff. Johnson's lazy vocal, funky guitar and earnest lyrics were pleasant for a few songs; after two hours of near-identical material, though, it was a challenge to keep your eyes open. The jaunty reggae of newer songs like Monsoon could have been cut and pasted from any one Johnson's previous three albums. A brief spell on ukulele was about as experimental as it got.
Not that the audience seemed to care. Under warm sunshine - surely the only weather to enjoy this kind of music - there was a feeling that Johnson could do no wrong. Even a gaffe during the verse of Breakdown didn't stop the cheering.
This adoration will reach fever pitch when he plays in the surfing town of Newquay on Saturday. But if last night's show is anything to go by, my advice would be to take a sleeping bag with your surfboard.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (12)
I believe that every true Jack Johnson fan loved his concert, I know it was the best thing I've ever done. Some say his music sounds the same, but if you listen carefully every song is special in it's own way. To me, Jack Johnson is the greatest musician and I just can't get enough of his music!
(btw, it's me in the middle of the picture)
- Joanna, Malmö, Sweden, 11/08/2008 09:43
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Best gig of my life! Jack Johnson is an inspiration and a hero in my eyes, everyone there was in the same relaxed happy jubilant mood. perfect day.
- Olly Pountain, chesham, 10/07/2008 14:06
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I thought that this concert was amazing! I've listened to Jack's music for years and never thought I'd be able to see him live. It was great to hear the songs that I've listened to so much live. It was one of the best days I've had, especially with the sun shining, it was perfect. Ben Harper was also great! although, not as much of a fan of his music I thought that his performance was really moving and he put so much emotion into his singing. Mostly, I think the atmosphere was great because of the people and the laid back kind of feeling that was given. I came out of this concert feeling on top on the world.
- Georgia, epsom, surrey, 08/07/2008 21:20
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Eloise said it: There is actually something right with the world after all! Which also was stated by Ben Harper at the show: If there's something good in the world, it's Jack Johnson's music.
At least there was a strong positive vibe to lift and spread from Hyde Park, 2 July.
- Mika, Finland, 07/07/2008 21:56
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I took my 2 nieces from Ireland aged 15 and 17 and it was a great gig for them and me - safe, relaxed and fun! Jack redefines takes mellow to a whole new sphere!
- Patricia, London, London, 07/07/2008 10:03
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Jack Johnson's set was a delight in the Park. He bridges the generation gap so easily. I was taken as a surprise by my 24yr daughter and we both loved it. I'm the oldest person I know by the way...the crowd was just wonderful, so many truly lovely young people. Think Johnson has an extraordinary talent for exuding a laid back appreciation of just being alive irrespective of what age...and in London these days that's so so refreshing.
- Jackie Heybourne, London, 04/07/2008 18:30
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What a great concert, my wife and I were totally captivated by Jack and his refreshing music. The weather made for a perfect evening, I just wish I could make it down to Cornwall for one of this weekends concerts. The crowd were not all from west London, Jack has a country wide appeal, our train heading back home was full of concert goers. Come back soon Jack.
- Phill, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 04/07/2008 12:42
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Awesome!
- Tillmann, Berlin, Germany, 03/07/2008 23:49
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What a fantastic day of inspiring music. The myriad of musical talent was sweeping in its scope and reduced many to impassioned tears of pure happiness. There is a reason Jack Johnson and friends can put on shows like that the world over; there is also a reason why Rick Pearson has reached the oh so dizzy heights of the Evening Standards free newspaper.
- David Cahill, London, 03/07/2008 22:43
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I was one of the 'middle aged' fans at last night's concert, along with my 25 year old son, and can only agree with Eloise that the show was totally captivating. The mix of age groups was refreshing and Jack Johnson's performance was really well balanced for the venue. The support acts were excellent and it was really good to see him inviting his guests to join him in a couple of numbers, which gave the impression that he really recognises their individual talent. A superb show all round!
- Gill, Kent, UK, 03/07/2008 12:08
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This concert was brilliant! Two hours of perfection.
Coming all the way from Denmark, just to hear Jack Johnson, my expectations were very high - and I wasn't disappointed.
The choice of songs, the quality of the sound and the way Jack + band performed, everything was great - and the weather just topped it of.
It would have been a super concert, even with rain.
- Anna, Copenhagen, Denmark, 03/07/2008 11:21
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As someone who's life virtually revolves sees live music (of all genres) I was also wondering how Jack Johnson's music would fare in such a large venue. I wasn't even a particular fan and certainly have not played his music in the background at dinner parties. Unlike Rick Pearson however I was impressed at how captivating last night's show was. Obviously music like Jack's needs a band to give it extra 'oomph' when playing in such a large venue and it did just that, as did the guest appearances including G-Love and Ben Harper. It all made for a fantastic evening that felt downright good! It's not just about the music, its also about the message, the great vibe and the feeling that there is actually something it right with the world after all!
- Eloise, London, 03/07/2008 10:17
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