Bruce Springsteen revealed a few performance idiosyncracies Saturday night during his sold-out show at the Colorado Convention Center.
But few people in this crowd minded the extra concert rules – no audible cellphones, no clapping or coming and going during songs – for the thrill of seeing Springsteen roll out solo, acoustic renditions of about two dozen songs from his expansive career.
After a 45-minute delay, Springsteen walked onto a sparsely set stage that featured only a few instruments, two chandeliers and indigo light streaming through the darkness.
He set a somber, pensive tone by opening with “My Beautiful Reward,” playing both keyboard and harmonica segments. It quickly became clear that Springsteen hoped a controlled environment would allow him to re-create the kind of solitude he had while recording one of his career milestones, the 1982 album “Nebraska,” alone in his bedroom.
Springsteen’s new album, “Devils and Dust,” after which this tour was named, is rife with soulful storytelling, à la Bob Dylan, and frequently compared to “Nebraska.”
Springsteen underscored his iconic presence during “Reason to Believe.” He pounded the stage with his right workboot to keep time while delayed audio effects gave his vocals a muddy echo. The sepia-tone close-up of that same boot on the two overhead screens flanking the stage underscored the timeless, earthy nature of the material.
Later, the audience members seemed to relish every anecdote Springsteen shared before performing another song. They revealed their devotion by whispering the lyrics during “Devils & Dust.” But the New Jersey boy-turned-rock ‘n’ roll poet real ly flaunted his skill during “Youngstown.” Here, he created a rich, full sound despite being the only performer onstage, and further underscored his range during “Empty Sky.”
This review was due before the Boss wrapped up, but the touching, personal anecdote he shared about the joys and pitfalls of parenthood before performing “Long Time Comin”‘ was indicative of the connection he forged with this crowd throughout the concert.
Staff writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson can be reached at 303-820-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com.
