Paul Sacramento 10/21/02

Hi Steve,

Just wanted to pass along some feedback regarding Paul's show in Sacramento last night (Oct. 21). The band was in top form and the set list didn't vary a huge amount from previous reports. Terrific show from Macca. Yes, it was well rehearsed and the comments/ad libs were clearly scripted but he pulled them off with such grace (and good humor).

Everyone in Sac cheered when Paul dedicated Your Loving Flame to Heather so that was refreshing.

The changes that have stayed in the show (and perhaps what the folks in San Jose might hear tonight) include:

She's Leaving Home--stunning arrangement that replicates the original recording. Awesome harmonies.

Coming Up - Great response (Paul - "Let's get funky!")

Michelle - Wix on accordion added considerable flavor to this live version. The harmonies were perfect.

The mess up for YNGMYM was a bit different--he stated that he wasn't going to bother to get the words right.

He didn't flub any lines during Getting Better and it was stunning! He did make mention during his acoustic solo portion of the show about how banners can be distracting (he was joking because he did flub a chord change don't recall on which song, though) because you feel compelled to read it.

He also mentioned a Happy Birthday banner and proceeded to wish everyone a happy birthday doing a brief version of Happy Birthday (which he owns I might add so it was kind of funny he did that and not Birthday).

Let 'em In - I've always admired the arrangement to this song but it's never been a favorite. It received a great response.

Mother Nature's Son, Vanilla Sky, C. Moon were all MIA. I haven't seen anybody mention that Macca is visibly moved when performing Here Today and Something particularly on the former song. We were on the floor (thanks Paul for the upgraded seats)! and it was very clear that both songs weren't just a performance for him. My daughter went with me and she had a blast (she also kept track of the songs as I lost track after the fourth number). Anyhow, a splendid time was had by all. My only wish is that vs. doing the Sgt. Pepper/The End medley the way he currently does it would be to add a couple of brief bits from other Beatles songs from Pepper and Abbey Road (even those he didn't write a la the recording of Strawberry Fields/Give Peace A. Chance from a decade ago). Anyhow, hope everyone there had a great time. I did! Thanks again Paul, Abe, Brian, Wix, Rusty and Heather for putting together a terrific well paced show!