Concert Review
Smart, funny songs at "Tiki Bar"

By Patrick MacDonald
Seattle Times music critic

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John Hiatt turned Woodland Park Zoo's North Meadow into one giant tiki bar Sunday night, albeit one with lots of children.

The longtime singer-songwriter, known for his wise, witty and poignant lyrics, was in a buoyant mood — and who wouldn't be, on a sunny summer evening in the park, with families picnicking and children frolicking?

After opening with a fast-chugging song about trains and cars, "Lincoln Town," he then set the evening's tone with "Tiki Bar is Open," with a glance toward the beer and wine garden, off to his left. The rougish lyric brought smiles and cheers, and the lively rhythms had even toddlers dancing.

Working without a set list, and accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, harmonica and electric piano, Hiatt showed the width and depth of his songwriting, with subjects ranging from religion ("Is Anybody There?"), with asides on what his mother taught him about zealotry and piety, to prison work programs ("Tennessee Plates") to Elvis Presley ("Riding With the King") to destructive rock stars ("Perfectly Good Guitar").

As always with Hiatt, there were plenty of bittersweet love songs, often in a bluesy style, with Southern-accented lyrics. They included "Crossing Muddy Waters," "Real Fine Love" and "Have a Little Faith in Me."

He sang a new, as-yet-unrecorded song, "Back on the Corner Again," an eloquent tale of woe about a street singer, with touches of humor.

Review Sunday, Woodland Park Zoo

The opening act was a revelation.

"My name is Jon Dee Graham and I'm from Austin, Texas, and it shows," a mature fellow in battered hat and wrinkled clothes said by way of introduction.

He then went on to charm the near-capacity audience with a short set of well-crafted, Southern-tinged songs sung in a gravelly voice. He said he'd driven 2,800 miles in six days but didn't mind because he got to play "for smart people who listen," as Hiatt's opening act.

"I'd be happy to open for him for the rest of my life," he said.

Graham sang songs about trains, religion, love, marriage and a fun, rocking, uplifting tune called "Big Sweet Life," which he said had been picked for an upcoming Disney film.

"Imagine that," he said, with what seemed like genuine awe and wonder.

Hopefully, that exposure will make Graham as well known as he deserves to be.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312, pmacdonald@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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