Ever since the Super Bowl a couple of weeks ago, I've been struggling to shake the pure dynamism that was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. I'm not sure if you saw it, but if you did, you surely know that their performance was nothing short of kinetic (and definitely made up for the lackluster commercials that flocked the screens this year). I can't say as I'd ever considered myself a "Springsteen fan" before that night... but I'm definitely considering it now.
Who from my generation hasn't grown up with at least a smattering of Springsteen knowledge. "Born in the USA"? Check. "Dancing in the Dark"? You betcha. "Glory Days"? No doubt! But songs like "Working on a Dream" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"? I have to say I was honestly clueless.
It's one thing to hear Springsteen on a recording... but Bruce is one of those rare artists that you have to hear live to truly appreciate. In a day that seems to be cranking out cookie-cutter pop artists that need heavy studio dubbing in order to sound halfway decent, it's good to know that Springsteen is definitely the genuine article. While he may not be the greatest singer in the world, his stage presence, charisma, and ability to have fun onstage really make him a joy to watch.
This is to say nothing of what I consider the best part of the equation: the E Street Band. Springsteen is a talent himself, to be sure, but he is backed by some stellar and amazing talent as well. Guitarist Steven Van Zandt is probably best known to many for playing mobster Silvio Dante on HBO's "The Sopranos." Drummer Max Weinberg has spent the last sixteen years as the band leader for 'the Max Weinberg 7,' the house band on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Saxophonist Clarence 'the Big Man' Clemons is a well-known and well-respected musician in his own right (though I always remember him as one of the Three Most Important People in the World from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure). This is to say nothing of the scores of other talented individuals in the E Street Band. These are musicians who have performed with the likes of Bob Dylan, Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, Ringo Starr, Jim Steinman, and Gary 'U.S.' Bonds. Top-notch talent!
Since the effect of Springsteen and his E Street Band needs to be experienced to be believed, I've included a recording of an in-concert excerpt of one my new favorite Springsteen tunes, "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out". Enjoy!
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