Live: Jason Webley at the Mercury Cafe, Denver

I made the decision to go to this show about twenty-four hours in advance. This probably doesn’t seem like a big thing to most of you, but my schedule is booked weeks (and often sometimes months) in advance. In part because I have to seek some permissions to photograph a show and in part because I have an incredibly busy schedule. Somehow I missed the fact that Jason Webley was coming through town until the last minute. A good friend of mine has been raving about his live shows for ages and it isn’t that I wasn’t interested, but I was out of town the last time Jason came through Colorado. If I could go back in time, I would have been at every Jason Webley played in Colorado and then some. It was one of the best shows I’ve been to this year and possibly ever. This man knows how to put on a show. I don’t feel like I have the talent to express what I experienced that evening at the Mercury Cafe.

First of all, it has been ages since I’ve been to this venue. Way too long. It’s a gorgeous space- lights everywhere and innovative theater seating. As Jason took the stage, the crowd began to pack into the front space, intent on every word. As the night went on, the rest of the attendees were encouraged to join the front and soon the floor was packed with singing and dancing. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen such an involved crowd at a show this size before. The effect was amazing- I wanted to record it and take it with me for every show where I feel less than a room full of love. Live music should be interactive, in my opinion. It should be sang along to, danced to, and have you clapping, stomping, and smiling so hard your face hurts. This is a Jason Webley show.

After going through a variety of his own music, a brilliant part of the evening began with Webeley mentioning his part in the song “Hockey Star” (as Big Little Dipper Dipper), which I am embedding below so that you, too, can enjoy this super addictive track right now:

The talk of nineties club music brought on a wealth of accordion covers, requested by shouting from the audience. Selections included “Billie Jean” and “Take On Me”. It was just as amazing as it sounds.

Then the night took a more serious tone when Webley mentioned his run-ins with tragedy and his decision to take a break from music after this tour. I’m hoping it isn’t a long pause, but I’m extremely thankful that I have this evening.