Minnesota Harvest

Jordan, MN

July 16th, 2005

Review By: Josh

Minnesota Harvest – Sponsel’s Apple Orchid is located roughly 30 minutes south of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. As part of their “Pickin’ in the Dark Concert Series,” Patty took the stage on Saturday night, July 16, 2005.

It has been a tremendously hot few weeks in Minn., and tonight was no exception – 90+ degrees. Newcomer Rick Monroe “warmed up” the already hot stage and then Patty came out about 8:40 p.m.

1. Keep Your Distance
The concert began with the pretty steel guitar intro and then our beautiful girl walked gracefully on to the stage. She sounded great! It seemed to have taken a few minutes to dial in the sound levels, nevertheless, it was a great intro. I think this is a great song to open with.

2. Last Thing on My Mind
The band sounded great. Seemed like there were still some sound level issues, and Patty voice seemed a little tired to me. She still sounded great though! Martin nailed the unique, difficult drumming.

-Patty then had a few words for the crowd. She told us that it was going to be a private party and “we can have a little fun.” – (the venue was really bad about publicizing and the crowd was rather small. I guess they were two busy just trying to make sure the concert would actually happen with the court order) – Patty told the spread out crowd to come forward so we could all “be a little more intimate.

3. You Don’t Seem to Miss Me
The sound levels and band really started to come together on this one. Patty’s voice also seem to really warm up. I’ve never really been too big of fan of this one, but this year it has become one of my favorites!

4. You Can Feel Bad
This is a great follow up. I’m glad these two songs are back to back this year. The band really gets rockin’ on this one.

5. She Drew a Broken Heart
These three songs in sequence really get the band and the crowd going. I’m really glad she added this song to the set list this year. Patty sounded great on this one and made numerous hand gestures to illustrate the sassy tale of the tune.

6. Dreamin’ My Dreams
I love this song! It is so beautiful. Patty sang it so soulfully standing still behind the microphone stand. The only other song I can compare this to is Ray Charles singing Georgia on My Mind. Soulful is the only way to describe it.

-Bluegrass/Acoustic Set-

I found it interesting that they did not use the single condenser mic that the band gathers around. The band came together center stage, but used the traditional mics and mic stands.

7. My Old Friend the Blues
Of the new material I’ve heard thus far, this is my favorite. I just love this song! It is beautifully sad and haunting. I can’t wait to hear the record version.

After this song Patty told the story of how she and Dwight were born in the same hospital, jokingly adding “we may have even been in the same incubator.”

8. Never Ending Love
Beautiful song and it makes me realize how thrilled I am the Troy is part of the band.

9. Someone I Used to Know
John Randle who? Troy and Patty harmonized beautifully and the band nailed the great ballad.

10. Boys Are Back in Town
As I said, it was a hot night, but I thought for sure we would need to get a fire extinguisher to put out the fiddles on this one! The band sounded great, Patty was singing beautifully, and the crowd seemed to really get into the show on this one.

“We’re going to church for this next one”

11. Daniel Prayed
Fiddles sounded great and Troy and Patty harmonized beautifully. I miss the mandolin solo on this, but Guthrie sounded great.

After this song Patty introduced Kylie, saying she was from New Zealand, growing up on a dairy farm driving the tractor. Someone in the band mooed like a cow. I’m assuming it was Martin. The crowd got a chuckle out of it.

12. Grandpa
This is such a great song, but I have to admit, I’d rather have heard Harlan. Nevertheless, Patty sounded great and the crowed was moved by the touching story.

13. Big Chance
After Patty told the story of Pretty Little Miss, the crowd really seemed to enjoy the funny tale.

-End Bluegrass/Acoustic Set-

14. Nothin’ Like the Lonely
Honestly this is not one of my favorites, but I love that hum. She hummed those pretty little lips off once again. I swear, I would buy a whole record of just her humming!

15. On Your Way Home
I love this song! Patty really seemed to be feeling it tonight and her whole soul went into singing this powerful, haunting song. The band played flawlessly, adding to the emotion.

-Band Intro--

When Patty introduced Martin, she said “we’ll sweat together tonight, honey” (referring to the immense heat) Martin stood up and proceeded to hit his melon on the microphone above. It was rather comical and didn’t seem to affect his drumming J

16. Lovin’ All Night
The band sounded great and Patty seemed to be getting into the words of the song. Guthrie nailed the great guitar parts.

Patty got the crowd to their feet, telling us that “sitting still in the heat isn’t good.”

17. Blame It On Your Heart
The crowd got into the song, moving up close to the stage. Even though it was a small crowd, they seemed to have good energy and Patty fed off of it. The upbeat song left the crowd wanting more and they walked off stage.

-Encore-

18. Elvis
The band was rockin’ on this one and it’s a great song to close a show. During everybody favorite part, the crowd yelled “come on, Patty…Get it together!” Patty seemed to enjoy the enthusiasm and participation and said “well, then….”

It was a hot night, and Patty and the band sure didn’t do much to cool it down. Yet another great show for the 2005 season. I’m a little disappointed she didn’t turn Guthrie loose for a solo, and that they didn’t do Harlan (also, You Don’t Even Know…was on the setlist, but wasn’t played). Nevertheless, it was a great show! I’m thrilled she’s doing She Drew a Broken Heart and I, of course, love the new material.

What made it even better, for me, was that I finally got to meet Patty and get a picture taken with her. After almost 10 years and a good amount of shows, I finally got to actually meet her. She signed my picture “To Josh. Love U! Patty Loveless” – I know this is her standard signature, but I’ll choose not think that. J Have a great rest of the tour everybody!