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A Night Of Nebraska:  Bruce Hazel & Justin Faircloth with The Andrew Webster Band at The Double Door Inn in Charlotte, NC - 7/30/03

Nebraska is the only Bruce Springsteen album I own.  Being a lo-fi enthusiast, my interest was piqued when I heard that it was recorded on a 4-track with only guitar, vocals, and harmonica.  Sure enough, the albums somber, gritty beauty blew me away.  So when I heard that some local musicians were doing A Night of Nebraska at the local blues dive, I figured Id go check it out. 

This was my first time at The Double Door Inn, a small Charlotte bar with a long history of great live music.  A very diverse crowd turned up.  The bartender was friendly and attentive.  I had only two complaints about the venue:  structural reinforcements partially block the view of the stage from the bar and they ran out of my favorite beer after only two drinks.  Ill get over it. 

Opening the show was the Andrew Webster Band.  Andrew has secured himself a pivotal role in the Charlotte scene.  Among other things, he hosts the local music show on WSGE-FM, and was the Andrew in Andrew, Nick and Charlie (his old band).  His new band is similar in style, having a loose jam affliction, only this time Andrews focusing on playing keyboards rather than the guitar.  They sounded good, and Im looking forward to hearing more from them in the future. 

The Nebraska tribute was performed by Bruce Hazel and Justin Faircloth.  Hazel, of The Noise, played guitar and sang nine of the ten songs.  Multi-instrumentalist Faircloth played a mostly supportive role, only stealing the spotlight to sing a harrowing State Trooper.  Scenesters will know him from his other projects, The Houston Brothers and The Goldenrods.   

Overall, the guys stayed true to the original material.  Drums were added to some of the more rocking numbers, notably Atlantic City and Open All Night.  Keyboards, bass, and accordion slid unobtrusively into the songs.  Hazel really made you feel like you were watching a young Springsteen  spilling his guts in a Jersey club, back in the day.  The only thing that detracted from the spectacle was when they flipped through their notes between songs.  It kind of spoiled the magic of the moment.  Come on guys, its only ten songs  you can memorize them. 

Nebraska is a great album, and ripe material for a tribute.  Bruce Hazel and Justin Faircloth did an impressive job paying homage.  The Boss would be proud.