Ryan Adams: Home Is Where His Heart Is

Ryan Adams
The Fox Theater Pomona, Pomona, CA
12.11.14

Seattle Music News traveled south to Pomona, California’s Fox Theater, to catch singer Ryan Adams on one of only a handful of dates in his adopted home state. While Adams has certainly shared success with his previous bands, it continues to feel like his talent is best displayed as a solo artist. At 40, he has just released his self-titled fourteenth studio album. Tonight’s set ranged from well-known Cardinals tracks of ‘yore, to shiny new ones that he’s spent the fall breaking in, as well as a cover of Jenny Lewis’s “She’s Not Me” from her latest Adams-produced LP. Adams played almost two hours, even though it felt like twenty minutes.

Against a backdrop of twinkle lights, an American flag sporting a peace sign, and an oversized stuffed tiger, Ryan Adams opened with the Grammy-nominated “Gimme Something Good.” Clad in his uniform of dark jeans topped with a black Danzig shirt he paused momentarily after this to pass around a roll of black tape, politely asking the audience to cover any photo flashes in an effort to prevent the imminent distraction associated with his (now openly addressed) Meniere’s disease. His mic stand wrapped in string lights, Adams switched guitars for nearly every song, playing his familiar red, white, and blue acoustic for “Lucky Now.” He took part in tons of stage banter, most notably whipping up an on-the-spot ditty that we’ll call “Take the Boat.” Even amid the silliness, listeners could feel how clear, mature, and steady his voice had become. It is this combination of witty accessibility and perfected performance that has led to a staunchly loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Near the end of the set, Adams proudly introduced his newest touring band The Shining, and as if the evening couldn’t get any sweeter, opener Jenny Lewis appeared on stage for a duet of “Oh My Sweet Carolina.”

Ryan Adams Set List:
Gimme Something Good
Let It Ride (The Cardinals)
Stay with Me
Dirty Rain
This House Is Not For Sale
Magnolia Mountain (The Cardinals)
New York, New York
Dear Chicago
Lucky Now
She’s Not Me (Jenny Lewis cover)
Shadows
Take the Boat (improv from crowd)
Everybody Knows
Peaceful Valley (The Cardinals)
When the Stars Go Blue
I See Monsters
Am I Safe
Oh My Sweet Carolina (w/ Jenny Lewis)
La Cienega Just Smiled
Kim
Encore:
I Love You but I Don’t Know What to Say
Come Pick Me Up (w/ Jenny Lewis)