The Garde Arts Center was treated to an icon of music history when Graham Nash the British-American singer-songwriter came to New London, Connecticut. Nash is a musician best known for his years with the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and The Hollies and pleasing audiences with his songs spanning the last five decades.
Nash was accompanied by Shane Fontanel on guitar and Todd Caldwell on keyboard. They harmonized throughout the evening sometimes with their instruments and at other times a Capella. The trio was a match that was magic to the ears.
The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and two-time Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Nash also includes being a Grammy Award-winner, a New York Times best-selling author, a renowned photographer and a fighter for social, political and environmental justice in his long list of accomplishments. He even has some of his artwork in various museums
In September 2013, Nash released his long-awaited autobiography Wild Tales, which delivers an engrossing, no-holds-barred look back at his remarkable career and the music that defined a generation. The book landed him on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Having reinvented himself a few times over the decades Nash has come out the other side still sounding as strong as ever. His tenor voice is clear, on pitch and never wavered on any note. If you weren’t watching but only listening on headphones you could never tell he was almost 78. All three performers complimented each other with their harmonies.
This being the first time I have seen Graham Nash it was definitely a treat to hear songs of my youth done wonderfully. He did not just get out there and belt out a few tunes or give a short set. They performed twenty-one songs including the encore. Nash gave a background on some of the songs to set up where he was and what inspired him to write them. Having the background gives some of the songs an extra meaning.
Nash’s songs are just as meaningful and relevant now as they were back in the 1960’s. They have a staying power that well thought of and well written songs tend to have.
I’m not sure how long Nash will continue to tour but if you get the chance go and see him while you can. This man and these songs are a treasure of a generation that is quickly fading from the public eye. We still hear the songs on the radio but to actually hear them performed live is a special treat.
https://www.grahamnash.com
Review by Donna Erichsen
Photos by George Bekris
Set list
Set 1:
Wasted On The Way
Bus Stop
I Used To Be A King
Immigration
Sleep Song
4 + 20
Military Madness
Wind On The Water
Day In The Life
Set 2:
Marrakesh Express
Simple Man
I Miss You
Right Between the Eyes
Taken At All
Golden Days
Love The One You’re With
Just A Song Before I Go
Cathedral
Our House
Encore:
Chicago
Everyday
Teach Your Children