Review and Photos by Terry Mayer
John Mayer (no relation) approached the stage alone and proceeded to sit down front and center with only his guitar as his companion. His instrument is a valued and trusted friend that would prove it's worth on this night's performance. John eagerly approached "Sucker" with it's blues soaked imagery which only tightened it's hypnotic grip on the audience. The gutsy "My Stupid Mouth" from the 2001 release Room For Squares followed next. 1999's "Back to You" from Inside Wants Out played like a rock revival without the chorus. Fat in it's singular delivery and not needing any musical garnishes.
As fellow band members emerged onto the stage the fans kept the warm ambience alive as John flowed subtlety into "Covered In Rain" then onto perhaps his biggest hit to date in "No Such Thing." "Not Myself" breathed it's rhythms into the the slowly building chorus. "This Will All Makes Sense Someday" was filled with John's musical adlibbing which took it to the next level. "Neon" got an emotional response from the audience which proved to be Mayer's muse. Other great rockers like "Love Song For No One" and "St. Patrick's Day" finished out the evening.
In many ways Mayer is a lot like the Dave Matthews Band. The same hooky lyrics and jam band mentality, but presented in a mellower fashion. Even though the temperature was dropping outside John Mayer was like a fireplace on a cold winter's day. Comfortable and pleasing, but not too hot.
