Bruuuuce.com celebrates its fifteenth anniversary last Wednesday, June 12. We posted here, for the first time as MP3 download, a chronology of Bruce Hornsby’s career… 100 downloads of his music.
The response has been phenomenal! I had tried to keep it low-key, but we’ve ended up on some prominent (and outstanding) websites, notably Jambase and OnTap. The good folks at the Atlanta News and Deadheadland also pointed several our way.
As a result, as of Tuesday morning, June 25 we’ve had 57,914 downloads. That’s over a quarter of a million downloads in the last two years alone! Thank you, as always, for all of your support.
So, the hundred songs…
Over those fifteen years I’ve noted particular favourites of Bruce Hornsby’s performances, whether mine or those well received in the Bruuuce.com community..
I’ve produced a list of one hundred of Bruce’s finest and compiled them into this download for you, released over five days… solo performances, Range, Noisemakers, guest appearances, covers, songs made up on the spot… I would like to think that this is a worthy documentation of Bruce’s career to date.
I’ve restricted the choice to soundboards or decent tapings, so the quality should be of a high standard.
The end result will be one hundred songs, which will fit onto ten CDs. I’ve given a mini commentary on each below.
(A variation of this was published in FLAC format for the Daily Dose Day in 2011). I hope you enjoy them!
01. Parisian Thoroughfare
» 3.3 MiB - 2,129 downloads
University of Miami .. Miami, FL
Parisian Thoroughfare
From Bruce’s senior recital; solo piano.
02. The Way It is variation
» 6.3 MiB - 1,964 downloads
The Bottom Line – New York, NY
The Way It Is variation
Early (mostly solo) variation on The Way It Is. I can hear Red Plains several times in there too.
03. The Way it Is
» 11.5 MiB - 2,894 downloads
03. April 18 1987
Daytona Beach Bandshell - Daytona, FL
The Way It Is
Bruce and the Range concerts featured regularly on the radio in the last 80s. Here's a 12 minute plus version of The Way It Is that made it to air.
Daytona Beach Bandshell – Daytona, FL
The Way It Is
Bruce and the Range concerts featured regularly on the radio in the last 80s. Here’s a 12 minute plus version of The Way It Is that made it to air.
04. Every Little Kiss
» 6.2 MiB - 1,919 downloads
Laguna Seca Recreation Area – Monterey, CA
Every Little Kiss
Taken from an old Westwood One radio broadcast.
05. Stranger in a Strange Land
» 3.1 MiB - 2,024 downloads
Stranger in a Strange Land
Breakneck bluegrass version featuring the New Grass Revival.
06. The Old Playground
» 4.8 MiB - 1,731 downloads
Daytona Beach Bandshell – Daytona, FL
The Old Playground
An often overlooked “Scenes” song that I wish we heard more of today. The middle to end is a jam that the present-day Noisemakers would take to a ridiculous level.
07. Valley Road
» 5.8 MiB - 1,983 downloads
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
Valley Road
It’s funny to compare this to countless modern day versions of this song (see #90) – this is as close to the original as you’ll hear, yet still far removed.
08. Barren Ground
» 5.7 MiB - 1,707 downloads
Paramount Studios – Los Angeles, CA
Barren Ground
From the Night on the Town video, this features Jerry Garcia.
09. On the Western Skyline > Not Fade Away Night on the Town
» 13.3 MiB - 1,851 downloads
Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
On the Western Skyline > Not Fade Away > Night on the Town
10. June 21 1993
10. The Weight
» 5.2 MiB - 1,920 downloads
The Weight
From Bruce’s last tour of Europe with a band, The Band’s classic, accompanied by North London’s inebriated finest leaning on the piano (I was one of them).
11. June 23 1993
11. Pastures of Plenty
» 6.8 MiB - 1,645 downloads
Hamburg, Germany
Voted by Bruuuce.com visitors as their favourite studio jam, it translates predictably well (although rarely) to a live setting. This jazz-infused version (and The Weight above) was from a tour of Bruce, Molo, JT Thomas and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets).
12. Rainbow's Cadillac
» 6.1 MiB - 1,789 downloads
Classic Amphitheater – Richmond, VA
Rainbow’s Cadillac
Always one of my favourite live songs, and it’s the old piano-driven version.
13. Madman Across the Water
» 6.7 MiB - 1,778 downloads
The Backyard – Austin, TX
Madman Across the Water
The tribute record that Bruce mentions is Elton John’s “Two Rooms”. John D’earth nails it here.
14. Jacob's Ladder > Higher and Higher
» 10.1 MiB - 1,753 downloads
Orlando, FL
Jacob’s Ladder > Higher and Higher
An eleven minute version (and Bruce briefly forgets the words). Great Jimmy Haslip solo three minutes in.
15. Down the Road Tonight
» 5.0 MiB - 1,623 downloads
Tampa Performing Arts Center – Tampa, FL
Down the Road Tonight
A great example of Bruce’s horns section at the time.
16. Harbor Lights > Look Out Any Window
» 11.8 MiB - 1,922 downloads
Arie Crown Theatre – Chicago, IL
Harbor Lights > Look Out Any Window
I always loved Molo’s drum intro to this.
17. Fire on the Cross
» 4.7 MiB - 1,660 downloads
University of Miami – Miami, FL
Fire on the Cross
Bruce returned to the University of Miami for the first of his orchestral shows.
18. Night on the Town
» 5.1 MiB - 1,660 downloads
University of Miami – Miami, FL
Night on the Town
A dramatic orchestral version – too good to leave out, so I’ve included two from the same show!
19. Defenders of the Flag
» 4.1 MiB - 1,556 downloads
Promenade Park – Toledo, OH
Defenders of the Flag
Debbie Henry’s vocals give me the chills on this one.
20. The River Runs Low
» 4.6 MiB - 1,690 downloads
The Strand – York, PA
The River Runs Low
Solo version of an always-popular ballad from Bruce’s first record.
Part Two:
21. Iko Iko
» 4.3 MiB - 1,708 downloads
Melody Fair Theatre – North Tonawanda, NY
Iko Iko
This show is widely regarded as one of Bruce’s best. This was a New Orleans take on Iko Iko.
22. Swing Street
» 4.8 MiB - 1,573 downloads
FM Kirby Center – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Swing Street
I wish this song got more attention today! Molo’s intricate start to this song was always a highlight for the band!
23. Cruise Control
» 5.5 MiB - 1,535 downloads
Manhattan Center – New York, NY
Cruise Control
Just a great show taped for TV. Look for the “Bruce Hornsby and Friends” DVD. They’re all having so much fun on this song, and Molo is a joy to behold!
24. End of the Innocence
» 7.4 MiB - 1,835 downloads
Manhattan Center – New York, NY
End of the Innocence
From the same show, this features Don Henley (This was the second take).
25. The Tide WIll Rise
» 4.2 MiB - 1,601 downloads
Manhattan Center – New York, NY
The Tide Will Rise
Bonnie Raitt and Pat Metheny guest.
26. Spider Fingers
» 4.4 MiB - 1,545 downloads
The Melkweg, Amsterdam, Holland
Spider Fingers
Bruce was so happy with how the piano sounded at this solo show that he bought it.
27. Imagine > Friends
» 5.0 MiB - 1,547 downloads
Brussels, Belgium
Imagine > Friends
Not the greatest quality sound but the music is beautiful. Surprise Elton cover at the end.
28. You Can Close Your Eyes > Walk in the Sun
» 7.1 MiB - 1,615 downloads
Winterthur, Switzerland
You Can Close Your Eyes > I Will Walk With You
A James Taylor cover that I haven’t heard before or since, seamlessly into an “old” version of I Will Walk With You. (It’s been reworked more than once since).
29. Country Doctor
» 6.3 MiB - 1,534 downloads
Wheeler Opera House – Aspen, CO
Country Doctor
Interesting to compare this one to more recent versions, where the horns would take the lead rather than Doug on guitar.
30. Sugaree
» 7.8 MiB - 1,836 downloads
EMU Ballroom, University of Oregon – Eugene, OR
Sugaree
Maybe the second most popular Dead cover(!)… Bobby Read always makes this song.
31. Jack Straw
» 5.4 MiB - 1,703 downloads
The Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
Jack Straw
Had to be done at the Fillmore – especially when Bob Weir is in the house…
32. Terrapin Station > I Know You Rider
» 7.2 MiB - 2,542 downloads
Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH
Terrapin Station > I Know You Rider
Bruce changes direction after a few bars of I Know You Rider into a gorgeous Terrapin referencing Jerry… and then back again.
33. Sunset Road
» 6.0 MiB - 1,551 downloads
Miller Auditorium – Kalamazoo, MI
Sunset Road
A Bela Fleck composition, performed with the man himself.
34. Another Day > Uptight
» 5.9 MiB - 1,510 downloads
The Roxy – Atlanta, GA
Another Day > Uptight
Some improv lyrics after a minute or so, and a brief Stevie Wonder cover and Debbie Henry is right with him.
35. Carry the Water
» 6.1 MiB - 1,537 downloads
Strand Theater – Providence, RI
Carry the Water
JV on bass, JT on keyboard takes turns excelling on this. Another than I wish were more prominent today.
36. Tangled Up in Blue
» 5.9 MiB - 1,701 downloads
Community Arts Center – Williamsport, PA
Tangled Up in Blue
First time this song was covered by the band in six years.
37. Mandolin Rain > That Would Be Something > Brokedown Palace
» 7.7 MiB - 1,779 downloads
Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Mandolin Rain > That Would Be Something > Brokedown Palace
Iconic Bruce song into an iconic Dead song, from the ’96 Furthur tour.
38. Mighty Quinn
» 3.4 MiB - 1,695 downloads
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center – Darien Lake, NY
Mighty Quinn
Popular show closer and a real blast.
39. Rainbow's Cadillac
» 5.4 MiB - 1,559 downloads
Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
Rainbow’s Cadillac
No apologies for including this song twice. I love this version – probably my favourite. Featuring Giovanni Hidalgo.
40. Scarlet Begonias
» 7.1 MiB - 1,708 downloads
Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
Scarlet Begonias
From the same show, a “Latinised” dead song again featuring Giovanni.
Part Three:
41. I Shall Be Released
» 5.5 MiB - 1,720 downloads
I Shall Be Released
Who can resist an old Bob Dylan cover? Not Bobby Read, apparently – fantastic.
42. Factory Girl
» 3.1 MiB - 1,425 downloads
Factory Girl
An improved song – lyrics and all – stemming from a misheard song request.
43. Across the River
» 6.5 MiB - 1,547 downloads
Salem Civic Center – Salem, VA
Across the River
Another orchestral show, providing a truly unique take on a Bruce classic.
44. Look Out Any WIndow
» 5.6 MiB - 1,547 downloads
Salem Civic Center – Salem, VA
Look Out Any Window
The intro to this song always appealed to me – the orchestra version moved me a lot.
45. The Boxer
» 3.0 MiB - 1,630 downloads
Flint Center – Cupertino, CA
The Boxer
“It’s too bad, no-one ever requests songs like this…”
46. How Far Am I From Canaan
» 5.6 MiB - 1,493 downloads
The Strand – York, PA
How Far Am I From Canaan
Solo piano take on a gospel standard.
47. Cassidy's Cadillac
» 8.0 MiB - 1,687 downloads
The Strand – York, PA
Cassidy’s Cadillac
Little Cassidy is invited on stage, takes to the piano and steals the show.
48. Spider Fingers > Disco medley
» 12.2 MiB - 1,598 downloads
Sokol Blosser Winery – Dundee, OR
Spider Fingers > Disco medley
What Bruce and the band are all about inside 15 minutes. A seamless disco medley coming out of a throwaway comment from Bruce to introduce it. His closing comment says it all.
49. Sugaree
» 6.4 MiB - 1,570 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Sugaree
A (largely) solo Sugaree which more than justifies a second inclusion for this song! Dave Ellis shows up late in the song.
50. Swan Song
» 7.7 MiB - 1,507 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Swan Song
Another from the extended Yoshi’s run in ’98, just as Spirit Trail was coming out.
51. Sunlight Moon
» 4.7 MiB - 1,456 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Sunlight Moon
Another from Spirit Trail. I think the quality of this recording is one of the best I’ve heard.
52. Girl from the Country
» 4.3 MiB - 1,542 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Girl From the North Country
Featuring Steve Kimock.
53. The River Runs Low
» 2.7 MiB - 1,441 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
The River Runs Low
I always thought this was a unique song live as it’s almost played straight, like the record.
54. Loser
» 7.9 MiB - 1,560 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Loser
Michael Baker completely wings this on drums. I was just learning about the Grateful Dead in 1998 – this sold me.
55. Sunfower Cat
» 7.4 MiB - 1,552 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Sunflower Cat
One of the first performances of this song. Bruce had to remind them how it ended.
56. Tango King
» 7.7 MiB - 1,423 downloads
Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Tango King
Doug Derryberry had just joined, and Kimock was sitting in. You can hear Bruce coaching him through the song as it was being played.
57. Play That Funky Music White Boy
» 844.9 KiB - 1,232 downloads
Paramount Arts Center – Ashland, KY
Play That Funky Music White Boy
Comedic response to a request.
58. Dixie Lullaby
» 2.4 MiB - 1,632 downloads
Paramount Arts Center – Ashland, KY
Dixie Lullaby
This one used to come out of Swing Street a lot. Nice solo version.
59. Fields of Gray > Fields of Gray
» 5.8 MiB - 1,543 downloads
Memorial Hall – Williamsburg, VA
Fields of Gray > Terrapin Station
Possibly my favourite version of this song… and into another gorgeous Terrapin.
60. King of the Hill > Blackberry Blossom > Tempus Fugit
» 10.0 MiB - 1,497 downloads
Memorial Hall – Williamsburg, VA
King of the Hill > Blackberry Blossom > Tempus Fugit
If anybody asks what two-handed independence is… play them this.
Part Four:
61. Sad Moon
» 6.7 MiB - 1,498 downloads
Memorial Hall – Williamsburg, VA
Sad Moon
From another solo show, and maybe an even better example of the two hands together.
62. Lets the Girls Rock
» 5.7 MiB - 1,410 downloads
Memorial Hall – Williamsburg, VA
Let the Girls Rock
Bruce revisits an old song – he gives the story.
63. I Can't Make You Love Me
» 5.1 MiB - 1,462 downloads
Memorial Hall – Williamsburg, VA
I Can’t Make You Love Me
Bruce knows full well that he won’t hit the high notes in the original key, but tries it anyway. Will he make it…?
64. Stander on the Mountain
» 8.0 MiB - 1,443 downloads
Proctor’s Theater – Schenectady, NY
Stander on the Mountain
A very different version of this song I think, with Way It Is teases thrown in.
65. Jumping Jack Flash
» 1.8 MiB - 1,587 downloads
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Telluride, CO
Jumping Jack Flash
It doesn’t get more unique than this. A bluegrass version of Jumping Jack Flash featuring Sam Bush. Bluegrass saxophone!
66. Lost Soul
» 6.5 MiB - 1,458 downloads
Salem Civic Center – Salem, VA
Lost Soul
The last orchestral show, also featuring Steve Kimock.
67. Line in the Dust
» 5.1 MiB - 1,552 downloads
Expression Center for New Media – Emeryville, CA
Line in the Dust
Taken from a KFOG radio broadcast. Doug is tremendous here.
68. Take Out the Trash
» 6.2 MiB - 1,452 downloads
Villa Montalvo – Saratoga, CA
Take Out the Trash
For a long time I’d call this my all-time favourite live performance of a song. The song is just so frivolous in nature, and JT proves why Bruce calls him “the best keyboard player in the band”.
69. Crown of the Jewels
» 4.3 MiB - 1,389 downloads
Villa Montalvo – Saratoga, CA
Crown of Jewels
A slower version of a regular favourite.
70. Place Under the Sun
» 8.6 MiB - 1,459 downloads
Keswick Theater – Glenside, PA
Place Under the Sun
When I first heard this song on Big Swing Face, I said that this was an extended jam intro waiting to happen. Thankfully, I was right. Featuring the late, great R.S.Hornsby.
71. Great Divide > Across the Great Divide
» 12.0 MiB - 1,609 downloads
Landmark Theater – Syracuse, NY
Great Divide > Across the Great Divide
Extended solo piano intro into two divide songs(!). Listen to how quickly Doug is into the switch, and he clearly loves singing it.
72. Cartoons and Candy
» 11.2 MiB - 1,529 downloads
Haymaker Music Festival – Spotsylvania, VA
Cartoons and Candy
Bruce’s brother Bobby called this their best show in years. A lengthy twelve minute version, and another where Doug is clearly having a blast with the Prince-esque vocals.
73. Tongue 'n' Groove
» 10.0 MiB - 1,529 downloads
Haymaker Music Festival – Spotsylvania, VA
Tongue-n-Groove
The Noisemakers’ take on a Steve Kimock classic.
74. Halcyon Days
» 6.0 MiB - 1,404 downloads
Handelsbeurs – Gent, Belgium
Halcyon Days
I followed this European solo tour around for a bit, and this song always seemed to get the best reaction.
75. This Too Shall Pass
» 4.0 MiB - 1,363 downloads
Handelsbeurs – Gent, Belgium
This Too Shall Pass
I prefer the solo version of this – such as this version from Belgium.
76. Fortunate Son > Comfortably Numb
» 9.6 MiB - 1,668 downloads
Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC
Fortunate Son > Comfortably Numb
Always a favourite, and the Floyd cover is now a staple in a Hornsby show (or as much as any song is ever a staple in a Hornsby show).
77. MIrror on the Wall
» 6.5 MiB - 1,500 downloads
Ridgefield Opera House – Ridgefield, CT
Mirror on the Wall
Since reworked as a much mellower song on the dulcimer, I love this version, and especially Bobby Read.
78. Candy Mountain Run > Darlin Corey
» 9.0 MiB - 1,410 downloads
The Strand, York, PA
Candy Mountain Run > Darlin Corey
Nice switch into Darlin Corey and references throughout. “Dig a hole in the mountain…”
79. Drums > What a Time > Inflight
» 8.1 MiB - 1,583 downloads
Calvin Theater – Northampton, MA
Drums > What a Time > Inflight
“Drum solo” came the request. Sonny Emory obliged. A more than worthy testament to Keith Jarrett’s “Inflight” also.
80. Sneaking Up on Boo Radley
» 6.8 MiB - 1,462 downloads
Blue Note – New York, NY
Sneaking Up On Boo Radley
This was long after soundboard taping had stopped, so I included a few from this as I think the quality is amazing.
Part Five
81. Resting Place
» 9.2 MiB - 1,344 downloads
Blue Note – New York, NY
Resting Place
This version made the documentary portion of the “Three Nights on the Town” DVD. Bill Evans features.
82. See the Same Way
» 8.0 MiB - 1,300 downloads
Blue Note – New York, NY
See the Same Way
More from the miniscule Blue Note. I always love this song, and the intro earns its inclusion here.
83. Lost in the Snow
» 4.8 MiB - 1,407 downloads
Kimmel Center – Philadelphia, PA
Lost in the Snow
Rare piano solo from Halcyon Days translates realy nicely live.
84. Great Divide > Sir Duke > 1999
» 10.8 MiB - 1,380 downloads
Great Divide > Sir Duke > 1999
I bugged Bruce for years to play Sir Duke, so I love that it made it onto several lists when he finally gave in. When people realised what the band were moving into from here (it took them a while!), they went crazy.
85. Big Rumble > Mandolin Rain
» 12.6 MiB - 1,369 downloads
McDonald Theatre – Eugene, OR
Big Rumble > Mandolin Rain
The “new” minor-key Mandolin Rain gets an airing out of Big Rumble.
86. The Chill
» 3.9 MiB - 1,440 downloads
Denver Palace of Fine Arts, Denver, CO
The Chill
This was the first song I heard from Big Swing Face, and always loved Kimock’s solo. Bobby take it on here.
87. Circus on the Moon
» 5.8 MiB - 1,354 downloads
Murat Center – Indianapolis, IN
Circus on the Moon
My favourite version of this song was actually a cover by the Dave Rich Band! This is a cracking version towards the end of the ’04 tour.
88. Gonna Be Some Change
» 8.1 MiB - 1,387 downloads
Paramount Theatre – Austin, TX
Gonna Be Some Changes Made
Wonderful dissonant intro between Bruce and Sonny.
89. The Show Goes On
» 7.7 MiB - 1,384 downloads
Paramount Theatre – Austin, TX
The Show Goes On
The song has really taken on a gospel feel in the last few years. This is as good an example as I could find.
90. Valley Road > Rag Doll
» 5.5 MiB - 1,339 downloads
McDowell Music Festival – Scottsdale, AZ
Valley Road > Rag Doll
I’ve lost count how many different, reworked versions of this song we’ve heard. The switch into an Aerosmith classic tells you how flexible Valley Road is.
91. White-Wheeled Limousine
» 9.5 MiB - 1,435 downloads
McDowell Music Festival – Scottsdale, AZ
White-Wheeled Limousine
A rare (for this period) soundboard taping.
92. Big Stick
» 3.7 MiB - 1,381 downloads
Humphrey’s By The Bay – San Diego, CA
Big Stick
Always a crowd dancing favourite (as you can probably hear).
93. Funhouse > He's Gone > You Sexy Thing
» 9.2 MiB - 1,454 downloads
Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA
Funhouse > He’s Gone > You Sexy Thing
The Mountain Winery always produces a great performance. Always look for Bobby Read in Funhouse.
94. The Good Life
» 3.8 MiB - 1,633 downloads
Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA
The Good Life
Another for Bobby Read. He was red hot during this show (and tour, actually).
95. Go Back To Your Woods
» 8.1 MiB - 1,307 downloads
Biltmore Estate – Asheville, NC
Go Back To Your Woods
From the famous “Biltmo'”… Bruce and co are joined by Joe Lee.
96. Sunflower Cat > King Harvest
» 11.6 MiB - 1,389 downloads
Biltmore Estate – Asheville, NC
Sunflower Cat > King Harvest
The “King Harvest” appearances throughout this tour were a huge highlight for me – this was maybe my top version.
97. Black Rats of London
» 4.7 MiB - 1,318 downloads
Boarding House Park – Lowell, MA
Black Rats of London
The debut of “Black Rats”, from the Levitate record, which was yet to be released at this point.
98. Cyclone
» 5.2 MiB - 1,394 downloads
Town Hall – New York, NY
Cyclone
With lyrics by Robert Hunter, this is fast becoming my favourite Hornsby song (for today).
99. Prairie Dog Town
» 4.3 MiB - 1,712 downloads
Town Hall – New York, NY
Prairie Dog Town
This was when the dulcimer starting coming out to play.
100. Continents Drift
» 7.2 MiB - 1,752 downloads
Burlington, VT
Continents Drift
I spoke with Doug about his solo here, which was played by R.S. Hornsby on the record. Bruce had asked him to play it as close to the original as possible.
