Smith & Jones
January 31, 2009, 11:36 pm
words: Amy J Gauthier
photos: Ro Tam
Dressed for a funeral, the Silver Jews took the stage for their final show. About 300 lucky fans gathered not six feet under, but 333 feet underground to pay their respects. The performance was held at Cumberland Caverns, an underground cave in McMinnville, TN. Mr. Berman played his 15 favorite songs with no encore. He opened the show by letting his fans know that “If you’re in a position in your life, where you need to make a change, this is the best time. If you’re stuck, try saying no.” As ‘We Are Real’ opened the show, David told his fans, “I’m saying yes for the last time.”
From the moment they started to play, the crowd knew this was a different Silver Jews show. People were very humbled by the decision David Berman has made to quit the music business. It was more of a celebration of the life of the Silver Jews than a funeral. Many stood with tears in their eyes, and even David got emotional as he started to play, ‘Room Games And Diamond Rain’.
The band played better than ever. David’s voice lifted the walls of the cave in perfect harmony. It was the most focused and serene Silver Jews show the fans had ever seen. The usual shouting of favorite lines was kept to a low whisper. Many of these fans had come a long way to say good-bye.
Bob Nastanovich revisited the drums one last time, as they played ‘Trains Across The Sea’. Bobby Bare Jr. also made a quest appearance singing backing vocals on ‘I’m Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You.’
As the show was coming to an end, Cassie’s stunning bass rang through our ears the intro to, ‘Smith & Jones’. The excitement of the fans was boundless, even within the walls of the cave. Although this was the last show, the fans knew it was the Silver Jews forever, and ever, and ever and ever!
