What a treat to have an opportunity to see the incomparable JR Richards in an acoustic set here in Florida.    Mark and I have been big Dishwalla fans, but mostly because of Pet Your Friends.   Recently we caught up with the band again and have been loving their self-titled release Dishwalla.    JR has a solo album, Beautiful End, which is chockful of piano and acoustic pieces highlighting his superior vocals.

Just last week, JR posted this gig on Myspace.  Seemingly out of the blue, b.c I had been checking his page for tour dates knowing he has been supporting his new solo album.  Interestingly this show seemed to be patched together kinda quick.    He mentioned during the set that it was his mom-in-laws 50th birthday.  This left me wondering if the show was kind of an afterthought.     Also interesting was that JR didn't even mention Beautiful End, nor play it.    Seemed like every song was a Dishwalla song.     On top of that, NO CD's to be found.   Mark and I left right when JR exited the stage, shook his hand and then headed out b.c it as 1:15 am.    I don't even know if JR stayed around for a signing.   His whole family was there, so I think he was just planning to celebrate  quietly without a lot of fan fare.

The set was terrific.  We waited until after midnight, past three opening acts.  One of which we liked, Elephant Gun.   JR opened with Collide and had a bit of trouble in one part of the chorus, then told the audience he thinks he caught something on the plane over.    Mark speculated it was because of the terribly smoky room.

JR had just a couple of points where he struggled to hit the note, but he was much harder on himself because the audience LOVED every note that he sang.    Once his vocal chords were warmed up, he made it through just fine and hit some of the most beautifully high strong lengthy notes one can imagine.   He definitely has to be one of the top singers out there today.  His voice has certainly improved over time.   (he is now 42).

We so hope to catch up with JR again, hopefully next time with Dishwalla.   This is a band we really want to see!!!!!!!!!!!!!