A-Mayer-zing

So tonight I went to see John Mayer at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and boy was it a good night.

The night started with Orianthi as the opening act, and, to be completely honest, she was pretty mediocre. Maybe it’s just because I’m not really into her punk/rock/alternative style (although I used to be) or maybe I just really wanted to see John Mayer, but her performance didn’t really do it for me. You can’t deny that she’s a killer guitarist, though.

After she was done and after the ever suspenseful intermission between acts that happens at every concert, John Mayer came out. Man, that guy is good.

I don’t remember the exact set list but I was really, really happy and surprised that he played “In Your Atmosphere”, which (as he pointed out tonight) he almost never plays at concerts and which also happens to be my favourite song of his right now. So that was really awesome. What was funny was that prior to the song he warned that he might make some mistakes since he plays it so infrequently, and he did mess up a few times - and then one more time on purpose. This was one of the great things about his concert. Apart from his music, his chatter in between songs was always funny and engaging. I guess it comes from doing it for so many years, but he really knows how to work an audience.

But about his music, it goes without saying that he was fantastic. His improvisation and jams were flawless and the songs speak for themselves. One thing I hadn’t seen until tonight, however, was his showmanship. The last song and jam (“Gravity”) was so insane and had me on the edge of my seat. Near the end he dropped his guitar to the ground and started soloing on his knees with the guitar flat on the floor, playing better than most can play normally. I know there are those who joke about his facial expressions when he plays, but you can actually tell that he loves his music and really puts his emotions into what he’s playing.

Unfortunately, a couple of my favourite songs (“My Stupid Mouth”, “The Heart Of Life”, “Stop This Train”) weren’t played, but you can’t ask for everything. “In Your Atmosphere” was enough for me.

Call me a fanboy (and maybe I am), but John Mayer really is an amazing musician and I feel privileged that I got the chance to watch him in the flesh. In comparison to the few other concerts I’ve been to (RHCP, Jack Johnson, Anberlin), I’d have to say it was the best, just trumping Jack Johnson’s concert at Centennial Park. Even with my mediocre seats (as opposed to leaning on the barrier in front of the stage at JJ), it was still an awesome musical experience. I would have loved to be able to see his hands at least though (sadly there was no big screen), but oh well.

During the concert he said he was surprised at his reception here in Sydney and that he would come back to play more often, so let’s hope he does because I’d go again for sure.

All in all, it was a really good night.

Mr John Mayer; thank you.