First/Last-Bruce Hornsby

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Three Rivers Arts Festival

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Downtown

"Twenty five years after winning a Best New Artist Grammy and launching one of contemporary music’s most diverse and collaborative careers, Bruce Hornsby is still, blissfully, making joyful noise—and finding clever, expansive ways to chronicle the dynamic musical snapshots along the journey."

I have never seen a Bruce Hornsby show proper but have seen him perform many times with the Grateful Dead. One of my most vivid memories was Buckeye Lake in 1991 during the Violent Femmes opening set. Standing at the side of the stage enjoying the music more than anyone in the crowd was Bruce and his young family. My thanks to Bruce for taking time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Peter, Paul and Mary’s "A Song Will Rise". I bought it when I was eight years old after having seen them in concert at the William and Mary football stadium.

Your last album bought?
Ursula Oppens plays the complete piano music of Elliott Carter (so far).

Favorite album of all time?
Can't name just one.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Maybe my first one.

First concert attended?
See #1.

Last concert?
Evgeny Kissin. His solo piano recital at the New World Symphony Hall in Miami, playing the Barber Sonata.

Favorite concert ever?
Some early '70’s Dead shows, Leon Russell in Hampton, Va. in '73, Keith Jarrett at Carnegie Hall in '06…many more.

Least favorite concert?
Don't want to rag on anyone.

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Most memorable is most recent. My son Keith's UNC-Asheville Bulldogs coming SO close to upsetting Syracuse in this year's NCAA tournament, March 2012 in Pittsburgh (at the Penguins arena).

Thanks, Bruce. Can't wait to finally see 'your' show this week.