Graham Nash crushes Napa with new songs and nostalgia at City Winery

Graham Nash is anything but the “Simple Man” of his song title. The 72-year-old, two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, gently turns back the clock to reveal a passionate life filled with music, love, and political activism. His April 30th concert was the second of two sold-out shows at Napa’s City Winery.

Dressed in a plain plaid shirt and faded jeans, Graham started his first set with two Hollies’ favorites, "Bus Stop" and "King Midas in Reverse," supported by the highly talented guitarist Shane Fontayne and James Raymond (David Crosby's son) on keyboards. “I got my first hit record in 1963,” Nash remembered. “Amazing… fifty years in this business! Of course, if I’d been a fireman, I would’ve been a fantastic fucking fireman, but I’ve managed to do something different with my life.”

In addition to being a respected musician and songwriter, Nash is also a remarkable storyteller and provided background notes for all the songs performed throughout the evening. Like the time he thought he was going on a relaxed sunset sail with his friend David Crosby, which unexpectedly turned into a nine-week adventure with a surprise visit from a 120-foot blue whale. “The noise it made when it took a breath was unbelievable," Nash recalled, inspired by the moment to write “Wind on the Water.” As the house lights dimmed, a pre-recorded version of “Critical Mass" played to the now nearly silent audience. Nash, seated at the piano, was accompanied by Fontayne’s mournful whale cries on his guitar, supported by Raymond’s perfect harmonies. The audience paused briefly as the last note faded, then burst into loud cheers and applause.

After a brief intermission, the trio returned, peppering their second set with several newer songs, like “Here For You,” a melodic ballad that he dedicated to his wife, granddaughter, and his son’s two identical twin boys, who are due in July. This was followed by “Back Home,” a tune co-written with Fontayne for the late Levon Helm that ends with part of The Band’s “The Weight.”

Next was a serious introduction for the song "Burning for the Buddha." Nash explained that he had always been moved by the famous 1963 photo of a young monk protesting government anti-Buddhist policies by immolating himself, and that in the last two years, as many as 128 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest against Chinese repression.

Nash’s versatility continues, collaborating with new musicians like Fontayne and Raymond, and re-inspiring longtime fans with his high-quality new material. Ending the show on a much higher note, Graham got the crowd to join him in singing “We can change the world,” proving he is an alchemist who can turn anguish, whether personal or political, into golden melodies that stand the test of time.

Program Notes

First Set: "Bus Stop," "King Midas in Reverse," "I Used to Be a King," "Wasted on the Way," "Exit Zero," "Golden Days," "Immigration Man," "Almost Gone," "Lay Me Down," "To the Last Whale... (A. Critical Mass/B. Wind on the Water),” “Our House.”

 Second Set: "Simple Man," "Broken Bird," “Military Madness/No More War,” “Here For You.” “Back Home.” "Burning for the Buddha," "Cathedral," "Just a Song Before I Go," "Marrakesh Express," "Chicago (We Can Change The World),"

Encore: "Blackbird," "Teach Your Children."

Photos; Steve Roby