From: Ginger Mathes

Hello Phriends, Just wanted to give you a concert summary. Phil played at Plattsmouth Nebraska tonight at 8:00. The auditorium seated 500 and about 350-400 in attendance I think. (Is that about right Greg?) Fellow lister Greg Melvin was the emcee/promoter so Greg, if you have anything to add, please do. Thanks for working out all the details to bring Phil to your town. (You weren't kidding about the "troll" bridge!) The sound was good, and Phil was in a very up state of mind. His playing was perfection, except for a couple of re-starts, but they just add to the great fun. The audience was very appreciative and the applause went on for a long time on several occasions. I had the pleasure of making some new friends, long-time fans who have been to almost all the same concerts in the Missouri, Kansas area that we have. They may be going on the cruise in July. (Yes, I am trying not to covet their trip!)

Phil was introduced and started things off by mentioning a bad storm that had blown in just about the time he and Bernadette purchased a deck umbrella. He made some remarks about the old song Harper Valley PTA and that the river mentioned in that song is right near his house (?) except that the name is actually the Harpeth River. (I think) Then he started things off. A song list follows with notes:

Carry Me Back - jazzy more than reggae Nellie's Tune from "Acoustic Scratches" used his e-bow for this one, something different Love Broke Through - a crowd favorite
Tender Love
Let Everything Else Go - always a favorite
Shades of Green - with a funny intro about MTPB and some of the colorful titles Then Phil said that when he was 19 he was saved for a purpose, to be a "musician unto the Lord Jesus" and showed us exactly how to give his all for God's glory by playing the most amazing version of...
Salvation Army Band I can imagine. Unbelievable! Words can not describe! A long and appreciative standing ovation followed. I might mention that I was the first one out of my seat, almost couldn't wait till the song ended to jump up!
Nothing But the Blood - very moving, sounded much like the version from C &B Then Phil read from The Daily Light and gave a very nice gospel presentation and went smoothly into
Under the Grace - Someone in the audience gave him a nice plaque commemorating "She Came to Stay" as the most romantic song in the 20th century. It was from a senior citizens center! It was great. Phil said he would cherish it. The man who gave it to him was right in front of me and was moved at Phil's comments. Then he played
She Came to Stay for the man, who was not a senior citizen, by the way. Then there was a brief Elvis impersonation and little story about his dad filming him when he was a little boy with a Kodak camera.
From the Beginning
Sign Came Through the Window - extended version
Maker of the Universe - also extended At this point he switched from the Olson to the Langejans
Legacy - with intro of the 2001 Space Odyssey Theme, extended and e-bow used
True Believers Then finally,
Inseparable

Gary went up afterwards and was talking to Brian, the sound guy that travels with Phil, and looking at all of the effects boxes and pedals. There were 5 different pedals, some of which were a Midi Wizard, a volume pedal, something with 5 separate pedals and a couple more I can't remember right now. It's now 3:23 AM and my brain is getting a little fuzzy! I did notice some nice reverb and echo on some of the songs I hadn't noticed on previous concerts. Also, the jam man loops faded out a few times whereas before they didn't seem to fade, but end all at once.

There were so many memorable moments, I wish you all could have been there. This was my 9th concert and certainly one of the best. Afterwards as an added treat, I got to meet our own Stephanie Bargenquast briefly (wish we could have had more time). And finally, for a really nice ending to a great evening I got to meet Phil! . As he was leaving someone was getting a picture. It didn't look like I would have a chance to say anything so I stepped up behind him as he was standing facing the other way with some other people and whispered to Gary to hurry up and take a picture of me and the back of Phil. I thought I could just have that picture and not bother Phil because he was obviously needing to leave. About that time, someone said something to Phil and he turned around. I was (more than) a little nervous and sort of mumbled something like Thanks and God Bless you! My husband took a picture that Phil graciously agreed to which will be on my web site as soon as the film is developed! Overall, an absolutely excellent evening!!

Sorry for the length, have a great day!
God Is Good, Ginger Mathes

Page Last Updated: September 29, 2001