Mark Knopfler at Red Rocks

It was an extraordinary concert in a spectacular venue. And I was really looking forward to it. Too bad they had an amateur at the soundboard. The mixing destroyed the subtly of Knopfler's playing by over-emphasizing some frequencies, often losing musicians like Richard Bennett and Glen Worf in distortion, digital glare and frequency imbalance. This was especially disturbing on his, newer and more subtly-played songs. Red Rocks needs to invest in better help, or Mark should. That and the annoying warm-up singer with her patronizing attitude toward the audience - "You're sooo cute..." (Gimmeafrigginbreak!) - compromised what should have been a spectaculat concert.

Another spectacular evening at one of the most magnificent venues anywhere. Knopfler played twice as long as his '06 appearance - which was so short it was an embarrassment to all. At least at that show he offered a smokin' warm-up band: William Topley. The mistake that opened last night was literally painful.

As usual, Knopfler was spot-on and at the top of his game. Perfect selection of tunes spanning his career. Hopefully, it won't be too long till he's back.

I had the chance to see the Mark Knopfler/Emmylou Harris All The Road Running mini-tour at Radio City in NYC, and it was spectacular. As good as he is, she eclipsed him. She is that great, and that's just a statement of fact. They are each truly unique and original. But she, there is no other.