Where’s Doug?

Thanks for the info, Tom. As I posted on the board announcing the news:

“I hadn’t kept up with the band news and was surprised, and disappointed, to discover Doug missing from Buick 6 at last night’s show (June 10 ’09) in Covington, Ky (Cincinnati). I’d told several guitarist friends they had to get out and experience Pettibone live. Nothing against Chet and Eric. The Buick 6 opener was the most energetic segment of the evening. But others are right: Pettibone is in a class of his own, and he gave Lucinda’s performances the edgy, raw and bluesy energy that takes the audience — and in turn, Lucinda — to different heights. His solos on “Out of Touch,” for example, are stunning. Lucinda was emotionally flat last night. She sang “Righteously” like a ballad, for heaven’s sake. On “Hard Way to the Top,” like many others, she seemed to be just going through the motions…phoning it in. Love her and her artistry, but I won’t be rushing out to see her again, not with this show in mind.”

To this I’ll add that the more I think it over, the fact that Buick 6’s opener was the most energetic part of the evening says much. The Madison Theatre was packed, good vibe in club-like atmosphere, shoulder-to-shoulder throng on floor in front of stage, and Lucinda seemed to be in a fog on many tunes (“Unsuffer Me” and “Pineola” being a couple exceptions). I’ve never seen her have to read her lyrics so much as she played, which becomes a distraction and makes it difficult for a singer to fully engage in singing. Maybe just an off night for her…as we know, life on the road has its ups and downs.