Ben Harper – Radio City 037, originally uploaded by Galia78.

I am not usually given to fanaticism, but it is no secret that I heart Ben Harper — the man, the voice, and the music. Last night Eric and I saw him play at Radio City Music Hall, which is really the most beautiful venue ever, hands down. Like always, the show crackled with energy that made you want to stand on your plushy seat and jump up and down. They played mostly from their new album, Lifeline, but threw in a few old favorites, and definitely didn’t disappoint.

I love the range and slide of his voice and his guitar, and the unpredictability of where the next note will land. The best part of the show was when he left behind the microphone and came towards the edge of the stage while the band behind played real low and the crowd became silent, and he sang his heart out a cappella to a gospel/blues tune and then at the very instant that the band kicked back in full throttle, he exploded with energy and bounced back to the band and around the stage. Hot hot hot.

Anyway, I won’t bore you with my adoring praise since I’m not a gifted music reviewer — but check out a great set of photos of the show that I found on Flickr (taken by Galia78, not me). And if you want to give a listen to Ben and the Innocent Criminals, click here and here and here for some music videos.