That's Just the Way It Is... Bruce Hornsby at the Cascade, Redding, California

Last night I had a chance to see Bruce Hornsby perform solo at the Cascade Theatre in Redding. He is a piano virtuoso. "The Way It Is" and most every track on that album made me into a Hornsby fan long ago. He played a lot of new songs and is more jazz and blues oriented than before, with a little bluegrass thrown in for good measure. He did indulge us by playing The Way It Is but it was so totally re-worked to suit his evolved style that only the piano was familiar. He mentioned early on he'd take requests, all except for one song. Naturally, I blurted out a request for "Every Little Kiss." Oops. That was the song. Though later he obliged, the original suited me better. To be fair to him, though, I'm that way - I always prefer the original. Our seats gave an excellent view of the piano, where he is as masterful as ever.