This run was stellar. The set lists, although heavy with repeat songs, were varied and each night provided a completely different show.

The first night was massive. Big songs. Great jamming. Showcases for each band member.

I walked out shaking my head knowing that this was the best I'd seen the band other than the Joe Cocker Tribute at Lockn'. Because there were so many guests at Lockn' I don't think it is a fair comparison.

Friday night seemed a little more intimate. The audience sat most of the show. Yet the quality of the show was just as good as Fridays. Seldom do I see a band in successive nights where I cannot make a determination as to which night was "better". But these two shows were both super high quality performances.

The intimacy I mentioned came about by Susan talking a little more to the audience and the tempo and mood of the song selection. They played both "Bird on a Wire" and "Angel From Montgomery". Susan introduced "Angel" by saying, "This is a song I've sang a lot, but not so much lately. My husband asked me to sing it tonight. And by coincidence, when we go to the Ryman next week, I've been asked to record with the writer of the song, John Prine. I'm honored to have that opportunity." I've paraphrased and can't capture how genuine and humble she was as she spoke, but it was like she was talking to a small group of friends.

Another neat level of intimacy on Friday was during the drum session when Tyler Greenwell and J.J. Johnson lowered the dynamics, brought the drums down to just a light patter, stood up, leaned into each other and stopped drumming while they whispered a conversation. Derek and the band started laughing, the drummers counted off, and BAM! Back into a thunderous percussion conversation. The audience were painted with smiles.

So I admit I was a little confused after Friday. Both shows were delivered in spectacular form. I couldn't pick a favorite.

Last night's show shattered any confusion. From the opening of Within You Without You the band was absolutely on another level. There were massive stand out performances of songs like "Delta Lady" with Mike singing. "Anyday" with Mike taking the first verse then trading verses with Susan. Derek teased a couple minutes of "Blue Sky" during "Anyday" and the crowd went crazy! A blistering version of "Break in the Road" with Susan just ripping out her guitar licks. A sophisticated and surreal staccato sax intro leading into the Storm. "The Storm" segued into "Midnight in Harlem" which blasted into "Break in the Road" that flowed into "Idle Wind". The crowd was delirious with pleasure. The band left the stage and the applause and hollering continued and swelled and got louder demanding the band's return.

The band took the stage. They were ambling and happy, smiling and waving to the crowd. They knew they had succeeded in bringing down the house.

Kofi began the encore with a little organ solo. Could it be? What was I hearing? Yes. Yes. YES!!! A volcanic version of "Get By With a Little Help From My Friends".

Wow. Wow. Wow!!!

It was a searing, burning, red hot performance to shut down the run.

Three nights of some of the best performances I've ever seen.

A truly great weekend in DC.

I'm already looking forward to Del Fest.