Tones of Nostalgia and Newfound Self-Discovery: Graham Nash holds court at World Cafe Live

Graham Nash | Photo by Kate McCann for WXPN | katemccannphotography.com

Everyone knew Graham Nash would sell out World Café Live, even with another sold out performance at Free at Noon the following day and a second headlining show the following night. Nash’s sweet tenor voice alone could have kept the room warm for an evening in February, but rounds of drinks and a candlelit stage added to the ambiance.

Nash took the stage with guitarist Shane Fontayne just at 8 on Thursday, colorful tapestries covering the unused instruments. Playing old favorites, accompanied by lighthearted stories, the crowd didn’t need to warm up to Nash. It was a familiar setting, fans of many decades that had without a doubt stood at CSNY concerts years ago. Now they were just sitting, instead, with craft beer and waitresses.

His storytelling was effortless, particularly when retelling the scenario that inspired “Immigration Man.” It had to do with U.S. Immigration letting Crosby through, and then Stills, and even Young, with Nash nowhere to be found on the other side. This led into a lively rendition of the song with Fontayne.

Even with many songs off his new LP, This Path Tonight, fans of the same era appreciated the echoes of his old work with tones of nostalgia and newfound self-discovery.