Every Tom Waits Song, a newsletter dedicated to exploring the discography of the legendary musician Tom Waits in alphabetical order, occasionally delves into the captivating world of his live performances. Similar to a sister newsletter focusing on Bob Dylan’s live recordings, the allure of live Tom Waits is undeniable. However, the scarcity of these recordings adds to their mystique. Unlike Dylan, Waits started his career later, his performances are less frequently recorded, and most significantly, he tours far less often.
Tom Waits hasn’t embarked on a full tour since 2008. To put this in perspective, Bob Dylan has played over a thousand shows in the same period and continues to announce new dates. Waits’ public appearances have been rare. In a notable recent event, he performed three songs at a Hal Willner tribute, much to the delight of fans.
First Tom Waits public performance in a while at a Hal Willner tribute event last night. Three songs: “Shenandoah” (from Willner’s pirate-songs album), Sinatra’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” (name of event), and ??. A few photos from IG, but tell me someone took video…
Tom Waits performing at Hal Willner tribute event 1
Tom Waits performing at Hal Willner tribute event 2
Tom Waits performing at Hal Willner tribute event 3
While Tom Waits might lack Dylan’s touring stamina, his pre-retirement live shows were often considered extraordinary. Focusing on the Rain Dogs track “Big Black Mariah,” this exploration dives into some of the notable times Waits performed this song live.
The Iconic “Big Time” Version and Beyond
The most recognized live rendition of “Big Black Mariah” is undoubtedly from the official live album Big Time. Interestingly, the Wikipedia page for the album reveals that Waits’ vocals were deepened in post-production for this version. Comparing the official Big Time recording with a remarkable live version from the mid-80s offers a fascinating contrast. This era showcases Waits’ raw vocal delivery and the band’s energetic performance.
This mid-80s version also features a playful lyrical addition: “Here come that big black Mariah / Here come that big jambalaya,” culminating in a vibrant marimba jam. This “jambalaya” interlude, however, was absent in a later, more swampy and slowed-down performance from 1990. While Waits doesn’t radically rework his songs live as frequently as Dylan, this 1990 version represents a significant reimagining of “Big Black Mariah,” infused with jazzy piano elements.
Rarity in Later Years: 1998 and 2006 Performances
After 1990, “Big Black Mariah” became a rarity in Tom Waits’ live sets. With albums like Bone Machine and Mule Variations introducing new songs with similar sonic textures (“Get Behind the Mule,” for example), “Big Black Mariah” was mostly retired from live rotation. It resurfaced only twice more in the following years.
One instance was in 1998 at a benefit concert in Los Angeles connected to the film Dead Man Walking. Sharing the stage with artists like Eddie Vedder and Ani DiFranco, Waits’ performance left a strong impression on Robert Hilburn of the LA Times. Hilburn described Waits’ captivating physicality and unconventional vocal style, comparing him to “the American Van Morrison” for his ability to create a unique and immersive musical world. While Hilburn’s review highlighted songs from Dead Man Walking and Bone Machine, a listen to the recording reveals a powerful performance of “Big Black Mariah,” showcasing Waits’ signature wild falsetto.
The song’s most recent live appearance was in 2006 during a brief tour supporting the Orphans album. This tour, consisting of only nine shows, included a memorable late-night performance in Cleveland, added spontaneously after a show in Akron. On the same night as the Akron show, Waits drove to Cleveland and took the stage after midnight, delivering a unique setlist. This late-night concert featured surprising covers like Hank Williams’ “Ramblin’ Man” and Howlin’ Wolf’s “Spoonful,” and the only ever live rendition of “Buzz Fledderjohn” from Orphans. This performance also included the sole “Big Black Mariah” played in the last two decades, carrying a distinct late-night blues club atmosphere, even within the House of Blues venue.
Conclusion: The Elusive Live “Big Black Mariah”
Tom Waits’ live performances of “Big Black Mariah” are a testament to his dynamic and ever-evolving artistry. From the energetic Big Time era versions to the rare and reimagined performances in later years, each rendition offers a unique glimpse into Waits’ musical world. The scarcity of these live recordings only enhances their value for fans seeking to experience the raw power and theatricality of Tom Waits in concert.
Coming up next: Tom wants the big face money
