J.D. Songsmith

Once known as the “sixth Eagle,” John David (aka J.D.) Souther walked away from the music industry in the 1980s to try his hand at acting; he returned 24 years later in 2008 with If the World Was You, featuring a new sound anchored by the same well-crafted, detailed stories that have become his calling card.

Accompanying himself on guitar with Chris Walters on piano, J.D. took a Friday-night audience through his songbook, with an emphasis on his newer Cuban-influenced tunes such as “I'll Be There at Closing Time,” “Journey Down the Nile,” “In My Arms Tonight,” and the lengthy, jammed-out “The Secret Handshake of Fate.”

Souther's pre-hiatus material has stood the test of time well, as shown by his versions of songs others made famous: “Faithless Love” (Linda Ronstadt), “New Kid in Town,” “The Sad Café,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “Best of My Love” (the Eagles). His voice was showcased on the Roy Orbison-influenced “You're Only Lonely,” Souther's lone hit as a solo artist. Souther proved to be an engaging storyteller as the evening progressed (he played nearly two hours) with anecdotes on the art of songwriting taking center stage.

• Concert: J.D. Souther
• Date: June 18
• Venue: AMSD Concerts
• Seats: 9th row, center