Concert Review: RIDERS ON THE STORM>The Doors Tribute

Friday November 4, 2016-The Showroom at The Golden Nugget

Flashback Fridays has returned to the Showroom at Golden Nugget for another great season!

Connecticut based Rockers Riders On The Storm provided the "time machine magic" this night!

IF you love the music of The Doors, then this show was for you! Forget Flashback Fridays offer free admission into the showroom and free parking all the time and great bar service for classic rocker types like you and I but the stuff coming out of the speakers was loud and proud to younger more carefree days.

Every seat was filled for a setlist of classics! From Light My Fire to Roadhouse Blues to When The Music's Over, the band was spot on in presentation, energy, movement and emotional pow!"

The Players:

Frontman Eamon Cronin wore the leather of the Lizard King proudly and vamped across the stage to the delight of the crowd! He was JIM! Jim LIVES! Soul Kitchen and When The Music's Over were my favorite tunes performed this night that pulled all the players together in unbelievable cohesiveness. The hits and the deep cuts.What a night! The personality and Lizard-like persona by the lead singer slinking about the stage brought it home and audience engagement was right on! Band introductions were witty and cool. From introducing Daily's involvement with the real Robby Krieger to Rutledge's porn star good looks who "he would do" got a great cheer from the crowd and showed a sincere camaraderie between band members!  A++

Ryan Daily was RAY Manzarek reincarnated! The Look, the vintage suit jacket, the hair, the demeanor of older-wiser mentor and confidant to a young poet Jim on Venice Beach was projected at the organ seat. Daily, has in fact performed in Robby Krieger's Band, hand picked by the icon himself. He played with Krieger in Paris for the celebration of Jim Morrison's 50th birthday in 1993 and on recent dates.  The bass offered up by Daily for Break On Through was powerful and got the crowd rockin. A+++ 

Steve Rutledge: The classically trained guitarist who specializes in any form of music played on strings did not disappoint! NOT only did he tackle The Doors song list with ease but portrayed the subtle stage motions and movements of the legendary Krieger dead on! I was captivated by a young 1960's Krieger throughout. A++

Todd Alan McKeague was excellent on drums and percussion. He lead the way from the heavy hitting hits to the great album cuts of the day!  He recreated the legendary John Densmore and the Latin beat that drove Densmore's passion expertly.  A+

 Crowd response was positive and excited.

CHECK out Riders On The Storm here:  http://ridersonthestormband.com/

Concert Review: Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman! The music of YES

The Borgata Event Center-RoCKTOBER 28, 2016

THE Legends, The icons, my RoCK idols from youth, Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman ARW, playing the music of YES roared loudly to the delight of a packed auditorium at the Borgata Event Center on Friday night, RoCKtober 28th!

The Music: From 17 to 70, a fan's delight. Jon Anderson, who first formed the iconic YES in 1968, was emotional, delicate yet a high energy presence covering nearly 50 years of compositions in song.

After a symphonic orchestral opening (Perpetual Change Theme), ARW launched into the Trevor Rabin penned Cinema from the 1983 release 90125. These players, ageless and graceful in their presentation allowed for a riveting ride in the time machine! Hold On, another diddy penned in part by Rabin and Anderson from 90125 made for a tasty "sandwich spread" between The Fragile Album sandwich which included Perpetual Change and I've Seen All Good People! WOW! Seat belt on. It was "white knuckle-grip" time in my personal time machine back to my youth. I had played the grooves off these vinyl classics. The musicians brought it home. A++

The Players: Jon Anderson was ageless and engaging! He did not disappoint with his musicianship and audience connection. He played acoustic guitar, tambourine, bells and harpsichord.  Veteran keyboardist and YES band icon Rick Wakeman was ever present and was a driving force. AND You And I, from 1972's Close To The Edge was a highlight for me.  The driving guitar prowess of veteran Trevor Rabin launched into Rhythm Of Love from 1987's Big Generator to loud crowd satisfaction. Changes, another absolute Rockin' track from the 90125 release was a great offering! Long Distance Run Around/The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) featured a bass "clinic" of virtuoso proportions by skilled player an acclaimed sessions musician Lee Pomeroy. Lee has recorded, toured, and performed with a diverse roster of high profile artistes, including Jeff Lynne's ELO. Pomeroy really complimented the imagination in sound of a band who has had top billing for nearly 50 years! Drummer Lou Molino III, a Philly native brought much delight to his local following including his lovely, but tipsy niece sitting next to me all night yelling, "I love you uncle Lou!" It made for a fun Friday night and I did enjoy chatting with her throughout. A++  (Lou's Niece-C+)*

The Encore: Nothing short of spectacular! Roundabout from 1971's Fragile! While Uncle Lou's tipsy niece just looked at me and shrugged that she never heard this classic song, (She explained she was only 40), I screamed for joy. I discovered YES during the summer of 1972 at summer camp hearing Roundabout on the radio and have been a fan ever since! GREAT night for this old time Classic RoCKER! 


Pre-show Soundcheck and Artist Meet & Greet: The artists were accommodating and friendly with contest winner VIP's  A++
Overall: A+++ 

My one-on-one Interview:  https://soundcloud.com/sr-1-rocks/jonanderson-arw-yeswav

Thank you Jon Anderson!

Check out the Remaining North American Tour Itinerary here. YOU will not be disappointed:  http://www.arw-tour.com/

  

Concert Review: AC/DC Rocks Philadelphia

9/20/16:  AC/DC-Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia

MY hApPY place since forever! AC/DC anywhere..

The Players:  With the sudden implosion of Brian Johnson, and with his future in doubt, the band enlisted Guns N Roses singer Axl Rose. Although never a fan of the man, I felt he was the most lean and mean Rockin’ vocal machine that I’ve seen of late. My proclaimed “Hardest working frontman’ in Rock N Roll” was really on his game energy wise and kudos for the band to realize his range is better suited to Bon Scott era songs versus the Brian Johnson era. I appreciated the efforts of all these accomplished musicians including veteran drummer and previous one time AC/DC drummer, Chris Slade, Cliff Williams and the recently added Stevie Young, nephew of Angus and the retired Malcolm Young. ALL the players looked to be rockin’ and having a good time in a cohesive effort.  A 

Angus Young: "LOCK up your daughters.." (like my T-Shirt says)* He was ON his game with energy and maintaining the riff of legend! His guitar solo on Let There Be Rock’ brought the power and precision that has made him legend! He kept his shirt on (like every 61 year old man should), He did not pull his schoolboy shorts down (like every 61 year old schoolboy shouldn’t) and he maintained the energy with twirling, skipping and picking like no other before, during or after him! A++++

Setlist:  ALL my favorite songs, ALL in a row! Opening with Title track from Rock Or Bust after a sizzling, revving asteroid through AC/DC galaxies not so far away! 

Shoot to Thrill shot me out of my chair with both arms pounding imaginary drums alternating with my favorite air guitar Gibson! Wow! Bon Scott reincarnated began with Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Rock N Roll Damnation and my all time fave, High Voltage! AC/DC 1980’s classics Given The Dog A Bone, an all time fave for my IPOD listening pleasure, Back In Black, You Shook Me All Night Long  and Thunderstruck added some hit power for Brian Johnson partisans for sure! I was beyond Rock N Roll heaven cloud nine with If You Want Blood (You Got It), Live Wire, Sin City, T.N.T. and Whole Lotta Rosie!  I could have been robbed at gunpoint…and barely noticed?? (NO ideas please)*

Encore Sensory overload! Featuring an Axl and Angus powered Highway To Hell, Riff Raff, Problem Child and For Those About To Rock’ (We Salute You), sent a less than packed auditorium away floating on air, hoping it’s not the end of an era!  A+++++++

Concert Review: Steven Tyler Out On A Limb' solo Tour

Steven Tyler-Tower Theater Philadelphia 9/7/16

"The man, The Legend' continues to bring IT in present day!"

 Steven Tyler is unstoppable! His boundless energy, master showmanship and audience engagement proved once again why he IS the straw that stirs the Aerosmith drink!"

Going way out "on a limb," uncharted territory, recording his first ever Country music album, Tyler has enlisted a young and vibrant group of musicians to showcase a timeless, ageless yet present body of work.

THE SETLIST:  Ok, a very youthful, creative and expressive frontman grabbed a hold of his signature microphone stand featuring his trademark Joplin' scarf and let out his signature "wail" to Sweet Emotion! I became locked in my 1975 Toys In The Attic' Time machine for which I did not want to return!

Tyler would pay homage to the Rock generals before him! A proud still shot of a young Tyler with Mick Jagger on the stage jumbo screen and slamming into a Beatles set that included I'm Down and Come Together, a track remade by Aerosmith for the 1978 Motion Picture Soundtrack of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band was stellar. Piece Of My Heart, made famous by Janis Joplin was a rocking bonus!

Tyler featured tracks from his new Country release including We're All Somebody From Somewhere that incorporated very cool jumbo screen lyrics graphics, Love Is Your Name and My Own Worst Enemy. Tyler, the colorful storyteller for his music was very effective describing his writing and stories leading up to the foundation of Aerosmith. Still shots of Joe Perry and a youthful Tyler mowing the lawn in a speedo best described household chores growing up in New Hampshire and a chance meeting with Perry before a bar gig.
Other masterful renditions of the classics including Cryin', Dream On, Walk This Way and a Train Kept A Rollin' encore finale would shape and round out the set list to the pure enjoyment and participation of the sold out Tower Theater audience!  A++++

THE AUDIENCE: Enthusiastic! Energetic! Gracious to patrons around them! A well behaved yet rowdy group of music enthusiasts. From 17 to 70, a packed house was well entertained and happy! A+

FINAL THOUGHTS: As a hardcore enthusiast of the man and his band since my carefree summer days as a 1970's teenager, I am totally convinced Steven Tyler will ROCK til he drops! He promised that in his storytelling to a very enthusiastic, eager audience. My favorite Tyler music is the (First) Aerosmith LP, the 1973 beginning of the road effort. My favorite tracks since 1973 are Mama Kin, Somebody, Walkin' The dOG, One Way Street (great blues prowess) and the Tyler penned Dream On!  Tyler's boundless energy and star power, youthful look and songwriting creative' make him a relevant and needed entertainment icon and for years to come! Well worth the $ I paid..and would pay again! A++++         

Concert Review: GET THE LED OUT

GET THE LED OUT! Ocean City Music Pier August 23, 2016


http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/get-the-led-out/2016/ocean-city-music-pier-ocean-city-nj-13fc29f9.html

NEED I say more......................? NOPE!  A+

Favorite Performance of the night: In My Time Of Dying! Bluesy, cool, note for note neck hairs! A++

Hardest drummer in ROCK Award Goes to: Adam Ferraoli. MOBY Dick solo! A+++ 
Adam is John Bonzo' Bonham reincarnated in likeness and energy!

Shredder of the Night Award: Jimmy Marchiano! Greatest fingers on In My Time Of Dying, When The Levee Breaks and other great Blues selections. A+++

Fan Friendly! Great stage persona and interaction with audience! Setlist balanced for casual fan to Dedicated ZEP-Head! A+++

Concert Review: Bad Company/ Joe Walsh

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Bad Company/ Joe Walsh Concert Review:

June 12, 2016: BB & T Pavillion, Camden, NJ: 


The ONE HELL Of A Night TOUR RoCKED!

Joe Walsh brought 50 years of guitar prowess to the stage and had people dancing in their seats. Highlighting his early beginnings with the James Gang, Walsh opened his segment with Walk Away. His reputation as a top tier schredder' was evident. He was the perfect storyteller in between songs and showed us why he still remains at the top of his game in the rock world. Also featuring an Eagles tribute to "his brother and band mate" Glenn Frey, he led us through a hair on my back raising, tingling version of Take It To The Limit. Life In The Fast Lane was another great trip back in the Rock N Roll time machine! Joe also introduced veteran player Waddy Wachtel to the lineup for additional guitar fire power. He did not disappoint. I loved Wachtel on previous Stevie Nicks tours and he was in top form in Joe's band. My all time favorite Walsh riff Rocky Mountain Way, the multi-million selling song from 1973's The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get LP was the awesome encore finish! Once again, the hairs on my neck were standing on end. A+

Joe Walsh is on the road with Paul Rogers and Bad Company throughout the summer and The Joe Walsh Tour does manage to route to Atlantic City for a solo performance as well:
   https://tickets-center.com/search/borgata-casino-event-center/joe-walsh-tickets/?venueId=2972&performerId=410&venueName=Borgata+Casino+Event+Center&performerName=Joe+Walsh&vaid=913&pfaid=1247&tagid=106&atid=1&nid=1&cid=109967538185&akwd=joe%20walsh%20%2Btour%20%2B2016&mt=b&network=s&dist=s&adposition=1t3&device=c&ismobile=false&devicemodel=&placement=&target=&aceid=&random=233327420789095495&vx=0&locp=9003876&loci=&gclid=CO6yq8TGp80CFUQvgQod9XMNbA  

BAD COMPANY/ 

Paul Rodgers also showed us why at age 66, he still commands a standing ovation during live performance!
I bought all their albums as a 1970's teenager and they brought them all to life on Sunday June 12, 2016 in Camden.
Rodgers, like Walsh is a 50 year rock veteran and star since his early efforts with FREE (All Right   Now-1970).  He showcased a set list of 14 songs including a two-encore finish featuring Bad Company, the title track of the 1974 album and Can't Get Enough, the band's first pop hit.
Veteran band member Mick Ralphs is absent from an intense summer of travel in 2016 and vows to be back. He has a capable fill in, Rich Robinson formerly of The Black Crowes! He can play! Another 40+ year rock veteran, guitarist Howard Leese, a long time member of Heart is now a part of the BAD CO lineup.  Mainstay Simon Kirke, a Bad Company original since 1973 rocked on drums!
   
While I thought the band included deep album cuts that were unnecessary, the time machine ride was strong with Rock And Roll Fantasy, Feel Like Making Love and a forever favorite Gone, Gone, Gone!
Full audience sing-a-long was powerful during Ready For Love. Classic Rock LIVES! It doesn't surprise me that these summer rock tours maintain the energy. We the people have deep connections to younger days and better times with this music. It was our soundtrack in life back in the day and the authors really brought it home! B+

Bad Company/ Joe Walsh Concert Review:

June 12, 2016: BB & T Pavillion, Camden, NJ: 


The ONE HELL Of A Night TOUR RoCKED!

Joe Walsh brought 50 years of guitar prowess to the stage and had people dancing in their seats. Highlighting his early beginnings with the James Gang, Walsh opened his segment with Walk Away. His reputation as a top tier schredder' was evident. He was the perfect storyteller in between songs and showed us why he still remains at the top of his game in the rock world. Also featuring an Eagles tribute to "his brother and band mate" Glenn Frey, he led us through a hair on my back raising, tingling version of Take It To The Limit. Life In The Fast Lane was another great trip back in the Rock N Roll time machine! Joe also introduced veteran player Waddy Wachtel to the lineup for additional guitar fire power. He did not disappoint. I loved Wachtel on previous Stevie Nicks tours and he was in top form in Joe's band. My all time favorite Walsh riff Rocky Mountain Way, the multi-million selling song from 1973's The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get LP was the awesome encore finish! Once again, the hairs on my neck were standing on end. A+

Joe Walsh is on the road with Paul Rogers and Bad Company throughout the summer and The Joe Walsh Tour does manage to route to Atlantic City for a solo performance as well:
   https://tickets-center.com/search/borgata-casino-event-center/joe-walsh-tickets/?venueId=2972&performerId=410&venueName=Borgata+Casino+Event+Center&performerName=Joe+Walsh&vaid=913&pfaid=1247&tagid=106&atid=1&nid=1&cid=109967538185&akwd=joe%20walsh%20%2Btour%20%2B2016&mt=b&network=s&dist=s&adposition=1t3&device=c&ismobile=false&devicemodel=&placement=&target=&aceid=&random=233327420789095495&vx=0&locp=9003876&loci=&gclid=CO6yq8TGp80CFUQvgQod9XMNbA  

BAD COMPANY/ 

Paul Rodgers also showed us why at age 66, he still commands a standing ovation during live performance!
I bought all their albums as a 1970's teenager and they brought them all to life on Sunday June 12, 2016 in Camden.
Rodgers, like Walsh is a 50 year rock veteran and star since his early efforts with FREE (All Right   Now-1970).  He showcased a set list of 14 songs including a two-encore finish featuring Bad Company, the title track of the 1974 album and Can't Get Enough, the band's first pop hit.
Veteran band member Mick Ralphs is absent from an intense summer of travel in 2016 and vows to be back. He has a capable fill in, Rich Robinson formerly of The Black Crowes! He can play! Another 40+ year rock veteran, guitarist Howard Leese, a long time member of Heart is now a part of the BAD CO lineup.  Mainstay Simon Kirke, a Bad Company original since 1973 rocked on drums!
   
While I thought the band included deep album cuts that were unnecessary, the time machine ride was strong with Rock And Roll Fantasy, Feel Like Making Love and a forever favorite Gone, Gone, Gone!
Full audience sing-a-long was powerful during Ready For Love. Classic Rock LIVES! It doesn't surprise me that these summer rock tours maintain the energy. We the people have deep connections to younger days and better times with this music. It was our soundtrack in life back in the day and the authors really brought it home! B+

REVIEW: BEAUTIFUL-The Carole King Musical

May 7, 2016-Stephen Sondheim Theatre-Broadway, NYC, USA 

IT was an AmaZing day of storytelling through songs by an amazing songwriter and human being, Carole King. What a career! What a life not many casual music fans probably know about. The good, the bad, the ugly and her story told in all her hits..

Broadway leading actress, Chilina Kennedy (previously Mother Mary' in Jesus Christ Superstar first national tour and daughter Sofie in Mamma Mia), brought Carole King to life from the footlights with raw emotion and power vocals wrapped into one.   Kennedy, an accomplished vocalist in her own right (her new album is available www.chilinakennedy.com), made you lose your place in the universe hearing all the songs King and her songwriting husband, Gerry Goffin, wrote for others and themselves. The Shirelles, The Drifters and others were the recipients of and made hits from the great compositions written by the husband wife duo. I was aware throughout my radio career that James Taylor's hit You've Got A Friend' was a King composition but never knew the Taylor hit, UP On A Roof, was another King-Gerry Goffin song. I never knew King was a 17 year old when she penned her first hit, Will You Love Me Tomorrow' recorded by The Shirelles. The Locomotion? I always thought throughout my 30+ year radio career that Grand Funk Railroad (in 1973) just stole that from Little Eva (in 1963)!

  Don Kirshner, music producer, Label Chief extraordinaire was the East Coast catalyst for a teenaged King in 1959.  It was he who had the "ears" that would produce over 400 King compositions that would be recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in over 100 hit singles and six Grammys. It's TOO Late Baby" a forever personal favorite of mine from the 1971Tapestry Album told of the heartbreak of her broken marriage and song writing partnership with Gerry Goffin. A new West Coast life and career would unfold and reach the pop pinnacle under the watchful "ear" of Lou Adler.

The artistry of Carole King runs so deep and I was floored by it and the execution of her story coming from this brilliant ensemble cast! I was SO emotionally breathless at curtain call, I floated out of the theatre and was thankful not to be thrown to the ground by security as I pushed myself against the traffic flow back into the theater to retreive my jacket left behind.

5-Star! Pay for the good seats. I will do so again, in a heartbeat!