Showing posts with label In Concert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In Concert. Show all posts

3/08/2022

Blue Oyster Cult In Concert At The Egg In Albany NY

Blue Oyster Cult In Concert At The Egg In Albany, New York

March 4, 2022

http://www.blueoystercult.com

Tonight was a night to remember for long-time fans and the newly indoctrinated for the legendary Blue Oyster Cult. The two remaining original members, Donald Roeser (Buck Dharma) on lead guitar and vocals and Eric Bloom (guitar and vocals), both well into their 70s now, show no signs of slowing down. They were terrific, and it looks as though they have not lost a step with their performances. It was over two hours of music with no breaks.

The remaining members and rock-solid contributors, Richie Castellano (keys, guitar, vocals), Danny Miranda (bass, vocals), and Jules Radino (drums), do an excellent job supporting the two core members. Most fans know of these great musicians on their last recording, The Symbol Remains. I took note of Richie's multitude of talents. He is a whirlwind of activity and energy and showcased his powerful vocals on "Tainted Blood." I would be looking at him to start a band once his time is through with B.O.C.
 
A significant part of this night was that to the date; it was the 50th anniversary of their self-titled first recording. After covering "Transmaniacon MC" and "Before the Kiss, a Redcap" Eric informed the audience of that historic moment in time and the story behind "Before the Kiss, a Redcap," which I found very interesting. You can go to a show and find out; you may be surprised.
 
B.O.C. covered much ground, including some choice tracks from the 2020 release The Symbol Remains , their first album in 20 years. I was delighted, and it was far too long to wait for many of the faithful, but they made it count.
 
One of the most satisfying moments was hearing "Harvest Moon," a tremendous melodic and hypnotic track similar to "Don't Fear The Reaper." One of the cuts from their underrated release Heaven Forbid. That was their curtain closer until the fantastic encore of "The Alchemist" and "Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll."
 
There were so many memorable moments, including Buck's shredding and getting down on the floor on his knees. He was bending those strings as if 50 years had not passed, making it look easy. Eric and Buck sounded good and were always perfectly matched on every song. When "The Alchemist" started, Eric came out in a brown hooded monk robe during the encore. With a book casting his spell on the band and the crowd, he sang the words and shouted, I am the alchemist, and I am the sorcerer!
 
Some of my other favorites were "Burnin' for You," "Train True (Lennie's Song)," and "E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)." The entire set was great. However, those were some of the highlights of the evening.
 
It was the sixth time I had gone to a B.O.C. concert since the 70s (when they only had three studio albums out). I saw two shows in Albany at The Palace. One was when Bob Seger opened for them (before he got huge with his live album that year), and Tommy Bolin opened for them around a year later. Bolin died a few months later of an overdose. Then there was the legendary Black & Blue Concert with Black Sabbath in the early 80's at Lebanon Valley Racetrack and the subsequent riot, killing some people.
 
I have a history with this band, as I am sure many of the grey hairs can attest and tell a few stories. If you have not gone to a B.O.C. concert, make sure you do before they hang it up for good. You never know what tomorrow brings, and the band's elder statesman may not be around much longer. They may decide to retire, and how many great ones have we lost around the age of 70 over the last few years? It is something to think about music fans.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 5, 2022

Setlist:
Transmaniacon MC
Before the Kiss, a Redcap
Golden Age of Leather
That Was Me
Burnin' for You
Dancin' in the Ruins
Harvest Moon
E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
Buck's Boogie
Tainted Blood
Train True (Lennie's Song)
Then Came the Last Days of May
Godzilla
The Noodle
(Don't Fear) The Reaper
Encore:
The Alchemist
Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll

2/22/2016

Richard Marx In Concert At The Colonial Theater

Richard Marx In Concert At The Colonial Theater
February 19th 2016
Pittsfield, Mass.

Richard Marx came to town Friday night at the Colonial Theater on a not so typical February night in the Berkshires. It has been the strangest winter that I can remember, one weekend its 14 below zero then the next it is pushing 60 degrees. 

The atmosphere at the Colonial was one of anticipation before singer/songwriter Richard Marx hit the stage.

This artist holds a special meaning to me and my wife as his music was making its way to the top of the charts when we met. For me it was a bit of a history lesson as well. Marx has not only had a record number of hits on the charts in a short period of time, he has collaborated with several artists and wrote songs specifically for others that have charted. His debut recording yielded four Top Five singles and he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

This night was a man, his voice and guitar, and for a few songs he sat behind the piano. The talent this individual commands was enough and no backup was necessary. His voice is spot on, just as I remember it in the late eighties. He is a true showman, interacting with the audience, telling stories, throwing out quips to engage the audience with laughter, and inviting shout outs. Another thing that I found refreshing was how Marx discarded the house rules of no pictures and videos, encouraging folks to pull out their cell phones, which everyone did simultaneously lighting up the venue.

I was impressed with not only Richard Marx the vocalist but his ability to play the six string acoustic. If you are the only performing artist on stage you had better be able to fill in the space on your vocals and he did that admirably the entire evening. A plugged in acoustic has a great sound and I really appreciate what he had to offer.

He let the audience know that he wanted to give them what they came to hear, namely all the hits. Not only was that ground covered he cut loose with a few others lesser known tracks like the hysterical country number “How Can I Miss You (When You Won’t Go Away).” Marx told us of his love country music and his partnership with country star Keith Urban and the song he wrote for him then he went directly into the song “Long Hot Summer.” I recognized it instantly. He also played the song he wrote with Luther Vandross “Dance With My Father,” which was very touching particularly if you have lost a parent.

With “Angelia” he decided to go the unplugged route which was different. I recognized the huge difference in a venue between being amplified then suddenly not. I doubt people as far back in the balcony seats could hear him. Nevertheless it was an interesting change. Marx just emanates confidence and pleasure when he performs and that translates into the music directly to his audience.

Some of my favorites were the night kicking off with “Endless Summer Nights” and the way he closed out the night with “Right Here Waiting” behind the ivory keys. Check out the original video provided here with over 7.5 million views!

Richard Marx is a prolific artist with a long legacy of great music and collaborations. I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon and would highly recommend spending an evening with him if you get the chance.

I dedicate this night and review to my lifelong partner and best friend, my wife.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February, 22, 2016

10/05/2015

Concert Review: The Winery Dogs In Concert At The Ridgefield Theater

The Winery Dogs In Concert At  The Ridgefield Theater
With Guest Kicking Harold
Ridgefield, CT October 3, 2015



It has been two years since I have had the opportunity to see The Winery Dogs in concert. The band consists of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass, vocals) and Richie Kotzen (lead vocals, guitar and keyboards). They are a true super group and they just released their second studio album Hot Streak.

To kick off their Double Down World Tour 2015/2016 they chose the charming town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. The venue was the Ridgefield Playhouse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center with a capacity of 500. As soon as I got there it was a reminder that I was there once before in 2005 to cover Mountain and Rick Derringer. 10 years has past so quickly! This time I am going to keep an eye on who is playing there so I can go back.

Before the stars of the evening took the stage a three piece called Kicking Harold warmed up the crowd. The band is Michael Odabashian (drums/vocals), Tim David Kelly (vocals, guitar) and Julia Lage (bass, vocals). They are hard edged and heavy with influences of metal and punk in their presentation. I hear influences like The Ramones, Black Sabbath and others. They did a few covers like “Born To Be Wild” and “Working Man” and their original material stood up well. I never place any expectations for an opening act but they were one of the better bands I have seen in that slot.



The Winery Dogs set started off with one of their new tracks “Oblivion.” The packed house were treated to all the new songs as well as cuts from the first album which it made it a very diverse set.  This is a band that is hard to categorize, they cover rock, pop, progressive, blues, everything it seems. Ritchie Kotzen is the multi-talented centerpiece of the band. This of course takes nothing from Portnoy and Sheehan who both are incredibly talented musicians. I have seen Portnoy play with Dream Theater 8 times and now with one of his newer bands twice. Portnoy amazes me; he is part of many bands and has helped so many other bands get some much needed exposure. His importance in the music community goes beyond words at this point.



Kotzen just oozes with soul and emotion when he plays and sings and Sheehan and Portnoy are perpetual motion machines that are a joy to watch.  Kotzen is equally talented with his vocal delivery, guitar and keyboards. He is also the consummate showman pulling the crowd in like a large magnet. We witnessed this when he took the stage by himself and sang “Fire” with his acoustic guitar. I also found his apparel interesting; he looked as though he was ready to take the stage with Blackmore’s Night (another one of my favorite performers).

So as this super group made their way through their set many things were going on all at once. With so much talent on one stage it’s like spontaneous combustion and the chemistry these three men have just sparkle and shines all night long. 

One my favorites is “Time Machinefrom their first album. It provides a showcase for everyone’s talent in the band. They really know how to stretch it out on this one out and rock the house. What I continue to find a wonder is how Kotzen plays his guitars without a pick. Not many professionals do it that way particularly with an electric and in their style of music.



If you happen to be looking for a concert to attend that features some of the best musicians in the world on the same stage I would encourage you to go see The Winery Dogs. I guarantee you will walk away stunned at how good they are. They are not main stream so they are still a bit under the wire but just watch as their following continues to grow. Get out there and support live music, buy their CDs and swag at the merchandise table. Doing those things will keep the music alive and make it worthwhile for these folks to continue to entertain us.

October 5, 2015

Set List:
Oblivion
Captain Love
We are one
How long
Time Machine
Empire
Fire
Think it Over
The Other Side
Not Hopeless
Ghost town
Hot Streak
I'm No Angel
Desire

Encore:
Regret
Elevate

Concert Review: The Winery Dogs In Concert At The Ridgefield Theater

The Winery Dogs In Concert At  The Ridgefield Theater
With Guest Kicking Harold
Ridgefield, CT October 3, 2015



It has been two years since I have had the opportunity to see The Winery Dogs in concert. The band consists of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass, vocals) and Richie Kotzen (lead vocals, guitar and keyboards). They are a true super group and they just released their second studio album Hot Streak.

To kick off their Double Down World Tour 2015/2016 they chose the charming town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. The venue was the Ridgefield Playhouse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center with a capacity of 500. As soon as I got there it was a reminder that I was there once before in 2005 to cover Mountain and Rick Derringer. 10 years has past so quickly! This time I am going to keep an eye on who is playing there so I can go back.

Before the stars of the evening took the stage a three piece called Kicking Harold warmed up the crowd. The band is Michael Odabashian (drums/vocals), Tim David Kelly (vocals, guitar) and Julia Lage (bass, vocals). They are hard edged and heavy with influences of metal and punk in their presentation. I hear influences like The Ramones, Black Sabbath and others. They did a few covers like “Born To Be Wild” and “Working Man” and their original material stood up well. I never place any expectations for an opening act but they were one of the better bands I have seen in that slot.



The Winery Dogs set started off with one of their new tracks “Oblivion.” The packed house were treated to all the new songs as well as cuts from the first album which it made it a very diverse set.  This is a band that is hard to categorize, they cover rock, pop, progressive, blues, everything it seems. Ritchie Kotzen is the multi-talented centerpiece of the band. This of course takes nothing from Portnoy and Sheehan who both are incredibly talented musicians. I have seen Portnoy play with Dream Theater 8 times and now with one of his newer bands twice. Portnoy amazes me; he is part of many bands and has helped so many other bands get some much needed exposure. His importance in the music community goes beyond words at this point.



Kotzen just oozes with soul and emotion when he plays and sings and Sheehan and Portnoy are perpetual motion machines that are a joy to watch.  Kotzen is equally talented with his vocal delivery, guitar and keyboards. He is also the consummate showman pulling the crowd in like a large magnet. We witnessed this when he took the stage by himself and sang “Fire” with his acoustic guitar. I also found his apparel interesting; he looked as though he was ready to take the stage with Blackmore’s Night (another one of my favorite performers).
So as this super group made their way through their set many things were going on all at once. With so much talent on one stage it’s like spontaneous combustion and the chemistry these three men have just sparkle and shines all night long. 

One my favorites is “Time Machine from their first album. It provides a showcase for everyone’s talent in the band. They really know how to stretch it out on this one out and rock the house. What I continue to find a wonder is how Kotzen plays his guitars without a pick. Not many professionals do it that way particularly with an electric and in their style of music.



If you happen to be looking for a concert to attend that features some of the best musicians in the world on the same stage I would encourage you to go see The Winery Dogs. I guarantee you will walk away stunned at how good they are. They are not main stream so they are still a bit under the wire but just watch as their following continues to grow. Get out there and support live music, buy their CDs and swag at the merchandise table. Doing those things will keep the music alive and make it worthwhile for these folks to continue to entertain us.

October 5, 2015

Set List:
Oblivion
Captain Love
We are one
How long
Time Machine
Empire
Fire
Think it Over
The Other Side
Not Hopeless
Ghost town
Hot Streak
I'm No Angel
Desire

Encore:
Regret
Elevate

9/16/2015

The Winery Dogs Return To The Ridgefield Playhouse On October 3rd

Fans are getting ready for The Winery Dogs fall U.S. tour, which is set to kick off on Saturday, October 3, at 8 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse as part of the Pepsi Rock Series powered by Xfinity.  The Winery Dogs - a rock supergroup comprised of vocalist and guitarist Richie Kotzen who made his mark with Poison and Mr. Big, bassist Billy Sheehan who has been rocking for decades with Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and others, and drummer Mike Portnoy  the co-founder of progressive metal superstars Dream Theater.   

The seeds of The Winery Dogs were planted in 2011 when Sheehan and Portnoy were working on music together with a different guitarist and songwriter. When that didn’t gel, a mutual friend, “That Metal Show” host and consummate music fan, Eddie Trunk, suggested they contact Kotzen and see if he was interested in forming a band. “We all thought that was a brilliant idea,” Portnoy says. “We were looking for that super gifted guitar player, singer and songwriter -- and that’s Richie.”  Supergroups often times are short-lived entities composed of gifted players that jam out for little while and then quickly record with the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Moreover, they’re often the sum of their collective parts. That’s certainly not the case with The Winery Dogs, a cohesive, well-rounded classic-sounding trio with blazing songs that defy expectation. The group’s self-titled debut is filled with straightforward rock and roll inspired by some of their favorite bands, and their music transcends any of the styles they’re best known for.  The push-pull dynamic illustrates how The Winery Dogs toy with established styles and turn them into something special, complete with Sheehan’s acrobatic bass fills and Kotzen’s rapidfire solos, which help The Winery Dogs blend in a way that’s both instantly recognizable and utterly individual.   Earlier this year the group started work on the follow-up to their debut album, which will be self-produced and released in North America this fall on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) and in the rest of the world via earMUSIC.  Media sponsor for this event is 99.1fm WPLR.
   
For tickets ($55), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.       

The Winery Dogs Return To The Ridgefield Playhouse On October 3rd

Fans are getting ready for The Winery Dogs fall U.S. tour, which is set to kick off on Saturday, October 3, at 8 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse as part of the Pepsi Rock Series powered by Xfinity.  The Winery Dogs - a rock supergroup comprised of vocalist and guitarist Richie Kotzen who made his mark with Poison and Mr. Big, bassist Billy Sheehan who has been rocking for decades with Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and others, and drummer Mike Portnoy  the co-founder of progressive metal superstars Dream Theater.   

The seeds of The Winery Dogs were planted in 2011 when Sheehan and Portnoy were working on music together with a different guitarist and songwriter. When that didn’t gel, a mutual friend, “That Metal Show” host and consummate music fan, Eddie Trunk, suggested they contact Kotzen and see if he was interested in forming a band. “We all thought that was a brilliant idea,” Portnoy says. “We were looking for that super gifted guitar player, singer and songwriter -- and that’s Richie.”  Supergroups often times are short-lived entities composed of gifted players that jam out for little while and then quickly record with the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Moreover, they’re often the sum of their collective parts. That’s certainly not the case with The Winery Dogs, a cohesive, well-rounded classic-sounding trio with blazing songs that defy expectation. The group’s self-titled debut is filled with straightforward rock and roll inspired by some of their favorite bands, and their music transcends any of the styles they’re best known for.  The push-pull dynamic illustrates how The Winery Dogs toy with established styles and turn them into something special, complete with Sheehan’s acrobatic bass fills and Kotzen’s rapidfire solos, which help The Winery Dogs blend in a way that’s both instantly recognizable and utterly individual.   Earlier this year the group started work on the follow-up to their debut album, which will be self-produced and released in North America this fall on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) and in the rest of the world via earMUSIC.  Media sponsor for this event is 99.1fm WPLR.
   
For tickets ($55), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.       

9/30/2014

Keyboard Legend Keith Emerson's 70th Birthday Tribute Concert – Long Island, NY – Oct. 10 & 11, 2014


New York, NY - The South Shore Symphony Orchestra presents Keith Emerson's 70th Birthday Tribute Concert - The Classical Legacy of a Rock Star Featuring: Keith Emerson! The concerts will be held at The Madison Theatre at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York on October 10 (Fri) at 8:00PM and October 11 (Sat) at 8:00PM.

Along with performing, Keith Emerson will be conducting his own composition "Glorietta Pass", orchestrated by Kjetil Bjerkestrand. The piece has never been recorded in orchestrated form. Also featured on Piano Concerto No. 1 (1977), pianist Jeffrey Biegel, originator of the project.

Program
Scott Jackson Wiley: Conductor and Music Director
Keith Emerson: Glorietta Pass (Conducted by Keith Emerson)
Keith Emerson: Piano Concerto No. 1 (1977) - Jeffrey Biegel: Piano Soloist
Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
Keith Emerson's Piano Solos - Titles: TBA

Featuring:
Keith Emerson, Conductor
Keith Emerson & Jeffrey Biegel, Piano
Scott Jackson Wiley, Conductor and Musical Director
A very special thanks to Wayne Lipton, President of South Shore Symphony and Cellist

Ticket info:
http://madisontheatreny.org/current-season/the-south-shore-symphony-the-classical-legacy-of-a-rock-star-featuring-keith-emerson-2/
Tickets: $30, $45 and $55

For more information:
http://www.keithemerson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KEITH.EMERSON.OFFICIALPAGE
"LIKE!" and post your comment about this event on Keith Emerson Official Facebook Page

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Keyboard Legend Keith Emerson's 70th Birthday Tribute Concert – Long Island, NY – Oct. 10 & 11, 2014


New York, NY - The South Shore Symphony Orchestra presents Keith Emerson's 70th Birthday Tribute Concert - The Classical Legacy of a Rock Star Featuring: Keith Emerson! The concerts will be held at The Madison Theatre at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York on October 10 (Fri) at 8:00PM and October 11 (Sat) at 8:00PM.

Along with performing, Keith Emerson will be conducting his own composition "Glorietta Pass", orchestrated by Kjetil Bjerkestrand. The piece has never been recorded in orchestrated form. Also featured on Piano Concerto No. 1 (1977), pianist Jeffrey Biegel, originator of the project.

Program
Scott Jackson Wiley: Conductor and Music Director
Keith Emerson: Glorietta Pass (Conducted by Keith Emerson)
Keith Emerson: Piano Concerto No. 1 (1977) - Jeffrey Biegel: Piano Soloist
Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
Keith Emerson's Piano Solos - Titles: TBA

Featuring:
Keith Emerson, Conductor
Keith Emerson & Jeffrey Biegel, Piano
Scott Jackson Wiley, Conductor and Musical Director
A very special thanks to Wayne Lipton, President of South Shore Symphony and Cellist

Ticket info:
http://madisontheatreny.org/current-season/the-south-shore-symphony-the-classical-legacy-of-a-rock-star-featuring-keith-emerson-2/
Tickets: $30, $45 and $55

For more information:
http://www.keithemerson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KEITH.EMERSON.OFFICIALPAGE
"LIKE!" and post your comment about this event on Keith Emerson Official Facebook Page

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

8/08/2014

The Johnny Winter Band At The Mahaiwe In Great Barrington, Mass. January 23, 2009


I am republishing my 2009 concert review in memory and in honor of the late great Johnny Winter.

It had been nearly four years since I saw Johnny Winter perform live. That was the first time for me back on that hot summer night in Arlington, Mass. This night was like stepping into an alternate universe. The weather was the exact opposite and so was the performer. I did enjoy seeing Johnny for the first time but I had nothing to compare it to, now I do.

Johnny was just coming off hip surgery and a long time drug addiction and needed help to get on the stage. I am glad to report that he is doing so much better these days. He has gained over 30 pounds, makes his way out the stage on his own, and is playing and singing like a man 20 years his junior. Before and after the show I had the privilege of speaking with Johnny thanks to his manager and guitar player Paul Nelson. Paul does everything from managing the band and tours, playing and recording with Johnny, anything you can think of Paul is right there for Johnny making sure everything is handled properly. Prior to the show Johnny was in his “zone” and not very talkative, it was like his pre-game mental workout. After the show, he was bright-eyed and was open to conversation. He explained that he was quite ill four years ago and in fact was on anti-depressants that made him sick. He commented in a funny way “I was on Klonapin, they worked, and I wasn’t depressed, but it made me real sick.”  Johnny also mentioned when I asked about any new recordings, it will be a while but they are recording some new tracks and its going to be very special. I mentioned how great the band sounded tonight, and Johnny looked up at me, visibly energized and focused in the moment, he then commented, “I had lot of fun tonight.”

The Mahaiwe reminded me of The Colonial in Pittsfield, Mass. but just a bit smaller. It is a beautiful facility, and it ought to be after investing 9 million dollars into it for renovations. There is a massive intricate marble or concrete carving that goes around the stage, creating an old-fashioned picture frame for the performing artist to step into. With very simple and colorful lighting for a backdrop, it made a pleasant treat for the eyes.

The band introduced Johnny in grand fashion tonight. Everyone came out and then started into a free form jam, lead by Paul Nelson, who is quite a six-string slinger in his own right. After around 5 minutes of high-energy instrumental blues-rock, Johnny came out and sat down on his stool and the festivities began.

Johnny’s voice is strong and his playing sounds as fresh and inspired as it has ever been. Some highlights of the night were “Blackjack” a smokin’ number that prompted hoots and hollers from the audience. Although the audience was appreciative of the band’s efforts they certainly were not your typical blues crowd, in fact they were subdued in comparison to what I have witnessed in the past. That did not matter, as the Johnny Winter Band proved to be worth the price of admission from start to finish.

Other highlights of the evening included the Hendrix song “Red House,” which was smoldering hot. Winter did it justice and I know Jimi is smiling somewhere right now. Another performance that was exemplary and one that everyone acknowledged immediately was perhaps Johnny’s most widely know song “Highway 61,” which ended up being part of the encore. I also have to mention the one song the drummer Vito Liuzzi provided the lead vocals for, “Tore Down,” it was a rousing number filled with soul and sweat, a real blues classic done well.

This was a very special night and one I will never forget. Thanks for coming back to music, your legacy Johnny, continues to grow with every performance and album you release.


Set List:

Paul Nelson Intro Jam
Hideaway
Sugar Coated Love
Boogie Real Low
Miss Anne
Blackjack
Tore Down-Vito vocals
Lone Wolf
Red House
Johnny Guitar
It’s All Over Now
(Encore)
Mojo Boogie
Highway 61 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 24, 2009

5/15/2014

Concert Review: Justin Hayward In Concert At The Colonial Theater In Pittsfield, Mass.

                                                    http://www.justinhayward.com


Another legend of music graced our paths last night at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Justin Hayward, the voice of the Moody Blues, took the stage and entertained us with his catalog of Moody Blues hits and solo material from the 2013 Spirits of the Western Skyrelease.

Prior to that happening Hayward walked out on stage to introduce Mike Dawes, a young emerging artist that specializes in finger picking the acoustic guitar. Dawes was a one man band with all of his techniques and various sounds and effects. He made his way through 4 songs before coming back to the stage to be part of Hayward’s band. Julie Ragins also joined them on keyboards and backing vocals. The young lady added a nice layer of sound with the keys and her smooth vocals.

Hayward is a spry 68 and he sounds amazing. He is every bit the proper English gentleman on stage and he delighted the capacity crowd with his melodic acoustic guitar playing and surprisingly strong and poignant vocals. When you go to a concert to see someone that got their start in the 60s there is some trepidation as to be expected but as usual when I attend these events I am very pleased with what I hear.

Hayward kicked off the evening with one of the Moody Blues hits “Tuesday Afternoon” and that got the crowd in the right mood. For the first time I witnessed an audience that got to their feet to applaud an artist after every number. It was quite a tribute to Hayward. He has a strong following to this day. He asked the audience if they were at a certain event recently and a large portion of them raised their hands in recognition, followed by hoots and hollers of course. It was a nice thing to see that kind of acknowledgment and well deserved I might add.

I must tip my hat to Mr. Dawes for playing some excellent backing guitar on acoustic and electric and Ms. Ragins for her marvelous keyboard fills, lovely vocals and visually pleasing expressions as each song played.

As Hayward traversed his way through the Moodies hits and solo material his voice got stronger. His in between song conversation with the audience was interesting and informative and it added to the overall intimate ambiance that the Colonial offers at any live concert. Towards the end of the evening as the show continued to gather momentum, Hayward launched into a gorgeous rendering of “Forever Autumn” followed by “Question.” For the encore the night reached its pinnacle with the mega hit “Nights In White Satin” followed by the most excellent “I Know Your Out There Somewhere.”

Justin Hayward is a real showman and he still has the magic touch with his guitar and voice. The songs soothe your soul and make your heart smile. Thank you Mr. Hayward for a special night out and one I shall remember forever.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder Write A Music Review, Prog Rock Music Talk & New Age Music Reviews

May 14, 2014

Set List:
Tuesday Afternoon
It’s Up To You/Lovely
In Your Blue Eyes
The Western Sky
New Horizons?
In The Beginning
One Day, Some Day
The Eastern Sky
What You Resist Persists
Wildest Dreams
Forever Autumn
Question
Encore: Nights in White Satin
I Know Your Out There Somewhere