Concert Review: Let It Be A Beatles Tribute

Let It Be at The Proctor in Schenectady New York

February 18, 2017

http://www.letitbelive.com/

The Beatles music is timeless and over the years they have been celebrated again and again and so has each individual member of the band for their excellent solo work. There is still a huge market for their music and anything to do with the ultra-famous Fab Four. Only two other artist rank at the top of list for worldwide album sales, Elvis and Michael Jackson. 

Paul McCartney (Neil Candelora-bass/piano/vocals), John Lennon (Michael Gagliano-guitar/vocals/piano), Ringo Starr (Chris McBurney-drums/vocals) and George Harrison (JT Curtis-lead guitar/piano/vocals) are names that will live forever. Special mention goes the fifth Beatle on keyboards Daniel A. Weiss who provided some amazing orchestral parts in songs along with some tasteful keys.

There have been many knock offs of The Beatles over the years however how many could you count as being legitimate imitations of them?  I experienced a band last night that were a close facsimile to them. 

Let It Be is an entire production company devoted to bringing The Beatles music and stage show to an audience that never had an opportunity to witness the original band in a live setting.

I was only 12 years old when The Beatles broke up and launched their solo careers however I did grow up listening to their music. I remember clearly as a little boy watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when they arrived in the US (or the colonies as they said last night). I can hear the girls screaming now muffling out the mop tops music and not understanding what all the fuss was about, I just wanted to hear them playing.

As the years went by I never lost my love for their music, it is something all the fans hold close to their hearts regardless of age. I saw all ages at the concert and the Proctor was packed full. It was nice to see that and what we were about to witness was fascinating.

The gents that played John and Paul, Gagliano and Candelora, had their vocals down spot on. Gagliano looked more and more like John as the night went on. It was giving me chills, especially when he sang. At first when I looked at the drummer, McBurney, I did not see much of a resemblance with Ringo but when he came out at the second half of the show with a beard he looked like a dead ringer for Mr. Starr. 

The first half of the show were some of the early hits and how they transformed into what we would see at their performance in Shea Stadium and during Sgt. Pepper’s (complete with the colorful garb) and then what they looked like towards the end of their careers just before they broke up.

The second half of the show was very interesting as well. They presented The Beatles and what they would have been like if they reformed after years of their solo work had been produced.

They mixed it up well and the stage presentation was top notch. I would not hesitate to say, being a lifelong Beatles fan, that this representation of the band was excellent with a very entertaining and colorful stage show to match.

The musicianship was great and the vocals as close to the originals as anyone could expect. I highly recommend seeing Let It Be if you have the opportunity.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 19, 2017

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Concert Review: Let It Be A Beatles Tribute

Let It Be at The Proctor in Schenectady New York

February 18, 2017

http://www.letitbelive.com/

The Beatles music is timeless and over the years they have been celebrated again and again and so has each individual member of the band for their excellent solo work. There is still a huge market for their music and anything to do with the ultra-famous Fab Four. Only two other artist rank at the top of list for worldwide album sales, Elvis and Michael Jackson. 

Paul McCartney (Neil Candelora-bass/piano/vocals), John Lennon (Michael Gagliano-guitar/vocals/piano), Ringo Starr (Chris McBurney-drums/vocals) and George Harrison (JT Curtis-lead guitar/piano/vocals) are names that will live forever. Special mention goes the fifth Beatle on keyboards Daniel A. Weiss who provided some amazing orchestral parts in songs along with some tasteful keys.

There have been many knock offs of The Beatles over the years however how many could you count as being legitimate imitations of them?  I experienced a band last night that were a close facsimile to them. 

Let It Be is an entire production company devoted to bringing The Beatles music and stage show to an audience that never had an opportunity to witness the original band in a live setting.

I was only 12 years old when The Beatles broke up and launched their solo careers however I did grow up listening to their music. I remember clearly as a little boy watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when they arrived in the US (or the colonies as they said last night). I can hear the girls screaming now muffling out the mop tops music and not understanding what all the fuss was about, I just wanted to hear them playing.

As the years went by I never lost my love for their music, it is something all the fans hold close to their hearts regardless of age. I saw all ages at the concert and the Proctor was packed full. It was nice to see that and what we were about to witness was fascinating.

The gents that played John and Paul, Gagliano and Candelora, had their vocals down spot on. Gagliano looked more and more like John as the night went on. It was giving me chills, especially when he sang. At first when I looked at the drummer, McBurney, I did not see much of a resemblance with Ringo but when he came out at the second half of the show with a beard he looked like a dead ringer for Mr. Starr. 

The first half of the show were some of the early hits and how they transformed into what we would see at their performance in Shea Stadium and during Sgt. Pepper’s (complete with the colorful garb) and then what they looked like towards the end of their careers just before they broke up.

The second half of the show was very interesting as well. They presented The Beatles and what they would have been like if they reformed after years of their solo work had been produced.

They mixed it up well and the stage presentation was top notch. I would not hesitate to say, being a lifelong Beatles fan, that this representation of the band was excellent with a very entertaining and colorful stage show to match.

The musicianship was great and the vocals as close to the originals as anyone could expect. I highly recommend seeing Let It Be if you have the opportunity.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 19, 2017

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Metal Review: Judas Priest-Turbo 30

Release Date: February 3, 2017

Label: Sony

Website

This month the metal gods, Judas Priest, returned with a reminder of where the band was in 1986.  Turbo 30 is celebrated on their 30^th anniversary with a 3 CD set. The set includes a trifold cardboard fold out case containing the original album remastered and two live discs recorded in Kansas City on The Fuel of Life Tour.

I must admit this is not one of favorite JP albums but it does not lack for classic heavy metal tracks that have become staples of their live set. I have seen them 3 times now, first during the comeback tour with Halford back in 2005 promoting Angel of Retribution, then in 2010 to celebrate the great British Steel album and finally in 2014 to promote their surprisingly different and excellent Redeemer of Souls album. So, I got a taste of several different decades in live setting and have had a good dose of this band over the years and completely enjoyed it.

The title track is killer, what a grand opening for an album. Another heavy track followed it titled “Locked In.”  “Out in the Cold” was another stand out giving their rabid fans a taste of the heavy metal priest they came to know and love. “Parental Guidance” sounded more like a Twisted Sister or Quiet Riot anthem than anything from their catalog even although there were some good guitar licks.

One thing that may have got lost in translation was the fact that it was 1986, and this was a band trying to create a sound to fit the times. The problem with a heavy metal band with the reputation of JP is that they would only set their audience up for some disappointments with Turbo.  With the addition of synthesized guitars (which they would master brilliantly on the Nostradamus album many years later) and that techno sound it would water down the mix and take away some of their normal oomph and power.

This is not to say that this album was not worthy of special anniversary issue. People listen differently with the passing of time and we cannot take for granted what a great band of talented musicians this band had at its disposal. And their lead singer Rob Halford did not look like the badass that he does now. Ever since his return to the group, with lightning bolt tattoos on his shaved head and that menacing goatee - well let’s just say it has been quite a ride. They all look metal that is for sure. 

If you have a thing for this kind of release you are in luck plus you get a ton of prime JP music live which is always a good thing if you are a fan and have seen them live you will appreciate it even more. They get an A for effort on this back in 1986 and overall C+ with the addition of the live cuts. They should have stood their ground and stayed with the time-tested formula of heavy metal without all the glitter and things around the fringes. This is great for the collector and completest but for the die hard metal freaks, it’s a maybe or total pass.

3.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2017

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Track List:
Disc One — Turbo: Remastered:
01. Turbo Lover
02. Locked In
03. Private Property
04. Parental Guidance
05. Rock You All Around The World
06. Out In The Cold
07. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days
08. Hot For Love
09. Reckless

Disc Two — Live At The Kemper Arena, Kansas City:
01. Out In the Cold
02. Locked In
03. Heading Out To The Highway
04. Metal Gods
05. Breaking The Law
06. Love Bites
07. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
08. The Sentinel
09. Private Property
10. Desert Plains
11. Rock You All Around The World

Disc Three — Live At The Kemper Arena, Kansas City:12. The Hellion
13. Electric Eye
14. Turbo Lover
15. Freewheel Burning
16. Victim Of Changes
17. The Green Manalishi (With The Two -Pronged Crown)
18. Living After Midnight
19. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
20. Hell Bent For Leather

Band Members:
Rob Halford – lead vocals
Glenn Tipton – lead and synthesized guitars
K.K. Downing – lead and synthesized guitars
Ian Hill – bass
Dave Holland – drums

Holiday Music Review: The Classic Big Band Christmas Album-Various Artists

Release Date: November 4, 2016

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

The Classic Big Band Christmas Album is a special edition release from the massive archives under the direction of Sony/Legacy. The recordings were originally released in 1941. This is in the LP format to make it something more collectable and enjoyable, if you appreciate the warm sounds of vinyl coming through the speakers.

Some of the big band icons are part of the collection such as Glen Miller, Harry James and Benny Goodman and their orchestras.

What I think is special for folks like me is that I remember listening to this kind of music when I was a little boy. My parents had the old 78s and I thought “The Flight of the Bumblebee” was just the coolest thing.

This a holiday collection just in time to get you in the spirit and perhaps remember something special that you experienced during your life.  For some of us there is both happiness and sadness if you are old enough to have parents that have passed. This music will help relieve some of the hustle and bustle and overall stress related to getting ready for the big day.

If you are a fan of big band music and holiday music this is the recipe you want cooking in your kitchen this year along with the Holiday meal and goodies.

I appreciated the many aspects of this collection I previously mentioned along with the fact that there are some 78 transfers included with all the crackling sounds that Mom and Dad’s records had. People like originality, something that has all the qualities and imperfections that goes along with something well worn. As they say on American Pickers, it has some good patina (I am using it as a frame of reference we all know rust doesn’t form on LPs!). 

There is a lot to like here, well everything. This music will transport you back to a time long ago before computers, cell phones, the internet, political correctness and social media. It certainly was a less complicated world when this music was recorded. You can hear it all resonating from start to finish.

Give The Classic Big Band Christmas Album a spin and enter a world forgotten but one that can come to life by just listening. Thanks for bringing back all the memories Sony. Merry Christmas to all and happy listening!

4/5 Stars
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 23, 2016

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Americana-Folk-Contemporary Review: Doug Hammer-Americana

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Label: Dreamworld Productions

Website

Doug Hammer’s release Americana was released on a significant day of the year. November 11^th is to honor our veterans, those that have served and given the ultimate sacrifice.

The album in its entirety however is a tribute to all the music that explores our country’s legacy and heritage. It is about some of the building blocks and spirit that makes our country great.

I recently talked to a Servicemember of the Reserves and he said “You can’t ever tell an American that something is not possible.” If you have a dream and are willing to work hard to reach it, then the opportunity will present itself when you are ready to receive it. I honestly take that to heart and have lived it many times over during my life.

There are many great tracks on this recording. In fact, I cannot think of one that I did not enjoy. Highlights for my listening pleasure were “The Good Old Days,” “Americana” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Americana has arrived at the right time for us all. We need to unite as one nation to be strong and resilient.  Most people will easily recognize these tracks. Doug presents 18 tracks and the melodies and rhythms that are familiar will stir emotions and feelings with many listeners. It did for me. The first being that my father was a veteran of World War II. He had emotional scars that would never heal, nor any of us in the family could understand. I also served many years ago but was fortunate to never witness the atrocities of war.

This music will help heal the souls of those that love this country or have lost a loved one serving and in the same instance those that love music in general will have plenty here to appreciate. Doug is a very talented composer and musician. He takes these classic songs while leaving their original melodies intact and infuses them with his own variations, energy and spirit thereby making them his own beautiful interpretations through piano, synth and orchestrations. There are some variations of course that are easier to detect when listening to an instrumental. Without the focus needed on vocals, it is straightforward. He uses a lot of different ideas and brings them to life within the music but you do recognize the songs.

In regards to vocals there are tracks that have them and serve a very good purpose. “The Good Old Days” is a wonderful song. My wife and I often talk about those days gone past when life was so much simpler and we didn’t have all the complexities of technology and society. As much as we would like to go back, we need to embrace what we have and move forward to the future. We want to be a part of the solution, not the problem; some good advice I heard long ago that has stayed with me and will until the day I die. “Shenandoah” is also a beautiful track with the voices of Mia (fiddle) and Ariel (cello) Friedman.

Music like this will give you hope, the chills of good feelings that run up your spine, and most of all gratefulness to be living in freedom and experience the wealth that life gives us daily. We would not have any of that if it wasn’t for thousands of brave men and women that were willing to fight for us to keep it. 

I believe in our country and I believe in the music of people like Doug Hammer. He says it all so well on Americana. This is some heartfelt thanks from a grateful man willing to share his respect and love for his country and to tip the hat to those that served and still do so we can live like we do.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Good Old Days, Americana, Battle Hymn of the Republic

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 5, 2016

Tracks:
01. The Spirit of America
02. Americana
03. Yankee Doodle
04. The Star Spangled Banner
05. Battle Hymn of the Republic
06. God Bless America
07. America the Beautiful
08. The Good Old Days
09. My Country 'Tis of Thee
10. Heartland
11. Shenandoah
12. Simple Gifts
13. Taps
14. Elegy
15. Redemption
16. The Water Is Wide
17. The Dream Is Alive
18.Sunnyside Rag
 

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Concert Review: Ace Frehley and SIMO

Ace Frehley Goes Space Truckin’ At The Colonial Theater

Opening Act SIMO Impresses Capacity Crowd

September 27, 2016

Pittsfield, MA.

                            

 

If you are Kiss fan you were at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield Massachusetts on Tuesday night. To put it more succinctly, everyone there came to see Ace Frehley. He was the main talent in Kiss and everyone knows it, with the exception of some of his former band mates of course. This is my opinion and that of many others but as with anything else I am sure there are many people that would disagree.

Warm up bands can be a hit or miss proposition and in this case it was a shot that hit dead center for these ears and apparently the capacity audience. 

The band that came on to warm things up for Ace was SIMO, named after the lead guitar player and vocalist J.D. Simo.  This is a classic power trio that included the bass player Elad Shapiro and drummer Adam Abrashoff.  

Abrashoff had a minimal drum kit and what he accomplished with it was amazing. That is real talent when you take something small and make it sound so big. Shapiro is no slouch on the bass either, his fingers are a flash and he is the perfect companion to Abrashoff’s talents J.D. is a very innovative guitar player taking the nod from the blues and the psychedelic era of the 60s ala Hendrix. His voice is tremendously powerful as well.  I also heard plenty of Allman Brothers influence in their music. I could see they use vintage equipment as well to get their sound, obviously a very smart move on their behalf.

At the break I went out to meet J.D. and he confirmed the aforementioned
influences. The band hails from Nashville and they put on a great show. I also picked up their new release Let Love Show The Way on 180-gram vinyl, complete with a poster and download not to mention the retro artwork that acts as time machine (reflecting their influences).  It was priced right as well at $20.00.  I don’t think Ace could have asked for a better warm up band.

After the break the man of the hour arrived. This was going to be a great show; I could feel it in the air. Well, Ace did not disappoint.

I felt like that over energetic 17-year-old again going to see Kiss in the 70s at Springfield Civic Center. It was great to have those memories come rushing back. All you can do is smile inside when that happens. Ace has a great band to support his act and they made their way through 18 songs to rock the audience from start to finish.

Some of the highlights of the evening included the Thin Lizzy cover “Emerald,” “Parasite,” “Rock Soldiers” and an amazing version of the Kiss classic “Cold Gin,” which I thought was the best performance all night. The encore was superb as well capping off the night with “Detroit Rock City” and “Deuce.” 

I grew out of Kiss many years ago but occasionally listen to the first album and Ace’s solo work. People change, get older and some tastes do change however…once a rocker always a rocker. Seeing Ace live and hearing those songs again was a great experience and reminded of why I liked the music in the first place.

Ace is an accomplished guitar man and all of those skills were on display. Even the smoking guitar was present, which I was hoping to see again. If you want a rockin’ good time the ace in the hole, no pun intended, is catching this show live. 

There is something to be said about how this man has been underrated over the years and not given his due by critics and music industry folks alike. Ace Frehley gets my stamp of approval with no hesitation.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 29, 2016

Set List:

01. Rip It Out
02. Toys
03. Emerald
04. Parasite
05. Love Gun
06. Snow Blind
07. Sister
08. Rocket Ride
09. Bring It On Home
10. Rock Soldiers
11. Bass Solo
12. Strange Ways
13. N.Y Groove
14. 2 Young 2 Die
15. Shock Me
16. Cold Gin
Encore:
17. Detroit Rock City
18. Deuce