Concert Review: Michael Schenker & Friends - Spring and Airbrake, Belfast - 20 February 2008

I last witnessed Michael Schenker playing live at the Ulster Hall, Belfast in October 1983 when he was touring with the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). He was warmly welcomed by fans who were transfixed by his guitar virtuosity, warm tone, and melodic and fluid playing. I believe his group that night included Gary Bardon (vocals), Chris Glenn (bass), and Ted McKenna on drums. The keyboardist may have been Andy Nye. However, the band were in top form and the concert was outstanding. Michael's performance was a masterclass in melodic rock guitar playing. Untouchable.

The "Spring and Airbrake" proved to be a great venue to see 'Michael Schenker and Friends'. It is a small, intimate venue, and a rocking and appreciative crowd combined to create a great atmosphere. I spoke to Michael before the gig about his guitar playing, song writing, and how grateful I was he had returned to Belfast to perform. He looked in great shape all dressed in black.

From the opening number "Assault Attack" it was clear the band - with the superb Leif Sundin on vocals - would play an integral part in the show tonight. They combined to create music that was tight, emotional, rich in sound, yet full of tension, delicacy and subtle balances that made the music vibrant and intoxicating. There wasn't a weak song in the set list which comprised fourteen songs, and each one had the crowd singing, clapping and cheering throughout the performance. When a song ended it was clear to Michael and the band that the crowd was in the mood to rock to great music.

"Let it Roll" and "Lights Out" were superb with Michael soloing in his own distinctive memorable style. He plays such strong fluid melodic runs and subtle bends he is amazing to watch. A particular favourite of mine is "Into The Arena" which was outstanding tonight. Most of the crowd sang along with Lief Sundin on most of the songs, especially "To Hot To Handle" and "Only You Can Rock Me" creating an unbelievable atmosphere.

After rousing renditions of "Armed and Ready" and "Attack Of The Mad Axeman" it was evident the crowd was not going to let Michael and his friends of the stage without hearing more music. It was great to see Michael getting the attention he truly deserves, and to see him looking and sounding as good as ever. The whole band was incredible - especially Leif Sundin on vocals - and they provided excellent support for Michael to work his magic.

The band returned for an encore which included " Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom". By this time nearly everyone was singing along with the lyrics and thumping the air. The riff to "Rock Bottom" is an all-time classic. If you don't feel like moving your body to it, and it doesn't transfer you somewhere intoxicating and special - well, frankly - there's no hope for you. The soloing during "Rock Bottom" was full of well-controlled vibratos, soft harmonic runs. and blistering lead runs. Need I say more. Michael's back and this time he means business.

Michael returns to Belfast on 19 December 2009 to perform at the Ulster Hall, Belfast. Should be a truly great night.

Michael's signed Set List - Belfast 2008

Michael Schenker and Ronnie Kerrigan

Sylvia Kerrigan And Michael Schenker

Michael's pedals

Jeff Beck to play London O2 Arena with Eric Clapton - 13 & 14 February 2010

Jeff and Eric will take to the stage at the O2 Arena on 13 & 14 February 2010 to each play a retrospective set followed by a joint performance.

Jeff Beck said the two "had a blast" playing together in Japan, while E.C. heaped praise on his friend. "I've always considered Jeff to be one of the finest guitar players around. He's a friend, a great guy, and a truly gifted musician. We had such a fun time in Japan that it seemed natural to play together again."

Tickets for the O2 Arena gig go on sale on 28/9/09.

No doubt this project will prove beneficial and a success for both Jeff and E.C. I prefer to see Jeff playing on stage with his own band for the whole show. We are all exceptional cases, of course. I must confess I find Eric's appearance the only low-point on the DVD, "Jeff Beck: Performing This Week - Live At Ronnie Scott's" which tends to make the CD a bit special.

Double8Tickets was selling tickets cheap [sic] if you had the cash. When musicians you admire charge such high prices for a concert, and in the throes of an economic recession, you begin to wonder. The blame doesn't reside solely with "independent ticket brokers" ...

Arena Floor - (Block A) VERY FRONT ROW - £795.00!

Arena Floor - (Block A) - £395.00!

Who's that with long hair and white shirt - centre stage - enjoying the show? Ronnie Kerrigan? Surely not?

CD Review: Crest of a Wave - The Best of Rory Gallagher (Release Date: 25 August 2009)

I'm not a fan of compilation CDs or DVDs whether the artistic form is rock, blues, or classical music. It brings out the worse in those involved in the music business: record companies, managers and marketers. In essence, everyone except the artists who created and recorded the music in the first instance. This is not the first compilation to be made using Rory Gallagher's name or 'brand'.

The Best Of Taste - Amazon - (16 tracks)

Big Guns: the Very Best of Rory Gallagher - Amazon - (15 tracks)

Crest of a Wave: The Best of Rory Gallagher - Amazon - (24 tracks)

This current double disc highlights Rory's tremendous musicianship, outstanding guitar playing and artistic passion. In the music business these attributes do not always equate with happiness and success. Rory was a cult hero to his fans. In fact, Rory attracted extraordinary affection and warmth; a mutual bond with his audience which few musicians attain throughout their career. While Rory always pushed himself to the limit on stage, I believe he never reached the pinnacle of success he sought, or deserved. It takes a rare talent, courage and extreme energy to create the music, sing the songs, play the guitar, and to be the main focus of a band over decades.

CD Tracklisting  

I'm thankful that Rory received a degree of success. It must be hard to survive in the music business without moments of despair, and the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with creativity and the pressure of live performance.

It's great for Rory's many fans that the Internet exists. Sites such as YouTube and Rory Gallagher's official website enable individuals to share footage of Rory and Taste in concert. New listeners can explore Rory's outstanding musical talent on videos posted by his many fans worldwide. The live performances capture a phenomenal guitar player who was truly inspired on stage. And who took his audience with him to indescribable heights of elation during each concert.  

Concert Review: Jeff Beck, Royal Albert Hall, London - 4 July 2009

It is Sunday, 5 July 2009. The sun has come out and reflects strongly on the buildings, windows, buses, and cars below as I gaze from my hotel room. I'm interested to hear who Kirsty Young's castaway will be this morning on "Desert Island Discs". As I drink tea I'm pleased to hear it is the impresario and promoter, Harvey Goldsmith CBE - Jeff Beck's manager from January this year. I sit down and listen. As he speaks, it is clear he is knowledgeable, intelligent, determined, temperamental, someone who deals with conflicts and obstacles swiftly and effectively, and has a talent for organisation, and getting things done.

I am intrigued regarding his choice of music ranging from "Kasmir" (Led Zeppelin), "Baba O'Reilly" (The Who - his favourite 'live' band at their peak with Keith Moon), to the live version of " Nadia" of Jeff's amazingly, successful DVD/CD, Performing This Week - Live At Ronnie Scott's. His insights into the music industry, management, and the organisation of large-scale events proves compelling. Indeed, his passionate statements that Jeff Beck is a "genius," and that "... the artist has to change emotions inside you. Few musicians have this ability ..." are painstakingly legitimate.

Jeff Beck has become one of the most striking performer's in the history of the guitar. While he has played the guitar for several decades he continually seeks new ways to ply his art, develop, and renew his music. Indeed, his musical output, and guitar playing, is a delicate fusion of all the influences he has sought, explored, and absorbed. He is a guitar player with a "real" difference who tends not to sound bland. No easy task. 

Jeff's return to The Royal Albert Hall has attracted fans from around the globe. Outside the venue I spoke to some people who had traveled from Sweden, Italy, and New Jersey. An exuberant, tribal gathering had come to secure Jeff's place as one of rock's genuine icons. Inside, the hall was packed to capacity; the audience murmured with expectation. I was fortunate to be seated in the eighteenth row with a clear view of the stage.

From the moment the band took to the stage, and began the whispered, rhythmic accompaniment to "Beck's Bolero" - Jeff entered "stage right" clad all in white, playing the melody on his cream and white strat - it was clear the sound was warm and mixed to perfection. Not as loud as in Belfast, but the band performed with incredible confidence, bar some momentary glitches. While Jeff's confidence is clearly at an all time high - long may it last - there were moments during the concert when Jeff - and fellow band members - appeared overly conscious and, to a degree, overawed by the intimacy and atmosphere of the occasion. However, an exchange of smiles, a flurry of nimble fingers, and drum sticks, restored calm, and once more the band scaled new heights of musical triumph.

The hypnotic rhythm to "Pump" made you want to clap your hands, stand up, and rush the stage. Not acceptable behavior at the venue, I'm sorry to say. However, the combination of Tal Wilkenfeld's bass playing and sound, combined with Vinnie Colaiuta's drumming was intoxicating. Then Jeff entered with his beautiful tone, melodies, and virtuosity which the rest of the group complemented, driving him to play licks that astound, confound, inspire, taking you on a beautiful journey.

A run of songs let Jeff and the band explore different rhythms and sounds which were a delight to the eyes and ears. From the achingly beautiful melodies and rhythms, of "Behind the Veil," "Angel," and "Nadia," to wonderful, intricate, drumming by Vinnie, the characteristic weaving of lines by Tal on her bass, overlaid with keyboard voicings by Jason Rebello, made "Space Boogie," and "Led Boots" alternatively sweet and nasty. 

Sometimes the music appeared to be stretched in a particular direction - like an elastic band - to a point where it is about to break, then it turned, and retracted in another direction. Jeff continually displayed an ability to play with restraint and subtlety, without losing intensity.

Sometimes when Jeff plays the introduction to "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" I wish he would play the full version as included on the Wired album, and play "Brush with the Blues" separately. Tonight belonged to Jeff and his band, and perhaps my preference for only "one guest" on stage was at variance with others in attendance. So be it.

After a great, fast, rocky version of "Blue Wind" the band was joined by Imelda May to sing "Lilac Wine," (a song written by James Shelton in 1950). In my opinion, however, Imelda does not possess the raw, haunting voice required 'live' to create the emotion and passion the song deserves.

The music Jeff and his band played tonight went beyond black and white. It contained a myriad of different colours and shades that danced and stimulated an engrossed audience. Jeff, Tal, Vinnie, and Jason bowed, and left the stage amid resounding applause, and a standing ovation. Tonight Jeff, and his band not only touched the hearts of the faithful, but - I believe - those witnessing them for the first time.

For two of the encores, Jeff and his band were joined on stage by David Gilmore to perform "Jerusalem," and "Hi Ho Silver Lining". Some fans speculated that Jimmy Page, or Eric Clapton, would participate at the event. In the end David Gilmore proved to be a good choice. Both guitarist's seemed to enjoy playing together, and while each has a distinctive style and tone, they proved inventive, and appeared to play their guitar's without effort. Jeff returned and played "Where were You". His performance was emotional and beautiful.

After the show I walked to the stage door where a considerable number of fans were waiting for Jeff to sign albums, CDs, DVDs, and other memorabilia. Most people seemed to be singing or humming "Hi Ho Silver Lining," while others' talked about the emotional and entertaining performance. I heard strands of, "How does he play like that?" Several fans took photographs of Jeff's set list I had acquired from the stage.

I was aware an "after-party" may be in progress to celebrate the success of the event for Jeff, the band, the crew, and organisers'. Needless to say, some fans had flights to catch in the middle of the night. I caught the bus to King's Cross, and made my way to Islington. As I walked, the breathtaking music from the concert flooded through my mind.

Jeff's Set List

Jeff, Vinnie, Tal, and Jason in full swing

Blowing up a storm

I just happen to be the guy with the long hair and the white shirt center stage - the first to get out of his seat and go to the front before the encores. What a great night.

Seven Moons "Live" - Robin Trower with Jack Bruce

The "Seven Moons" live album is now available to order at Amazon.co.uk. delivered free in the UK with Super Saver Delivery.

Track Listings:

01. Seven Moons
02. Lives Of clay
03. Distant Places Of The Heart
04. Sunshine Of Your Love
05. Carmen
06. She's Not The One
07. So Far To Yesterday
08. Just Another Day
09. Perfect Place
10. Bad Case Of Celebrity
11. The Last Door
12. Come To Me
13. White Room
14. Politician

It is strange this album is not listed at the official Robin Trower Store - or that Jack Bruce is not included on the "Links" page of Robin's official site. I'm not suprised that "We're Going Wrong" and "I'm Home" are not included on the 'Live' CD - they sounded listless and lacking in atmosphere in concert. Jack's vocal delivery on both tracks was poor live, and I was grateful when both songs ended.

The release of "What Lies Beneath" - in my view - overshadows Robin's recent collaboration with Jack Bruce in the studio, and in concert. I'd like to see Robin touring again with Livingston Brown on bass and vocals, and Pete Thompson on drums. Call it "The What Lies Beneath" tour. Robin has reached new heights of creativity on his recent album, which I believe, surpasses most of the music of "Seven Moons".