A Better Place Indeed: Glen Campbell

Thursday, May 24th, 2012 by The Professor

C&W legend Glen Campbell stands tall with courage and grace

by Radio RockonTour host Timothy Tilghman

Saying goodbye is never easy. Most times in life saying goodbye is a luxury many never have the chance to experience. Country & Western legend Glen Campbell now 76 is undertaking a final journey across the American landscape to entertain his legion of fans and provide them with an opportunity to enjoy his music live on stage for one more magical moment.

Glen Campbell was welcomed warmly by an enthusiastic crowd at the American Music Theatre outside historic Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on Monday, May 21, 2012. Only his diehard fans will know that Glen buoyed his music career as a touring musician in the surf music genre as bassist for The Beach Boys before striking out on his own as a successful solo recording artist in 1967.

Instant People appeared as both the opening act and as Daddy Campbell’s support musicians. Three of his younger children, Ashley (vocals, banjo & keyboards), Calvin (drums & guitar), and Shannon Campbell (vocals and guitar) demonstrated their collective talent and professional musicianship as an emerging young group and again on stage backing their iconic father.

Several of Campbell’s signature songs included “By The Time I get To Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman”, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, and “Southern Nights”. Hearing Glen sing his classic tunes was priceless. Clearly demonstrating that he still has command of the stage, Glen sang a moving rendition of “The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress” with just the accompaniment of his keyboardist T.J. Kuenster who has supported him on the road for 35 years.

While impersonating the cartoon voice of Donald Duck, Glen displayed his comedic talents while having a little fun on stage as Proud Papa prepared to introduce his stunningly beautiful blonde daughter Ashley. Halfway through the show, they played the popular instrumental “Dueling Banjo” together. Ashley twanged away on banjo with Glen jamming on his electric guitar.

The concert repertoire, spoken transitions, and stage interaction were clearly choreographed to act as an instructional guide for Glen on stage. He delivered several accelerated guitar solos and choice vocal performances throughout the evening. Although the actual concert itself clocked in under 75 minutes in length, his loyal fans didn’t seem to mind whatsoever. The standing ovations and thundering applause indicated their admiration and appreciation for his presence in Lancaster was sincere.

Glen Campbell, American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA, May 21, 2012 setlist: Gentle On My Mind * Galveston * By The Time I Get To Phoenix * Try A Little Kindness * Where’s The Playground Susie * Didn’t We * I Can’t Stop Loving You * True Grit * Lovesick Blues * Dueling Banjos * Hey Little One * Any Trouble * She Thinks I Care * The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress * Wichita Lineman * Rhinestone Cowboy * Encore: Southern Nights * A Better Place

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And Suddenly They Return: The Left Banke

Sunday, May 6th, 2012 by The Professor

The Left Banke generate a storm on stage

by Radio RockonTour host Timothy Tilghman

The Left Banke has a new lease on live appearances. Formed originally in New York City by a handful of young musicians that found themselves seeking similar musical endeavors, Michael Brown, George Cameron, Tom Finn, and Steve Martin joined forces together in a studio and established a unique sound for their fledgling group. Unfortunately with no interest expressed by record labels, the lads abandoned their quest for a recording contract.

As luck would bless them, the initial success of the group was launched on the strength of their debut 1966 single “Walk Away Renee”, which was completed in the studio after their dissolution. As “Renee” began to climb the hit parade, the lads regrouped to head out on tour. Consequently, internal issues arose and the band splintered before reaching their anticipated potential as recording artists.

Reunite, and they will come. Baby-boomers thrive on nostalgia from their collective youth. It is therefore a pleasant surprise that The Left Banke are touring once again. Original members Tom Finn and George Cameron now lead a small ensemble of talented support musicians that honor the traditional sound of The Left Banke. Mike Fornatale handled lead vocals and guitar, Paul Alves guitar, Charly Cazalet bass, Micky Finn keyboards, and Rick Reil was on drums. A string section showcased Carrie Bartsch on violin, Ben Larson on cello, and John Spurney on keys.

The Left Banke delivered a lengthy set at the Robert Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville, Maryland, on the Sesquicentennial anniversary of Cinco de Mayo. Playing an extensive battery of material from their catalog, the songs continued to flow one after another. Staging these classic recordings live gave them all a new edge and sincere vibrancy that enhanced the overall performance.

It is thoroughly enjoyable to see a band live that you thought you would never see live in concert. A good deal of the songs were anchored by soaring harmonies and augmented by strings to embellish the material. Of course, the major climax came at the end of the show with the timeless ballad “Walk Away Renee”. The haunting melody still demands attention almost a half century after its original chart success.

Ending on an incredibly important moment, The Left Banke introduced a new song as their singular encore. “City Life” rocked Rockville as the touring entourage turned in a fierce stage rendition hinting where The Left Banke’s new direction may be headed as Finn anticipates recording a new studio album soon.

The Left Banke, Robert Parilla Performing Arts Center, Rockville, MD, May 5, 2012 setlist: She May Call You Up Tonight * I’ve Got Something On My Mind * Pretty Ballerina * Dark Is The Bark * Barterers And Their Wives * Goodbye Holly * Let Go Of You Girl * Heartbreaker * Sing Little Bird Sing * Nice To See You * My Friend Today * Shadows Breaking Over My Head * I Can Fly * Love Songs In The Night * Lazy Day * Bryant Hotel * Two By Tow * Evening Gown * I Haven’t Got The Nerve * There’s Gonna Be A Storm * Desiree * Walk Away Renee * Encore: City Life

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James is on His Game

Thursday, April 26th, 2012 by The Professor

James McCartney premiers with precision in Manhattan

by Radio RockonTour host Timothy Tilghman

Profiled as making his New York City club date debut by having his new double album held up, “James McCartney”, was the immediate introduction by Blake Morgan, CEO of Engine Company Records. James McCartney youngest child and only son of Sir James Paul McCartney, premiered just 30 minutes behind schedule with his energized touring band on the American East Coast.

Sean Lennon, James McCartney, and Dhani Harrison were all born within three years of each other between 1975 and 1978, being the last of the Beatles bambinos. Julian Lennon was the first Beatles offspring to launch a recording career. Zak Starkey followed shortly thereafter and has established himself as the permanent bombastic replacement touring drummer for The Who.

Now after releasing two cyber CD EPs in August 2010 Available Light and September 2011 Close At Hand, James McCartney has finally set foot firmly across the Atlantic pond to perform live before American audiences. McCartney graciously appeared free of charge before an eagerly packed house on the intimate stage of the Rockwood Music Hall in the Big Apple on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

McCartney simply walked out onto Stage 2, plugged in, and ignited his performance supported by a tight group of touring musicians. McCartney was adorned with pendants as well as buttons and pins on his jacket. Considering who his Pop is in the annals of the contemporary music industry, James exhibited a serene confidence in his stage persona.

It’s always an interesting experience to hear studio material live in concert for the first time. Will you like what you hear? Does the live sound transcend the recording? It was no surprise whatsoever that McCartney’s solid compositions sounded even stronger within a live environment. But please don’t critique his organic music to that of Father Paul’s career that would be silly beyond compare.

James exercised a wise decision in suspending his emergence as a musician until after he was well into his 30’s. Having maturity on your side helps to guide your path and take better choices. His grandfather Jim McCartney enjoyed playing trumpet in his own amateur Liverpool group The Jim Mac Jazz Band in the 1920s so music is more than an avocation in the limbs of the McCartney family tree.

“Oh, thank you. Thank you, New York. You are welcome. I’m James McCartney”, was all it took to set off unrelenting audience applause. An extra special treat for the crampt NYC crowd was that McCartney included in his performance a handful of the bonus tracks in his setlist from his new double disc.

Whether singing, jamming on acoustic or electric guitar and playing keyboards, McCartney’s talents for vocals, composition and performance were securely evident by the ease with which he handled himself before an up-close audience. Jimmy Boy certainly has a promising career ahead; you can count on that.

James Paul McCartney Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY, February 1, 2012 setlist: New York Times * I Only Want To Be Alone * My Friend * The Sound Of My Voice * Fallen Angel * Spirit Guides * Wings Of A Lightest Weight * Moonstar * Old Man * Angel * Mix

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