Tuesday, October 11, 2005

A Night Of Keyboards

It was a great show on Saturday. Heck, both acts played with the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra (Ok, I know you are thrilled.) I didn't know how much longer it would go on but I was enjoying it and I do recall that I called in sick the next day because sleeping from 2 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. isn't really an option (I work early.)

First on was Alan Parsons Live Project. I had seen them live years ago and think that this was a better show. I went with Kerry, Dan, Robin and bumped into renown Las Vegas photo-journalist J. K. Hennessy (who provided the photo.) Parsons performed a few tracks from their latest album A Valid Path which is a lot heavier on the keyboards and at times very trance-like. Also notable is that each member of his band provide vocals. All but the backup keyboardist sang lead on songs during the performance. I'm still shocked at how well Parsons himself sounded on "Don't Answer Me." I wound up purchasing their live DVD and the previously-mentioned album after the show.

No, that's not Tony Bennett in the photo (we'll talk about him another time) this is Dennis DeYoung. He opened with his solo hit "Desert Moon" and then was very animated as he pointed and yelled at a few roadies (off microphone of course.) Come to find out that the roadies set up Alan Parsons' keyboard up where Dennis' was supposed to be. Since it was pre-loaded with songs for "Eye In The Sky" and all, it wouldn't work out. DeYoung admitted to being a little out-of-sorts not sitting behind his keyboard and this was noticeable as he played his piano on a few songs (possibly to replace the keyboard sound) but the volume wasn't there. His stage charisma was definitely boosted by his great sense of humor as he seemed to forget the keyboard mess after a few songs. It was an amazing performance as the hits he wrote for Styx were mixed with classical music interludes that fit the songs well. I'd tell you which classical pieces but I'm a mediocre 80's music authority not early classical. Overall, it was well worth the issues I'll have at work for calling-in.

8 comments:

LoraLoo said...

I thought Dennis DeYoung would be famous writing rock operas by now. Sounds like you had a good time! I do like to hear Styx on satellite but can't remember a single tune by the Alan Parsons Project...

Martin said...

You definitely need to listen to a few samples of their songs. I expect that you should at least know 4 or 5.

Teri said...

You are right he is looking like Tony Bennett. Glad you had a good time. I saw him a while ago and I really enjoyed his concert as well. I do love his sense of humor and the way he relates to the audience.

Bar L. said...

Love your taste in music. Anyone who even knows who Dennis De Young and Alan Parsons are ... well, it just warms my heart :)

Bar L. said...

Have you seen "We Will Rock You"? what did you think?

Martin said...

We Will Rock You was a lot better than I thought it would be. The two leads are tremendous. I don't know how the replacement is for Britney (a.k.a. Ty Taylor from Rock Star: INXS) but the music was great (even a weird update on "Radio Ga Ga" where it becomes "Internet Ga Ga") and it wrapped things into a good performance. Worth seeing at least once if you like Queen.

Jenn Doll said...

Nothing like a good show that involves and is all about music. Good music.

Glad you had such a good time. And hey, quit being a pansy, I sleep 2 hours all the time. If I can do it, Martin can surely do it!

I'm so overdue for a show it's causing ear tumors. Can you get tumors in your ear?

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