Todd Rundgren

May 9th – Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank NJ

Review & Photography by Estelle Massry

Todd Rundgren’s concert at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ on May 9th was a masterclass in musical versatility and showmanship, leaving attendees spellbound. Rundgren treated the crowd to a two hour experience that touched on all phases of his long career on his Me/We Tour.

The concert was a testament to Rundgren’s enduring influence on the music industry. The night focused primarily on his work within the past 20 years or so, but he also played a medley of some 70’s hits and all of ‘The Last Ride’ as part of the encore. Expect the unexpected when it comes to set lists with Rundgren as he tends to tour what he wants, whether it’s a new album or a theme of his choice. From a technical standpoint, Rundgren and his band were flawless. Each song was executed with precision, yet still maintained a raw, organic energy that kept the audience captivated from start to finish.

Todd Rundgren’s concert was a tour de force performance that showcased the talents of a true musical icon. Experiencing Rundgren live was both humbling and exhilarating, serving as a reminder of the boundless possibilities of music when placed in the hands of a true innovator.

For more info please visit http://www.todd-rundgren.com

Setlist

I Think You Know
Secret Society
Weakness
Stood Up
Lost Horizon
Buffalo Grass
Beloved Infidel
Hit Me Like a Train
Wouldn’t You Like to Know
Sweet
Kindness
Woman’s World
Afterlife
Down With the Ship
Honest Work
Rock Love
God Said
Fascist Christ
Hawking
Worldwide Epiphany
I Saw the Light / Can We Still Be Friends / Hello It’s Me (Encore)
The Last Ride (Encore)
A Dream Goes on Forever (Encore)

Steve Vai

Concert Reviews

October 29, 2022 – Count Basie Center for the Arts Theater, Red Bank, NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Guitar God Steve Vai descended upon Red Bank NJ this past weekend in support of his new studio album and LP, “Inviolate” which was released earlier this year through: Favored Nations / Mascot Label Group.

Notably one of the best guitarists of all time, the virtuoso is also an accomplished and highly acclaimed musical composer and producer, fluent in the composition and arranging of orchestral music. Throughout his 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and many more.

I first saw Vai playing a double necked, red, heart shaped guitar with David Lee Roth at the Worcester Centrum in the late 80’s. And while I don’t remember much of the late 80’s (for reasons I will not disclose), I do remember very well how floored I was by his technical ability and overall electrifying performance. So when time came around for me to see him again, but this time to review the show, I was ecstatic and could not wait to hear him shred. He did not disappoint!

One can tell the influence Steve has on musicians, and any lover of guitar playing, by the people that packed in to see him. The crowded house, was filled with musicians and fans young and old. I saw a good handful of parents with their musically inclined kids lined up at the merch table, where Vai’s team should have also been handing out “Parent of the Year” awards for providing their kids the opportunity to see the guitar legend live.

Steve came out to a blacked out stage with just the blue glow of his guitar frets visible as he approach center stage. It was a cool scene as he ripped away at his instrument (which seemed a natural extension to his body), appropriately hooking every applauding fan in for the evening. From that moment on I was glued to the performance. Every style for which Vai is known for was showcased to perfection. I found it hard to look anywhere else but at the fingers on his guitar as he demonstrated two-handed tapping, alternate picking, legato, hybrid picking, sweep picking, whammy bar acrobatics, and circular vibrato. It was amazing. When I did glace away from his guitar it was to his facial expressions which illustrated how the music he creates flows through his body.

We were launched into an amazing evening of guitar rock! Vai wore a fluorescent green shirt (his favorite color) and had multiple guitar swaps (as you would imagine), which he played to perfection including: “Avalancha”, “Little Pretty”, “Greenish Blues”, “Teeth Of The Hydra”& “Taurus Bulba”.

Vai’s performance was complimented by a talented group of musicians. Dave Weiner on guitar, Philip Bynoe on bass and drummer Jeremy Colson on drums. Colson was just as electrifying as he was when I saw him here in NJ at the Stone Pony while he was touring with Sebastian Bach.

There are about 25 shows remaining on his tour, concluding in LA on December 3^rd. Make sure to check his schedule and if he’s playing near you (or even if you have to travel to get there) don’t miss it!

For more info please visit http://www.vai.com

Joe Bonamassa

Concert Reviews

March 20, 2022 – Count Basie, Red Bank NJ

Review and photography by Estelle Massry

At 8 o’clock sharp the theme song from “Welcome Back Kotter” blared through the sold out theatre. The guitar virtuoso and his band then walked out silently on the dark stage as fans prepared for what would be a hypnotic experience… “The Guitar Event of the Year”.

Joe dressed in black with his trademark dark shades and slicked back hair, electrified fans with “Evil Mama”. There was so much love in the audience straight from the first note. Few artists have established such a devoted fan base as Bonamassa has. It is very impressive.

One can alway rely on Joe assembling the best of the best, absolutely outstanding musicians and singers. I was mesmerized by the beautiful backup vocals of Jade MacRae & Danielle De Andrea who were seamlessly in lock-step with one another throughout the entire performance. Bonamassa never disappoints!

Joe is a master of contemporary blues. One of the top 5 guitarists alive today and the world’s most high-profile guitar collector. All of these vintage guitars mixed with his talent is pure magic, legendary guitar riffs of blues/rock. Bonamassa meticulously displays outstanding showmanship and phenomenal guitar playing. One can feel his soul pouring through his body, down to his fingers, delivering pure magic through his guitar.

It’s astonishing how Joe can transition from soulful blues to full on rock & roll – powerful is an understatement . Two hours of nonstop, goosebump performance to the point where I could barely hold my camera.

“Royal Tea” is the fourteenth solo studio album and has been nominated for a Grammy Award as “Best Contemporary Blues” album, deserving of royalty!

For more info please visit http://www.jbonamassa.com

Setlist

Evil Mama
Dust Bowl
Love Aint A Love Song
Midnight Blues
The Heart That Never Waits
I Didn’t Think She Would Do It
Just Cuz You Can
Pain and Sorrow
Notches
Lonely Boy
Ballad of John Henry
Woke Up Dreaming
Mountain Time

Don Felder

Concert Reviews

February 28, 2022 – Count Basie, Red Bank NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Legendary, American Rock & Roll Guitar Hero, Multi-Platinum, Hall of Fame Inductee and a New York Times Best Selling Author are just a few of the phrases that describe the amazingly talented Don Felder of Eagles fame.

Having co-written many of the Eagles hits such as the Grammy studded “Hotel California”, (one of the most played songs on the radio in Rock & Roll history), “Victim of Love” and “Those Shoes”; Don Felder played many Eagles hits throughout the evening.

Don Felder dressed in black jeans, a black tee and a cool black leather jacket, walked on the stage quietly and slowly, and after a welcoming wave gesture to the audience, opened with “Already Gone”, followed by “One of These Nights”, and then gave a nod to long time friend Stevie Ray Vaughan with “Pride and Joy”. From the opening song to the closing song, I found myself knowing every word and singing along with everyone else in the Count Basie Theatre.

The stage was set with a giant screen which played music videos corresponding to each song and in some cases literally matched the vocals of the past performances showcasing a younger but equally as skilled Don Felder. I found it particularly cool to see this technology displayed when he was singing Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” making it seem as if they were sharing the stage and in sync with one another. Equally entertaining as the music was, I also enjoyed listening to the stories Don Felder would tell between each song regarding their origin, and the experiences and people (other famed artists) he met along the way. As successful as Don Felder has been, he made it quite apparent that he continues to perform for the fans and for his love of music.

The evening went on with many sing along Eagles hits including “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, “Those Shoes”, “Witchy Women”, “Heartache Tonight”, “Life in the Fast Lane” & “Take It Easy” (to name a few), combined with some of his solo work. For the finale, the moment his iconic double neck guitar was handed to him, people left their seats and crowded to the front. We all knew what was about to come, which for some, would be a once in a lifetime music experience as he played the famed intro of ” Hotel California” and rocked the guitar solo.

After the band took their bow and left the stage, Don Felder was gracious and stuck around to engage with his fans, signing autographs and handing guitar picks to many. A class act indeed!

Don Felder’s Band consists of David Myhre (guitar), Paul Sidoti (bass), Seth Rausch (drums) & Rob Arthur (keys).

For more info please visit http://www.donfelder.com

LIVE

Concert Reviews

February 19, 2020 – Count Basie, Red Bank NJ

The multi-platinum alternative rock band from York, Pennsylvania is back on tour. They have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and have had two number 1 albums. LIVE is the soundtrack of the 90’s. Although there was a falling out with the band which led to lead singer Ed Kowalczyk to take a break and pursue a solo career, they are back together and stronger than ever. LIVE played with ease and comfort to the point where it felt like we were all amongst friends.

To the pleasure (and expectations) of the fans, LIVE performed their top hits including “I Alone”, ” All Over You”, “Lakini’s Juice” and of course “Lightning Crashes”. Everyone in the audience sang in complete harmony and I got chills as Ed led the way with his powerful voice commanding the dark intimate theatre. You can hear and feel the passion play through from every band member.

The band: Ed Kowalczyk on vocals/guitar, Patrick Dahlehiemer on Bass, Chad Taylor on lead guitar and Chad Gracey on Drums.

http://www.freaks4live.com