There simply are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe the sheer enjoyment I experienced that night. I've seen a fair number of shows for my young age, but this was simply the greatest concert I've ever witnessed. Without question, one of the happiest and most memorable nights of my life. The interplay between them was incredible. They each looked like they were enjoying themselves immensely. All of it looked so effortless as they proceeded to feed one another musical bars of platinum.
From the very beginning, these 4 virtuosos took complete command of the stage. With the conclusion of each composition, the applause was greater and greater. The mix was nothing short of fantastic. The only blemish on the entire performance was that Al's volume was a bit low during the first set. During the earlier portion of the show, he motioned tersely to the engineer several times to tweak his mics. Following the acoustic segment of the second set, it was completely resolved when his guitar tech came out and adjusted the volume on one of his amps. Obviously, the difference in clarity was remarkable. LOVE THAT TONE!!!!!
The whole show was so astounding that it is difficult to highlight only a few of the marvelous compositions. "Vulcan Worlds" and "Song to The Pharaoh Kings" were outstanding. Chick was brilliant the entire night. His solo spot was stunning. Who would have thought striking the wires inside the piano would sound so cool? "No Mystery" was nothing short of EARGASMIC. "The Romantic Warrior" was equally astounding. The solo spots were also really great. Stanley's double bass cadenza was a real treat! Lenny bashed the skins with authority and he came up with some of the coolest fills I've ever heard. Definitely one of the most original drummers I've ever heard.
Following the outro of 'Warrior', Al plugged the electric back in and was absolutely scorching. His precision soloing was even faster, more authoritative and even more daunting than earlier in the night. Not to mention finally being at the proper volume! His playing was quite incendiary on "Duel of The Jester and The Tyrant" and the two encore tunes. The applause following 'Tyrant' was extremely loud, much of which was directed towards Al. He stood there holding his guitar with a big smile on his face and nodded his head slightly and waved to acknowledge the crowds appreciation. As the four of them gathered to exchange their obvious mutual excitement, I could see Stanley mouth the words "WOW" to Al as he shook his hand before they all took a bow and walked off stage.
"Dayride" and "Spain" were great choices for the encore. Chick picked up the Keytar, which sounded awesome and Al pulled out his "Double Dragon" PRS! What a gorgeous guitar with an unbelievable tone to match.
On top of the INCREDIBLE playing, another interesting dynamic was at work last night. It was the crowd. I have never been around such an enthusiastic, supportive and grateful audience, ever. We're talking loud, euphoric applause to musicians whose influence and talent cannot be over-praised, especially in this day and age.
I think that for those of us that have attended a show on this tour, we've proved that there is a significant demographic in this country that wants to hear great music such as this. We want to put exciting, melodic compositions and instrumental talent at the forefront, instead of the superficial and redundant trash that "sells" in this country. To me, RTF's music is a celebration of everything good in the vast realm of music. For me, it was an immense sonic cleansing from the normal garbage on T.V. and radio. Not to mention the everyday stresses in life. Truly a baptism for the mind and soul!
All in all, it was 2 1/2 hours of beautiful, extremely exciting and intelligent music. Worth every red cent for tickets. I'm sure the demand will be high for an extension or follow-up tour. I think that the guys still have it and that following the tour, they should head back into the studio and record some new tunes!
Any fans of real music owe it to themselves to experience this remarkably talented ensemble live. If they come to your town, DO NOT HESITATE TO BUY TICKETS! I am only 24 years old and I am confident that I will never see another band this talented, EVER.
To the guys in the band, THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this! You have to put out a CD/DVD from this tour.
And Thanks again for a fantastic performance!
Travis N from Anoka, MN
P.S. Thanks to Al for signing my copy of Flesh on Flesh at the Dakota Jazz Club last October!
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