Tag Archives: Austin City Limits Moody Theater

My review of Jethro Tull posts to Elmore magazine

2 Jun

Performing hit songs that stretch back more than four decades, Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson delighted fans with a classic, progressive, folk and theatrical rock show for more than two hours plus—one encore—at Austin City Limits’ Moody Theater.

The band opened with 1969’s “Living in the Past,” the title track off their 1972 compilation album. Today the song’s lyrical meaning remains as mysterious as the commercial appeal of its uncommon 5/4 time signature. Anderson, a 69-year-old multitalented musician, danced across the stage while playing flute, guitar, Bouzouki, harmonica and singing lead vocals to his original 15 sophisticated and stylistic songs.

Vintage concert footage of Anderson intermittently projected onto a video backdrop together with a plethora of colorful iconic images poetically timed to his song lyrics. “Aqualung” brought an audience of mostly Baby Boomers to their feet before the percussive encore, “Locomotive Breath,” drew the memorable night to a raucous close.

Celebrating a lengthy musical career that spans 30 albums, Anderson led outstanding younger musicians: Florian Opahle on lead guitar, Scott Hammond on drums and percussion, John O’Hara on keyboards and accordion, and David Goodier on bass. Hardcore fans and those who missed the tour will enjoy Jethro Tull — Songs from the Wood, a 40th anniversary three CD and two DVD set released this May.

 

 

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Doobie Brothers shine on Austin in my Elmore review

18 May

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Bewitched Baby Boomer fans danced and sang along with the hit songs of the Doobie Brothers, former Eagles’ lead guitarist Don Felder and up-and-coming 19-year-old Illinois native Matthew Curry at Austin City Limit’s Moody Theater.

For “Those Shoes,” Felder used a 1970s style talk box and then dedicated “Witchy Woman” to his female audience. His band cast a spell with “Seven Bridges Road,” including: bassist Wade Biery, drummer Randy Cook, keyboardist Timothy Drury, and additional guitarist Greg Suran.

True to their hippie rock genre since 1969, the Doobie Brothers founding front men guitarists and singers Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons opened with their hit, “Jesus is Just Alright.”

Simmons sang his 1975 number one hit, “Black Water,” before fans broke into hysteria with “Long Train Running.” The band included multi-instrumentalist John McFee on guitar, pedal steel, fiddle, harmonica and vocals; Guy Allison on keyboards and vocals; John Cowan on bass and vocals; Marc Russo on saxophones, and both Tony Pia and Ed Toth on drums.

An encore of “China Grove,” led to a guitar orgy with solos by Simmons, Johnston, McFee, Curry and surprise guest Ray Benson, frontman for Asleep at the Wheel. Their instrumental blues rock medley ended Monday night’s fandango beneath a Texas half moon that seemingly shined nostalgia.

Please follow this link to read my review and see my photos posted on Elmore magazine’s website at:

http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2015/05/reviews/shows/the-doobie-brothers-feat-don-felder-and-matthew-curry

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