Unlike many people, I am perfectly capable of going to see a beloved performer live, and coming out saying the performance was lousy. Having seen well over 100 shows, I also have a broad perspective on what the range of performance quality can be. Delightedly, in this case, I had no reason to provide a curmudgeonly report. The presentation was spare - - no elaborate stage sets, just musicains and instruments, with large video screens strategically placed for the benefit of those without close seats. While I can enjoy elaborate theaterical stage presentations, I do not consider them necessary. Most important are the sound quality and the playing of the musicians. For this show, both were outstanding. I won't rave about how great the two featured players are - -anyone reading this already knows that. What I will say is that they played as an integrated band, not two superstars alternating being featured, which is a prime risk in a show like this. They were also in top form. Each clearly delights in and admires the other's abilities. Winwood would often be grinning like a maniac, watching appreciatively, while Clapton took a bit of the spotlight. The show was over two hours of steady music. Bottom line, if you liked Blind Faith, or either of the two musicians separately, or both, you will not be dispappointed if you have a chance to see this show. This is not superstar grandstanding, or old guys going through the motions for a big payday. This is a band in its prime, playing a rich catalogue that they believe in, as a real working band, exceptionally well.
IZOD Center @
- East Rutherford @
,NJ @
- Wed, Jun 10, 2009 @
Favorite moment: Voodoo Chile. May have seemed an odd choice, but Winwood played on the original on Electric Ladyland. @
Setlist: Incomplete list: 4 of 6 Blind Faith songs; Layla; Georgia on My Mind, After Midnight; Cocaine; Voodoo Chile; Red House; Some Traffic and Winwood solo songs; other Clapton solo material; no Cream, Yardbirds, Spencer Davis; @
Opening act(s): None @
