BC's
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
BC's

Billy's Substitute WTJ Forum


You are not connected. Please login or register

GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS !

3 posters

Go down  Message [Page 1 of 1]

1GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Sat Dec 15, 2012 12:53 pm

Ted E. Bear

Ted E. Bear

Well, my Rascals reunited to play some shows about 10 mins. from my house as I had said in an earlier post. I've gone the past two nights and am going again tonite plus once next week when I'm also doing a meet and greet with the band. These guys were the first major influence on my musical taste and Dino Danelli the first of many drum idols. The show was exceptional . They played over two hours . The multi-media was very well done. They played all their hits and also a lot of great B- sides and tunes which graced their wonderful albums. In short, they delivered - Big Time . But that's not just my opinion. I"m attaching the review from the NY Times which does not give out praise lightly. Supposedly they will be doing a show in Florida on memorial day weekend later this year, but who knows if there may even be more. Woofus are you listening ? I will post some photos next weekend after the meet and greet.



Part Biography, Part Concert: a ’60s Band Reunites

The Rascals at the Capitol Theater


Chad Batka for The New York Times

The Rascals performing "Once Upon a Dream" at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, N.Y., Thursday night.

By JON PARELES

Published: December 14, 2012



PORT CHESTER, N.Y. — For their first public shows in 40 years, the reunited Rascals have returned with an extravaganza: “Once Upon a Dream,” which opened on Thursday night at the Capitol Theater here. It’s described as a BioConcert — “bio” as in biography — by its writer, co-director and co-producer Steven Van Zandt, the garage-rock-loving guitarist of the E Street Band. Like “Beatlemania” if it had had the actual Beatles onstage, “Once Upon a Dream” fondly traces the band’s story with the 1960s very much in view.


A big video screen presents band members’ good-humored (and slightly scripted) reminiscences, and re-enactments with young actors, when it’s not pulsating with light-show splashes, Op-art explosions or archival ’60s moments as the Rascals play. The original four-man band is still alive and stomping.

The Rascals got their start like countless mid-’60s bands, socking out their own versions of current soul hits, but they happened to be considerably better musicians and singers than most. The singer and keyboardist Felix Cavaliere, who came out of classical music and doo-wop; the drummer Dino Danelli, who had played jazz and R&B; and the guitarist Gene Cornish, who was rooted in rockabilly, got together backing Joey Dee, of “Peppermint Twist” fame. They set out as the Young Rascals with the singer Eddie Brigati in 1964, and from 1966 to 1968 they were regularly in the Top 10.

Their music changed rapidly, from garage-soul cover versions — like “Good Lovin’ ” in 1966 — to their own more reflective, jazz-tinged songs, like “Groovin’ ” in 1967 (when the Young Rascals became the Rascals), and to utopian ’60s proclamations like “People Got to Be Free,” in 1968, written after the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Rascals’ songs, largely written by Mr. Cavaliere and Mr. Brigati, were resolutely positive, praising love and freedom without some of the era’s angry undercurrents.

The departures of Mr. Brigati and then Mr. Cornish ended the original lineup by 1972, though Mr. Cavaliere continued to lead his own Rascals a little longer. (The original lineup played together at its 1997 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and for a private 2010 performance organized by Mr. Van Zandt and his wife, Maureen.)

“Once Upon a Dream” tells the happy part of the story, with nuggets like turning down the chance to be produced by Phil Spector, and being skeptical about spoken words in pop songs — long before hip-hop — when recording “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore,” which had spoken verses, in 1964.

But the narrative sensibly makes way for the music, and while the band is augmented by a few backup singers and musicians, the Rascals don’t hide behind them. Mr. Cornish’s guitar retains its garage-rock aggression, though he also tossed off jazzy chords and, in “Sueño,” flamenco lines. Mr. Danelli’s beats sound heftier through modern equipment, and Mr. Cavaliere’s voice is still exultant. Mr. Brigati had to strain at times, but even then, the songs carried him toward standing ovations.

The show doesn’t dwell on why the Rascals fractured for 40 years; it leaves the on-screen actors to mention drugs, lawsuits and unhelpful management. “Once Upon a Dream” is ’60s nostalgia with a wistful smile and the Rascals’ perpetually upbeat messages. Its finale is “See,” the title song from a 1969 Rascals album, with a big soul backbeat and a twangy guitar riff as the band sings, “Things ain’t like they used to be/Love’s the only thing I see !



[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Rascal10[/img]



Peace, TED

http://www.drumminfool.com

2GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Sun Dec 16, 2012 4:39 pm

Ted E. Bear

Ted E. Bear

Here's another Review :

Dec 14, 2012Concert Review: The Rascals Reunion: Capitol Theater- Portchester, New York
Once Upon A Dream is a multimedia / concert reuniting the original sixties Rascals line up. The show was put together & produced by Steve Van Zandt & his wife Maureen. It features a huge video back drop with an incredible video / light show put together brilliantly by Marc Brickman (the Wall / Paul McCartney).

The experience combined video footage showing the band telling their own individual stories of the Rascals history from its formation to their breakup. Other features included scenes of actors portraying the young Rascals, on the screen while playing out a particular story. This served as an intro to the next song performed by live the group on stage.





At other times the video featured pictures of the band in their heyday, vintage footage of the sixties events & an incredible psychedelic experience of colors & lights. I had seen Ronnie Spector do something similar this summer at City Winery but on a much smaller scale.


This show is more like the Broadway production of Jersey Boys except with the actual band performing! It is a great concept, hats off to Van Zandt for his great production. Hopefully this is a trend that will catch on in the concert scene.

In front of it all, the Rascals were the real show. They played an excellent concert, a fantastic performance with a video musical journey backdrop.

The Rascals led by Felix Cavaliere, an Italian /American from Pelham, New York who plays the organ & does most of the lead vocals. Cavaliere was the group's main song writer along with his writing partner Eddie Brigati. The band had no bass player, much like Ray Manzarek of the Doors, Cavaliere would play the bass notes on his organ.

With his original material, Cavaliere took the Rascals from being a top New York / New Jersey/ Long Island cover band, to one of the most successful American acts of the late sixties. The group had three number one singles, six top ten hits & twelve top forty hits from the period of 1965 to 1970.

Eddie Brigati (an Italian /American wise guy type from Garfield, New Jersey) also sings some lead vocals, plays tambourine & maracas.

Dino Danelli (another Italian /American street kid from Jersey City) is on drums & has been called one of rock's most unappreciated drummers. Besides the Rascals he has played with Little Steven & the Disciples as well as a young Jimi Hendrix & Lionel Hampton in the early sixties. Danelli was very impressive on the drums, as he did a real fine job.


Gene Cornish is the bands accomplished guitarist, originally from Ontario & the only non Italian in the band. The Rascals were joined on stage by Mark Prentice (bass & assistant musical producer) Mark Alexander (keyboards) & three backing vocalist (Angela Clemmons, Dennis Collins & Sharon Bryant).

It was the Opening night of a highly anticipated reunion which features six nights at the Capitol Theater in Portchester, New York.


History: The Capitol Theater originally opened in 1926, it eventually became a play house, movie house & in the sixties a rock venue. Traffic, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead all have performed at the Capitol.

The theater was then closed in 1976 & left to fall apart. It was revived in the early eighties for various events through the years & in Fall of 2012 it has reopened its doors for concerts. It is a good venue, with a lot of leg room, good size seats, a good sound system & pretty good views of the large stage.

The parking isn't as bad as I thought, I got a space on the street two blocks away but was there a few hours before the show. There are municipal lots around the theater as well. It is a busy town with a lot of traffic on its small streets at the rush hour. Portchester has become a bit trendy in a Westchester style, with a bunch of restaurants popping up in the last few years. Although off the beaten path, we ate at Batagli / Bastanavich's Tarry lodge which was excellent (pumpkin Ravioli & an awesome Osso Buco). All in all a good night out.

I admit, I am not the biggest Rascals fan it was more for my significant other & a chance to hang out with my lifelong friend; WFUV's Darren Devivo. They were all into it & I do love concerts so it was off to digging into the Rascals library. It's hard to remember how many songs these guys actually have that you know & are familiar with.


They have done an incredible job of recreating their music and the vocals were phenomenal. It was a much better show than I anticipated & it certainly made the crowd happy. There were some great psychedelic parts to the show, complete with music & visual effects on the video screen. I think that was my favorite parts since I am a huge fan of sixties psychedelic music, we need more of that in today's world!

Of course they brought the house to its feet with the big hits; Good Lovin, Groovin' I've Been Lonley Too Long & It's Beautiful Morning.


Before one of their biggest hits, Cavaliere noted how much prejudice there was geared toward his mother, being an Italian while living in Pelham, New York. He vowed from then on to never be prejudice against anyone & it became a strong point of the band on social issues. This led to the writing of one of the Rascals biggest songs: People Got To Be Free.



Approximate Set List:

The Rascals at the Capitol Theater (12/13/12)

It's Wonderful
I've Been Lonely Too Long
What Is the Reason
You Better Run
Carry Me Back
Slow Down (Beatles cover)
Mickeys Monkey
Turn On Your Love Light
Come On Up
Baby Lets Wait
Too Many Fish In The Sea
If You Knew
Hold On
I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore
Good Lovin'
Love Is A Beautiful Thing
Groovin'
Do You Feel It
It's A Beautiful Morning
Sueno
Find Somebody
A Girl Like You
It's Love
How Can I Be Sure
People Got To Be Free
Heaven
See
A Ray of Hope


Some photos from last night:






[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Rascal11[/img]



[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Rascal12[/img]


[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Rascal13[/img]



Peace, TED

http://www.drumminfool.com

3GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Sun Dec 16, 2012 9:48 pm

Asaph

Asaph

Sure sounds like you had a great time(s). I'm amazed they can still hit the high notes, apparently. One of the great "hook" bands of all time. I was mentioning your seeing the band to my wife and she couldn't remember any Rascals songs. So, I began singing some and she kept saying, THAT's a Rascals song? I didn't know that."

http://drumsinhisheart.weebly.com

4GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:36 am

Ted E. Bear

Ted E. Bear


Felix's voice still has the same range he's always had . Eddie struggled here and there but overall did a good job. They dropped the keys on some of the songs but most folks wouldn't be able to tell that. The backup vocalists filled perfectly and provided a strong gospel feel to those Rascal songs which called for that .

My wife was surprised when they played How Can I Be Sure as she didn't know that was one of their songs either . LOL

I met Dave Brigati , who sang on their first 4 albums but wasn't credited until the 4th, briefly at the end of the show, and he told me they are considering doing more shows . I think they would surprise a lot of people and hope that happens.

Peace, TED

http://www.drumminfool.com

5GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Sat Dec 22, 2012 8:40 pm

Ted E. Bear

Ted E. Bear

Went to see them the 4th time on Friday night ! Every night has been great but this night had a special beginning ............


[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Ted_wi10[/img]



Here are some shots from Friday night taken by my friend Jim Weeks:

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3010[/img]



[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3011[/img]

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3012[/img]

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3110[/img]

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3111[/img]

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3112[/img]

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3113[/img]

[img]GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Img_3114[/img]



Peace, TED

http://www.drumminfool.com

6GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Tue Dec 25, 2012 7:17 am

Asaph

Asaph

I have to ask. How did you get your pic with the band?

I would never have recognized Eddie.

http://drumsinhisheart.weebly.com

7GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Tue Dec 25, 2012 1:43 pm

woofus

woofus

Asaph, Ted's been places most people didn't know were places. Best not to know. I asked the same question once and what he told me gave me really weird dreams for three years and a permanent hickey people mistake for a tattoo. Basketball

Listening? Everyone here knows I'm a better listener than player. Merriest to all.

Jingle Bells, outdoor gig: http://www.myspace.com/music/player?sid=60260088&ac=now

http://www.myspace.com/jazzstream23

8GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Tue Dec 25, 2012 9:58 pm

Ted E. Bear

Ted E. Bear


Too funny Keith !


to answer your question Asaph, they had a meet and greet option which we paid for. At least initially. It was supposed to include admittance to the soundcheck, a presentation about the effects being used in the show by Marc Brickman, and also an after-show party at the Capitol bar where they would provide finger food with a cash bar.

the day before the show, I got a call from the promoters who told me that the Rascal management would now be handling the meet and greet and the presentation and after show events were being cancelled but the meet and greet was still on. So they refunded my money, but I still got to meet the boys, spend a few minutes with them, and get some albums signed. They also gave all of us a large poster already signed by all of them.

the Rascals were warm and friendly and it was a thrill for me to meet my first drumming idol Dino . There are now some clips up on youtube if you want to hear what they sounded like,

Peace, TED

http://www.drumminfool.com

9GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Thu Dec 27, 2012 7:59 am

Asaph

Asaph

Oh, the meet and greet. You did mention that in a previous post. Brain freeze. Sorry.

I looked at youtube the other day for any vids of the Rascal's shows. Didn't see any. I'll look again.

http://drumsinhisheart.weebly.com

10GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Empty Re: GOT MY EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ! Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:25 am

Ted E. Bear

Ted E. Bear


Here's one . It' s got excerpts and runs about 30 mins. You can skip the intro which is about the shows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPXRC7Jj6lE

Or you can just type in Rascals capitol theatre

Peace, TED

http://www.drumminfool.com

Sponsored content



Back to top  Message [Page 1 of 1]

Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum