CONCERT REVIEW: THE RASCALS
Or should I say The Rascal, as there is only Felix appearing.
They open with a video taken from their Time and Peace Tour of a few years ago. The words, "Blackest White Group" head up a magazine article of almost 60 years past. Yes, many venues expected a black group to show up after listening to their music on radio in the late 60s. They have an R&B blend with rock and jazz ad-libs. I always believe in doing what you feel or what you are musically drawn to at the time. This may just be a reason for the success and durability of so many of our beloved groups.
Do You Feel It
Beautiful Morning
A Girl Like You
Love Is a Beautiful Thing
With a three-piece horn section, two guitars, two keyboards, and a drum set, Felix Cavalieri has really put together an impressive collection of musicians. And yet I am drawn to the video screen which is showing a combination of 60s events along with original video of The Young Rascals at their genesis. This piece is timed so well that each song being performed on this stage has Dino, Gene, Eddie and Felix performing sections of that same piece on the screen. Memorably, I see Dino Danelli flipping and twirling drumsticks and standing up to beat on his drum set for an effective finale. In slow motion, it is evident that Eddie Brigati had no skeleton. He is serpentine with tambourines lifted and swinging about. The obvious focus of these films is the two remaining members: Gene Cornish and Felix Cavalieri, as they were the ones appearing in the Time and Peace Tours.
Slip Away
I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore
Come On Up
Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher
Mustang Sally
Land of 1,000 Dances
Get Ready
Lonely Too Long
How Can I Be Sure
As with the original Rascals, the lead vocals are shared. Keyboards, percussion and guitarists join in leading the band tonight. There is also Felix's jazzy medley signature flowing from one song to another and back again.
Wait a minute! Gene Cornish is being helped onstage to a stool that has been set up front. He is helped into his guitar and picks up a harmonica. Looks as if we will have RascalS after all tonight! Although he looks very pale, his voice is strong and wow! The harmonica solo in Groovin' duplicates the recording to a tee and brings cheers and loud applause from the audience. What a treat to have him join in, even though it is only for the last third of the show. Groovin' is the song that was written to butter up Felix's girlfriend who was constantly spending Friday and Saturday nights alone due to his concert travels.
I don't know why. It may be because I thought Gene could not make it here tonight, but that harmonica has filled my heart with warm remembrances.
My Girl
People Got To Be Free
Oh, Happy Day
Celebrate (Good Times)
Good Lovin'
LaBamba
Wait For the Midnight Hour
As before, the songs become intertwined and ebb and flow into each other. In longer concerts, more improvisation is utilized and for me, it can become excessive. But tonight, with an hour and a half on stage and songs bumping into each other like a train linking together for a profitable transport, I am loving it.
Sometimes shorter is more effective.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
NE Correspondent
Forgotten
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