FIREFALL Concert Review:
The third time may be the charm, but I hit the charm three times in a row at The Kate in two weeks. First, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, second Gary Lewis and The Playboys and now FIREFALL. Moving into the 1970s when Firefall originated, I sit in the midst of very dedicated fans who throughout tonight will be LOUD and ACTIVE.
Let me introduce the band …
Jim Waddell on keyboards, sax, and flute; Steven Weinmeister on guitar and front vocals; John Bisaha on drums, Sandy Ficca on bass and front vocals; and Jock Bartley on guitar, lead vocals and who has been with the band since 1974. As they start, I write the comments "fantastic sound" and "solid harmonies".
Wikipedia's blurb says: "Firefall is an American soft rock band that formed in Boulder, Colorado, in 1974.[1] It was founded by Rick Roberts, former member of the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Jock Bartley, who had been Tommy Bolin's replacement in Zephyr. Other members have included Mark Andes, Larry Burnett, David Muse, and Michael Clarke, the latter also formerly of the Flying Burrito Brothers and an original member of the Byrds." Firefall (or someone who is advertising for them) are terming them Country Rock. As a teacher whose students do not fall into one category, I say, "Whatever, as long as there are people who listen and love your music".
The music of Firefall is rock with story-telling lyrics. 'Cinderella' is a woeful tale about a boy who woos and loves and leaves when obligations arise. He regrets this later in life and wonders how his child grew up and were they taken care of. Reading online, I see that many listeners feel sorry for him and forgive him. EH! Unless he spent the rest of his life finding this girl and her child and crawling on bended knee to apologize, I'm not that compassionate. 'You Are the Woman' is an opposite angle. Even if this man and woman did not stay together, he praised her and told her so. Read these lyrics and the others of their songs.
Livin' Ain't Livin'
Just Remember I Love You
It Doesn't Matter
So Long
Cinderella
Sweet and Sour
You're Gonna Lose That Girl - Yep, The Beatles! And Steve even wore a Revolver shirt!
Long Train Runnin’ - a little Doobie Bros.
Goodbye, I Love You
You Are The Woman - Arguably my favorite ... Always loved the flute solos
Strange Way
Mexico
Jock had a great story about 'Mexico'. He had no idea what he was going to play for the guitar/horns battle. They started recording and he winged it. The recording booth said WONDERFUL! THAT WAS GREAT! Jock didn't think so. "Let me try it again. I think I can do better." NO! came from the recording booth. "Come on, give me another shot." NO! again from the control booth. Ok, he gives up. puts down his guitar and goes into the booth where the first person he sees is his guitar hero, Eric Clapton. Turning to mush, he accepted that the only take of 'Mexico' was the one that would be released.
September is the last month of summer, and I have six concerts planned. SIX!! Yeah ... be jealous!
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
NE Correspondent
Forgotten Hits
We have seen Firefall several times now, usually as part of a three group line-up where Firefall are always the opening act. In each and every case, they have far outshone the headliners. That’s where they really belong. They deserve to be "The Main Attraction!" Glad you got to see them as the “stars of the show.” (“Strange Way” has always been my favorite.) kk
