Beautiful old theater with a kinda art deco feel to it. Maybe 800 sets and not very full, unfortunately. The first set was pure blues. 4 piece band with Prarie and Kas putting down the rhythm and Jesse accompanying Todd. No Utopia or TR songs. Seemed as if most of these standards, if not all, were Robert Johnson tunes that were broke down and re-arranged. Todd solos were incendiary and his voice sounded spot on.
A brief intermission and it was time for the main event. From the opening strains of International Feel to the closing of JOV it was an aural and visual delight. Enough costume changes by Todd to make Cher go green with envy. The band seems to be very challenged by this music as there was very little interaction between the players, just pure concentration and it was validated by the accuracy with which they played. The faithful spent time between sitting and getting up to dance, but everyone got on their feet at Bobby’s request during Cool Jerk. At this point we were all whipped into a frenzy and most of us just grooved the rest of the way. Sound quality was very good but the lighting seemed to lack the wow factor that was in place in all other aspects.
After having read so many rave reviews and, in particular, from my friend who turned me onto Todd 35 years or so ago I knew I had to make this trek. I am sooooo glad I made this trip. This show is a MUST SEE for any Todd fans.
Peter Chalverus Columbus, NJ
