The list of active performers from the British Invasion is dwindling, so when an opportunity arises to see a performer the likes of Ray Davies, it is quite a treat. Davies was in good humor Sunday night, performing a variety of Kinks classics on acoustic guitar and backed with the Los Angeles based, indie rock band known as ‘The 88,’ who also doubled as the opening act.
Ray Davie’s show was partially reminiscent of his appearance on VH1’s premiere episode of “Storytellers.” Sitting on a stool and gently strumming his Ovation acoustic, Davies opened with a beautiful rendition of “I Need You,” a 1965 “B-Side to the song “Set Me Free.”
The acoustic set continued with more Kinks classics like “Waterloo Sunset,” and “See My Friends.” Davies spent a good deal of time talking up his latest album that features duets of Kinks classics with a variety of performers. He also interacted with the fans that randomly shouted out sophomoric sayings, taking it all in stride like the true professional that he is. While the acoustic section was marvelous, the transition into the electric portion of the show was nothing short of spectacular. The 88 proved to be up to the task of backing Davies on Kinks classics like “‘Til the End of the Day” and “All Day and All of the Night.” The transition into the electric portion began with “20th Century Man,” which started out acoustic and launched into a stellar electrified version that brought the house to their feet.
Davies made a few references to his brother Dave, and even asked the crowd to give Dave a hand for his work on “You Really Got Me,” after which Ray smiled and said, “he wasn’t that good.” The audience seemed to know every word to even the most obscure Kinks songs and Davies encouraged the faithful to join in at every opportunity.
It was a great night for longtime fans of the band, and Ray Davies proved why he remains one of the most respected songwriters ever.
Set List:
I Need You (The Kinks cover)
I’m Not Like Everyone Else (The Kinks cover)
Sunny Afternoon (The Kinks cover)
Dedicated Follower of Fashion (The Kinks cover)
Waterloo Sunset (The Kinks cover)
See my Friends (The Kinks cover)
A Long Way from Home (The Kinks cover)
20th Century Man (The Kinks cover)
The Hard Way (The Kinks cover)
David Watts (The 88 on vocals) (The Kinks cover)
This is Where I Belong (The Kinks cover)
Nothing in the World Can Stop Me Worrying About That Girl (The Kinks cover)
Too Much on my Mind (The Kinks cover)
Till the End of the Day (The Kinks cover)
All Day and All of the Night (The Kinks cover)
Misfits (The Kinks cover)
Full Moon (The Kinks cover)
This Time Tomorrow (The Kinks cover)
Encores:
Celluloid Heroes (The Kinks cover)
You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
Photos by Gus Griesinger
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt from UB for the reviewer tickets and Jodi Thomas from Universal Music for the photo pass for the show.
