Great White visited the new hidden secret between Darien Lake Amphitheater and Infinity Night Club in Akron, NY, this past Wednesday night. It’s called Braun’s Concert Cove. This is the first official rock show The Cove has hosted and judging by the initial results, this maybe the place to be this summer. A few things need to be reworked (as is the case when anything new opens up) but overall, it seems like a great place to enjoy one of the long list of shows coming up. Go to http://b2bconcertsny.com/ for info on future shows.
Now let’s get back to the music, Great White (without Jack Russell) played Braun’s with the band’s official lead vocalist Terry Illous (also XYZ vocalist) in tow. Fresh off their latest release “Elation,” and first release with Illous, the band took the stage to a much appreciative crowd. The band didn’t disappoint with the set list, as all of the hits were played along with a couple tunes from “Elation” thrown in for good measure: “(I’ve Got) Something for You” and “Lowdown.” The new tunes were right in the ballpark of Illous’s vocal range and they came off great being played live.
Michael Lardie, the ever so versatile one, bounced between keyboards, guitar and harmonica (during “Rock Me”). Mark Kendall, one of the more underrated guitar players to emerge out of the 1980s “hair metal” heyday, still showed his proficiency behind the six string. Kendall still can deliver the goods and did so with “Big Goodbye” ‘House of Broken Love.” After hearing him live, it still makes you long for the days of the guitar solo. Audie Desbrow continues to be the backbone of the band along with bass player Scott Snyder who rounds out the 2102 version of the band.
Illous struggled with the higher registered notes in the beginning of the set and especially on the songs “Face the Day” and “House of Broken Love.” It seems he settled in more as the set went on, but fans must know that he is now an official band member and not just a singer for hire. Illous is a great addition and carries the new songs. He also exudes an immense likability. He is one of the true good guys in rock but it should be noted that when singing most of the classic Great white songs, he does not have anywhere near the capabilities of Russell during his heyday. He delivers the songs differently and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Set List:
Desert Moon
Lad Red Light
Face the Day
(I’ve Got) Something for You
House of Broken Love
Save Your Love
Lowdown
Mista Bone
Big Goodbye
Back to the Rhythm
Encore:
Can’t Shake It
Once Bitten Twice Shy
We would like to thank Ross Catalino from Back 2 Back Entertainment for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Terry, Michael and Mark conducted before the show.
