It was the intimate setting of The Rabbit Hole that welcomed the Andy Timmons Band to Charlotte this past Saturday night. Not even the pouring rains from Hurricane Matthew kept a small but appreciative group of fans from heading out to check out the show.
Led by guitarist Andy Timmons and his signature Ibanez, the band is out in support of their latest album “Theme From A Perfect World.” Rounding out the trio is long time bassist Mike Daane and drummer Rob Avsharian. With an all instrumental set, Andy and company treated the Charlotte audience to an evening of soulful music with a classic 60’s and 70’s rock edge. Amidst the dim lights of The Rabbit Hole, the band took control of the stage from the moment they stepped up on it. There is something special about seeing live music in a smaller club without all the distractions that come with an arena setting. The three men up on the stage came to do what they do best and their love for the music shined through. Andy let his fingers do the talking as he ran through songs from the new record with “Ascension” being a beautiful and uplifting piece as well as “Winterland.” Someone in the crowd kept yelling out for “FreeBird” and Andy laughed saying that they’ve played it before and that you couldn’t scare them, although this time he did not oblige. It was easy to get lost in the music and just appreciate what was going on before you. One fan in particular kept making his appreciation known in a very loud way and Andy took it in stride joking that he was going to put him in his pocket for the rest of the tour and take him out whenever he needed a boost. The most entertaining part of the evening was a boisterous ride through a jam session on “Farmer Sez” with full audience participation. During the jam, drummer Rob Avsharian was urged to play faster and faster and faster according to how fast the audience was chanting. It was a real showcase for Rob and his talents behind the kit did not go unnoticed. Playing together for so many years, Timmons and Daane have an automatic relationship on stage feeding off each other’s energy and anticipating each other’s moments like a well oiled machine.
The highlight of the show of course was the sweet, soulful guitar of Andy Timmons. Not only is he technically superb, but Andy’s style of playing lends itself to evoking passion and emotion not only from himself but everyone who’s within listening range. It was a great evening for true music lovers who witnessed some of the magic that can happen when talented musicians with a true passion for their craft take the stage. It was clear that the feelings were mutual as all three members of the band stayed well after their set was over to take pictures with the fans and sign autographs. If you are truly passionate for live music, the Andy Timmons Band is a must see when they swing through your town.
Set List:
Ascension
Electric Gypsy
Deliver Us
Winterland
That Day Came
Cry For You
Theme From a Perfect World
Farmer Sez
On Your Way Sweet Soul
We would like to thank Amanda Cagan from ABC Public Relations for the credentials to review the show.
