Making his third appearance in the Western New York area over the last four years, Ian Hunter and The Rant Band cruised through again bringing their basic no frills rock and roll show to the people. The hearty crowd enjoyed a nearly two hour show that consisted of a retrospect of Ian Hunter’s entire career that has spanned well over four decades. The Rant band consists of Steve Holley on drums, Dennis DiBrizzi on keyboards, Paul Page on bass and Mark Bosch & James Mastro on guitars.
In support of the brand new record that was released last month titled “Fingers Crossed,” the band sounded tight and really stuck to delivering a solid night’s worth of music. Hunter did very little talking and cranked out tune after tune. Each one flowed seamlessly into the next. This included four new tracks. Hunter played various acoustic guitars and switched to play behind his Yamaha organ for five songs, including songs that made Hunter a household name in “Cleveland Rocks” and “All the Way from Memphis.”
The Rant band members were able to stretch out their wings as well. Bosch made his presence felt throughout with his silky and swanky guitar playing. He shined on a solo in the song “The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nuthin’ but the Truth.” Page provided low end vocals on the chorus of “America Spy.” Mastro was very consistent with his playing and also provided the harmonies throughout the set. During “23A, Swan Hill,” the band moved around with a few of the players bypassing their microphones and coming out to the edge of the stage to interact with the crowd some.
At 77 years young, Hunter isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Judging by the crowd’s reaction throughout the show, that’s a good thing!
Setlist:
That’s When the Trouble Starts
Once Bitten Twice Shy (Ian Hunter song)
When I’m President (Ian Hunter song)
Saint
The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nuthin’ but the Truth (Ian Hunter song)
Cleveland Rocks (Ian Hunter song)
All American Alien Boy (Ian Hunter song)
Fingers Crossed
Honaloochie Boogie (Mott the Hoople cover)
Dandy
Just Another Night (Ian Hunter song)
Shruken Heads (Ian Hunter song)
American Spy
Michael Picasso (Ian Hunter song)
Ghosts
23A, Swan Hill (Ian Hunter song)
Sweet Jane (The Velvet Underground cover)
Encore:
All the Way from Memphis (Mott the Hoople cover)
Life
All the Young Dudes cover (David Bowie cover)
Goodnight Irene (Lead Belly cover)
We would like to thank James Mastro for the photo pass to shoot the show.
