The BPO took the backstage position to the guest band as a smoke machine filled the air with a fine mist. Parsons, decked out in a bright blue blazer along with the band took the stage to wild applause and a few hoots and hollers from the eager crowd.
The first chords of “Luciferama” brought some concert goers to their feet to clap along to the instrumental track. This crowd was obviously ready for a good time and Parsons did not disappoint.
From a platform at center stage, Parsons directed his expert band through hits like “Time”, “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You” and the five part “Turn of a Friendly Card”. Vocalist P. J. Olsson handled lead vocals with a haunting, soaring voice that has few equals. Guitarist Alastair Greene combined the sound of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck on blazing solos and spot on playing. Bassist Guy Erez popped and looped lead bass lines all night. Parsons has done himself a big favor by selecting a backing group of expert players that played the wide variety of the night’s music with ease. Parsons himself took lead vocals on a few songs, but was happy to play rhythm guitar all night from his platform while his band shined. BPO Guest Conductor Tom Brooks meshed the orchestra perfectly with the band and brought the live sound of Buffalo’s best classical musicians in harmony with Parsons music.
The second half of the show featured more hits like “Limelight”, “Sirius” and the biggest hit “Eye in the Sky”. With standing ovations after almost every song, the faithful crowd sang along, clapped and stomped with heated enthusiasm on a cold Buffalo night. An encore of “Old & Wise” and “Games People Play” ended the evening with the crowd, band and BPO all on their feet. Kleinhans has been the site of many a perfect evening and this one will be remembered for a long time.
Setlist:
Luciferama
Damned if I Do
Don’t Answer Me
Breakdown/Raven*
Time
I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You
Turn of a Friendly Card (Suite)
a. TOFC Part 1
b. Snake Eyes*
c. The Ace of Swords
d. Nothing Left to Lose*
e. TOFC Part3
-Intermission-
Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether*
Silence and I
Limelight
In the Real World
Fragile
What Goes Up
Prime Time*
Sirius
Eye In The Sky
Encore:
Old & Wise
Games People Play
We would like to thank Susan M. Schwartz Director of Marketing and Communications for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for the credentials to review the show.
