Not sure if you were asking for or offering a translation, so I'm posting one...
I'd sure apprciate it, if you could improve mine. I should point out that 'Spanish' Spanish has different
quirks, insinuations and cultural references than a Filipino might be accustomed to... so again, I'd
appreciate any corrections.
-=-=-=-
Only a little over a year has passed since the last visit of Journey to our country, for the first time in its history.
However, since then there have been changes, one particularlly important, in that a new vocalist has joined
their ranks after the perhaps inappropriate dismissal of vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. One recalls that Soto joined the
band to replace Journey's vocalist for almost a decade, Steve Augeri: a permanence that Soto would nowhere
near match, as his own time with the band lasted barely a year.
Text and Photos by Barbara Hernandez
But, as the saying goes "a king dies, a king is crowned" and in less time than a rooster's crowing;
or as was in (Journey's) case , in less than three months, wherein they'd managed to find a replacement.
Since the earlier method (of auditioning) had not given the expected result, their searching was
modernized, using the video portal "YouTube" to find a new singer.
Thus have we got to the point where we are: the first of a new concert tour that will serve to promote
both their latest studio work and (their sound) with new Filipino vocalist Arnel Pineda, who is the voice
featured in their new CD called " Revelation. "
With English punctuality, exactly at 21:00 at night, as announced, the lights were shut down in the hall
and the show began. The opening chords of "Majestic" started the show. Continuing, they introduced a
new anthem, "Never Walk Away." Arnel came on with gusto, too euphoric I would say, without stopping
for a second as he jumped and hefted the mic stand. After this first contact, they played the classic,
"Separate Ways" where we could begin to appreciate what Arnel's voice brought to the classic songs.
As an anecdote, we hope they will improve over time and will not be repeat (mistakes) such as when
Pineda started singing early, to which Cain was attentive and stopped him, revisiting the intro to continue.
I would note that until at least the fourth song, the sound was not quite crisp at times, annoying me a bit.
The piano sometimes wasn't audible, and even the voice of Arnel did not reach me at times. But after
"Stone In Love" things began improving.
Best as always, were Schon and Castronovo.
Schon because his emotive guitar playing was impressive, leaving nothing left to say.
Castronovo delighted the crowd, although he did not star tonight as on other occasions when he interpreted,
as lead vocalist, the band's signature songs, such as "Faithfully" or "Mother Father." This this time he sang a
single song, "Keep On Running." In any case, this man is an artist, overloaded with talent.
On the other hand, Cain and Valory, seemed a bit tired, especially Cain.
Valory, because he did a full repertoire of Calatrava-esque (tortured) squinting. Still Cain did not lose sight
of Pineda for even one minute, as if tailing him, as I commented several times during the night.
There was a set of about twenty songs, which some described as short, but that lasted 1 hour 40 minutes,
and it should be noted that the songs were closely spaced. Perhaps there were too many songs from the
new disc, which incidentally almost nobody here knew, for the album had not been more than two days
available, something that contributed to less interest in the concert, on the part of the public.
In truth is, they threw out songs like "Who's crying now", in favour of the new recordings. The (setlist) was
what they brought and is what we got. At least they performed the (new songs?) to perfection, ensuring
that their latest work will be followed by more.
Overall, I would say that the concert was "correct", but then, one expects no less from true professionals.
Obviously it could not be perfect, and maybe that will have to wait for when Arnel Pineda perfectly fits into
the band (and vice versa), and takes a fairer share in (determining) the band's direction, etc.., We must
not forget that he has only done a handful of concerts with Journey. In that time the quality of his vocals
has been superb, matching the (crowd's) sentiment when interpreting the classics; but perhaps also lack
a bit of tranquility for (certain moments), but not for that man, and the truth is that no euphoria is too much
for a band as Journey .
For all that, this should lead to the band forging ahead. Hopefully they succeed, with your support of course…
Text and Photos by Barbara Hernandez
Set-list Journey - June 8 - The Chamber Riviera @ Madrid:
1.-Intro [Majestic]
2.-Never Walk Away
3.-Separate Ways
4.-Solo guitar
5.-Stone In Love
6.-change for the better
7.-Ask The Lonely
8.-Wheel In The Sky
9.-Keep On Runnin '
10.-Edge Of The Blade
11.-After All These Years
12.-Lights
13.-Solo Piano
14.-Open Arms
15.-Instrumental [The Journey (Revelation)]
16.-Escape
17.-Only The Young
18.-faithfully
19.-Wildest Dreams
20.-Don 't Stop Believin'
21.-Anyway You Want It
Encore:
22.-Be Good To Yourself
23.-Lovin 'Touchin' Squeezin '
-=-=-=-
Again, I'd appreciate someone correcting my Spanish where needed
It seems to me that the reviewer is miffed that his favorite ballad was left off the setlist,
and wants a lead vocalist who truly LEADS the band, rather than one who is so closely
and obviously monitored (controlled?) by Jon Cain.
-wech
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 10:24 pm