Journey's Darien Lake Concert Review

[yak]

I wasn't at that concert, but I haven't seen a review of it here so I thought I'd post it.... Eric, didn't you say you were going? How about adding your comments?


http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20 ... 007771.asp

Journey's Darien Lake concert showcases its jam band style
By BRIAN CONNOLLY
News Staff Reviewer
8/17/2005


Meet Journey.

No, no, no.

Not the Journey you remember from the prom, your cousin's wedding and that sappy request show on the radio every night.

Meet the other Journey.

This one is a jam band that believes vocals should take a back seat to powerful guitar solos and meaningful interplay between talented musicians. But don't worry. That other side, the hit machine that packed stadiums in the 1980s and sold millions of albums, is still alive and sounding as good as ever, much to the pleasure of a large crowd at Six Flags Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday night.

As late-arriving fans still filed in, the group launched into the instrumental "Kohoutek," a song from the group's eponymous 1975 debut album that features searing guitar work from Neal Schon. Moving right into "Of a Lifetime," Schon clearly loved taking center stage as his massive riffs were again showcased, with keyboardist Jonathan Cain handling vocals. Those songs, from the group's early work before the addition of since-departed lead singer Steve Perry, were proof positive that Journey always rocked - perhaps more so before Perry than after. In fact, late arrivals to the show would be forgiven if they checked their ticket stubs to make sure they had the right night, as this work bore little resemblance to the pop hits that brought Journey worldwide recognition.

"That's the new, old Journey," bassist Ross Valory joked after the powerful opening.

"I'm Gonna Leave You" - with a guitar refrain borrowed by Kansas on "Carry on My Wayward Son" - "Nickel and Dime" and "Mystery Mountain" continued the voyage through the group's early work. The first set felt like a history lesson, with members chiming in about how each piece fits in the Journey catalog. This was interesting for a diehard fan, but perhaps a little too much information for those pining for more familiar fare.

That fare tends to come from the era that included Perry, who joined the group in 1977 and fronted it during its most popular period. With him on lead vocals, the group cranked out hits and record sales soared. The alliance remained intact for a successful run that lasted until 1986's "Raised on Radio." After a decade apart, the group re-formed for 1996's "Trial by Fire."

An ailing Perry delayed a planned reunion tour, until the group decided to wait no more. They picked up Steve Augeri, hit the road again, kept making new music and never looked back. Augeri has a look and vocal style similar to Perry's, but it's unfair to expect his renditions to duplicate the haunting highs of his predecessor. After all, the majority of those trademark tunes were written for, and in many cases by, Perry. This was clear on "Faithfully," where the new guy just didn't have the ability to add nuance to those memorable screams of "I'm forever yours." Nonetheless, he did justice to the fast-paced "Don't Stop Believin' " and the high-energy "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," which wrapped up the second set.

With no opening act, Tuesday's whirlwind tour through Journey's past and present gave evidence that there's a future. As the group celebrates 30 years of trying new things, no matter what the personnel, it's clear that in Schon's deft hands, you'll bump into the new Journey again.

e-mail: bconnolly@buffnews.com

[Eric]

That was a great review, however the Rochester one was only so-so..although so-so is actually good for that critic.

Despite it being a tuesday night, and an early start time, just one band,, etc. about 5,000 strong turned out. By the end of the first set the crowd was starting to get into it, and the singing along was cool to hear echoing in the amphitheatre.

The Pre-Perry tunes sounded great, much better than I thought they might. And while the crowd wasn't "into" them, they seemed to appreciate the quality at least. The songs really had a much greater punch live than on the album.

Castronovo provided outstanding vocals, particularly on "Where were you". Augeri seem to have a good night, although it sounded like Castronovo took some of the high note duties we have heard about recently. P

er usual, Schon stole the show throughout with mesmerizing licks that can't help but put you in a great mood.

Cain's intro to Open Arms was beautiful as usual.

They played the 3 cuts of Generations that they have been playing, and although I am not a big fan of "Every Generation" - it did sound pretty good live. "Faith in the Heartland" is absolutely dynamic live - I cannot wait to hear it again at the SPAC show. The heaviness of "Out of Harms Way" seem to actually surprise a lot of people, but it walks the fine line of rocking out yet still sounding like Journey.

The CD's were given away in a very efficient manner. Journeyville is a tent and a motorcycle.

The setlist was pretty much the same as we've been seeing, however, I'm not sure "Who's Cryin Now" has been played at most shows, and it was here. As much as I love Schon, I really think they need to whack "Voodoo Chile" from the setlist. Probably "Walks like a Lady" too. Play some new stuff, like "Higher Place", "Remember Me" and "Place in your heart" instead?

All in all, I would rank this the 2nd best Journey show I've attended...out of around 10. The best is still the Arrival show at the SPAC in 2001. With the same energy at a better venue (SPAC) and a few tweaks on the setlist...this could top that and ACDC as my favorite shows of all-time.

[NealIsGod]

All in all, I would rank this the 2nd best Journey show I've attended...out of around 10. The best is still the Arrival show at the SPAC in 2001. With the same energy at a better venue (SPAC) and a few tweaks on the setlist...this could top that and ACDC as my favorite shows of all-time.

Wow, high praise for the current lineup. What Perry shows did you see?

[Rockindeano]

All in all, I would rank this the 2nd best Journey show I've attended...out of around 10. The best is still the Arrival show at the SPAC in 2001. With the same energy at a better venue (SPAC) and a few tweaks on the setlist...this could top that and ACDC as my favorite shows of all-time.

Wow, high praise for the current lineup. What Perry shows did you see?

Nealisgod, where did you get that picture of Perryfaithful and HOTS? HOTS looks like she is stunned...PF sure has a strange shaped head. Thanks, I haven't seen pics of PF before...HOTS looks like she just had a flea bath.

[Red13JoePa]

Aw boy. Chaney up to the ol' tricks! Pretending the heads are Phil Martelli.

[Rockindeano]

:lol: Aw boy. Chaney up to the ol' tricks! Pretending the heads are Phil Martelli.

Dude, I hate Don Chaney. I despise him. He is a racist..towards white guys, IMO. Stop calling me that, or I am changing that avatar(YOURS) to something that will make you cringe, and I mean cringe...

And people, trust me. I can do it..I've done it before.

[NealIsGod]

:lol: Aw boy. Chaney up to the ol' tricks! Pretending the heads are Phil Martelli.

Dude, I hate Don Chaney. I despise him. He is a racist..towards white guys, IMO. Stop calling me that, or I am changing that avatar(YOURS) to something that will make you cringe, and I mean cringe...

And people, trust me. I can do it..I've done it before.

You have hacking abilities that we don't know about?

[Red13JoePa]

Thinks he's omniscient.

"Ima send a good ol' fashion GOON out there." ---RocknDeano referring to the Neamiah Ingram-St Joes affaire.....

Yet another parallel. Deano likes puck, which is replete with goonery, Chaney tosses a goon reference out (ref. to his own player!!!).

[yak]

Wow, Thanks for your input, Eric! Sounds like it was a great night...from all directions.

With no opening act, Tuesday's whirlwind tour through Journey's past and present gave evidence that there's a future. As the group celebrates 30 years of trying new things, no matter what the personnel, it's clear that in Schon's deft hands, you'll bump into the new Journey again.

Sums it up quite nicely, doesn't it?

[Rockindeano]

Wow, Thanks for your input, Eric! Sounds like it was a great night...from all directions.

With no opening act, Tuesday's whirlwind tour through Journey's past and present gave evidence that there's a future. As the group celebrates 30 years of trying new things, no matter what the personnel, it's clear that in Schon's deft hands, you'll bump into the new Journey again.

Sums it up quite nicely, doesn't it?

What are you guys reading? Soleshit claims Journey is tired and stale...time for a new direction!!