Frampton and the Doobies Rock Twin River
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Frampton and the Doobies Rock Twin River
The Doobie Brothers
After a tight opening set from 19 year old blues-rock guitarist Mathew Curry, the Doobies took the stage. The band, who topped the charts in the 1970s, put on a thirteen song clinic of mostly classics, sprinkled with a couple of new tunes from their recent release World Gone Crazy.
Opening with the classic rock staple, “Jesus is Just Alright,” the band was spot-on throughout the set. Other than a botched song introduction by founding member Tom Johnston (who was quickly forgiven by the appreciative crowd), the boys put on a flawless, if somewhat predictable, show.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNext up were hits “Rockin’ Down the Highway” and “Depending on You.” Although it took a few songs, the crowd rose to its feet for the first sing-a-long of the night, “Black Water,” an ode to the city of New Orleans, and their first #1 hit, recorded in 1974. The song, a swampy cricket-chirping southern blues, highlights their early musical influences.
Rockin’ Down the Hits
It's easy to forget how many FM radio classics this band has produced. From “Listen to the Music,” to “Long Train Runnin’, (without love, where would we be now,)” their songs are a major part of the rock and roll landscape. The band rocked hard on other tunes including Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Don’t Start Me Talkin’” and their original “Takin’ it to the Streets.” Although plagued by an uneven sound mix, the semi-acoustic “South City Midnight Lady,” was as beautiful as always.
The encore, “China Grove,” which features one of the most iconic guitar chord progressions in rock and roll history, is a true ass-grabber of a song. It’s almost as if it was written for Harley Davidson, mirroring the sounds of a bike in heat on the open road. Don’t forget, the Doobies started out as a biker band in the early 1970s. They’ve come a long way since, and it’s great to report that they can still rock the house!
Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton is best known for his record shattering 1976 double LP, Frampton Comes Alive! His poster hung on teenage bedroom walls across America that year, the mark of a bona fide superstar. Even before his solo breakthrough, he was a well-respected guitarist, noted studio musician, and a leader of British rock band Humble Pie.
His set included several from the blockbuster album, starting with “Doobie Wah,” a song he admitted sounded like a rip off of the Doobie Brothers, who he joked never sued him. Frampton’s a master of guitar effects, especially the wah-wah pedal, so popular is his heyday. A deeper cut from the classic album, “Lines on my Face,” featuring complex guitar soloing was next.
Frampton Comes Alive
The pre-July 4th fireworks began with “Show Me the Way,” his biggest hit from the seminal album. On the song, he introduced the famed talk box guitar effect to the delight of those assembled. Later, he charmed on “Baby I Love Your Way,” an acoustic anthem in a sea of electric.
He’s put together a great band which includes his original bassist Stanley Sheldon along with ace guitarist Adam Lester who traded licks with Frampton on an instrumental version of Soundgarden’s “Black Eyed Son.” Next came the “made for arena rock” anthem “Do You Feel Like We Do.” The song is an extended romp through a variety of musical genres, and the crowd witnessed Frampton’s guitar venturing into jazz and blues territory.
Frampton closed with his old friend’s hit “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a song he has covered on and off throughout his career. The backstory is that Frampton was in the studio when George Harrison and the Beatles originally recorded the classic. It was a beautiful end to a great night of rock and roll.
The Venue
Twin River has shown it can fill seats, a wide variety of events are scheduled here. So with all the energy invested in gaming, perhaps it's time to consider a proper concert arena at the venue. You can find them at the Connecticut casinos, and an appropriate arena in Lincoln would further enhance the experience and likely bring in more national acts. Just a thought from a concertgoer sitting in what feels like an outdated ballroom.
Along these lines, the show production was barely adequate. There was only one camera operating for the large screen projection. And the Doobies set in particular was plagued by sound problems, an unfortunate reality at a venue not specifically designed for concerts. The artists and fans deserve better!
Ken Abrams reviews roots, rock and blues for GoLocal. Click here to e-mail him.
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