It was one of those summer nights in Chicago where the swelter (at least outside the theater) does not encourage a lot of exertion. But, despite being deep into what must be a grueling tour, MK and company delivered a powerful show for a very, very enthusiastic crowd.
The setting was the Auditorium Theater, a national landmark theater designed by architects Sullivan and Adler in the 1890s, it has recently undergone an extensive restoration. It was a very classy setting but still well suited to rock. I took the splurge and went for 2nd row pit seats, great view and really a treat to see the band up close. I believe that from the opening applause for Why Aye Man the group was taken aback by the strength of the reception. Who can tell what theyre thinking, but it looked like Richard and Mark were a little amused by a security guard, who looked like he could be Mike Ditkas father, trying to keep a couple of dancing fans out of the aisle.
The set list was the same as recent shows, a couple of small details that I found notable; at the start of Sonny Liston it sounded like Mark ran off a couple of blues licks, maybe a homage to the locale? Maybe my imagination? The vocal for Romeo and Juliet, weather its just professionalism or simply MK being into the song and really feeling it, after all these years of performing it Im impressed with the passion he brings to this songs delivery.
Speedway At Nazareth was, as mentioned in previous reviews, a wow moment, one that really sneaks up on you, even though you know its coming. TR offers so much, from the beautiful piano parts (Matt), the impassioned vocals and the unbelievable solo work, was another show stopper. Sultans was the song that kicked things into gear, the solo work was fresh with great interaction between Mark and Glen. All That Matters was, for such a sweet, gentle number, greeted with thunderous applause, again I think the reaction surprised the group. MFN and So Far Away were just a lot of fun, BIA, intense and impassioned with great work by Guy and his organ.
Dannys drumming was a powerhouse throughout the show, really cool when he was on the small kit, especially on Rudiger. Richard and Mark again had great interplay throughout, I especially enjoyed the diversity of Richards work, from the jazz like groove on Rudiger to the gleeful look on his face while laying out some power chords.
Indulge my personal notes here, So Far Away has special significance for me, it was my wifes theme song over 20 years ago when she left Thailand to come to Chicago to study at the Art Institute, so it was a special moment for us. Also it was my 11 year old daughters first rock concert, a few months ago she and I performed All That Matters, she on violin, with piano accompanying, so to hear it tonight was also a cool moment for us. And my wife thought Guys pink shirt was way cool.
Thanks to Mark and everyone involved in the tour for giving so much to their fans, heres to the next album and tour!
Spence Vidulich
Here's a link to a pretty good review in the Chicago Sun Times, I've sent the reporter a correction as to the correct name of the drummer.
@#%$://www.suntimes.com/output/rock/cst-nws-mark17.html
The setting was the Auditorium Theater, a national landmark theater designed by architects Sullivan and Adler in the 1890s, it has recently undergone an extensive restoration. It was a very classy setting but still well suited to rock. I took the splurge and went for 2nd row pit seats, great view and really a treat to see the band up close. I believe that from the opening applause for Why Aye Man the group was taken aback by the strength of the reception. Who can tell what theyre thinking, but it looked like Richard and Mark were a little amused by a security guard, who looked like he could be Mike Ditkas father, trying to keep a couple of dancing fans out of the aisle.
The set list was the same as recent shows, a couple of small details that I found notable; at the start of Sonny Liston it sounded like Mark ran off a couple of blues licks, maybe a homage to the locale? Maybe my imagination? The vocal for Romeo and Juliet, weather its just professionalism or simply MK being into the song and really feeling it, after all these years of performing it Im impressed with the passion he brings to this songs delivery.
Speedway At Nazareth was, as mentioned in previous reviews, a wow moment, one that really sneaks up on you, even though you know its coming. TR offers so much, from the beautiful piano parts (Matt), the impassioned vocals and the unbelievable solo work, was another show stopper. Sultans was the song that kicked things into gear, the solo work was fresh with great interaction between Mark and Glen. All That Matters was, for such a sweet, gentle number, greeted with thunderous applause, again I think the reaction surprised the group. MFN and So Far Away were just a lot of fun, BIA, intense and impassioned with great work by Guy and his organ.
Dannys drumming was a powerhouse throughout the show, really cool when he was on the small kit, especially on Rudiger. Richard and Mark again had great interplay throughout, I especially enjoyed the diversity of Richards work, from the jazz like groove on Rudiger to the gleeful look on his face while laying out some power chords.
Indulge my personal notes here, So Far Away has special significance for me, it was my wifes theme song over 20 years ago when she left Thailand to come to Chicago to study at the Art Institute, so it was a special moment for us. Also it was my 11 year old daughters first rock concert, a few months ago she and I performed All That Matters, she on violin, with piano accompanying, so to hear it tonight was also a cool moment for us. And my wife thought Guys pink shirt was way cool.
Thanks to Mark and everyone involved in the tour for giving so much to their fans, heres to the next album and tour!
Spence Vidulich
Here's a link to a pretty good review in the Chicago Sun Times, I've sent the reporter a correction as to the correct name of the drummer.
@#%$://www.suntimes.com/output/rock/cst-nws-mark17.html
