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Gregg Rolie Band May 4, 2002 - Cinco De Mayo Show Review
DATELINE: MAY 4TH, 2002
FRESNO, CA.
"The hottest place in the Universe
was Fresno, California, as comet Rolie rocked the city off the Richter Scale
with a magnitude 10 quake of music, excitement and a "fun" filled
evening.
The stage was set in true "CINCO DE
MAYO" style, with Aztec and Mayan Gods festively adorning the decorated
and colorful stage. Beautiful plants in front of the band with lit up trees
and ceremonial flames surrounding the percussionists as if they too, were on
fire as they performed. The stage center piece was a huge Aztec Pyramid set
behind the drumming power that is RON WIKSO. Overhead was an 8 foot round
Aztec Calendar of the Sun that changed color as the music roared.
Now, keep in mind that this was only the
stage setting. So, as THE GREGG ROLIE BAND hit the stage (After sets by
"EL CHICANO" & "LYDIA PENSE & COLD BLOOD"), they
wasted no time and took no prisoners as they blazed through the opening of
their set. Then, out of nowhere (or everywhere) it was coming....yes, I hear
it....it's getting louder......Now, this is where the first explosion took
place as Michael Carabello, my old friend and mentor, went into the opening
riffs of "Jingo". Wow, for a moment I thought there was a
disturbance in the audience, as they all went wild with excitement at the same
time. The second blast came when that old familiar sound of Gregg's grinding,
Hammond B3 organ went into overdrive on Jingo's keyboard intro.
There was no stopping them after that, as not only did they crank out songs from my teenage years, like "Waiting", "No One To Depend On" and "As The Years Go Passing By", yes, the band "THEY CAME, THEY PLAYED, THEY KICKED ASS!!" Even with 40 million in record sales, the headlining act, "WAR", never had a chance that night. This night in Fresno was meant to be Gregg Rolie's.
In between this musical assault was
Gregg's new music from his latest future hit entitled "ROOTS". My
friends, let me tell you, this band and this new music is the industry's best
kept secret...FOR NOW!!!!
Hold on now, here comes the E-ticket ride,
as the band's musical roller coaster ride is going up high, getting ready to
take you on that last major drop, where you lose your breath and hold both
your arms high in the air. "BOOM, BAM, BIFF", as Gregg starts his
signature piano riff on "Black Magic Woman" the crowd is now on
their feet and standing on top of the backs of the seats, swaying in unison
and dancing in the aisles.
The showmanship of all the musicians was
first class and could only have been hand picked by Gregg himself. Now, take
into consideration that I am a true Carlos Santana and Neal Schon fan from way
back. As Gregg's powerhouse young guitarist, KURT GRIFFEY, took on the
legendary riffs of Gypsy Queen, he was nothing short of amazing. This guy
rocks and then rocks some more, as he walks to the very front edge of the
stage to bring the song to it's melodic climax. HOLD THE PHONES!!!!
We die hard Santana fans know that this is
where Chepito would bring the tune to it's fiery end. Close....it's as if he
was reincarnated or something....no, wait a minute, that is none other than
Chepito's son, ADRIAN AREAS, blazing out that timbale solo. It's easy to see
his father's talent right in his hands and in Adrian's heart. "YOU GO
BOY".
Before moving on, lest we forget that
holding down the center of this universe, as only one man can do, is master
bassist, ALPHONSO JOHNSON. Need I say more? Even the band's road crew is top
notch. Great soundcheck there Scott. You are a wizard on the board.
I am about out of breath, so here comes
the finish. You all know what's next as "Oye Como Va" blares across
the night sky.
Cheers, yells, kudos, the end...THE
END?... HOLD THE PHONE. They didn't allow time for an encore?....The split
second decision to bring the band back on stage for one last number was meant
to be. I actually had tears in my eyes, as Gregg thanked the audience and
soared into "Everybody's Everything" the way it was meant to be
played and sung the way only GREGG ROLIE can sing it.
In closing, I thank GREGG ROLIE and the
Band for their spirit, their art, their talent and their creativity. I thank
them as a fan, and I thank them as the show's producer. I have produced many
shows, but Gregg's appearance at this concert was truly the icing on my
concert career.
I put a lot of extra heart into the making
this show, as I really wanted Fresno and it's fans to make Gregg and the band
feel extra welcome. After all, had it not been for Gregg, Michael and the rest
of the early Santana Band I would not even be in this business as an artist or
as a producer. I also pledge my loyalty to this very special music that I
carry in my heart. Simply the music of Gregg Rolie. Oh yeah, guess what Gregg?
I have already secured your spot as next years "Cinco De Mega"
Headliner if we can get you to come back.
Thank you my friends,
Johnny Valenzuela
Drumbeat Productions Malo Enterprises
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