photo courtesy of Waka Jawaka
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wakajawaka/
I had a very unusual Tuesday night. In honor of my sister-in-law's birthday, we ventured to a Loggins and Messina concert. I truly wasn't sure what to expect. I like Kenny Loggins and have a few of his songs on my Ipod. But I was unfamiliar with this combo and their songs. I you-tubed them the night before and realized I did know a couple of their songs that received heavy air play such as Mama Don't Dance and Danny's Song. Still, I envisioned for the most part a mellow performance of their classics and possibly a bunch of Loggins songs thrown in to fill the play list.
So with such low expectations, I was amazed by what transpired over the three hour show. Their keyboardist, a young Gabe Dixon, www.gabedixon.com, and his band opened the show. He has talent and I think is headed for great things. I liked his song "Disappear" the most in his set.
Then Loggins and Messina took the stage. Loggins is still looking good in his black leather jacket with his limber body and dark flowing locks. Messina seems a character with his cowboy hat, boots, and shared bravado of having a three year old at home at his presumable ripe age. They both still have their pipes and are exceptional guitarists. The concert would have been enjoyable enough just listening to them play and sing. But what really took it over the top for me was the addition of their six background musicians. Talk about talent layered over talent. This ensemble can really perform and collectively it seemed they played just about every instrument imaginable on stage last night. They each did extended solos throughout the show . And Loggins and Messina seemed to enjoy sharing their center stage with all that talent. Song after song, the whole group jammed and drew us into their collective sound. Two of these unknown master jammers had an extended musical duel with their saxaphones. I think overall my favorite song in the Loggins and Messina set was "Peace of Mind". It was a great show. I know its very short notice, but I wanted to get the word out to all my kin that they are playing in Shippensburg, PA tomorrow night, Sept 17th. Check it out at www.logginsandmessina.com
Trust me it will be well worth the short trek to Ship!
I have a soft spot for Danny's Song - it's unconditional love put to music...
Posted by: Tom Clark | September 18, 2009 at 08:58 AM
yes that song brings a smile, especially the line "we ain't got money".
Posted by: jennytales | September 19, 2009 at 10:35 PM