Reviews Springfield, Massachusetts Symphony Hall November 12, 2023 |
Review by Barry Gloffke
Once again, I'm writing this review on Monday after a riveting weekend of
following Bob and the Boys around New England. Providence, RI, then
Waterbury, CT, and lastly, Springfield, MA.
The Springfield Symphony Hall was nice, but a step down in architectural
brilliance compared to Providence, RI and Waterbury, CT. It was an oddly
configured venue where the balcony seats did not face the stage, but sat
at a 90 degree angle to the stage... I bet that led to some neck aches
today. It was also a very wide but shallow arena... I was in the fourth row
on the right side and it felt like I was half a football field away from Bob.
Bob came on after a lengthy intro by the Band and immediately went to
work on the piano delivering a brilliant intro to WATCHING THE RIVER FLOW,
which he then proceeded to knock out of the park. A great start to a truly
great concert. Only one or two minor flubs that I picked up on tonight, but
overall another sensational event. At the show's conclusion I was on an
absolute high. I was mesmerized during many songs this evening... lost in
the beauty of sound emanating from the Band and Bob. The new melodic
arrangements are either dream/trance like or barn burners. Bob was riveting
on the piano as he painted masterpiece after masterpiece built with soft
musical flourishes and backed by the muscular framework of JP Pentecost's
drums and Tony's bass. Simply astounding!
The only bummer once again was no cover tonight and no harp either! Oh
==well, such is life, such is happiness.
Bob was in a fun mood during Band intros... to paraphrase... he said, 'These
songs are not easy to play but these guys do a great job. What do you
think?"... to which we erupted into an applause of approval. Love it!
So many happy faces tonight. Saw Sue and Chelsea from Canada, Bob Evans,
Rich, Amy? and CC, Scott and too many other to mention here.
On a side note, on the way home to NYC driving along I-95 I passed Bob's
equipment truck and then his tours buses just before I exited onto the
Hutchison River Parkway. The buses continued on the thruway making their
way to Brooklyn for the next show. Both Bob and I get one day off before
we meet again in Brooklyn on Tuesday night. As they say, Don't you miss it!
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