Valentines 2005

[teesa_66]

Here's the review I posted in the general discussions section.

Terri

 

OK, here goes!

 

First let me say that to be crammed on stage like sardines, the orchestra did a great job! Dennis referred to them as the "I-94" orchestra. I assume he was joking? But they were terrific, just the same.

 

The band was awesome as usual. Dawn Marie has a new look; I wouldn't have recognized her! Very nice!

 

The whole atmosphere seemed more casual than other orchestra shows. Dennis wore a gray jacket & slacks with a beautiful, loose-fitting purple shirt. BTW, have I ever mentioned that purple is my favorite color? I loved this look!

 

The show started with, help me out here, AD 1958? Isn't that the first track on Paradise Theater? Anyway it was followed with Rockin' The Paradise.

Grand Illusion was next; obviously a favorite with the crowd.

Then came the lead into Lady--the roar from the crowd was deafening once they realized what was being played.

Next was the only song from Dennis' solo career, Desert Moon. BTW, he nailed the notes at the end. He was in such great form.

Then we had the standard Ein Klein Nacht Muzik(sp?) lead into Lorelei. I really love the mixing of classical & rock music.

 

Then Dennis started talking about this song that he was pretty sure "they'd" played back in 1978, but that hadn't been played since. Now, there have been so many rumors of a new song being added that I was on the edge of my seat, hoping I knew what was coming. When Dennis walked over to the Yamaha and picked out the first few notes, I screamed. It was going to happen! Then he started the song--Pieces of Eight! I've wanted to hear this live for so long, I nearly cried. During the song, he let the orchestra take lead as they inserted, OK I'm not sure about the title, but I think it's ValKrieg? Call of the Mountain King? Then they "rocked it up". There's really no way to explain it! I hope you get the chance to experience it. Probably THE moment of the night, at least for me.

 

Next was Show Me the Way, a capella, with Dennis doing all the leads. Very well received. This was followed by Claire de Lune and Don't Let it End.

 

This being a casino show & limited to 90 minutes (the nerve of the casino!), there was no intermission, so Dennis talked a little about Kilroy Was Here, and then did Mr. Roboto.

 

I was surprised but extremely glad that Castle Walls was included. I will forever love this song live!

 

Next was Light Up, followed by Suite Madam Blue. Laurie timed it out at 28-30 seconds. Whew! I really love the addition of the echo during parts of this song, including this note. Adds something I can't explain. I've only seen him do this at 2 shows, but now I find the recordings lacking without it. Again, I guess it's something you have to experience.

 

Babe was a big hit with the audience. Dennis mentioned he'd written it for Suzanne's birthday. He followed this with Best of Times, also a hit.

 

Of course, Come Sail Away was a big hit and I think had full audience participation.

 

A couple of quick notes:

 

First Dennis seemed almost humbled at how very quickly this show sold out. He spent a couple of minutes talking about it and thanking us.

 

The venue, with it's tables & booths on the lower level, made it difficult, if not impossible, for the audience to really participate the way I think we all wanted to. I certainly hope Dennis & crew realized we were really into the show, and not the bumps on a log we probably appeared to be.

 

Hanging out after the show, I have to say, Suzanne was so very gracious talking with some of the fans. One very classy lady!

 

Now it's off to bed! Have to get up in about 6 hours for the 7-hour drive home. Now I'll just have to find something to fill my time waiting for the "Lost Treasures" in Chicago!

 

Terri

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