The Dave Davies Band ~ 1999 February 4 ~ Emerald City ~ Montpelier, VT
Band Personnel: Dave Davies, lead vocals, lead guitar; Jim Laspesa, drums and backing vocals; David Jenkins, bass and backing vocals; David Nolte, guitar, keyboards, harmonica, backing vocals
Set List
Till The End of the Day - I Need You - Susannah's Still Alive - Creeping Jean - Milk Cow Blues - Tired of Waiting - See My Friends - Gallon of Gas intro/You're Looking Fine - Wicked Annabella - Slum Kids (one verse) - Picture Book - Strangers - This Man He Weeps Tonight - In You I Believe - There is No Life Without Love - Soothe Sayer - Death of a Clown - Fortis Green - Living on a Thin Line - I'm Not Like Everybody Else
Concert Review
My Michigan friends, Leslie and Fritz, joined me for the drive up to Montpelier, VT to see Dave at Emerald City Nightclub. It's a great little club that is roomy and clean and decorated with Wizard of Oz memorabilia. Joined in the front row by the indestructible Frank Reda and Rafaela, we felt almost as if Dave were playing a private concert for the five of us. I thought maybe this was the night he'd choose to relax and mail in his performance, since most of the audience members were making themselves comfortable in the seats that were a few feet further back; but wrong I was. He played with the same enthusiasm that I've come to expect from him, even declaring to us that we were a "great audience." (He doesn't automatically say this every night.) The club had a friendly staff, and there was good Chinese food just next door.
The best surprise song of the whole tour was played tonight: "In You I Believe." This was not one of those one-verse knockoffs played to placate a certain fan in the front row who requested it (you go Frank!) .... this was a rehearsed, beautifully sung, full version complete with higher-register vocal phrasing just like on the album. It was so gorgeous I was weak at my knees.
The funniest intro of a band member occurred tonight, when Dave referred to drummer Jim Laspesa as a "drummer, singer, multi-personality." Upon a puzzled look from Jim, Dave rephrased to say that Jim plays multiple instruments. However, it became a running gag since the next night at the Bull Dave used the "multi-personality" line on guitarist-keyboardist-harmonica player Dave Nolte.
Detracting from the overall excellence of the venue was a technical glitch. As "Susannah's Still Alive" was starting there was a brief power failure, and Dave left the stage for about a minute. I had visions of a two-song show, but the club staff fixed it quickly.
Les Lokey was the opener again for the second night in a row. She and her band were excellent, playing a melodic while rocking set of songs. Singer/rhythm guitarist Les Lokey had a strong voice and a good personality, and her band was skillful and hardworking and fun to watch. Her set was an unexpected treat at both this show and at last night's; so often we've had to suffer through less than fabulous opening bands at Dave's shows.
It was a very cold and icy day in northern Vermont, and I am thinking that Dave may be regretting scheduling a tour with East Coast dates at this time of year. But the crowds have been good and the music has been fantastic, and I have not minded the cold weather at all.
More Dave
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