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| After a very busy 9 days of rehearsals and
appearances, the RTB band took a well deserved 3 day break in the "Live
Music
Capital of the World", Austin Texas. It's a great town with a lot to do. The Colorado River runs through the city that features a lovely river walk. Besides the world renowned South by Southwest Music Festival, there are the bats. Millions of them that fly out every spring and summer evening from the Congress Street bridge. You've got to see that, truly amazing! The opening act for Robin and the guys at La Zona Rosa was Phil Brown. Having met Phil on several occasions it was great to see him pull out all the stops. Phil has a unique, fresh style that has influences from Hendrix to Bowie to Beck. Check out his website at http://apachesfromparis.com/ . |
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| The guys were almost giddy with the excitement of getting back on stage. Relaxed, smiling and full of energy, they hit the first note of Twice Removed from Yesterday with power and assurance. The set list is very close to last year's, and moves along seamlessly from start to finish with some great "gear changes" that add so much to the dynamics of the set. Pete and Glenn are tighter than a funk monster's atomic clock. They have taken the excellent rapport they created last year to a new level. How do they do that?! |
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| Davey Pattison is in fine form too. His performance on Hannah is as fine as I've ever heard. |
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| With these 3 masters at his side and Laurie
Brace handling the mix out front, Robin has the perfect combination to
soar...
and he does. |
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| Robin seems to be at a creative high point
in his career, both in the studio and on stage. Every time I hear him play
its never the same. Yes there are the elements that must be there, his
signature control of tone, the hooks that make the melody. But the
newness of each solo is captivating. Robin is stretching out, experimenting, and it is a wonderful thing to witness. He's been very busy since last we saw him here and it has translated into a confident, expressive, absolute pleasure to experience. |
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| Yes, I know that's what everybody says about the RTB in concert. But it is true that they are the best touring band out there. Every time they hit the stage, they raise the bar. Go to a concert, go to several, you'll see for yourselves that it's not hype. |
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| The guys are on their way to Houston, I'm heading back north and will be going to the Dallas House of Blues. More then... |
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