In the past I was critical of shows being stale. I.E. same set list same banter in between songs. This past Sat. 2/9/19 I had the pleasure of sitting front row at the Wellmont in Montclair N.J. It was the 1st show I've been to since they added 2 new members. Ryland on drums installed and energy to the group equal to that of the great David Dickey of years past. His vocals were amazing. Steve on lead guitar,keys and banjo was awesome. Rich as always superb bass and backing vocals. His dueling solos with Steve on Woman tonight ( a nice add to the set list ) was a nice surprise. After the song he threw me his guitar pick which I gave to the woman next to me. Gerry and Dewey seem to have a renewed energy to them. Their vocals never sounded better. I can't wait until they're in my area again. They have been one of my favorite bands since day one. i've attended 54 shows and counting.
Craig - 54 is awesome... Not sure what i am at but i know not 54, but maybe 40... Just wondering who you and others have seen as people they have performed with. I have seen Chicago, 3 Dog Nite (a few times), Orleans, Eric Carmen, Burton Cummings, Christopher Cross and i think Poco.. i could be wrong... A couple of bands i can't remember. several times solo... i am sure there is more and i bet from what you and others say that it will jog my memory.....
There is no doubt, AMERICA is energized and blasting off.
Ryland's drumming has re-energized them and they sound better than ever. Blast off with AMERICA !
I was at the Portland Maine show and it was a really good performance. It was # 11 for me dating back to 1979. I watched them go from major headliners, to an opening act to a classic show that delivers the goods.
The prior few shows were disappointments. Gerry seemed to be straining to project and was sounding like a caricature of himself. It was kind of painful. I think he may have had issues, he even seemed upset as he'd step back from the microphone afterwards. In this past show he seemed relaxed, sang naturally and the sound was balanced and clean.
Dewey continues to amaze me, his vocal style, live and on the latter albums seems to get smoother with time. Almost a crooner sound. He also remains faithful to the original sounds.
I have no issue that at each and every show I have seen in a long time they cap it at a 21 song, 90 minute set. They are the 2 lead voices and they do a lot of shows. None of us are getting any younger. I sat out a number of shows because the set list was a constant frustration. This show was near home and carried the 50th banner so I said what the heck and was glad I went.However such an extensive catalog I cannot for the life of me understand why they do songs like Elanor Rigby and California Dreamin. I get the George Martin connection and the movie version they did of C.D. but I can't imagine anyone came to hear that.
There's certainly a core of hits representing over 50% of the show that are must haves and I don't suggest messing with that. But the covers and some of the deep early cuts are way overdue to be rotated out. This concludes my annual set list rant.
The supporting players are an equally class act and they worked together seamlessly.
I like America's version of California Dreamin. While it was not a big hit for them, it was their first charting single as a duo.
They have to perform all the hits in concert, the fans expect to hear them, but that accounts for about half of a long show. So they can mix it up for half the show with album cuts and newer material. I think including more of their later material, from the 90's on, would spice up the show.
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