August 26, 2009 Jamez Band Concert at The Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center
Where do we start with this? It's a long story involving a long time, a lot of work, and another complete circle as Tom Doody once commented on at another Magical Night.
It all began with the vision of young musicians that were reunited again tonight, 43 years later, Tom's circle complete again. The new vision was James Fairs’ idea of a travel back through time to the past for the fans and the band, and also a jump forward to the future with new renditions of the old songs. A Synthesis of the old and the new, and a wild ride for sure.
There was a threat of rain looming on the horizon (again!) and for a moment almost an ominous certainty when the rain began during the equipment set up. This was the night that the planet Mars was to be as large as the Moon, and though both were hidden by clouds, the concert was smiled upon from above with a gradual clearing of the sky. No "Rainmaker" tonight was stated as Isaac Guillory was fondly remembered along with Dave Purple.
Band members showed up one at a time...James Fairs, Lenny Kerley, Jim Pilster (J.C. Hooke), Gerry Stone (Stonehenge), and Tom Doody (Toad) - all founding members of the Cryan' Shames who were to perform tonight with The Jamez Band featuring James Fairs. Dennis Conroy wasn't able to attend tonight due to his health, but was there in spirit.
This evening’s concert was also streamed live on the Internet for those who weren't able to attend. The early birds at the concert were able to talk to the musicians as they set up, and also get a preview of Gerry Stone's new Rickenbacker-styled guitar, which was a nostalgic nod to vintage instruments.
The atmosphere was emotionally charged with anticipation of the concert and the After Glow Party at the Holiday Inn afterwards which ran into the wee hours of the next morning. Watching the musicians warm up for the show was worth the trip there, and it also was a preview of things to come with the driving force vocals on "Tobacco Road".
The crowd slowly came in to what would be a packed house at the concert (and also at the After Glow Party later!). Jim Peterik, Larry Millas, and Chuck Soumar from the Ides' Of March were among the audience.
The concert began with a multi-media presentation from media master David Huizenga. It set the tone perfectly for James’ powerful opening number, “Come Back, Virginia”, which chronicles the life of blues legend Robert Johnson. The song introduced the complete line-up of The
Jamez Band, which included drums, percussion, back-up singers, horns, keyboards, bass, and guitar.
The second number was another nod to the past, “Hey, Joe!” The energized arrangement helped to prepare the way for the entrance of the Founding Members of the Shames.
James introduced each of the Shames who all looked so happy to be there.
There was a silence among the crowd as they began with "Sugar and Spice" and carried the momentum with "First Train To California" and "Tobacco Road" - with Lenny and James taking turns with powerful, driving guitar leads. It was great to see Gerry on guitar again as we watched a haunting rendition of "The Sailing Ship" complete with computer-generated visual effects on the jumbo-sized video screens. Their rendition of "The Warm" brought tears to your eyes. The musicians complimented each other and melded together nicely, sharing energy in the process.
Tom Doody and Jim Pilster took turns on the powerful lead vocals along with James Fairs on their songs as exemplified on "It Could Be We're In Love" and "Sunshine Psalm”. All in all, it was a class production. Jimmy was later bruised and sore from his intense conga drum performance.
James Fairs’ all-star band, The Jamez Band, was comprised of Jeff Lantz on keys from Jim Peterick’s Life Force, Dan Leali on drums from The Blue Man group, Gregg Voorhees on Bass from The Gregg Allman Band, Jim Pilster and Mike Ayers on percussion from The Cryan' Shames, female vocalists Roberta Thomas, Armirris Palmore, and Felicia Coleman-Evans, and a brass section comprised of Steve Eisen (sax), Mike Cichowicz (trumpet) and Andy Baker (trombone). These remarkable musicians provided an alchemical mixture for a concert to not soon be forgotten.
The rain, delayed till the concert's culmination, unleashed harmlessly during the After Glow Party.
The party, complete with food, Blues music, and fellowship were all courtesy of James. It sent everyone home emotionally charged, and for most, sleep was out of the question. All of tonight's musicians (and family) were present and they mixed with the fans and signed autographs. The impromptu jam session was indescribable. The party alone was worth the trip there.
As a fan in the audience stated, how can one explain tonight to those who weren't there? One can't. But to those who braved the weather to be there, no explanation is necessary... and all left with priceless memories of more frozen moments in time.
Thank you James, and all of tonight's musicians, for a very special evening.
Jamez Band Videos: Click Here
T Shirts and CDs also on Jamez Band Site
More Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odd3ZIuFC4A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paLfOx8VaHo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_YDGNWvY4Y
Videos by McCrackin
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August 26, 2009 Jamez Band Concert at The Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center
