Don't know 'bout you guys out there, but for me, a really good "tribute band" has always been a really big "turn on". Dedicating itself to the faithful, note-for-note reproduction of a cross section of highly recognizable tune made famous by just one band from our musical past, I would have to look upon the tribute band as the most unique and purest form of cover band imaginable. To catch a good one is a thrill, and two excellent tribute bands on the same bill, almost unheard of. Such was the case two weeks ago when "Blondie" and I made our way to the Central Park Grill to pick up on Khyber and The Beggarz, two of the best tribute bands in the business . . . trust me.
Kicking off the evening's totally tribute twin bill, the capactiy crowd at CPG's first encountered The Beggarz and a double dose of the old school rock 'n roll and guitar-based blues-rock of the '60's and 70's, the foundation upon which the Rolling Stones have built a musical career spanning five decades now. Entertaining audiences in the Toronto and southern Ontario areas for the past ten years with their signature Rolling Stones tribute show, the evening marked the first appearance of the Beggarz on this side of the "Big Bridge." With chunky guitar riffs and fluid blues licks, lead singer and guitarist Adam Cassidy does Keith Richards even better than Keith himself. Combined with the vocal prowress that would even make "the Mick" proud, Cassidy worked the room and delighted his audience with well-rehearsed and reworked arrangements of many Stone's standards . . . "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Honky -Tonk Woman," " Brown Sugar," and "WIld Horses," to name just a few. The crowd loved 'em.
And the best was yet to come. Returning to the CPG stage as the second half of a night of a totally terrific tribute was Buffalo's own Khyber, featuring front man and originator of the group, John Grandy. A perfect compliment to the Beggarz/Stones opener, Grandy and Khyber took command and quickly resurrected the spirit, music, and memory of Jim Morrison and the Doors. Over the course of its two hour, "Doors By the Dozen" muscial program, Khyber reintroduced its audience to the greatness and musical genius that once was the essence of Morrison's Doors and their music.
Speaking with the engaging Grandy after the show, I learned that both bassist Dan Burckhalter and guitarist Sam Graci have been with John since Khyber first started out four years ago. Unfortunately, however, original drummer Mike Shinnick was a recent, unexpected departure from the Khyber lineup and will be sorely missed. Said Grandy: "Its a tough loss, but after an upcoming gig at Rock 'n Rick's in Limestone, NY, on April 26, all efforts will be made to find a permanent replacement for Mike. When we do, Khyber will be heading back to the studio to put the finishing touches on a second, upcoming CD." Grandy continued, "Similar to out first CD, 'Scarecrow Emotion,' our second endeavor, will also showcase all original compositions and, hopefully, will still be released by the end of this year."
In conclusion, I can only say "thank you" to Khyber and The Beggarz for taking me, "Blondie," and the rest of the gang at the Central Park Grill for a nostalgic musical passage back to another place and time. The Stone and The Doors . . . done right. It doesn't get any better than that. Check 'em out for yourself at their respective websites: www.geocitities.com/comeinsidekhyber/ and www.beggarz.com
Gotta run. 'Till next time, be cool 'n take care. See ya "around town." |
