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The temptation in reviewing a show in which Peter Tork performs with his brother, Nick Thorkelson, is to compare and contrast the two brothers. But, that wouldn't be much of a review....better to resist and instead discuss how well these two brothers complement each other. Suffice it to say that the family resemblence was strikingly visible in both manner and humor. It may be genetically (hormonally?) impossible for me to give anything but rave reviews to any Tork (Thorkelson) show, however, in this instance, the brothers are hardly in need of my prejudice towards all things Tork. With a rapport reminiscent of last year's Two Man Band gigs (Peter and James Lee Stanley), it is unclear whether Peter and James are like brothers or Peter and his brother, Nick, are like best friends. There was a warmth and sincerity that eminated from these two brothers as they beamed in obvious mutual admiration for each other's talents. Never more evident than each time Peter announced that "...this is a song Nick wrote..." The music as well as the humor shared radiated with fun, love and lightheartedness. Starting off the set with "Milkshake" brought cheers from the greater-than-expected audience in this Lake Erie community (despite mixed up lyrics). But, it was the brotherly rendition of "(All I Have to Do Is) Dream" performed fairly early in the set that was a sweet treat for attendees--their Everly-Brother-esque voices so well (and beautifully) blended during this tune that at times it was difficult to hear which voice was Tork and which was Thorkelson. Another song to tickle the fancy of audience members came from another cover song. This one by Paul Simon--"One Trick Pony." In introducing the tune, Peter stated that he had always been "fascinated by the rhythm of the song," so it should not be surprising that he stopped the slightly rhythmically-challenged crowd early on in the song (a request which would be repeated throughout the evening with a humorous twist in each time to avoid hurt feelings) from clapping along. A unique experience...hearing Nick share his own version of "Pirates" (written by Nick and performed by Peter on Stranger Things Have Happened), Peter having joked, "He was revolted by my version." This arrangement was different enough to be noticable, especially a particular lyrical segment, but not so vastly different so as to be unrecognizable. This notable lyrical change:
Doesn't it seem like you're about to get one more chance While certainly as the song's lyricist, Nick, has artistic freedom to write his song the way he's sees fit, still....the poet in me cries out upon each listen of the song for the natural rhyme of "chance" which is so well staged by the song's rhythm. The Monkees' tunes Peter and Nick did choose to do, popular with the audience, where nice showcases for the brothers' talents and judiciously spread out throughout the set list. While it is not unusual to hear Peter in his solo shows performing "Daydream Believer," "I'm a Believer," and "Pleasant Valley Sunday," the inclusion of "She Hangs Out" took the audience by pleasant surprise, and Nick's harmonies and the shared Thorkelson sense of humor made it all the more a delight. The always impressive "Lucille" made a rousing appearance and The King (Elvis) dropped by as well. My first experience with the folky ballad "Cuckoo," leaves me speechless (and breathless) even now. A unique encore, Peter and Nick shared a song from their childhood in folk/blues artist Huddie Leadbetter's (aka Leadbelly) "They Whupped Him Up a Hill," which, as Peter stated, kept in the spirit of the Lakeside community. One of the nicest things about being a bona fide Torkster/Torkee is to be able to not only enjoy Peter's performances, but through Peter to be exposed to a multitude of talented friends....and now relatives. In addition to his musical contributions to the evening, Nick was a joy to meet and observe for his humor and the kind generosity he showed to the Tork-loyal crowd--signing autographs, shaking hands and taking pictures like a seasoned veteran of Monkeemania. I, personally, got Nick's autograph and thanked him for a wonderful evening and can honestly says, its not just because he's Peter's brother [Not that there's anything wrong with that]. My only complaint for the evening--which comes from being spoiled over the passed couple of years--was how quickly it went by and how short the gig seemed. But what it may have lacked in quantity (over 90 minutes being nothing to sneeze at), it certainly made up for in quality. Bottomline: It was a wonderful show of sibling revelry. If you are interested in obtaining an audio copy of this show, click here for further instructions. Again, thanks for visiting!! If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. |