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THE JOURNEY ZONE
http://www.journey-zone.com
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THE REVIEWS
January, 2002
Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line
Glen Burtnik's Xmas Xtravaganza
New York, NY December 22, 2001
All photos ©2001 Barbara A. Svachak
Publication History:
Originally published on this page, 07 January, 2002.
It was with a feeling of joy and anticipation that I picked up my brother, Richard, at his home in Washington, DC for our latest trek north to see Steve Augeri. It had been barely three months since we had made a similar trip, on the day after the tragedy now known simply as "9-11", to see Journey perform in York, PA. Now we were heading north not just to see Steve Augeri at The Bottom Line in Greenwich Village, New York City, but to see our family for the holidays.
We made it into town at about 7:00 pm on Saturday, the 22nd, and our first stop was The Bottom Line to pick up our three reserved tickets for the 10:30 show. Then it was off to dinner with Lana, friends, and parents at the Silver Swan in the Gramercy section of Manhattan. The Silver Swan is a pretty decent place to get good German cuisine; this was my second time there and I recommend it for the food, although the service is not excellent. We left the JRNYDV-mobile, with the autographed license plate in a bag inside, parked in Gramercy, and walked back down to the show; in retrospect we should have taken the license plate to the show, because there were other Journey fans there who didn't come over and say hi because they didn't know what I look like.
At about 9:45 Lana, Rich and I got at the end of the ticket-holders' line, stretching west from Mercer Street on East Fourth Street, outside the venue. We were about twenty feet from the front. We chatted with people who had been to all eleven annual performances of Glen Burtnik's "Xmas Xtravaganza" as we huddled together against the biting New York City cold.
I caught my first sight of Steve Augeri at about 10:05, when he left the club through the main entrance and walked east on Fourth Street towards Broadway, for a breath of fresh air and perhaps a cup of herbal tea. I couldn't help but think that he was walking towards the Tower Records downtown location, visible from our positions on the line, where I had made my first Journey-related purchase, nearly twenty years earlier. I couldn't see his face, and (as will be discussed later in this review) he was not wearing summertime clothing, which was the only mode of dress I had ever seen him in, but even from behind I knew it was him. I didn't call out or go up to him; I figured he was taking a break that he needed and certainly had earned.
At about 10:30, Steve came back towards the venue, and hung out at the entrance for a minute. At this point I yelled out something like "Woohoo! Steve! Journey Rocks!" I can't be sure exactly what I said, because I was in fanatic mode, that weird psychological state that even we in our ivory towers enter when confronted with an idol. Steve turned and looked at me smiling, and gave a little wave.
Then a few minutes later, Steve crossed Fourth Street and actually started hanging out on the corner across from the line. I figured this would be a good time to go over and say hi, and maybe get my DVD and Japanese version of Arrival signed. So I took them out, along with the Waterman® ball-point I keep clipped in-between the buttons of my polo shirt, and went over.
Steve had just been joined by a couple of kids from his own neighborhood in Brooklyn (they told me exactly which one he's from but I won't reveal that online) that he had evidently invited out to join him at the show, and he was talking to someone else he also seemed to know. I approached but maintained a polite distance, and when he interupted his conversation to come over to sign my stuff, I told him to feel free to finish his conversation first.
But he insisted on addressing his fan first, which is something that still amazes me about Steve Augeri. He's been famous as the lead singer of Journey for four years now, and before that he had earned a modicum of fame as the lead singer first of Tall Stories, and later of Tyketto. Steve consistently thinks of the interest of his fans, even when he thinks they aren't listening, which is remarkable.
I handed him the CD and the Waterman®, and he asked me to whom he should make out the autograph, and I told him "Journey-Dave, without the vowels."
He stopped and looked up at me, and said "You're JRNYDV? You're Dave?"
"Yes, have you heard of me?"
"Yes, I have," he replied, as he started writing over the golden sand of the Japanese cover.
I fumblingly removed the silly Sony insert from the DVD, which advertised videos for other artists, and when I got it out, I realized that I had removed the wrong thing for his signature. "Wait--this is garbage," I said as he handed me the CD and reached for the insert, and I threw it in the New York City trash can next to him.
I finally got out the black-covered liner of the DVD from it's plastic protection, and handed it over to him. "Do you mind if I sign on the back?" he asked, and I nodded OK. "What did you think of it?"
"Oh, it was awesome," I replied, "but I was a little disapointed that you didn't play any of the [duet material] from the Rolie-Perry days. As I've said in editorials on my website, you and Cain...seem to have a better chemistry than Perry and Rolie did."
"Well, we're actually working on some new material like that. I genuinely love Jon Cain. He's like a mentor to me."
As I silently memorized his words, and got his approval to print them in this review, I thanked him for his time. Then he started to hand me back my Waterman®. "No, you keep it, please," I said. "As a token of my appreciation for your having saved Journey." He smiled and thanked me, looked the pen over a bit, and resumed his conversation with his friend as I walked back across the street to resume my place in line with Lana and Rich.
Much has already been written about what happened inside the venue that night, so I'll limit the rest of this review to the words of others on Back Talk--The Official Journey Forum, and the complete lyrics, as promised, of "Christmas Lights."
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On the subject of Glen Burtnik's Hair:
JonChance--December 27, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
Dude, Glen's hair was REALLY green in the photos! It didn't look that green on stage. He's gonna dye it one time too many and then we'll be seeing him in hats because all his hair fell out.
LAWoman--December 30, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
If anyone is keeping track of Glen Burtnik's hair--we saw him with Styx last night in Anaheim and it is still very green. He looks a little like the grim reaper sometimes under those spotlights, but he certainly does have a lot of energy.
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On the subject of the George Harrison Tribute:
GitarGrl--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
Last night we got to hear a lot of folks doing George Harrison songs in tribute, and it was clear that their generation was influenced by the Beatles. I wondered to myself if these guys realized that it was THEIR music that influenced a whole other generation?
GitarGrl--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
Sat[urday] was the George Harrison tribute night. They didn't call it that, but that's what it turned into with Marshall Crenshaw there (who referred to his days in Beatlemania with Glen saying they played "fake Beatles" together). |
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On the subject of Steve Augeri's introduction:
JonChance--December 28, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
...At the first show when Glen introduced him he said something like "he's the lead singer for a little band you might know, Journey" and people sure cheered! Glen didn't do this at the second show and I have to wonder if some people were confused as to why he was singing what he did. In any case both audiences enjoyed it once it was said and done.
GitarGrl--December 28, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
You're...right about Glen not really making it clear who/where Steve was from when he introduced him at the 2nd show, but I didn't really notice a difference in the cheering after he did his song. Can't argue with talent, I guess! (You are right about the reception when he took the stage, though.)
On the subject of Steve Augeri's outfit:
JRNYDV--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
Steve wore shiny silver pants--I said they were leather but Lana and Rich say denim--and a tight long black single-breasted jacket.
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GitarGrl--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
...The pants actually looked sorta light silvery blue-ish -- kind of a cloud design or tye-dye or something. (I was sitting about 3 seats from the stage.) Some of the "STYX Chyx" had speculated before the show that he might wear red leather, so we were paying attention!
augerifan--December 27, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
Those are the blue and white leather (yes they are leather, I touched them) "cloud" pants that Steve wore at the beginning of the Arrival tour that he retired because "they were too big after losing 10 pounds on tour." He then had them altered in NY and they were shipped to him in GA for the Volunteers for America shows.
On the subject of Steve Augeri on stage:
GitarGrl--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
I was floored with the "Christmas Lights" version of one of my favorite Journey tunes. It was tasteful, appropriate, fun and AWESOME!!! As I said, Steve ROCKS!
JonChance--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
I noticed Steve sort of 'took over' the stage as almost no one else that evening did ... I was contemplating it and I think its a function of him being very accustomed to dealing with these huge stages and having to try and connect with massive crowds. On a teeny stage with an audience of only a few hundred that translates to a HUGE presence. He knows how to work a crowd, that's for sure.
GitarGrl--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
I totally agree!!! He takes command even of the tiny stage in the Bottom Line. It's a gift. It's subtle, but he makes you feel as if he owns the place... and HE DOES! From the moment he opens his mouth to sing, you're with him on the... ahem... Journey (pardon the pun), and waiting to see where he'll take you next. As I said in an earlier post -- a truly class act. I just can't say enough good things about the guy and my opinion goes up another notch every time I see him.
On the subject of Steve Conte on guitar:
JonChance--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
...Guitarist Steve Conti did a great job on the Neal solo in the song. (I am almost positive that's his name, but I've been wrong on such things before.) I don't know what band he's in or what else he's done, but he's great. He did a kicka$$ version of George Harrison's "What Is Life".
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GitarGrl--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
As for the other hottie named Steve present at the shows... that was Steve Conte. He toured with Billy Squier this past summer and has a band with his brother John (another hottie!) called Crown Jewels. They performed as a band on Friday night. They're really GREAT!!!! They have 2 CD's out that I know of, but they're hard to find. They also have a great Web site, but I don't know the URL off hand. (Search Yahoo under the band name with Steve's name and you should get to it.) We talked with Steve Conte after the show and he's totally sweet!
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On the subject of "Lights" being re-written for NYC:
GitarGrl--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
...Though I know "Lights" is about San Francisco, last night this native Long Islander felt like it was about MY hometown. We've been through so much lately, it was a great way to spend a few hours and forget the trouble in the world.
CJ--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
We folks here in the S.F. area don't begrudge you this song one bit!! Our Hearts, Prayers and Lights are yours.
On the subject of Antonique Smith singing "Oh Holy Night":
JRNYDV--written for this review
After our Steve left the stage, I couldn't help but think that the next act had a really tough chore ahead, Steve being such a tough act to follow. I felt certain it would be a comic number. But then out came Antonique Smith, with "Oh Holy Night", which even Pavarotti can barely do justice to. I was skeptical of this choice at first, when she didn't even attempt the high note during her first rendition of the chorus. As it turned out, actually, she didn't sing that first high note because she was stylistically building the number to a grand climax. And grand it was indeed! Boy was I surprised not only to hear her sing that high note the second time through, but to hear her sing it as I've never heard it sung before! I see great things in her future.
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JonChance--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a certain Antonique Smith showed up on the next Journey album should female vocals be called for. That young lady blew everyone away. This was her second year at the Xtravagana and I hope to see her come back for many, many more.
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On the subject of Steve Augeri in the audience:
GitarGrl--December 23, 2001--General Forum--Steve Augeri at the Bottom Line last night
I also noticed that he stayed through the end of the 2nd show, watching and enjoying the many different acts as much as we did, which was pretty cool. I didn't want to bother him, but some of my table mates got to say hello, which made their night very special. He is a class act.
GitarGrl--December 24, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
I regret I didn't have the nerve to bother Steve Augeri to wish him a Merry Christmas, but he looked like he was really enjoying the second show, standing out in the audience, and I didn't want to be a pest.
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On the subject of Chuck Buck as Snoop Clausy Claus:
Rocker Chic--December 28, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
...The guy who plays "Santa" every year is Chuck Buck. Who could forget such a character? Every year, he gives us something different: Santa Castro, Chanukah Harry, Santa Patel, Rasta Santa, and this year's Snoop Clausy Claus. He usually performs at the late shows, so, if you're bringing the kiddies, beware. He has a very "colorful" act to say the least. Perhaps Steve and his wife will want to leave their son home next time...then again, they seemed to take it in stride and enjoy it anyway. Hey, they're New Yorkers after all.
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JonChance--December 28, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
I enjoyed Hannukah Harry the best for one reason alone - he tossed out chocolate gelt (gold foil covered coins) instead of candy canes. Chocolate trumps peppermint!
On the subject of the "Fairytale of NYC" duet:
JonChance--December 28, 2001--The Dixie Highway--Steve Augeri's appearance at the Bottom Line
You know what else I loved? The Pogue's "Fairytale of New York" duet with Christine Ohlmann and Joe Hurly. There's just something about that song that I love, dark and twisted as it is. |
"Christmas Lights"
As sung by Steve Augeri at The Bottom Line
Greenwich Village, New York City:
Christmas lights go down in the city
And the snow falls on Christmas day
I want to be there in New York City
When you're down and lonely
Well my friend I'm lonely too
I want to get back to New York City
I'm sad, oh, and so lonely
When I'm alone without you
Without your charms
Christmas lights go down in the city
And the snow falls on Christmas day
I want to be there in New York City
Christmas lights go down in the city
And the snow falls on Christmas day
I want to be there in MY city
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Jonathan Cain's Namaste
Reviewed by Ohiojourney
Publication History:
Originally published on this page, 04 January, 2002
Jonathan Cain's CD Namaste is his latest new age release. This is the CD I put in after a long day at work. It's upbeat and each time I listen to it I enjoy it more!
I think Namaste has a little something for everyone. My favorites off this CD are "When Ever We Say Goodbye", "Namaste" & "In The Rapture". If your looking for something upbeat that will put you in a good mood, "Faces Of Mardi Gras" is the song for you. For those who like Jazz "Everytime it Rains" is a great song.
Namaste is exactly what Jonathan Cain fans have come to expect from him. Wonderful moving music performed with classic style & grace. This CD is a must have for any Jonathan Cain fan!
You Won't be able to find this CD in the stores--it is exclusive to Jonathan's site: www.jonathancain.com.
Enjoy!
Amy/OhioJourney.
This review ©2002 by OhioJourney. No reproduction, whole or in part, is permitted without the express permission of the author. All inquiries may be made through the administrator of this website.
Journey 2001 DVD
Reviewed by LAWoman
Publication History:
Originally published on this page, 09 January, 2002
As diehard Journey fans know, Journey 2001 is a DVD (also available in VHS) of a live concert recorded in Las Vegas in December 2000. The DVD is 106 minutes of Journey's classic hits, a couple of their more rare, older songs (La Raza Del Sol and Fillmore Boogie) as well as a couple songs from their latest CD, Arrival (Higher Place and All The Way). As Neal Schon says on the DVD: "What's up Vegas? It's great to be back!" It's equally great to have them back, and with this DVD, it finally feels like they are back. Journey has always been a band that is best experienced live. The magic of a live Journey concert is on this DVD, preserved for all to see and hear.
This DVD captures the spirit of the band. You see five musicians all at the top of their craft who clearly love playing music and love playing music with each other. You can feel the camaraderie--the exchanged smiles and pats on the back.. But most of all you see that these five guys, each unbelievably talented and versatile in their own right, understand that Journey is bigger than the sum of its parts. There is something special that happens when these men get together and play in front of an audience.
The picture quality of the DVD is sharp and clear as is the VHS version. Thanks to Kevin Shirley, the audio is outstanding. If you can experience it in surround sound, it is almost like you are at the concert. The mix is nice and clear. You can hear Steve Augeri's beautiful vocals while your china is rattled out of the cabinets by Deen Castronovo's drums and Ross Valory's bass. There were a few times when Neal's guitar seems to get a little buried in the mix, but overall the sound is excellent.
Deen is so impressive on this DVD. The camera often comes up from behind him and we see him as a ball of energy with both feet slamming double basses, his arms a blur, while somehow managing to sing those ghost high notes that compliment Steve's lead so well. He is superbly versatile, proving he can pound a frenetic beat demanding everyone's attention on "Fillmore Boogie", while laying back and providing the solid backbone of "All the Way", ending with an almost delicate flare of the cymbals. He is Journey's secret weapon.
Teamed with Deen's steady beat and flash is Ross Valory's masterful bass. Although sometimes overlooked, you only need to turn up your subwoofers to hear how essential Ross is to this band. He is the backbone.
Jonathan, the jack of all trades of the band, does it all for this show. He sings, plays piano, organ, guitar he does everything, masterfully. He rocks out on Fillmore Boogie and he plays a beautiful piano solo with a classical feel. When you consider he was a major force in writing nearly every song in the show, it is obvious Jonathan is a rare talent.
Neal shows that he only continues to get better as the years pass. He makes a guitar sing like no one else can. On this DVD it is a special treat to be able to watch Neal's hands and fingers in closeup as he blazes through those lightening riffs we have all come to know and love. He can play the ballads, the rockers, the blues. He makes it all seem so easy and he does it all with that famous Neal grin that makes you know he is playing for the love of the music and the fans. He plays from his heart and soul.
Then there is Steve Augeri. Taking his place as the lead singer of this band, he owns these songs and shows his range and versatility. He delivers smooth, beautiful renditions of the legendary ballads, "Open Arms" and "Lights". With his power and phrasing on "La Raza del Sol", he helps turn a formerly forgettable song into one of the best ones of the show. Steve shines the brightest on "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" and the blues intro to that song, proving he can definitely sing the blues. All the while, Steve's charisma comes through the camera. His playful interactions with the crowd show his affection for the fans, his love of the music and performing.
The final song of the show, "Faithfully", captures the relationship of this band to their fans. The band members leave one by one and Steve is left alone on the stage with the fans. The audience and Steve--all clapping together and singing. The audience seems to want him to stay and he does not seem to want to leave. He does, of course, but we all know they will all be back. So the journey Neal Schon began nearly thirty years ago continues, through the years and into the future better than ever. That Journey magic has been captured on a DVD, Journey 2001. Get it.
This review ©2002 by LAWoman. No reproduction, whole or in part, is permitted without the express permission of the author. All inquiries may be made through the administrator of this website.
Purchase your copy of Journey 2001 through CDNow Today!
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Last Updated 14 April, 2004 (JRNYDV)
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