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THE JOURNEY ZONE
http://www.journey-zone.com
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THE REVIEWS
April, 2002
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
Santa Rosa, California
April 20, 2002
Reviewer: LAWoman
Journey's Friends and Family show at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa this past weekend was a benefit for the Brightstar Foundation and an exciting prequel to Journey's upcoming summer tour, the "Under the Radar" Tour. Approaching the venue on Saturday, there was a big red banner across the LBC marquee proclaiming the show "Sold Out". The 1,550-seat venue had, in fact, sold out hours after the tickets went on sale even with the increased capacity added by standing-room-only tickets. This crowd really was composed of a lot of "friends and family". The Journey faithful came from all across the United States and even from around the world as fans came from as far away as Japan and Ireland to see what these masters of rock and the power ballad have in store for us this year.
Needless to say, Journey fans were on the edge of their seats with anticipation. We leapt to our feet as the lights finally went down right around 8 pm and through the darkness we heard that unmistakable sound of a searing Neal Schon guitar mixed with the roar of the audience. Our boys were finally there in front of us after a long winter filled with uncertainty and changes that seemed to be swirling around the band we love. I think I never stopped smiling from the moment I heard those first strains of the Neal electric magic.
The first song of the night was one of the eagerly-awaited new ones, "State of Grace". It is a longish song--maybe ten minutes, and it rocks out. If you recall the first moments of any Journey concert, you will understand when I say that I can't tell you much about that song. It is all a wonderful blur, but I do know the band was jamming together like crazy. I was trying to take in everything. The stage was set a little different than usual. There was no video screen, but the LBC is really so intimate that one was not needed. There was not a bad seat in the house and the sound system was great--not too loud, not too soft, no drop-outs in the sound, no funky mix. There were no sound problems at all that I could detect.
Deen Castronovo's drum set is now a bright yellow and he was closer to the front of the stage, much more visible than last summer. The guys are looking fit and rested. Neal is sporting a very cool goatee. The mandatory fashion report is that Steve Augeri's ensemble for the day was black leather with a black and white print shirt.
Parts of the show were very reminiscent of the recent live DVD, Journey 2001. The set list and order was even quite similar. As part of Neal's guitar solo, however, he added "The Star-spangled Banner". His rendition gave me chills. Even Deen seemed blown away by the heart and feeling of that solo. Of course Neal got the standing ovation he deserved.
Jonathan Cain seemed to be playing more rhythm guitar than normal, but he did go into a beautiful piano solo that was similar to his solo on the DVD. The solo led gracefully to one of the most beautiful renditions of "Open Arms" I have heard. Steve's voice was so strong and clear. Jonathan sang on "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime", which got great reactions from the crowd.
The highlight of the show for me came when Neal, Steve, Ross and Jonathan came out center stage and sat on stools for an acoustic set. Deen stayed back on drums while the band played "Trial By Fire" and "Liberty". These songs brought tears to my eyes because of their quiet beauty and the meaning they have had ever since I saw the band play them at the Volunteers For America benefit in Atlanta after the 9/11 tragedy. Steve's vocals were exquisite and from his soul. Neal showed his versatility in that he can rock out and also play the most beautiful, soft guitar (which is, of course, why he is now "the Grammy-nominated Neal Schon").
From the acoustic set they went into the only song they played from Arrival, "Higher Place". The song got a nice reaction from the crowd which was great to see. I would have liked to hear a little more from Arrival on the set list, but there are only so many songs you can cram into a show. Next we were treated to another new song, "The Time". Steve said the song was still a little rough around the edges, but that's what friends and family are for. The song is a great rocker with a Led Zeppelin feel to it.
Another high point was when they included "La Raza Del Sol". Steve's vocals were amazing, but as on the DVD, this is a song that Deen owns. Deen was rocking out all night, but he was particularly unbelievable on "La Raza". I think he may actually have some extra hands and feet! Deen also seems so happy to be up there playing and singing. He was a joy to watch.
All the guys seemed to be having a blast right along with the audience. We were treated to the Auggie shuffle and slide as well as some speaker-climbing to reach up to the audience in the balcony. Steve was working the crowd with that great, playful stage presence he has. There was a lot of high-fiving with the first few rows. At one point, Steve was playing around with Deen by trying to grab his cymbals. Steve told the audience to sing a refrain with Neal and stuck the mike in front of Neal so we could all sing together. On some of the instrumental portions the guys turned toward each other and jammed--rocking out together and taking us along for the ride. The guys have such a great rapport.
Ross was his usual upbeat, entertaining self complete with various faces directed at whatever audience member happened to catch his eye. The guys did seem to be watching the crowd a bit more than normal. Perhaps they were seeing how the new material was going over and they acknowledged some familiar faces in the crowd. Many of the band's family members were also in the audience. As it turned out there were no guest performers, although Jack Blades was on the scene.
Before I knew it, the night was nearly over and the guys were leaving the stage. We did manage to get them back for an encore: "Any Way You Want It" and "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' ". But eventually all good things must end and after a two hour show they left the stage. We left the venue with our ears ringing, intent on going back to the hotel lounge, hanging out with other Journey fans and talking about the fabulous show. Little did we know that there were other surprises yet to come.
After about a half hour at the hotel bar some Journey family members started filtering in. I had the pleasure of hearing some great Deen-o stories from his mom who is a charming and accomplished lady in her own right. Did everyone know that aside from being a monster on the drums and singing like nobodys business, Deen can play guitar, write a song or two and pick out songs on the piano by ear? What a natural talent.
Then, out of the blue, I saw Mr. Steve Augeri walk into the bar with his lovely wife, Lydia. He got a spontaneous standing ovation that seemed to embarrass him a little. He quickly gestured to Ross who had slipped into the bar and was nearby, so that Ross would also be included in the applause--and rightly so. Then, for probably a couple of hours, Ross, Steve, and Lydia stayed there with the fans. Although Steve and Ross must have been tired after a two hour show and a meet-and-greet, they graciously talked to everybody who wanted to go up to them. Steve even went around to a few tables just to greet people. They signed autographs and posed for pictures. Lydia greeted any fan that went up to her and was also so warm and welcoming and seemed to have a great sense of humor. I was so impressed with the way they conducted themselves. It is often the case that meeting a celebrity is a bit of a disappointment, but on this night I left with nothing but more admiration for these men. They are so down-to-earth and appreciative. Steve seems to always make a point of saying "Thank you for coming to our show".
I came away from that show and that night feeling that Journey is out there primarily for the fans. There is so much energy and excitement around this band now that new material is in the works and the summer tour is upon us. Although the planned EP containing the new material was not ready for the Santa Rosa show, it apparently is expected by the "official" start of the tour in July. There is a full CD planned for the end of the year. The online Journey store is scheduled to open sometime this month. Finally, there are changes on the horizon for the official Journey website. All in all I expect this to be one fabulous year for Journey and Journey fans. So if you have any opportunity to catch a Journey show this year, do it. Experience the talent and the grace of these five incredible musicians who have been giving it all to the fans for so many years now. I hope they never stop.
Set list
State of Grace
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Ask the Lonely
Neal guitar solo with "The Star-spangled Banner"
Stone in Love
Only the Young
Send Her My Love
Lights
Jonathan piano solo
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Trial By Fire (acoustic)
Liberty (acoustic)
Higher Place
The Time
Dont Stop Believin'
La Raza del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal solo
Wheel in the Sky
Be Good to Yourself
Encore
Any Way You Want It
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'
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Steve and Lydia Augeri at the after-show party
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Last Updated 14 April, 2004 (JRNYDV)
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