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THE JOURNEY ZONE
http://www.journey-zone.com
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THE REVIEWS
September, 2002
Red 13
September 1, 2002
Reviewer: Marc B., FoundryMusic.Com
Well this is different Journey release than we have come to expect. For one, it's only a 4-song EP and it's only available through their website or at shows (going grassroots guys??). Well this is a good thing to tell you the truth because the overall vibe of this disc is loose, flowing and raw. The band is a highly polished live unit and if anyone has been fortunate enought to witness new singer Steve Augeri in a live setting, the guy is simply terrific. This EP captures Journey in a live raw setting, only with studio production, and a nice mix to boot. Each instrument is clear and there is not a whole lot of layering which is something of staple for these guys. Guitarist Neal Schon gets plenty of room to flex his guitar chops and to tell you the truth, this is what I was kind of hoping for with their last full studio release Arrival, which came up sounding a bit too polished. Now, onto the songs:
"State Of Grace" - With a two-minute intro that leads into this barn burning opener, the band rips it with some serious vigor and fire under their seats. Each member knows exactly what to do and no one steps on anyones toes on this track. Augeri is in top form and starting to use more of his originality rather than trying to cop Steve Perryisms. His voice is powerful, edgy, yet has an edge that gives him a bit more punch on these types of songs.
"The Time" - A moody number, with some pretty cool effects going on underneath the mix and once again Augeri shines on this track. Neal Schon offers up some nice fills and textures and a terrific solo break which is his trademark legendary playing and sound. The band once again really plays well off each other and this will most likely be a killer track in a live setting.
"I Can Breathe" - Another raw rock track with a hooky chorus and a well timed mid section with Schon wailing in top form. Augeri goes for a higher vocal pitch for this track, but pulls it off effortlessly without sounding shrill or thin.
"Walking Away From The Edge" - No Journey CD would be complete without the obligitory powerballad, but this is by far the catchiest track on the EP. It's simply terrific and ranks up there with some of their best work. The vibe is moody, dark and serious, but keeps an uplifted spirit throughout. I was pleasently surprised at the overall rawness of this track. Keyboardist Jonathan Caine is terrific on this track and doesn't overcrowd the mix with layered keyboards or effects. The chorus is pure Journey and packs a nice punch and hook.
Overall, this is a terrific filler CD till the guys release a full length disc, which might not be out for some time because they are now without a label. If you can get your hands on this, I highly recommend you give this EP a few spins, because these tracks grow on you more and more with each repeated listen.
"Party on the Prairie"--The Kansas State Fair
Hutchinson, Kansas
September 6, 2002
Reviewer: Kari Ziblut
It always seems like such an easy thing to do--go see the band you love most in the world and come home and write about it but sometimes it’s harder to put into words than I think it’s going to be. For the first time ever I got to actually see two Journey shows on the same tour. July 20th in Joplin, Missouri at the Route 66 Music Festival and this past Friday in Hutchinson. I fully expected a different show this time because the show in Joplin was the shortened "festival" set list. On Friday we heard nearly two hours of Journey so what could be better than that? Having been to other Journey concerts over the past few years I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of crowd we would see in Hutchinson KS--not exactly a rock and roll kind of town but what surprised me most was looking around as the grandstand filled and seeing an absolute sea of Journey t-shirt wearing fans. Shirts from every tour imaginable. I commented on this after the show to a couple of other Street Team members there and they noticed the same thing. This was not just a "let’s go see the Friday night show at the fair" crowd--this was a Journey crowd! And they definitely came to make some noise! There’s a distinct advantage to owning Red 13 because I knew before those around me that the show was about to kick into high gear when I heard the intro to "State of Grace" come over the loud speakers! And then there’s Deen hitting the drums and the guys hit the stage and the show was off and running. I sang along to "State of Grace" while the crowd around me just stood and cheered. For being a song I would guess most in the crowd had never heard it really was well received. From there the show just absolutely rocked! Due to a travel schedule time crunch we didn’t hear anything from Arrival and unfortunately didn’t hear The Time or the acoustic set they’ve put in other shows. What we did hear was a little extra Neal Schon guitar solo because something happened to Ross’s bass just before "Wheel in the Sky." Due to a support pillar of the grandstand being just to my left I never noticed them take Ross’s bass away so I thought the solo was so flawless it was all part of the show! Steve’s ability to connect with an audience is now becoming legendary. I realize more than ever now how important it is for the band to play these out of the way venues. I’m sure many people had never seen him in concert and to them he’s still "the new guy" but trust me--he didn’t disappoint a one of them. Sure, everyone has their favorite Journey song that may or may not have gotten played but for me just being there and hearing whatever they play is just the best! The highlight of the evening was actually a "non-concert" moment. About an hour and a half before the show began a couple of other Street Team folks and I slipped in a side gate of the grandstand to scope out our seats and just get a peek at the stage. Neal was already up on stage just playing around and seeming to be having a great time. He noticed us near the stage and acknowledged us with a big smile and a tip of his guitar. While he was out there, Steve popped on and off the stage, kidding around with Neal as did Ross. No one was in the grandstands during this time so it wasn’t as if they were playing for an audience. They were just up there having fun and enjoying themselves. Shortly before the show began we were standing near the stage where a short wall and fence kept people back from the tour busses behind the stage. I spotted Neal again from quite a distance and yelled at the top of my lungs, "Hey Neal--the Street Team loves you!" With that he turned, gave us that great smile again and jogged over to the fence to talk to us. He could have just waved and kept going but he didn’t. He came to say hello and talk to the fans. Now that’s what I call a true "class act." When it comes to caring about fans there’s no doubt in my mind that these guys truly care the most.
Abraham Chavez Theater
El Paso, Texas
September 18, 2002
Reviewer: Victor R. Martinez, El Paso Times
In a venue used to musical performances by symphonies, operas and George Jones-type acts, Journey gave the rafters something to remember.
With its high-energy, 2-hour-and-15-minute, 23-song set Wednesday night at the Abraham Chavez Theatre, the supergroup demonstrated why it remains one of the most talked-about bands in the country.
Journey performed its hit parade to an almost full house in the 2,500-seat theater, concentrating mostly on the classics and throwing in two new songs -- one of them "Liberty," inspired by the Sept. 11 attacks.
The intimate setting was perfect, far from its 2001 performance at the Don Haskins Center. It allowed the fans -- which ranged from balding, gray-haired men to children under 10 years old -- to interact with the band.
The fans were so close, one women caressed lead singer Steve Augeri's hair and wiped the sweat off his brow. The concert might as well have been in her living room.
Watching the band -- Augeri; Neal Schon, guitar; Jonathan Cain, keyboards; Ross Valory, bass; and Deen Castronovo, drums -- was almost as good as bringing home a new Journey album, unwrapping it and playing it for the first time.
The concert began mellow enough with "State of Grace," but Journey's fans quickly stood up, and stayed up, when Augeri jumped into "Separate Ways."
After Schon played a Jimi Hendrix-like rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," which brought a hush and tears to some audience members, Augeri asked the crowd, "El Paso, que paso?"
"You know when you are in Texas, you just know it," he said. "But take a trip with me to the bay."
The band immediately broke into "Lights," and the crowd again rose to its feet.
The band was in top form in all aspects of its performance.
Cain's keyboard solo lead into "Open Arms," followed by "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime." He also played "I'll Be Alright Without You" -- the ultimate breakup song -- perfectly.
Augeri's vocals were amazing, winning the crowd over with "Faithfully" and "Don't Stop Believing."
And Schon? Schon was Schon -- always the guitar virtuoso.
It is difficult to explain Schon's command of the guitar, so, as he said in his encore solo, "I can't sing, so I'll let my guitar do the talking."
The concert ended with another Schon solo leading into "Wheel in the Sky" and "Be Good To Yourself."
But no Journey concert would be complete without "Anyway You Want It" and "Lovin' Touchin', Squeezin,'" which the band performed as encores.
Together, the band played tight -- flawlessly -- and had the crowd loving every minute of it.
The songs were crisp, the harmony was clear and the intimate theater was perfect.
Abraham Chavez Theater
El Paso, Texas
September 18, 2002
Reviewer: LAWoman
The Abraham Chavez Theatre in El Paso is a beautiful venue with great acoustics. It looks like it seats about 3000 and it was at capacity or nearly so for the Journey show. The crowd was very loud and loved the band despite some initial reluctance to stand up. The boys did their normal Evening with Journey setlist including the acoustic set.
The mandatory fashion statement is that Steve wore black leather with the shiny brown shirt. He was back to wearing shoes again. The crowd really, really loved Steve and he seemed to love the audience. He got so close to the first few rows it was a little scary really. Some woman grabbed his leg and didn’t want to let go. He let a fan touch his hair. He is so trusting of the fans. Comments I overheard included: "this guy makes you forget there ever was another singer."
Neal was ever the rock god. The Star Spangle Banner got a thunderous reaction. Neal keeps changing up little parts of the classics, just to keep it interesting I suppose. He changed up the intro to Wheel in the Sky yet again and it is very cool and very trippy. They played the guitar game which progressed into Steve singing back to Neal’s guitar. Neal plays the blues like few people can. Steve has a great blues style too; I’d like to hear more of that.
The acoustic set was beautiful as usual. Jonathan’s piano solo seemed particularly moving that night for some reason.
There was a little over-enthusiasm by a few audience members. Some chick snatched Neal’s setlist in the middle of the show and a couple guys did not seem to get that Neal needs both his hands to play, so they’d stick up their hand for him to touch right in the middle of some blazing solo. But these guys are such professionals that they are even gracious to people who get a little too excited or pushy.
All in all, another great show by the greatest band on the planet. El Paso loved the boys.
Anselmo Ampitheater
Tucson, Arizona
September 20, 2002
Reviewer: LAWoman
There was a full moon over a sold-out crowd at the Anselmo Ampitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson for Journey’s show. It was not just a great show--it was a fantastic show! The sound was excellent. They put a couple speakers in front of the stage in the middle faced out toward the audience. That is the first time I’ve seen them do that and it made all the difference in the sounds in the front section. Steve sounded great and I could hear all the vocals beautifully.
The fashion statement was Steve wore the purple snakeskin print pants with a white shirt and he was shoeless again. Neal had a very nice personalized Arizona Wildcat baseball jersey for the encore (courtesy of a couple rock god disciples) and the Arizona crowd roared when they saw that.
The show was too awesome. They did the normal Evening with Journey setlist, except in place of Chain Reaction, they did La Raza which was very appropriate since there was a group of 40-some fans who came up from Mexico just for the show. Good thing they had Chain Reaction in reserve because for the first time this tour they did two encores! The second encore was a totally rocked-out version of Chain Reaction.
The crowd was into the show from the beginning and on their feet. It was so cool to look back into a sea of people standing and singing and clapping for the boys. There were lighters for Neal’s Star Spangled Banner and the rock god outdid himself on that one--absolutely unbelievable. Neal was the absolute master during the show. He was amazing, blazing and nothing less than a rock god. The acoustic solo in Liberty brought tears to my eyes once again, even though I’ve heard it many times.
Jonathan was really in top form. I think that is what makes the difference between a good show and an absolutely great one--all the guys were in top form and the audience was so into the show. You could feel the energy. Jonathan’s piano solo was longer than usual and so, so moving and emotional. He was very into the vocals on Feelin’ That Way/Anytime.
Deen was the consistent monster on those drums. I got to see one of his drumsticks up close for the first time. He is beating the crap out of those drums because the sticks are all splintered and broken when he is done. But, he also does this beautiful, delicate cymbal work during the acoustic set. He shows such versatility--the sign of a true master.
Ross was entertaining the crowd as he always does, but if you notice he is always jamming down at the same time. He was totally into La Raza and gave a great performance--as did the whole band on that number.
The Tucson show was just a superb show. It is right up there with Konocti in terms of fabulous shows this tour (although the Santana set at Konocti makes that the best show this tour, in my opinion). Just when I think they can’t get any better, they do.
Stargazer Pavilion--Cliff Castle Casino
Camp Verde, Arizona
September 21, 2002
Reviewer: LAWoman
The Stargazer Pavilion at the Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde was a general admission show and, unfortunately, rather unorganized in terms of security. They had a sad little procedure to allow people in the venue so that people who had been in line for hours somehow managed to get worse seats than people who showed up much later. For some reason they put out plastic chairs instead of just letting people stand. Once the show started there was a lot of pushing, the chairs were really just in the way and security was powerless to do anything. I’m surprised no one got hurt in that mess.
The show itself was another great one. It was a little shorter since it did not include the acoustic set. La Raza was in place of Chain Reaction. The audience was very loud and into the show.
The fashion statement is that Steve was wearing the blue pool pants and a white shirt. No shoes again. He was very brave, particularly with that audience, and he got very, very close. I was a little worried someone would snatch him since the audience was being a little more radical than normal and some chick did end up on the stage at the end. Steve got everyone whipped up and into the show and made a few people’s night by singing to them as usual.
I couldn’t hear Steve very well. They did have speakers in the middle of the stage turned out toward the audience as they did in Tucson, but I’m sure the crowd wedges up against them blocked the sound. Since we were right in front of Neal, we got to hear his vocals better than ever and he was sounding great.
Neal was Mr. rock god as usual. You can always count on Neal--that’s one thing I’ve learned this summer. No matter what else is going on, Neal will always give you an amazing performance. The crowd can be crazy, the audio can be funky, it can be so hot, or pouring rain or at such an altitude that no one can breathe--there can be any number of problems, but Neal is always right on. I am totally fascinated by his intro to Wheel in the Sky lately. He is some kind of a magician. That is the same feeling I got when I watched Steve Smith doing a solo with Vital Information. These guys are magicians.
Deen was unbelievable and flawless. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with for Planet Us and I hope he gets to sing more. Once in awhile you can catch his audio really clearly and he has a really great voice.
Jonathan’s piano solos seem to be getting more emotional and beautiful the last few shows. He is such a creative force. That piano solo always adds such a touch of class to the show. I hope they never think of replacing the whale with a smaller keyboard--nothing sounds like an actual grand piano.
Ross was entertaining as usual and provided that same steady bassline that we have all grown to love in the Journey sound. Plus he was totally unfazed when a chick jumped up on stage to sing along with him. I guess they’ve seen it all.
Another great show by the boys. The venue was not the greatest, but I’ve never seen Journey put on a bad show.
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
September 26, 2002
Reviewer: Lunchbreak
Remember my list? The List of Bands That Jane Will Stand in the Pouring Rain To See? Well on 9/26/02 at Bloomsburg, Journey firmly cemented their place on my list; in fact even moving to #1!
Again, at the end of a drought-filled summer, Journey brought the soothing rains to Pennsylvania. The day started with light rain which just became heavier and heavier as the day wore on, until during the show it was really pouring hard. Mud was ankle-deep. This time, however, I was ready with boots and rain gear!
This concert is one I shall never forget. Through some good luck and good timing, myself and two other Back Talkers were able to spend a full 30 minutes with the band before the show. It was the chance of a lifetime. If I tell you every detail, you will be here reading for 30 minutes, so I will condense. Steve, Ross, Neal and Deen are just amazing men. They are personable, funny, humble and sweet. I think I had it in the back of my mind that they might have a bit of an attitude, being who they are, but nothing could be further from the truth. (Unfortunately Jon seemed to be busy so we only spent a few seconds with him.) Steve treated us to a look at his wardrobe. I had the red leathers in my hands!! He was more than willing to answer our questions. After a bit we heard him warming up...what pipes! Deen gave us autographed drumsticks, Sponge Bob wrist bands, and even offered us a pair of sneakers, but we declined! Neal serenaded us with State of Grace as he warmed up (I still think I'm going to wake up...). Ross also did a little warm up but his guitar was not plugged into an amp so we didn't get the full effect of that. We talked with Ross a bit about the upcoming Hawaii dates. Steve asked our opinion about what jacket to wear and we were in on their little jokes between the guys about their wardrobe. Deen was so hospitable: "Would you like something to drink? How about a soda?" (so sweet!) Of course there were autographs and pictures all around. I'm so lucky! I'll never forget it!
On to the show. I ended up sitting in the 10th row, Neal's side. I must say that this crowd was, just, well, terrible. I kept looking around at a sea of people who just sat...stared forward...with arms crossed...was it the rain? Maybe; this venue was nearly filled even in this terrible weather (it holds 8000) and I really expected a much more enthusiastic crowd. Security hassled everyone who even dared to stand for a few minutes, until nearly the end of the show. What really freaked me out is that the people behind me were still yelling at me to sit down when Neal played our country's National Anthem. I still don't get that one...!
Meanwhile, the guys played their hearts out. The set list (which is from memory, so I apologize for any omissions...it was raining too hard to write it down!):
Red 13: Intro
State of Grace
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Ask the Lonely
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Only The Young
Lights
Jon's Solo (especially nice this night)
Open Arms
Feeling that Way/Anytime (during Anytime, off came Steve's boots and socks!)
I'll Be Alright Without You (love this live with Steve A.!)
Higher Place
The Time
Don't Stop Believin'
Chain Reaction
Faithfully
Escape (after this Deen did a KILLER solo)
Neal Solo (he had a neat techno-type thing going on here!)
Wheel in the Sky (the crowd FINALLY came alive...after Steve made everyone stand)
Be Good to Yourself
Encore:
Any Way You Want It
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' (for how dead the crowd was, the sing-back-the-riff game went very well)
Steve had explained to me that they could not do the acoustic set because it would be damaging to the acoustic guitars to play them in such damp weather.
All too soon two and a half hours were gone. I could have easily stood there another two and a half even in the rain. I think...I think I gotta go to Nevada!
Last Updated 02 July, 2007 (DHG)
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