Monday, December 10, 2007

Weekend Music Review - Live Evil and Live After Death
Category: Music
Musicians and fans can say what they will about the state of live music on Long Island but it does seem to be getting a little easier to find clubs who are finally starting to get it when it comes to realizing the relationship between the bands, their fans and the clubs own success. In what has become a first class rock venue on Long Island, JD's Place in Farmingdale hosted a truly unforgettable night of music, bringing together a new comer and veteran of live Heavy Metal.

JD's Place knows how to make their patrons feel at home, the staff are fun and friendly. You never know when a bottle of Jack Daniels with be brought over your head for a drink or if you will be smacked on the ass with a riding crop by a roaming bartender, but rest assured, whatever is offered is exactly what you needed at the time! The people who go to JD's bring as much excitement to the night as does the staff. The club attracts a crowd that your mother may have warned you about – but your mother didn't know Jack about friends, loyalty or solidarity. If you're lucky enough to be friends with these people, when you're ready to leave this club you better start a half hour early for the time it takes to say goodbye to everyone. But no one said goodbye last night until the last chord was played after 2am and they were still asking for more.

First up in their debut performance were Live Evil. Performing the music of Black Sabbath when they were fronted by Ronnie James Dio, the band is made up of veteran musicians from other musical projects from on and around Long Island. The members of the band; Jay Nova on Drums, Cousin Carl on Bass and Charlie on Guitar were tight and well rehearsed when they hit the stage. Taking the difficult task of playing one the best voices in the history of Metal was Nick Parisi who made the part his own and gave a performance that included all the passion and excellence the position demanded and backed up by this top notch band. While the rhythm section of Jay and Carl kept the foundation tight, Charlie's guitar work was flawless. Made up of mostly musicians who are not easily impressed, the audience at JD's kept up with Live Evil as they kept the classic Sabbath hits coming. For their first show, it was truly an impressive beginning and one that will definitely keep the audience ready and waiting for their next performance.

After a short break, taking the stage was one of the best tribute bands anywhere as they started their marathon set. If you consider yourself a Metal fan and haven't seen Live After Death, you better make your way to see these players before someone calls you the poser you are. Playing tribute to one of the most progressive metal bands ever, Live After Death tributes Iron Maiden and no one does it better. Whether you are a fan of Iron Maiden or not, one cannot help but be blown away by this band. The members, world class players who give the music of Iron Maiden everything it deserves, are; Nick and Mike on Guitars, Rob on Bass and Bobby on drums as they back up a vocalist who undoubtedly received the same set of pipes from God that He gave Bruce Dickinson is Scott, who never ceases to amaze with his vocal range, stage presents and stamina as the entire band perfectly captures the sights and sounds of Iron Maiden. Playing song after song in a set that included over 20 songs and kept the audience head banging, pumping high horns and singing all night long. There are bands that reach the end of their set and the audience is happy to have it end but that is not this band. No one there was ready to let them off the stage. Even after every song was played, the crowd was still shouting for another. It was definitely a great night for metal.

On an Island dominated by Tribute bands, JD's Place hosted the best of the best last night with the best group of fans and friends the Island has to offer, all supported by LMSMF's (and you know who you are)!

Until next time…Dark Kevin | www.Livevilmusic.com | www.myspace.com/liveafterdeathny.com

www.myspace.com/jdsgoodtimes