My first trip ever to the Greek in the hills above LA. The scene was super mellow as SCI hit the stage while the venue continued to fill up. We were in the pit, which was undersold allowing ample boogie space on the rail. The CheeseDog was in effect with Kenny and Jeff sitting in with SCI. Kenny was featured blowing heavy solos to the crowd. Then JC and Kyle had a keyboard blowout. To be honest it was the hardest I saw SCI rock it all weekend.
Ratdog hit the stage after sunset and it was apparent that Bobby was smooth tonight. A real cool bandleader rocking his shimmery blue guitar. The light show and pyschedelic hillside were the perfect accompaniment to the rolling jams. "Shakedown" into a sterling "She Belongs to Me" led into a flowery "Crazy Fingers." MK had a tender solo as the band had a jazzy feel tonight. They stepped it up though for "Eyes" which featured Robin, Mark, and Bobby having a ball with each other and the crowd. The band is having so much fun and it shows. Then the LA standard "Hard Rain" was like a swiss watch. Next I finally got to hear the "Jus Like Mama Said." Unfortunately I couldnt grock many of the lyrics because of the drowning noise from the monitors onstage. Bobby was getting into it, showing yet another side to his stage persona. Then the crowd pleasing "Uncle John's," which meandered into the grooviness of the night. "Samson" regained control as Bobby and the boys nailed it all together through the arms of Jay Lane.
The real magic was to come as Bobby broke out "Stella Blue." He actually seemed a bit nervous or tenetive on this first try. But the spirit of the song shined through. And the emotion of the place was palpable. It was a special thing to be a part of in Los Angeles. Then the place erupted for "Throwing Stones." Bobby went crazy lunging up and down the rail at the crowd, even coming out well beyond the monitors with his toes on the edge of the stage. Playing just two feet away from his fans... provoking immeasurable ecstacy.
A great night in LA at a great venue. Both bands played with emotion and soul and proved that this is the tour to be on this summer. Woof!
Tim Grossman, Truckee, CA
