CSNY Don't Act Their Age
Jul 30 '00
CSNY came to town, and put on a fiery, epic show for an incredulous audience at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. 30 songs, three and a half hours, no duds. It's easy to dismiss Crosby, Stills Nash and Young; they haven't sold so well lately, they've had some harrowing personal problems along the way, and they're... old. But not too old to rock and roll, as the lucky ticketholders for their concert found out. The show was extremely long and diverse, and delivered quite a few surprises. The band strolled onstage at eight, and began the show with "Carry On". Their voices were strong and it was easy to believe them when they sang "rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice but to carry on". And carry on they did. Next up was a sizzling version of "Southern Man", which was the first sign that the evening wasn't going to be all harmonies and acoustic guitars. The next seven songs were a mixed bag, featuring strong vocal performances by Steven Stills and David Crosby. The band seemed to hit their stride as Graham Nash started "Marrakesh Express", and the vocals became stronger and clearer still . "Almost Cut My Hair" was a stunner. Crosby's vocal was heartfelt and extremely powerful, taking the band into an extended, incandescent three-guitar jam. This was followed by a satisfyingly crunchy "Cinnamon Girl", and then by a twenty minute intermission.
When the band returned, they launched into an acoustic set featuring "Helplessly Hoping", "Our House" and a creaky pipe-organ version of Neil Young's "After The Goldrush". Then came a crystal-clear "Guinnevere" featuring, you guessed it, an outstanding vocal performance by Crosby and Nash. Steven Stills returned and began a nimble and showy solo acoustic guitar number which led into "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes". The audience showered them with applause. It seemed like a rousing end to a great show. Except for one thing. The band kept playing, and playing, and playing... An impeccable yet warm version of "Teach Your Children" was followed by a pumped-up, electrified "Woodstock". Members of the audience slowly began making their way to the exits. Neil Young had other plans, however, and started into "Down By The River", which prompted Young and Stills to begin yet another all-out pyrotechnic lead guitar wailfest. "Ohio" was equally chilling, even if it has been about 28 years since the shootings at Kent State. Steven Stills led the band through Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth", followed by "Love The One Your With" and the show closed with a feedback blowout version of Young's "Rocking In The Free World". CSNY left the stage and the audience made as much noise as was humanly possible, hoping to get the band back for another song, while wondering if there were any left to play. The guys finally did return, with yet another tune that gave a capsule description of the history of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, "Long May You Run". A great finish to a surprisingly vibrant and relevant show.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
musicinsight
|
|
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 5 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.