Saturday, August 9, 2014

Living Colour, 25th Anniversary of "VIVID" 10.19.13


Living Colour is one of those bands that I have always wanted to see, so you could call this a bucket list moment. Living Colour was celebrating 25 years since their first release, “Vivid” and they played the entire album that night along with classic tracks off some of their follow-up releases.
I must say, I was hugely disappointed with the amount of people at this concert and the lack of support by the local rock radio stations (whether it be the classic rock station or the contemporary rock radio station, none were there, again). With such a small crowd, I took advantage of going right up to the front of the stage. I haven’t been that close to a show in years. Granted, I could probably do it every show at the Knitting Factory but usually it’s a bit too chaotic and violent along the fence and I’m in no mood to deal with being slammed and sweaty anymore unless I allow it.
The opening band that night was Vial 8 and I must say they were quite good. A hard-driving, great beat and great vibe/energy! I would like to hear their album(s) because I think they have a shot in going much further indeed.
Living Colour hit the stage and it was not your spandex-wearing, headbanging Living Colour from 25 years ago and it was just fine by me. Playing “Vivid” in its entirety by experienced musicians who have seen it all and have come out the other side playing impressively and with what appeared to be a lot of love and respect between the musicians was so very special. The highlight of the night for me was when lead singer Corey Glover did an acoustic version of “Amazing Grace” as an introduction to the song “Open Letter (To A Landlord).” Even typing the previous sentence gives me goosebumps thinking about how amazing Corey’s voice is. The range and dynamics are unreal and you would think all those years of singing the way he does that he would crack more or unable to hit high notes but he can do it all still and it was like going to church; that man has a voice of an angel.
Witnessing the master Vernon Reid on the guitar was such a treat and to watch him play looked effortless (course playing the same songs night after night off one album may do that but still, no one sounds like Vernon Reid).  Will Calhoun drummed an impressive solo towards the end of the night by dimming the house lights and having multi-colored lit tips on his drum sticks so when he wailed on the skins those lights took on a life of their own. It was an amazing drum solo!  Watching Doug Wimbish on bass is quite impressive, indeed! Mr. Wimbish was standing right in front of me all evening and there were moments while he played where we were rockin’ out together, smiling back and forth. Those kind of moments where you lock eyes on a band member are always strange but fun; the simple acknowledgement that I’m enjoying what they are doing on stage and they are appreciating what you’re giving back. Mr. Wimbish went off the chain playing that bass with wild solos of extraordinary sounds/effects and even the band seemed to laugh and enjoy the moment right along with the rest of us.
Songs that were played beyond the “Vivid” album were incredible and a bit unexpected. Closing numbers like “Bi” off of the album “Stain” was fantastic live! I don’t think many of the people there knew that song, really but the call and response of the lyric “Everybody!” made that song a true special moment.
Spokane missed out on one of the best bands of the 80s and 90s! A band that deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for not only amazing music, but opening doors to many musicians and styles of music that have come since their inception.














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