DREAM THEATRE

It has been a long time since Dream Theatre has graced the DC area. I, myself, have not seen them in concert before, and have been waiting a long time for this show to come. And, I must say, the long wait was well worth it. Playing before a packed crowd in a medium-sized hall in southeast Washington D.C., full of the most RUSH fans I've ever seen outside a RUSH concert, Dream Theatre put on the most musically incredible show I've seen all year. If you have not heard this band, but you're into progressive metal, with talented musicians... GO SEE THIS BAND!! Starting off the show, new keyboardist Derek Sherinian, surrounded by large pink and blue lava lamps, performs a futuristic keyboard solo. As he plays, bandmates John Myung (bass), Mike Portnoy (drums and percussions), and John Petrucci (guitar) all take their positions onstage. Portnoy counts off, as Sherinian's solo is the prologue to "Lines In The Sand", off their new recording, "Falling Into Infinity". The whole band kicks in, one by one, having a little showcase for themselves during the three minute instrumental portion of the song. Then, out walks the voice of Dream Theatre, James LaBrie, a classically trained singer from Canada, who has an excellent vocal range. And to see him perform live, shows that there are no vocal tricks done on the recordings...it's all him. The show did consist of a lot of songs from "FII", including "Peruvian Skies", "Just Let Me Breathe", and the first single, "Burning My Soul". But, also included were some Dream Theatre gems, like "Pull Me Under", and "The Ytse Jam", an instrumental with Portnoy taking a well-deserved, and much anticipated solo. "Scarred", from the 1994 studio recording, "Awake", was highlighted with John Myung performing on a Chapman Stick (a huge instrument, much like a bass, and can be played like one or a piano...12 to 14 strings...very hard to play). I think, for me, the most exciting parts were hearing the solos where I thought was Petrucci on guitar, but found out was Sherinian on keyboards. Also, watching him, Petrucci (playing a custom seven string Ibanez), and Myung doing the most blistering solos all at one time. An incredible sight to be seen as well as heard. If I'm not mistaken, they shall be playing again at JAXX, in Virginia Dec. 26th. I shall be there...this is not one to miss again! And, please stay for the encore, the epic "Metropolis part 1". For two hours, you're thinking, you've seen it all...not until you hear that!

ARTIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS PRINCE

Say what you wish about The Artist Formerly Known As Prince (The Artist), but their is no denying that he is a musical genius. I have seen him several times, and he and his band have always give 110 percent to the audience. His passion for recording runs as deep as his passion for performing. When he is onstage, he seems to feed from the electricity given to him by the audience, and in return, the purple one takes it and storms the crowd with a show that they will never forget. And this show at the Capitol Ballroom was definately no exception. The show was billed as "The Jam Session of Life", and that is what the show felt like... a great jam session. In the opening of the show, the crowd was treated to a funky drum and bass jam while overhead, beams of lasers grooved to the music while the keyboardist, and guitarist took their place onstage, and found their way into the groove. After five minutes, The Artist slowly struts his way to center stage. He gets a look at the crowd, trying to get a feel for them. The he walks toward the back of the stage and grabs his instrument of choice, a bass. Before you know it, he has fallen into the groove, and has the whole place jammin along with him. He announces his FIRST special guest of the evening, Larry Graham, bassist of Graham Central Station, and Sly and the Family Stone. Now, three bass players are going full throttle on stage (including Rhonda, of the New Power Generation), and we've just started! For the next 35 minutes, we are treated to improvised jams, and Larry and The Artist singing old Sly hits, "I Want To Take You Higher", and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)". Also, two new songs from Larry which will be released on his upcoming CD on The Artist's label, NPG Records. As Larry leaves the stage, The Artist has already started the opening notes to his former anthem, "Purple Rain". Through out the evening, we were treated to lots of improvised jams, and well as some classics like, "Baby, Im a Star", "Lets Go Crazy", "Kiss", and "Alphabet Street". Rapper from the 80s', Doug E. Fresh, was introduced half way thru the show, and treated the crowed with some new rhymes, and fresh beats, while The Artist took a small break. But, he wasnt gone long enough to notice... it was a while before everyone noticed he had taken a seat behind the drum kit and started changing the beat around as fast as Fresh could rap. The Artist can do no wrong. Always count on him to have the best band, if its The Revolution, New Power Generation, or a few people off the street. And the closer he is to the crowd, the more powerful his shows will be. And this small club tour he is doing (Capitol Ballroom cant hold more than 3000 people) is giving him all the power in the world. If you think he is coming to your area, be prepared to buy fast. He doesnt announce the shows until, at the most, two weeks before the date of the show. Price of this show... $60, but for two and a half hours of The Artist ... I should have given more.


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