When Pigs Fly

P.D. Kelley

If you are a Pink Floyd fan I hope you were at the Rogue Theatre on Friday, May 18th to hear what many critics think is the best tribute band to this iconic group ever: Pigs on the Wing. They hail from Portland so Oregon music fans can be proud. Pigs was formed in 2006 and from their comments in interviews both written and in social media, the band members are reverential about doing justice to the music, clearly wanting to give audiences a true Pink Floyd experience. They also keep up the tradition of producing an entertaining visual feast with a variety of lights, lasers, varying backdrops and projections. The first half of the show was devoted to PF music from the band’s inception in 1965 up to 1973. This was when PF began expanding their vision of psychedelic and progressive rock and Pigs did an admirable job of bringing that sense of newness, I’ve never heard anything like this quality that made PF so memorable. The second part of the performance started out with much of PF’s bestselling album ever and one of rock’s true classics: The Dark Side of the Moon with pieces from The Wall as well. This show was professional, comprehensive, and truly amazing, even if you weren’t a fan of PF. There were all ages in the crowd as well, appreciating the musicianship, not just 50 and 60 somethings reliving their first acid trip. And speaking of musicians, there was Jason Baker on guitar/vocals. Matt Jones on keyboard/vocals, David Lindenbalm on guitar/vocals, Eric Welder on bass, Bryan Fairfield on drums, Pete Galluzzo blowing the sax and stepping in on short notice for absent vocalist Keeley St. Clair was Kris Deegreen. There are some demanding rock arias in this music and Deegreen was up to the task. Kudos must also be given to Doug Layon, the lighting designer and Bryan Corn, the band’s equipment technician and projectionist. Pigs on the Wing had the same response as other groups have had the first time they experience the Rogue Theatre and the enthusiastic reception they get. Actually Baker said, “We’ve never been to Grants Pass and didn’t know what to expect. Now we know and we’ll be back!”

Catch you on the flip side…

Wide Awake for The Wheel

P.D. Kelley

On Monday May 21st, Asleep at the Wheel once again graced the stage at the Rogue and the band made it quite clear that they love this venue and will return again and again. The audience made it quite clear that they love the Wheel and that they will keep coming back to see them as well. For a couple of hours the crowd was treated to the sounds of western swing, traditional country, a little bit of blues and some early rock and roll. The repertoire seemed endless and maybe it is as the group has been going strong for forty plus years with 10 Grammys and twice as many albums under their belt. Respect from their peers runs deep and they have had all sorts of other laud and honor bestowed on them. This seems not to have fazed them and the jovial, let’s have fun attitude is strong. Two great vocalists and fiddle players in Dennis Ludiker (who also plays mandolin) and Katie Shore, gleam brightly. Also shining are Jay Reynolds on the sax and clarinet, Connor Forsyth on keyboards, Dave Sanger on drums, Eddie Rivers on sax and steel guitar, and Josh Hoag on the upright bass. Then, of course, there is The Man, Ray Benson, on lead guitar and vocals. Benson doesn’t walk on stage, he glides, wearing some gorgeous size 16EEE boots and a 10 (20?) gallon hat; he’s just a sharp dressed man as ZZ Top would say. He is finally as tall as his age at 6 feet 7 inches and that voice is still magnificent, with a range from a medium baritone way down to a rumbling bass. As co-founder of the group he is the front man and a head cheer leader and banters with all his musicians as well as the audience in a delightful way. I simply could not take my eyes off him. He and fiddle player Katie Shore have some duets together and she holds her own with a rich but mellow voice that would work in any style of popular music. The band played some oldies and some newer numbers and encouraged the crowd to sing along and we all shouted out about that HOT…ROD…LINCOLN! I’ll be looking to see them on the marquee again.

Catch you on the flip side…