Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 4
Location: West Hollywood, CA
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Uli Jon Roth is a world renowned instrumentalist, composer, music director and artist, best known for being lead guitarist and main songwriter for German number 1 rock band, The Scorpions, from 1973 through 1978.
The Uli Jon Roth Sky Academy was created to offer guitarists of all music disciplines inspiration, expansion of perspective and widening of musical horizons in such a way to benefit the player and fill a gap in the landscape of musical instruction.
Turning into a yearly event with ever increasing popularity, the Sky Academy concerts feature Uli and his players performing with some of the greatest guitarists and musicians in the world throughout two magical evenings. The evening of Saturday, August 25, brought night 2 of the Uli Jon Roth Sky Academy concert to the Musician’s Institute main auditorium in Hollywood, California.
After a scorching solo opening with his band and a crowd pleasing set featuring former Yngwie Malmsteen and solo vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, Uli mentioned that a special friend who first played in public with him at the last minute in last year’s show and considered this evening’s featured special guest was ready to come out & play. From stage right and to the hushed gasps and applause of the musically experienced and knowledgeable audience walked out legendary Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, casually dressed in artsy t-shirt and pants.
Grabbing the microphone and greeting the audience with a warm hello, Mr. Krieger proceeded to introduce vocalist Evan Marshall of the Los Angeles based Evan Marshall Band as the singer that would assist on a couple of songs. Backed by Uli Jon Roth’s more than capable band along with the "Morrisonian" sounding and looking Evan Marshall, the band launched into a crystal clear sounding “Roadhouse Blues”. Robbie Krieger took center stage in moving the riff laden song along, accompanied by Evan Marshall’s deep baritone vocals and Uli Jon Roth’s rhythmic playing.
After an enthusiastic crowd response, the impressive and quality sound system poured out the sound of a thunderstorm, as the impromptu band, led by Mr. Krieger’s haunting and sad lead guitar tones, rode into the popular “Riders On The Storm”. Most prevalent and awe inspiring during these first two songs was the incredible guitar solo interplay between Robbie Krieger and Uli Jon Roth, with two of the greatest, but different style, rock guitarists playing off one another, trading and copying solos and riffs. The audience knew they were seeing two legends providing them with an unforgettable experience, with the concentration level so intense that other than the clean sounding music, one could hear a pin drop on the floor.
Upon the applause subsiding, Krieger grabbed the mic, thanked Evan Marshall for his valuable contribution and announced that he was bringing out another singer for a couple of tunes, Brett Scallions, lead singer of his current band, Riders On The Storm. Mr. Scallions aggressively stormed out from stage right, dressed in relaxed, but hip button down shirt and blue jeans. Mr. Scallions commented on the audience to get more lively, so it didn’t sound like a church in the auditorium, to which Robbie Krieger responded, “…the church of Uli!”, to much applause.
The mini-Riders On The Storm reunion then launched into the popular “L.A. Woman” to loud applause. Mr. Scallion’s energy, enthusiasm, and reminiscent Morrison like grunts and mannerisms immediately and noticeably lifted the audience participation and mood to summer of love levels. Drawing the song out with long musical interludes featuring dual lead solos and interplays between Krieger & Roth, along with Scallion’s jumping, racing, and animal type vocal comments throughout the song, the roused crowd provided a virtual standing ovation upon conclusion.
With having exhausted nearly 20 minutes, Mr. Krieger then announced they had time for one more song, asking the stunned and giddy crowd what song they would like to hear, with various suggestions pouring in from the Pro-Doors audience. Krieger seemed amused by the suggestions, and then the ever familiar keyboard intro of “Light My Fire” commenced. What was notable about this particular part of the fantastic performance was vocalist Brett Scallions seemingly bringing his previously almost overly hyped presence and vocal delivery down a notch, and when he did that, he seemed to relax, which parlayed his vocals and presence to absolutely top notch quality, sounding the best this reviewer has heard him, and once again, evoking quality and authentic Morrison overtones and mystic memories. The dueling lead guitar solos featured Uli Jon Roth and Robbie Krieger following each other up and down their respective guitar necks like only true, professional musicians united by their mutual love and respect could display.
Upon the finish of “Light My Fire” with a fire filled crowd ovation, Uli thanked Robbie for his participation for the second year in a row, with Robbie coming over to give his musical mate an emotional hug, thus concluding an absolutely sensational, 30 plus minute musical journey riding the storm through the doors of perception.
To learn more about Uli Jon Roth and The Sky Academy, please visit their website. Catch Robbie Krieger, Brett Scallions and Ray Manzarek with Riders On The Storm, on tour now.
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Ride the snake to deep elder forests of azur... |
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