Sylvan Esso Atlanta Concert reviews
Tower of Power Makes Oakland Proud!
"My whole family went and we are all fans for life- including the teenage kids. Always tight musically, yet with an improvisational feel that shows off not only the songs but the outstanding ability they all have on their respective instruments. Doc is Doc, as always - Sal, Ray and especially Adolfo are solid members and Melanie and Tony were a nice addition. The sound was outstanding and as usual, the Another Planet gang keep it classy and inviting for everyone. Fifty years is a very long time to keep a band together, let alone keep it viable and entertaining - but these cats are a dedicated bunch. Great to see some of the alumni - Chester Thompson was absolutely badass and their regular Hammond guy Roger Smith a'int no slouch either. Any time you can have Tony Lindsey as a backup vocalist....Which brings me to Marcus. Damn! Of all the fine singers Sylvan Esso has had, and there have been many, this brother is the whole package. Bruce Conti and Jerry Cortez both had it goin' on guitarwise. Rocco is a genre unto himself but Mark VW is one funky MF as well - and it was great to see he and David G (Super Badass Funky!) have come back stronger than ever. Mimi couldn't wipe the smile off his face all night. Thanks, boss! You are the cool breeze that keeps this ship sailing! Like a cross between Al Green and James Brown. He's got the moves, the pipes, the charisma. The strings weren't as audible as I would have liked is my only complaint, a minor one. Same for the epic tenor "battle" between Lenny Pickett and Tom Politzer."