Life is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ’24 came to Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady, New York on Thursday November 14 for a three-hour-plus performance.
The lights went down as the “Theme From The Last Waltz” played-in the band members, who came from various corners of the stage. Three chandeliers were adorned above the musicians, reminiscent of the stage scene in The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert at the famed Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. When Mike Campbell came into the spotlight and tipped his hat to the audience, they responded with rousing applause and shouts, setting the tone for the night’s carnival-like musical extravaganza. This epic touring show features a star-studded lineup led by (Yellowstone actor/musician) Ryan Bingham, (country singer/songwriter) Jamey Johnson, Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench (from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Don Was (musician, record producer, music director, and film composer), John Medeski (joining Tench on keyboards), Dave Malone (from The Radiators) on guitar and vocals, New Orleans drummer Terence Higgins, Cyril Neville (yes, from that famous Neville family), and trombonist-extraordinaire Mark Mullins and The Levee Horns (featuring the original horn arrangements of Allen Toussaint). The talented ensemble performed songs as “a tribute to Robbie Robertson and the Band” as Campbell told the crowd, playing familiar songs from the famed Last Waltz concert, and others with some connection to The Band.
Fourteen musicians on any stage is a chance of a cacophonous catastrophe, but each of these talented musicians is so adept at their respective instruments that they knew what and when to play, creating a rich, full sound – a delicate balance of faithfully rendering The Band’s music, yet adding their own voicing and playing styles. They certainly zeroed in on the varied keyboard sounds on each song, with Tench and Medeski switching positions throughout the night – alternating from the piano and keyboard set-up down front, to the B3 and organ riser in the back. Medeski started the second set with a modern prog-infused intro/solo section to “Chest Fever,” the band joining him on stage once he hit the familiar chords that officially start the song, with Tench running in at the last moment to play the opening piano chords. Afterward, Mike Campbell taunted the audience stating wryly, “I hope you paid the babysitter, because we are going to be playing for a long time.” He was right, as the next set clocked in at a hearty hour-and-forty-five.
They played all the familiar Last Waltz numbers, a few deep cuts (“The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show,” “Twilight”), paid proper homage to Bob Dylan (“Forever Young,” “I Shall Be Released”), Tom Petty (“Best of Everything”), Bruce Springsteen (“Atlantic City” from The Band’s later 1993 Jericho album), and certainly threw in some Dixieland New Orleans swagger and spice (as many members hail from that locale) that complimented the Band’s repertoire of original Americana music. The horn section was both a sight to see and hear. During “Down South in New Orleans,” fans were treated to a solo from each of the four players – sax, trumpet, trombone, and tuba (Yes, a tuba solo! Well, actually a sousaphone if I want to be accurate) – all played with great verve, vigor, and vibe.
New Orleans drummer Terrence Higgins’ blend of slinky street beats, funk, R&B, zydeco, blues, jazz, and swing provided a close replica of Levon Helms unique rhythmic shuffle drumming, and along with Don Was’ in the pocket bass playing, they kept the solid foundation of the intricate rhythms and beats of the Band’s music. Each vocalist had a distinct style and was given featured moments: Ryan Bingham (a powerful solo rendition of “Twilight” with only Tench accompanying him on piano), Mike Campbell (sounding uncannily like his former band leader on “Best of Everything”), Jamey Johnson (a soulful “Georgia on my Mind” and a slow, low rendition of “Helpless” that had the audience spellbound – you could have heard a pin drop), Dave Malone (on the lively “Caravan,” where he also played a biting telecaster solo in the outro), Cyril Neville (singing a spooky-bluesy vocal on “Who Do You Love”), and female vocalist Shannon McNally (singing lead on “Evangeline” and “Long Black Veil”).
Veteran rocker Mike Campbell showed his musical versatility – playing different guitars (including a Rickenbacker, two telecasters, and a Gibson SG Standard), as well as a mandolin, and harmonica on various songs during the night – his slide and guitar-playing prowess on full display during “Further on up the Road,” as he sauntered to the edge of the stage, throwing guitar picks to outreached hand, which got the audience heightened and hyped up, and playfully nudging and prodding Ryan Bingham, who he said he’d coaxed into playing electric guitar. Afterward, they shifted gears, as Jamey Johnson started playing some dissonant atmospheric chords. When he came in with the first line “There is a town in North Ontario” in a low-registered vocal, a smattering of awed applause came in recognition of Neil Young’s “Helpless,” and then an immediate hush, as patrons sat rapt, hanging on Johnson’s poignant vocal phrasing. It was definitely one of the highlights of the night. A laid-back version of “Who do you love” (unlike rollicking Ronnie Hawkins rock version in The Last Waltz), featured some tasty instrumental flavorings: Mullins’ stellar muted trombone solo, Campbell’s chugging harmonica solo, and Tench’s murky and soulful B3 solo. So many great moments during the night, it was a shame it had to come to an end.
This talented group of players certainly captured the authentic swing, feel, and excitement of The Band’s music, music that will hopefully be heard and performed for many years to come in order to carry on The Band’s legacy.
Find tour dates here: https://blackbirdpresents.com/life-is-a-carnival-last-waltz-tour-24/
Set 1:
Theme From The Last Waltz (recording)
Up On Cripple Creek
Shape I’m In
Wheels On Fire
Georgia On My Mind
It Makes No Difference
Mystery Train
Down South In New Orleans
Long Black Veil
Atlantic City
The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
Life Is A Carnival
King Harvest (Has Surely Come)
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Set 2:
Chest Fever
Best of Everything (Tom Petty cover)
Ophelia
Evangeline
Caravan
Twilight
Rag Mama Rag
Look Out Cleveland
Further On Up The Road
Helpless
Such A Night (Dr. John cover)
Who Do You Love
Forever Young
The Weight
I Shall Be Released
ENCORE:
Don’t Do It
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