I was looking forward to this Nearfest the least (I've been to them all), due to the line-up and the success of Rosfest just three months prior. Was hoping that the change of venue back to Bethlehem would outweigh that. And it did. The atmosphere was wonderful and so were the people.....
The pre-show on Friday was the Musical Box. The songs were as Jim said. I usually am a bit jaundiced of tribute bands, but damnit they were so good. It made me remember how great those songs are! They are stunning, and I was done after the Muisical Box (my fav Genesis tune), but there was more. And I have a new appreciation for what an outstanding musician Mike Rutherford was. Cinema Show was perfect.....I love that jam in it. Even Supper's Ready was great! never boring. I was riveted.
Yezdu Urfa was nice. The first band is usually the obscure semi-weak act, but they held their own. A lot of Missing Piece/Free Hand-era Giant sounding songs. The only drawback was the singer reading off sheet music, kind of destroys the mood.
Pallas was a lot of fun, and were more fun the next two nights at a sing along at the hotel. I don't think the singer slept. Their set got the blood boiling! Don't know if I'd like their CD's but a strong act. Fist pumping Scots they were......aye.....
Richard Pinhas was a disaster. Loops and a computer, kept motioning to turn it up and down, a horrible soundtrack. That's not music, sorry. 30 minute set, I left after 20. Needed medical attention.
Mike Keneally was a lot of fun. Save for a brutal 15-minute song near the end of the set, he was excellent. Had a few Steely Dan-type songs, and a few fusion numbers. Him and his bass player are damn fine musicians. Having Nick from Spock's Beard with him was a treat too. Although Mike K. isn't a real good singer, him with Nick and the others was quite fun! Mike and Nick were also at the sing along. Mike wouldn't give up the guitar, and that was fine with us!
I missed Univers Zero. Stayed out at dinner too late, and saw some on the outside TV. I'm not into them, but those who went liked them, found them a bit subdued but enjoyable.
Hidria Spacefolk was a treat. I expected more ethereal mellow music, but they played a straight jam w/o being boring. They are similar to Ozrics - except for Ed Wynne of Ozrics is a dominant musician, and the Spacefolk were more of a collective. I chatted with them many times over the weekend. Their English is not great, but we Americans need a reality check on that. They were wonderful people (although generally high as Mt. Everest).
Metamorfosi were splendid. I am a johnny come lately on my euro prog - I was into Focus and Finch but listened to more heavy stuff in high school. I missed PFM, Nektar, all of those bands. The keyboardist was incredible - I noticed him to be a bit pompous later in conversation, but on stage a monster. At their age they were still a powerhouse. The operatic vocals were awesome - we called the singer Gandalf due to his appearance. The Italian vocals were not a problem with me. The finishing tune at the show had him screaming....good in any language!
Sean Malone was as Jim said disappointing. I was expecting big things, but only liked his Jaco P. tune.
Planet X left me cold. I am in the minority here, and that's OK. I quantify this by saying that I love heavy fusion. But every song was exactly the same, with no dynamics, all one loudness, soulless, bloodless. Just riffing. I thought Sherinian was not enjoying himself, and was preoccupied with his keyboard sound. Kept motioning up and down - Derek, no one noticed, really! I was put off by the constant "let's hear it for the best bass player/drummer in the world!" prattle. That being said, Rufus Philpot and Virgil Donati are monsters. They are worthy of every accolade Jim gave. I just think the band can't sustain a show....
I checked out about 1/2 of the Strawbs set. They did a nice tune about walking by the sea and one about 9/11. I'm not into them either, but I gave them a listen and then chatted the hippies up some more
Between bands, there was a preview out in the hall (and later in the theater) of an Echolyn DVD coming out in September. I saw an acoustic version of "Never the Same" that was awesome.
There are some side stories, but that's the shows.