Amazing ARZ Performance Last Night, July 31 2009

[Thonk]

Although I’m sure it was not a typical show for the band, Swingbikerider, his wife and I were treated to an intimate, somewhat impromptu, ARZ show on Friday July 31. Due to complications the show was moved from a local watering hole in Portland, Oregon to Steve’s (ARZguitar) backyard.

Because we all had to work Friday we got a late start on the two hour drive to Portland. After arriving in Portland and finding a place to park down the street from Steve’s house we walked into the backyard to find about 40 people of various age groups already enjoying the show. After locating some open spots near the back of the crowd we focused on the band. I’m not very knowledgeable to the names of ARZ songs but recognized and fully enjoyed the three or four songs they played after we arrived. It was still hot in Portland near dusk and, at this point the band had been playing for well over an hour, so a break was called for. Steve welcomed everybody to his place, and invited anyone who wanted to, to come up and play his guitar while he jumped on bass and Merrill (ARZdrummer) jammed along. It was obvious that amongst the crowd were several of Steve and Merrill’s music students. Including one young man, whose name I did not catch, that could not have been more than 10-12 years old. He got up on “the stage” and played some Van Halen licks as well as another tune I did not recognize. He was quite a player and I’ve seen people with many more years of experience who could not play as well as he did.

After the Jam session Steve broke out the acoustic guitar and treated us to a mind blowing solo jam. At this time I got to meet Merrill for the first time and told him how outstanding I thought their music was. He thanked us for coming and during the conversation I mentioned that I had a favorite ARZ tune that I did not know the name of but when I repeated some of the lyrics, Merrill knew which song it was. He advised that they had played it before we got there but said he would ask Steve if he wanted to play it again. Merrill got back on the drum kit as Steve was finishing his acoustic solo. After announcing that we had driven two hours to see the show they asked the crowd if it would be okay to repeat a couple of tunes. No one in the crowd seemed to have a problem with that so off they went. Playing the song I requested first and then, I think, Birth of a Hero. Both are from their new CD. Both songs were awesome and loud enough that I figured the police would be showing up at anytime to shut down the show. Luckily that never happened (Steve must have some very understanding and supportive neighbors). In fact I heard clapping from one neighbor’s yard after one song. After playing the two ARZ songs Steve asked the crowd for requests. Someone requested Rush – New World Man and after advising that it had been quite a while since they played that song, and they did not have the sequences to play along to anymore, they played it anyway. Even with no bass player the song sounded full and rich and although there may have been a minor glitch here or there it was enjoyable for all.

It was at this point that a couple of teenage brothers finally gathered the courage to get up on the stage (they been debating for quite a while). With one on Steve’s guitar and one on Merrill’s drum kit they played a speed metal song which I recognized but could not name. They were obviously good players too and jammed for at least ten minutes. By the end of their song it was nearing, or past, the 10:00’ish quiet time for residential neighborhoods so the show had to end.

We stayed for about an hour after the show talking with Steve and Merrill about prog bands, prog rock in general, where ARZ might be headed, as well as a bunch of other topics. It was a truly enjoyable evening. ARZ are very likable, genuine people as well as fantastic musicians. It was obvious, by the caliber of their students that they are giving back to their community. That is in addition to their contributions to the prog rock community. I would recommend that any prog rock fan jump at the chance to see them live. I would also encourage any prog festival producers/promoters looking for new talent; look no further than Portland, Oregon and ARZ.
Thanks again to Merrill and especially Steve for welcoming us to his home for the show. I’m excited for ARZ and looking forward to seeing them again.
Sincerely,
Thonk98 (Pete)

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

What an exceptional experience. Perhaps a lot like the band camps and things kids do these days. And ARZ to boot. Wish I could have been there.
Thanks for helping us feel like we were.

[NorCalKurt]

How cool. Wish I was there. Great review. Thanks.

Brilliant review and maaaan what a great time you must have had.

Thanks for sharing.

[mojojojo]

Really fun evening at the ARZ garden! The little guy on guitar was actually my son, Michael Hermes. He's 8 years old! lives in Happy Valley, Or. and has been studying with Steve for about 8 months. As wonderful as Steve is on guitar he has a special gift as a teacher! He brings things out in these kids that no one else can.

[Thonk]

Wow, only 8 years old........that's impressive. I like your term "the ARZ garden"......Steve's wife truly has a gift with the flora, they have a beautiful yard. She was very friendly too. It was a fun evening. Thanks to all who replied with kind words regarding my review.