Venue: The Linda-WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, Albany NY
It was rather ironic that Genesis performed what has been said to be their final concert on 3/26/2022, and just a few days later I am seeing RAEL perform the music of Genesis. RAEL is a NY/NJ based tribute band that focuses on the early years of the Genesis catalogue.
The band kicked off the evening with “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” and lead vocalist/flautist Lloyd Gold stalked the stage in his leather jacket conjuring the spirit of Gabriel into his act. The band seemed a bit shaky at first, but quickly righted the ship and gained confidence and momentum over the 2+ hour performance. Gold also took on the various characters and costumes of Gabriel, the old man in “The Musical Box”, the batwing headdress for “Watcher of the Skies” were among the highlights. Keyboardist Michael LaBuono and guitarist Sal Locascio made my evening complete with killer renditions of “Firth of Fifth” and “Return of the Giant Hogweed”. Rounding out the band are Mike Belmonte (bass, bass pedals, backing vocals) and Paul Sheehan (drums, backing vocals). In addition, the band played three Peter Gabriel solo selections: “Solisbury Hill”, “In Your Eyes”, and “The Rhythm of the Heat”. Some of the other Genesis classics from the evening were “Dancing With The Moonlit Knight”, “In The Cage”, and “Counting Out Time”.
The Linda is a wonderful sounding intimate room housed in the WAMC studio’s in Albany NY, and I would guess there were a little over 100 people in attendance for the show. As we watch our hero’s fade and retire from live performance, it makes me hopeful that musicians will continue to embrace and perform this timeless music. RAEL gave us the opportunity to relive the energy and beauty of the amazing music of Genesis.
Eric Porter
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