tollie.org/blog thoughts and reflections of Tollie Williams

Mainheim Steamroller Concert

From the sold out encore performance of the concert in Huntsville, AL - from the very last row in the balcony, unfortunately. http://qik.com/video/607401 Show was good: 6 out of 10. That would be higher if everyone in group was there. The "main" guy was having neck surgery this touring season, so he was out; and the other half of the original band was touring on the west coast.

Other thoughts? I'm not a fan of the effect lights being programmed to blind me in the eyes, which happened a good bit too often for me. And, for me, I felt like too much of the second half was performed behind the scrim. Maybe some enjoyed the movies, but I felt like it broke the "live connection" and emotionally removed me too far from the actual concert.

Other things my mom noticed: the drummer and bass guitar were really young. I'm pretty sure the drummer was younger than me even - but it was his drums that drove most songs home.

I suppose that reminds me: the other place I deducted points off the 10 was largely the use of pre-recorded track and synthesized horns and bells. Only two horns, and a small (6 violins + 1 woodwind) orchestra were present, although the featured violinist and I believe even the percussionist both pulled out a recorder once during the show. But no, I didn't like the use of pre-recorded track at all. I want concerts to be entirely live.

Overall: solid, still good, show.