Review - December 19th, 2001 Concert: January 4-January 10, 2002 MUSIC SOUND CHECKS - Page 35   David Carradine And Band Celebrity Center International Garden Pavilion December 19   By Johnathan Wilkerson and Michal Welles   For an evening's entertainment, there was no going wrong with the show provided by David Carradine and his entourage. Beginning at 7:30, we were treated to an extremely sensual display of acrobatics by Sasha, formerly of Circus Du Soleil, as he fairly flowed through and around a single scarlet sash suspended from the vaulted ceiling. With the end of this visual treat we then enjoyed the humor of Geoffrey Lewis and his introduction of The Cosmic Rescue Team. The band boasted Sharon Benson on Violin (and the only female of the group), Cary Park on Lead Guitar, Phillip Byno on Bass, Christian Lyon on Drums, and Hamid on Percussions.   As the band forms up, in what is reminiscent of Austin City Limits, they began with a melody made hauntingly romantic by the enchanting addition of Sharon's violin. Walking out of the audience in the dimly lit hall, the tall and good-looking Carradine made his entrance upon the stage dressed in fringed buckskin and smiling radiantly. As the crowd enthusiastically applauded, David strapped on a guitar and began to sing, which only served to raise the level of applause. One of the things I noticed immediately was the chemistry between all of the band members. "We really didn't have to do much", said David Carradine of the show, "because everything came together so nicely that, when it was actually happening, the entire show just clicked for everyone involved and we all had a fantastic time doing it."   Throughout the night's performance, the songs ranged from Blues to Ballads with Carradine proving his instrumental versatility playing guitar, piano, harmonica and a very lengthy bamboo flute, which he made by hand for the film The Silent Flute. The audience appeared to be very much in-tune with the music of Carradine and his band, especially so with the flavor of Sharon's violin adding a piquancy to David's dynamic personality.   This show was an enjoyable evening's respite. It was a "must see" which we hope will only be the first of many more to come.

Review - February 9th, 2002 Concert:   Cosmic Indeed !   "David Carradine & The Cosmic Rescue Team" The Celebrity Centre International - February 9, 2002   By Vickie Wright   Little did this music fan know what she was in for when asked to check out David Carradine's band. Upon arrival to The Celebrity Centre International the poster read, "Songs to make you laugh, songs to make you cry - from the ridiculous to the inspired." It was all that and more.   The evening began with Sasha, a very talented performer who held previous engagements with Cirque Du Soleil. Sasha maneuvered himself up and down a flowing red sash to the thunderous music of a Russian song titled "Last Dance." The crowd went wild in awe as he seemed to dance in mid-air and the red sash accompanied his every move beautifully, like a perfectly trained dance partner. The applause was just as thunderous as his choice in music.   Geoffrey Lewis then introduced the man that he described as, "Going back, doing his music again - only with what he knows now."   It was apparent that one was in for an evening of variety when the TV icon from "Kung Fu" walked to the stage in a cowboy jacket. David was well-received by the crowd and opened the show with a song titled "Walk A Country Mile." David and his guitar were content on the stage as if they were born there. With Sharon Benson on violin, a touch of lady class was added as she played soulfully to his words. David and Sharon looked great together on the stage. Other band mates were Cary Park on lead guitar, Ron Catt on bass, and a charismatic drummer named Christian Lyon.   As the set progressed, it was obvious that David was someone who had paid attention to life and its experiences. He expressed his spirit through lyrics that were as classic as Bob Dylan and as modern as Dave Matthews. He had the story telling style of Harry Chapin with the sensitiveness of Jim Croce, all wrapped up into his Springsteen- like voice. At times, the music styles represented those of country legends Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.   The band as a whole is reminiscent of 70's bands like The Eagles and Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band. How ironic the event took place in The Garden Pavilion; David Carradine was in fact throwing his own garden party.   David took to the piano and showed even more versatility with "Everytime" - a tender ballad mixed with Sharon's sweet violin; they blended magically. The greatest treat of the evening was to listen to David's stories, humor, and banter between the songs. He was one with his music, the audience and himself. In some cosmic way all the greats were up on that stage with him, even a touch of Randy Newman during one of his piano numbers called "Got No Right." As one, the audience journeyed together through his music.   During the second set David told the story of his handmade bamboo flute that he crafted and grew himself. The flute number was angelic to say the least, the soul and spirit lifting number called "Meditation Flute" was the opening to a song titled "Now's The Time To Tell."   Now with Sharon switching to guitar, the mood changed to an upbeat, reggae-style song titled "Paint" with David playing his Tiffany Harmonica and showing yet another wonderful talent; he was simply brilliant. Toward the end of the show the band was all smiles and just feeling good. The audience swayed back and forth as he sang "Let Me Take You Around" - a soft love song that seemed to have sentimental meaning to him as he looked out into the crowd and sang to his special someone. Imagined or real, her presence was felt.   It was a night of magic, spirit, angels, and great music. David's current CD is called "As Is." He takes his show on the road and will be playing The Violet Festival in New York June 7, 8, & 9, 2002. New Yorkers are in for a treat. It's Cosmic Indeed! What a team! David Carradine to the rescue!   (Vickie Wright is a freelance writer, music critic, and celebrity biographer.)

 

 

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