Review: Greg Phillips. Photos: Empire Photographer, Stan Traianedes
In general I’m not a tribute/cover band kinda guy. Having experienced most of my favourite bands in concert over a lifetime, I’ve never seen the point of a settling for a lesser version of the original. On the other hand, I’ve also seen an increasing number of ‘heritage’ bands still touring when clearly they should have hung up the boots many years ago. Often the touring heritage band only contains one or two original members and that might be the drummer or bass player, with the rest of the band made up of younger, fresher musicians. Or even more common, the original lead singer’s voice is shot and can’t reach half of the notes he or she used to. In fact, the last time I saw one of my all time fave bands, Steely Dan, main man Donald Fagan was struggling to sing a note out to completion. Additionally, with Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker’s passing in 2017, a Steely Dan concert is even less enticing now.
But what if you could still hear a quality version of their music in the surrounds of an affordable, comfortable venue with superior sound, among fellow Dan devotees with fine food and drinks on offer? It was this proposition which led me to Empire Music Studios in Heidelberg, which is not only a state of the art recording facility but also a classy, seated performance space. On Saturday July 12, Empire hosted Sydney’s finest purveyor’s of Steely Dan’s music, The Kites, who were recording a performance of the entire Aja album plus other Steely Dan hits.
Upon entering the venue, the audience congregated together in the large lounge/foyer space, where a generous array of canapés and buffet foods were available to all (included in the price of admission). The pre-show time also offered the opportunity to mix amongst the crowd if you felt like it to share Steely Dan anecdotes from your past. Adding to the festivities, the good folk at Empire Studios had gone the extra mile and created Steely Dan related cocktails for the evening, including the Big Black Cow (Tia Maria, milk and espresso), Kid Champagne, Deacon Blues (a Rusty Nail), Laughing at the Frozen Rain (gin and tonic) and so forth … a nice touch!
The Kites played on Saturday night as a nine piece band, consisting of singer, percussionist Peter O’Regan (see our recent interview with Peter HERE), Jack Evans on guitar, Guy Saminaden on bass, Paul Phillips on sax, David McMaster on keyboards, Paul Kneipp on drums and three backing singers, Liz O’Regan, Danielle Kneipp and Narelle Evans (wives of three of the musicians and affectionately known as The Better Halves).
Beginning with the Aja album opener Black Cow, the band quickly locked into a premium groove. While singer Peter O’Regan doesn’t have the same vocal quirks of Donald Fagan, he does possess his own unique, quality tone and can certainly sustain a note much longer than Donald these days and with the assistance of the three backing vocalists, successfully delivered the spirit of Steely Dan’s music.
Breaking with track order, the band then launched into I Got The News, featuring an impressive vocal representation of the bridge sections, with guitarist Jack Evans contributing some slick licks on his Telecaster and the rhythm section of Saminaden and Kneipp setting a vibrant tempo. Josie, which is the final track on the album was up next and again, for the Steely Dan aficionados in the audience, the band provided an impressive presentation of the classic song. It also gave drummer Paul Kneipp an opportunity to solo and show us his masterly chops.
By the time we arrived at the beautiful Deacon Blues, it was time to forget any considerations of the original versions and simply sit back and enjoy these legendary songs being played with authority and heart by a group of accomplished Australian musicians, who were having as much fun on stage as those in the audience. Mention also must be made of Paul Phillips’ tasteful sax playing throughout this track.
A quality version of Home at Last and a peppy Peg, featuring some fiery guitar parts from Jack Evans led us finally to the epic title track Aja. Beginning with some delicate piano work from David McMaster, the song built to an epic conclusion with all musicians contributing a stunning level of musicianship, which didn’t go unnoticed by the crowd.
Interval gave punters a chance to delve into some gorgeous dessert options back in the foyer area and compare Steely Dan notes before heading back for the second half.
Kicking off the second half of the show, the band surprisingly launched into the Neville Brothers’ Yellow Moon, allowing all musicians some time in the spotlight. We had keyboard player McMaster shredding on organ, sax player Phillips letting loose with some searing notes, Evans giving his wah pedal a workout, Saminaden laying down some funky bass licks and of course, Paul Kneipp keeping the motor runnin’ throughout. Late in the Evening, a Paul Simon cover then followed before the band returned to the Steely Dan repertoire, performing Ricki Don’t Lose That Number, Hey Nineteen, Time Out of Mind, a powerful Pretzel Logic, Kid Charlemagne (featuring Jack’s credible version of Larry Carlton’s icon guitar solo), FM, My Old School, and finishing up with a joyous Reelin’ in the Years.
Would I bother to see the real Steely Dan if they performed in Australia one more time? Probably … despite his failing voice, it’s still Donald Fagan and I’ve been a life long fan. If I did, could I honestly say it would be as comfortable and enjoyable a show as the tribute performance I experienced by The Kites at Empire Studios? Quite possibly not! Empire is a class venue, presenting upscale talent, with excellent sound, appealing food, a delightful atmosphere, no viewing issues, an amiable crowd and the shows are always professionally staffed and staged. What more could you ask for?
Here are a few of the upcoming shows at Empire Studios (9 Northern Rd, Heidelberg)
Saturday 9th August
The Piano Men-The Songs of Elton John and Billy Joel
Saturday 30th August
The Neil Diamond Hot August Night Experience
with 10 piece live band
Friday 26th September
To Hell and Back
Grand Final Eve
Australia’s #1 tribute to MEATLOAF
Saturday 11TH October
The Music of Santana
Latin Rock extravaganza featuring 7 piece band
