David Pack's Legends
18 August 2018
Philip J. Miller Amphitheatre, Castle Rock, CO
The band Ambrosia graced the airwaves in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and I had wanted to hear lead singer David Pack's voice in concert for over 35 years. Tonight his vocal range didn't disappoint, keeping up with the likes of the upper harmonies of the Beach Boys and the Eagles. But, tonight he also brought along a few Legends to round out the set and the sound.
Starting 50 minutes later than the advertised ticket time, David introduced John Elefante, the hired lead singer for Kansas shortly after the band's heyday. John handled "Point Of Know Return" and a slightly rockified version of "Dust In The Wind" without any trouble.
Prior to each artist taking the stage, a biographical music video brought fans up to speed on the respective individual artists' history. The video introducing David Pack played as David himself watched, which, I don't know, seemed slightly weird. Anyway, Pack, bulkier than ever, fitting the visual role of a biker from Sturgis, played/sang my favorite Ambrosia single, largely because of the chord changes, melody, chorus harmonies, and brilliant bridge, "You're The Only Woman", followed by a cover of the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There".
David then introduced Gary Wright, who besides playing keyboards in Spooky Tooth and with George Harrison, also had a successful solo career. Gary performed "Love Is Alive", but just with a microphone and not behind a keyboard.
Next up, legendary guitarist, keyboardist, and songwriter Jim Peterik, who co-wrote many famous songs with artists such as .38 Special, Sammy Hagar, Brian Wilson, and the Beach Boys. Jim offered a lengthy but interesting story-based introduction to his smash hit with the Ides Of March, "Vehicle", which was supposedly the fastest-selling single in Warner Brothers' record company history. Jim then followed with "Hold On Loosely".
The show took on a smooth jazz turn with the introduction of David Benoit, who then performed several instrumentals previously made famous in Peanuts cartoons, as well as accompaniment to some David Pack vocals.
Toward the end of the show, all Legends united to perform "Carry On Wayward Sun", "How Much I Feel", "You're The Biggest Part Of Me", "Dream Weaver", "Eye Of The Tiger", and an encore with a guest female vocalist of "R-E-S-P-E-C-T", in tribute to Aretha Franklin who has passed away two days earlier on the 41st anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley.
At times the show had some slightly awkward moments, including when David stopped "How Much I Feel" in the middle of the first verse, to advise drummer Kenny Aronoff to slow down the tempo to more closely match the studio version of the same song. Some dead time small talk slowed the show of the pace down from time to time, but in truth the gig was a relatively low-tension, relaxed atmosphere, permitting freedom and acceptance for minor snafus.
The Miller Amphitheatre is a nice place, out of the way, somewhat naturally scenic, pretty cool -- seating 2200 people, and not filled to capacity tonight, allowing free walking, chatting, and mobile food concession enjoyment during slower moments. Rain held off until just a few minutes after the show ended -- sweet!
[*** 1/2] - Steven T.