WILLY DEVILLE B-DAY CELEB. SHOW - VERSLAG [23 augustus 2010]

Verslag [Dutch] van de WILLY DEVILLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHOW met Mink Deville Bandleden 23 aug. 2010 in de BB King Blues Club te New York (USA) - door Gurrie 'Hurdy' van Brug (voormalig Willy DeVille Int. Fanclub voorzitter)
[The English review is below this Dutch review]

<< Hurdy & Willy in the early days in Holland.


Vooraf stel je jezelf de vraag: “heeft het zin als ik voor het concert dat de Mink DeVille bandleden op 23 augustus 2010 in BB Kings Club in New York geven om er dan heen te gaan” Alle DeVille pro’s komen snel voorbij, maar ja wie gaat er dan zingen?
Het enthousiasme groeide en het rationele werd snel verbannen. "Gewoon op emotie er heen gaan en laat het gebeuren". Dat was de tip van mijn vrouw en ik hoefde helemaal niets te regelen en kon gewoon genieten. Zou ik dan niet te kritisch zijn naar de bandleden?

Voor je het goed en wel door hebt, sta je bij BB Kings Club voor de deur on W42 Street. Groots aangekondigd onder 'Willy DeVille Birthday Tribute w/Mink DeVille Band + Richard Lloyd' hingen er posters bij BB Kings Club. Dat was toch wel kicken.
’s Middags was het een drukte van belang in de club. Het was een komen en gaan van Mink DeVille band leden. Uit iedere Mink DeVille periode waren er bandleden aanwezig. Tijd om te soundchecken was er nauwelijks, enkel om even te horen of het geluid voldeed. Samen inspelen kwam er niet van. De leeftijdsverschillen waren best groot onder de bandleden, toen Darin Brown geboren werd, werd Mink DeVille zo’n beetje opgericht. Hoe zou dat gaan? Al die gasten met hun eigen Mink periode, zouden die uit de voeten kunnen met elkaar? Zoals gezegd niet te veel denken, laat het gebeuren.

En het gebeurde. Vanaf de eerste tot de laatste song hebben wij genoten. De zaal was goed gevuld, een leuke club zeker de moeite waard om er heen te gaan als je in N.Y. bent. Het enige nadeel vind ik de manier waarop die Amerikanen de concerten beleven. Zittend aan tafels en ondertussen ook nog eten. Wat een wereld van verschil met Europa!

[photos (c): Dino Perrucci]

Maar dan nu het concert. Als eerste op het podium verscheen de complete band van 1976/1977; Louie X Erlanger, Bobby Leonards, Ruben Siquenza, ja, die van Rosita!! en Thomas T. Allen (Manfred). Als of ze dagelijks met elkaar speelden werd Cadillac Walk gebracht. Manfred zong en niemand die kon merken dat het bijna 25 jaar geleden was dat zij elkaar voor het laatst gezien en gespeeld hadden. De toon was gezet. Verrassend, Manfred zong en dat klonk goed. Natuurlijk had ik vooraf besloten om geen enkele vergelijking met Willy te maken (dat zou een onmogelijke zaak zijn). De ene na de andere Willy song werd gespeeld en op het podium steeds wisselende bandleden. Wie speelden er allemaal mee: Louie X Erlanger, Bobby Leonards, Ruben Sequenza, Thomas T. Allen (Manfred), Ricky Borgia, Joey Vasta, Tommy Price, David J. Keyes, Boris Kinberg, Shawn Murray, Kenny Margolis, Darrin Brown, Mark Newman, Seth Farber, Bobby Curiano, Steve Conte, Yadonna Wise en Saxofoonspeler Crispin Cioe. What een Mink DeVille History geweldig, dit was uniek. Gezongen werd er door Ruben, Yadonna, Kenny, David, Mark, Steve, Ricky en Bobby. Dan denk je dat je ze allemaal gehoord hebt, maar nee hoor ook Boris moest eraan geloven en hij zong Lilly’s Daddy’s Cadillac. Voor hem was het zeker de eerste keer dat hij de zang op zich nam. Het klonk allemaal even goed. Bobby heeft een hele, goede en mooie stem. De rest zong met hart en ziel. Yadonna – kippenvel!!

Er waren 2 gastoptredens, een van Richard Lloyd (Television) hij speelde en zong White Trash Girl met de band. Television (ook uit de CBGB´s periode) stond in het voorprogramma in Berlijn (Willy´s DVD Live in Berlin) daar heb ik ze toen ook gehoord en ik kan de gemaakte keuze White Trash Girl begrijpen. Peter Wolf, de zanger van de J. Geils Band, zong Steady Drivin' man. Ook een echt podium dier een prachtige vertolking. Willy zou trots geweest zijn. Af en toe werden er enige woorden gezegd over het verleden en tot Willy gesproken. De reactie, op een geweldige manier werd Willy daarbij nagedaan; “Are you crazy guys” was 100% op zijn plaats.

De grote stimulator achter dit concert David, hij deed een mooie vertolking van Story Book Love, genoot zichtbaar. Het was heel wonderlijk hoe soepel en goed alles verliep. Vele wissels op de bühne maar de sfeer was zo relaxed. Een bijzondere avond.


Zonder al te lyrisch te worden kan ik toch wel zeggen dat de Spanish Stroll uitvoering één van de hoogtepunten van de avond was. Naast originele Rosita vertolker Ruben stonden alle bandleden op het podium. Willy zou trots geweest zijn.

Nu alweer bijna 2 weken later blijven de mooie herinneringen en ben ik blij dat ik het rationele aan de kant heb kunnen zetten. Was dit het? Mensen die mij beter kennen weten dat zoiets weer iets bij mij ingang zet. Het hele concert is opgenomen en nu gaan we eraan werken om het op dvd uitgebracht te krijgen. En het zou natuurlijk prachtig zijn om dit gebeuren ook naar Europa te halen. Wij zijn alweer bezig te kijken of dat haalbaar is. Wie weet eind 2011. Mocht er een grote sponsor zijn of mocht je die kennen dan hou ik mij aanbevolen. Mijn voorkeur is namelijk om geen deel van de groep maar om alle Mink DeVille bandleden naar Europa te halen, ook al zijn dat er een heleboel. Het is gewoonweg de moeite waard en een fantastisch eerbetoon aan Willy. De vraag: “wie moet er dan zingen?” die is voor mij wel beantwoord: DE BANDLEDEN met 1 of 2 gast-zangers. Laten we hopen dat de prille initiatieven uitgroeien tot een aantal concerten in Nederland, Duitsland, Frankrijk en België. Je ziet je bent nog niet van mij af.

Willy & David w/ Acoustic Trio 2005 in BB Kings' Blues Club New York City (NY).
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REVIEW IN ENGLISH:

Review of WILLY DEVILLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHOW w/Mink Deville Band Members Aug. 23th 2010 - BB King's, NYC by Gurrie van Brug (former president of the Willy DeVille Int. Fanclub)

Pre ask yourself the question: “does it make sense if I was at the Mink DeVille band members concert on August 23, 2010 at BB Kings’ Club in New York?“ All the former DeVille pro’s are there, but who is about to sing? The enthusiasm grew and my rational thought was quickly banned. Just go on emotion and just let it happen! That was the tip of my wife because me myself had nothing to regulate and could only benefit. But wouldn’t I be too critical to the band members?

But before you are aware of it, you’re in front of BB Kings Club at W42 Street New York. `Willy DeVille Birthday Tribute w / Mink DeVille Band + Richard Lloyd` was announced by big posters that hung at BB Kings Club wall. That sure was cool!
In the afternoon was a buzz of interest in the club. It was a coming and going of Mink DeVille band members. From each Mink DeVille period were band members present. There was hardly time for the soundchecking, only a (too short) rehearsal. The age differences were quite large among the band members, when Darin Brown was born Mink DeVille was pretty much set. How would that go? All those guys with their own Mink period, could they work together on stage? As I said before; not too much thinking, just let it happen!

And it happened. From the first to the last song we have enjoyed it. BB Kings Club was well filled, a nice club worthwhile to go if you're in NYC. The only drawback I find is the way that American public experience this kind of live concerts; sitting at tables and eating food. What a world of difference from Europe! But now the concert. The whole band of 1976 / 1977 first appeared on stage; Louie X. Erlanger, Bobby Leonard, Ruben Siquenza, yes, Rosita! and Thomas T. Allen (Manfred). As if they played together daily, Cadillac Walk was played. Manfred did the vocals and nobody could notice it was almost 25 years ago that they played together. Amazing, the show was put! Manfred sang and sounded surprisingly good. Of course I had previously decided not to make any comparison with Willy (that would be an impossible matter). One after another Willy’s (Mink’s) songs were played on stage and band members constantly changing. Who played all along were (see also below setlist): Louie X. Erlanger, Bobby Leonard, Ruben Siquenza, Thomas T. Allen (Manfred), Ricky Borgia, Joey Vasta, Tommy Price, David J. Keyes, Boris Kinberg, Shawn Murray, Kenny Margolis, Darrin Brown, Mark Newman, Seth Farber, Bobby Curiano, Steve Conte, Yadonna Wise and Saxophonist Crispin Cioe. What a great Mink DeVille History, this was unique. Lead vocals by Ruben, Yadonna, Kenny, David, Mark, Steve, Ricky and Bobby. And just you think you've heard them all, Boris came up with the lead vocals in Lilly's Daddy's Cadillac. For him it was certainly the first time he took on the leads. And it sounded good! Bobby also has a very good and beautiful voice. The rest of them did well and sang with heart and soul. Yadonna - goosebumps!

There were two guest appearances, one of Richard Lloyd (Television), he played and sang White Trash Girl with the band. Television (also known from the CBGB's period) was the support act in Berlin (Willy's DVD Live in Berlin) a concert I joined also. And I can understand the choice White Trash Girl. Peter Wolf, lead singer of the J. Geils Band, sang Steady Drivin’ Man. Also a real stage-animal, a wonderful interpretation. Willy would have been proud. Occasionally there were some words said about the past and talked to Willy above. And a great Willy DeVille voice imitation: "Are you crazy guys?!" The response was really in place.

David Keys was the main stimulator behind this concert, he did a beautiful rendition of Storybook Love, He enjoyed it clearly. It was amazing how smooth everything went. Many member exchange on the stage but the atmosphere was so releaxed. A special evening.

Without going to be lyrical I can say that the Spanish Stroll encore was one of the highlights of this evening. Besides Rubin who did the original Rosita rap all band members and guest performers were on stage. Willy would have been proud.

Now - almost two weeks later – I cherish the beautiful memories and I'm glad I wasn’t rational at the right moment and decided to go. How come? People who know me well will know that events like this ensure that I will be active again (even though the fanclub has been lifted). The whole concert was recorded and now we are working on it to get it released on DVD. And naturally it would be wonderful this celebration can be done also in Europe. We are aiming at autumn 2011. I keep myself recommended for sponsors to arrange this event. Again with all of the Mink DeVille band members (and some guests) at venues in Europe, even though there a lot. It's just way worth it and a great tribute to Willy. The question of who should be there to sing? That’s been answered for me! The BANDMEMBERS themselves with 1 or 2 guest singers. Because they were great in NYC and they will be in Europe as well! Let’s hope that the fledgling initiatives also become a serie of concerts in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium. You see you're still not rid of me ;-)

Setlist:

1. Title: HARLEM NOCTURNE
Kenny Margolis - Keys
Joey Vasta - Bass
Thommy Price - Drums
Rick Borgia - Guitar
Crispin Cioe - Sax

2. Title: THIS MUST BE THE NIGHT
Rick Borgia - Lead Vocal and Guitar
Kenny Margolis - Keys
Joey Vasta - Bass, Vocals
Thommy Price - Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion
Crispin Cioe - Sax
David J Keyes - Backing Vocals

3. Title: MAYBE TOMORROW
Bobby Curiano - Lead Vocal
Joey Vasta - Bass, Back vocals
Thommy Price - Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion
Kenny Margolis - keyboards
Rick Borgia - Guitar, vocals
Crispin Cioe - Sax

4. Title: SHE'S SO TOUGH
Kenny Margolis - Lead Vocal, Organ
Joey Vasta - Bass
Thommy Price - Drums
Rick Borgia - Guitar
Paul James - 2nd guitar
Crispin Cioe - Sax

5. Title: CADILLAC WALK
Louis X Erlanger - Guitar
Manfred TR Allen - Drums, Lead Vocal
Ruben Sequenza - Bass Guitar
Bobby Leonard - Keyboards

6. Title: VENUS Of AVENUE D
Louis X Erlanger - Guitar
Manfred TR Allen - Drums
Ruben Sequenza - Bass Guitar, Lead Vocal
Bobby Leonard - Keys
Rick Borgia - 2nd guitar

7. Title: GUNSLINGER
Louis X Erlanger - Guitar, Lead Vocal
Manfred TR Allen - Drums
Ruben Sequenza - Bass Guitar
Bobby Leonard - Keys
Rick Borgia - 2nd guitar

8. Title: I MUST BE DREAMING
Bobby Curiano - Lead Vocal
David J Keyes - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
Seth Farber - Keys, Vocals
Rick Borgia - Guitar, Vocals
Crispin Cioe - Sax

9. Title: YOU BETTER MOVE ON
Bobby Curiano - Lead Vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Joey Vasta - Bass, Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
Darin Brown - Piano (Rhodes), Vocals
Rick Borgia - Guitar, Vocals
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

10. Title: WHITE TRASH GIRL
Richard Lloyd - Guitar, Lead Vocal
David J Keyes - Bass
Shawn Murray - Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion
Mark Newman – Guitar
Seth Farber - Organ
Darin Brown - Piano

11. Title: LILLY'S DADDY'S CADILLAC
Boris Kinberg - Lead Vocal
Crispin Cioe - Sax
Shawn Murray - Drums, Vocals
David J Keyes - Bass, Vocals
Seth Farber - Piano
Darin Brown - Organ
Ricky Borgia - Guitar
Yadonna Wise - Vocals

12. Title: CAN’T DO WITHOUT IT
Yadonna Wise - Lead Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
David J Keyes - Upright bass, Vocals
Louis X. Erlanger - Guitar
Rick Borgia? - Guitar
Seth Farber - Piano
Kenny Margolis - Organ

13. Title: JUMP CITY
Yadonna Wise - Lead Vocals
Mark Newman - Guitar, Vocals
David J Keyes - Electric Bass
Seth Farber - Piano
Darin Brown - Organ, Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums, Vocals
Boris Kinberg - Percussion
Crispin Cioe - Sax

14. Title: JUST YOUR FRIENDS
David J Keyes - Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica
Bobby Curiano - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Joey Vasta - Bass
Shawn Murray - Drums
Kenny - Organ
Seth Farber - Accordion
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

15. Title: EVEN WHILE I SLEEP
Dave – Lead Vocal, Bass Guitar
Bobby and Mark Newman - Guitars
Darin Brown – Keys, Verse harmony vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion
Seth Farber - Accordion
Yadonna Wise - Vocals chorus

16. MUDDY WATERS ROSE...
Mark Newman - Lead Vocal, Slide Guitar
Bobby Curiano - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Yadonna Wise - Vocals
David J Keyes - Bass, Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
Darin Brown - Keys, Vocals
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

17. MIXED UP SHOOK UP GIRL
Steve Conte - Lead Vocal, Guitar
Louis X. Erlanger - Guitar
David J Keyes - Upright Bass
Bobby Leonard - Piano
Ken Margolis - Accordion
Shawn Murray – Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

18. Title: STEADY DRIVIN' MAN
Peter Wolf - Lead vocal, Harp
Mark Newman and Lou X. Erlanger - Guitars
David J Keyes - Upright Bass, Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
Kenny - Organ
Seth Farber - Piano
Boris Kinberg – Percussion
Yadonna Wise – Background Vocals

19. TEARDROPS MUST FALL
Rick Borgia - Lead Vocal and Guitar
Joey Vasta - Bass and Vocals
Thommy Price - Drums
Crispin - Sax
Ken Margolis - Organ
Seth Farber - Piano

20. LOVE AND EMOTION
Ken Margolis - Lead Vocal and Accordion
Seth Farber - Piano
Thommy Price and Shawn Murray - Drums
Joey Vasta - Bass
Ricky Borgia - Guitar
Crispin Cioe - Sax
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

21. Title: BAMBOO ROAD
Darin Brown – Lead Vocal, Piano
David J Keyes - Upright Bass, vocals
Slide Guitar – Mark Newman, vocals
Shawn Murray – Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion
Thommy Price - Percussion
Yadonna Wise – Background Vocals

22. Title: HEART AND SOUL
Yadonna Wise – Lead Vocal
David J. Keyes – Upright Bass
Kenny - Accordion
Rick Borgia or Mark Newman - Nylon and Acoustic Guitar
Seth Farber - Keyboards
Shawn Murray - Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

23. Title: SAVOIR FAIRE
Mark Newman - Lead vocal
Joey Vasta - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Ricky Borgia - Guitars, Vocals
Shawn Murray - Drums
Kenny Margolis - Piano, Vocals
Darin Brown - Organ

24. JUST TO WALK THAT LITTLE GIRL HOME
Kenny - Lead Vocal, Accordion
Ricky - back vocals, Nylon Guitar
Ruben Siguenza - Bass
Lou Erlanger - Electric Guitar
Shawn Murray or Thommy Price - Drums
Boris Kinberg - Percussion

25. Title: DEMASIADO CORAZON
Darin Brown - Lead Vocal
Seth Farber - Keyboard
Joey Vasta - Bass
Crispin - Sax
Ricky and Mark Newman - Nylon Guitar
Shawn Murray - Drums
Thommy Price - Percussion
Boris Kinberg – Percussion

26. Title: SPANISH STROLL (ENCORE)
Steve Conte - Guitar, Vocal
Lou Erlanger - guitar
Bobby Kenny and Seth and Darin - Pianos and Organs
Ruben Sequenza - Bass Guitar, Spanish rap
Shawn Murray & Thommy Price - Drums
Manfred TR Allen - Percussion
Boris Kinberg - Percussion