Mmmm...Elio Pace plays Billy Joel...it sounded interesting to me, so I booked tickets for Sue and I to go along to The Pavilion in Rhyl to see what it was all about. Since hearing Elio regularly lifting the roof off the Weekend Wogan show a couple of years ago, I wanted to see the great man live - it turned out to be a wonderful night. The fact that there were just 53 people in the audience did not bother Elio and his band. He explained that this was a work in progress, an idea in its infancy. Well, I have news for you: watch out, because Elio will carry this tour on for a long, long time, and when word gets out, House Full signs will be going up everywhere. Elio and his five piece band took our breath away with their sheer musicianship, and to repeat something I have said many times before, they play with soul. Bands that slavishly follow the dots are out there by the thousand; they leave me stone cold. This band is different class. All the favourite hits were there, interwoven with informative and passionate explanations by Elio who realised that no-one was out there with a tribute to this massively talented songwriter. I have listened to Joels work over the years, but was never a collector. Therefore, I hadnt realised the great influence that classical music has had over Billy Joels music, for instance. Elio included in his programme the radio hit that kick started Billy Joels career - Captain Jack. He recorded this with his original full touring band which Elio explained were rejected by the record company in those early days. When that band got together last year, and Billy Joel declined their invitation to front them, there was only one man capable of filling the role - Elio Pace. Thats how good this show was. We had My Life, Italian Restaurant, piano intros from various hits, Still Rock and Roll to Me, Just The Way You Are...in fact the party went on with almost 40 songs in the set. The whole band, consisting of guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, saxophone (plus lots more various instruments) led by Elios distinctive piano playing, was the tightest I have seen in many a year. Add to that the fact that guitarist Tom Wright has only just turned 20, and you get an idea of how talented the musicians in this and really are. I have to echo the bands thanks to The Pavilion for having the courage to bring us shows like this. Elio explained that out of Britains 220 theatres, 70 had booked the show. On top of that, a personal tribute to Gareth Owen, whose career I have followed with interest since his early aspirations with Colwyn Abbey Players, all his work, devotion and training, until attaining his position at The Pavilion via a long spell at Theatr Colwyn Look out for Elio and his band, and take the opportunity to see a band of consummate musicians whose sole aim is to enjoy entertaining an audience without overblowing things and going for self-glory. Thanks again for an uplifting experience.
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 23:05:37 +0000
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