Oakley Reunion

Friday 28 March 2008 Monte's - Dartmouth, N.S. 

"Let's rock this fuckin' joint" was always Ritchie's rallying cry to start the gigs.  We didn't get that this time around but nonetheless I was anticipating and got the kick ass Oakley fix that I'd been missing for too many years now  (last time for me was July 2, 2004 at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth).  Of course, Ritchie and Wayne supplied lots of hysterics and funnies throughout.  Sound problems hampered the band somewhat throughout the night, but they overcame, adapted and kicked it regardless.  The crowd size was a little surprising (not a full house) but everyone there was pumped and wildly enthusiastic.  One thing about these events is the,weddings and funerals vibe you get, the many a face that you haven't seen in some time.  Good merch table was also much appreciated with cd's t-shirts, buttons, etc being sold by Ritchie's daughter.  

Opening with the often performed Atlanta Rhythm Section gem "Back Up Against The Wall" and kicking it up with a salute to the "Guitar Man" himself, was the indicator that this show would be a great one.  If there was a little rust it wasn't evident as the band looked and sounded pretty tight (again despite some tech difficulties they were up against).  Kudos' to Bruce Nelson (ex-Titan guitarist and longtime Tour Tech aficionado) for doing his best to get things sorted out.  A pleasant surprise to me was the ballad "That's The Way I Am", always a favorite and a shoulda woulda coulda been a decent hit for the band (much in the same vein as "I Almost Call Your Name").   "Don't Kick A Man" was next and the boys nailed this one.  Another crowd favorite !  A  7 min jam of "Going Down" followed featuring a tasty piano solo by John Lee as well as solid solo's on bass by Bruce Dixon and on drum solo by Dog McKay.  Former band member and good buddy, Donnie Morris,  came on to play bass for the last two numbers of the set - Silverwings and Powertripper. Both these tracks were to be on the ill fated 2nd Oakley album that was recorded and in the can, but sadly never saw the light of day.  At this point the band broke for a beer(s) break.  I took the opportunity to check out a few buddies in the crowd and reaction was extremely positive throughout.  Thumbs up all the way around and many said they'd be back for the Sat night gig as well.  

The second set blasted off with one of their signature songs - Rid'em Cowboy.   I must say that, and this is definitely no slight to the great John Lee (who flew in from Kitchener,Ont to play these gigs), but I have to admit I preferred the Bill McCauley (RIP) sound he got with his keyboards.   Perhaps that could be attributed to familiarity on either players part?  Just a personal observation.  Having said that I also noticed John brought another side of the Oakley keyboard sound to the mix and fleshed out a lot of the classics in a slightly different manner, which is cool.  I have to admit, I was hoping they'd keep playing for another hour as the band and the crowd just seemed to hitting their stride and then it was over.  Wayne brought the house down with "Almost Call Your Name" and the band shifted into high gear with the classic set enders "Rock n'Roll Gypsies" and "Sidewinder".  Not sure why they did "Guitar Man" again, but nobody complained, that's for certain. 

Overall, it was a show not to be missed.  It was great to hear the Oakley classics from the first album, but for me it's the would be second album tracks that really make it.  I have to say that the great Dave Gallant really shined on lead guitar all night long.   Possibly underrated (not if you've been following him around throughout the years), Dave is in a word(s) - one helluva an axe picker.  Not to be outdone, Ritchie had his "A" game in tact and as always his slide work was a thing and sound of beauty.   I found Ritchie to be a little less in your face, if you know what I mean -  in a good way -  than usual.  I guess I was recalling the Clancey's daze of Ritchie jumping on tables and drinking beers as he solo'd his way across the entire bar.  Pretty hard to top that anymore I realize, aaahh memories.   

As Ritchie stated during the encore - She's Gone" we're gonna feature some shit hot players up here tonight and that they did - great soling by Bruce, John and Davey.  Of course Dog Mckay played them tubs like no other can. The rythym section were as solid and tight as we've always known and come to expect.  Last but certainly not least, if there is an mvp for the Oakley Band, it is definitely the great Wayne Nicholson !   Not only does he still have a world class voice (in the company of greats like Paul Rogers and Roger Daltrey), he is the ultimate front man and really is the focal point on stage much of the time.  He puts 150% in all night long and works the stage and crowd as only he can.  I don't know how Wayne would feel about this comment but I overheard one of the girls in our party state that "she was reminded of a young Mick Jagger, only better looking"  haha.   Great night of classic gut bucket Oakley rock n'roll.    I'd like to read comments on this show and/or the Saturday night gig ??  

Oakley band:

Ritchie Oakley - guitars
Wayne Nicholson - vocals
Bruce Dixon - bass
Doug MacKay - drums
Dave Gallant - guitars
John Lee - keyboards

     1st set:

01.   Back Up Against The Wall

02.   Guitar Man

03.   Walkin' Blues

04.   To You

05.   Melody

06.   That's The Way I Am

07.   Don't Kick A Man

08.   Going Down

09.   Silver Wings

10.   Power Tripper  

2nd set:

01.   Ride Em Cowboy

02.   Good Rockin' Tonight

03.   Running Wild

04.   Look At Me Now

05.   Sticking With You

06.   Call Me The Breeze

07.   Almost Call Your Name

08.   Rock n' Roll Gypsies

09.   Sidewinder

10.   Guitar Man       

encore:

11.   She's Gone        

cheers,  

Steve Marsh Dartmouth, N.S.