Last year at about this time, America came to town to play at the Wolf Den. Seven of us cleared our schedules to have dinner and watch a show. Unfortunately circumstances changed that evening and we never got to see these vintage musicians. This year, America’s return to Uncasville drew only two of those original seven. For myself, seeing this band for the first time was simply another notch in my Rock n’ Roll show belt, but for NK, it seemed a real treat.
Time is a funny thing – depending on context, forty-two years can be seen as very short duration or a very long duration. If you are a 42 yr old grandparent, one would think that is amazingly young. Yet if you started a Rock N Roll band 42 years ago and continue to perform to this day, one would consider you a relic. America falls into the latter.
Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell formed two-thirds of the original group and rose to stardom in the 70’s with an array of easy-listening Top 10 hits. They were joined on stage by Willie Leacox on drums -a 39 yr veteran of the group, Mike Woods, lead guitar, 34 years, and the rookie on bass Richard Campbell, 11 years. Together these guys showed their true musicianship and played a very good set to a packed, yet strangely motionless older crowd.
Being much older Den Men than yours truly, this group is far more up NK’s & Vick’s alley based on the kind of music and timeframe of their popularity. Still, I knew several songs and some that I didn’t know were very good (“Sandman” comes to mind as an unbeat- rockin’ tune). They played the hits: “Lonely People”, “Sister Golden Hair”, “You Can Do Magic”, and of course “Ventura Highway” and even ventured into some covers including the Mama’s & Papa’s “California Dreamin”. One highlight of the show was the very effective use of the video monitor behind the stage. They showed vintage America concerts as well as news clips of the world from back in the 70’s and earlier including war scenes. Overall I enjoyed the show as the concert had a Crosby, Still and Nash feel to it -softer music with good harmonies. It’s no wonder they have their star of the Walk of Fame.
One last highlight occurred as NK and I were downing some Trash Ribs at Bubba’s and enjoying the Celts game. We both watched in awe as Den favorites, Greg and Squatch, mosied up to a table to feast on a full rack and half a chicken. Surprised – I think not.
Randall
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