The Guess Who at Chumash Casino Resort
Classic Rockers Were at the Forefront of First Canadian Rock Invasion
L. Paul Mann
The term Classic Rock is a euphemism used to describe most any rock band predating the 1980's New Wave or Punk Movements. But there is probably no other band more deserving of this label than the Canadian rock band, The Guess Who. The latest incantation of the group stormed the Chumash Casino on Thursday night, March, 14th, playing an explosive ninety minute set, featuring 14 of their classic hit songs. Taking advantage of the in house state of the art lighting and sound system, the group offered up crystal clear vocals mixed with a tight booming rock and roll performance. The engaging group only featured one original member, bass player Jim Kale, who actually claims sole rights to the bands name. Kale's goofy nonchalant persona belied his immense bass skills. Once he commenced playing he sent out a thunderous rhythm not unlike that of the late John Entwistle, the legendary bass player of The Who. Kale would introduce many of the songs during the evening, offering up antidotes on the often humorous history of their genesis. Original drummer Gary Peterson, who normally still tours with the band, was absent due to a recent surgical procedure that has him sidelined for awhile. Drummer Charlie Morgan stepped in in his absence and performed remarkably, not surprising considering his pedigree. Since he began playing professionally in Great Britain, at the age of 18 in 1973, he has become one of the top session drummers in English rock. His most visible moment in the pop world may have come during the massive Live Aid concert, in 1985, when he played drums for Elton John. His explosive drum rhythms meshed perfectly with Kale's thunderous bass lines. Lead guitar player Laurie MacKenzie may have only been playing with the band since 2006, but he has been honing his skills as a rock guitarist extraordinaire since 1975. His classic wailing leads propelled the group into jam band territory on several occasions, during their show. Perhaps, the most musical member of the group, Leonard Shaw, played a wealth of instruments throughout the night, including an array of keyboards, flute, and saxophone. Lead singer and guitar player Derek Sharp rounds out the current line up of the band. The often feisty and funny singer, belted out the complex harmonies with masterful skill and clarity afforded only to a younger mans vocal chords. Sounding at times like a young Steven Tyler, he nailed nearly every note of the extensive catalog that the band screamed through. The animated singer also played a mean guitar in grandiose style, holding his own in jam battles with lead guitarist MacKenzie. The band actually brought to life the songs in a way that original members may not have been able to do considering their aging vocals chords. The band played tunes ranging from their first 1965 hit song to newer material that current members have worked on. Kale, looking relaxed and joyful early in the set, introduced their first 1965 hit, a remake of “Johnny Kid and The Pirates”, “Shakin All Over”. He also explained how the band got its name. Originally known as Chad Allan and The Expressions, their remake was marketed on radio stations across the globe, as being performed by Guess Who? The radio marketing ploy, invented to create a secret buzz about the band was so successful that the band eventually had to change their name to “The Guess Who”. The rock classic launched the mature crowd at the Chumash Resort, into a dancing frenzy and the front of the stage was opened early allowing eager fans to swarm to the front. For the rest of the show, many in the crowd stood dancing the night away, reminiscing about the time each new hit had been fresh on the radio. The massive video screens caught the beaming faces of much of the audience so familiar with the music. The band stormed through nearly all their classics before returning for a three song encore. The encore began with a cover of the Little Richard classic “Lucille”, led by Leonard Shaw on a wailing saxophone, and dancing in an animated frenzy. The group then brought the tone down for the well known rock ballad, “These Eyes”, with Sharp nailing the complicated vocal arrangement perfectly. They closed out the set with the appropriate classic rocker “No Time”, jamming a perfectly meshed hard rock ending. Many of the fans stayed on after the show, patiently waiting for the performers to sign autographs and merchandise, a practice that has become a ritual after the intimate shows at the Chumash Casino. Among those that frequent the venue, there a general sentiment that this was indeed one of the best performances that they had witnessed at the popular venue.
Check their website for upcoming shows including Prince protege Morris Day and The Time.
Set List:
Bus Rider
Clap for the Wolfman
Laughing
Undun
No Sugar Tonight
New Mother Nature
Play it on the Radio
Shakin' All Over
A Long Day
Hand Me Down World
Share the Land
American Woman
Encore:
Lucille (Little Richard cover)
These Eyes
No Time
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