LIVE AT THE APOLLO

At first I planned a review about Roxy Music with the legendary 1976 live Viva album, but after watching this 2001 Apollo concert last night I changed my mind. Because I am blown away by this Roxy Music line-up featuring four original band members and a wide range of very skilled guest musicians, what a tight, experienced and, last but not least, inspired formation, wow!

Phil Manzanera easily switches from sensitive guitar runs to a wild wah-wah drenched and tremolo-arm driven Jimi Hendrix tribute (Ladytron), and I love the guitar duet with Chris Spedding in the sensational version of Both Ends Burning (also featuring Bryan Ferry on mouth organ).

Andy Mackay is still such an important part of the distinctive Roxy Music sound with his awesome work on brass and woodwind instruments, from soaring clarinet to screaming saxophone.

Drummer Paul Thompson is the musical heartbeat, dynamic and powerful.

And how about Bryan Ferry? Well, who dares to state that he cannot sing, shame on you, what an excellent performance, of course he acts like a dandy, a Casanova, but he embellishes every song with his typical voice and cheerful presence, thumbs up!

The set-list features most of the Classic Prog era of Roxy Music, from the hypnotizing In Every Dream Home A Heartache (atmospheric organ layers, increasing tension and then that spectacular outburst) to the swinging Love Is The Drug (including two 'Moulin Rouge looking' female beauties).

But my absolute highlight is the presence of Lucy Wilkins, she does the incredible job to let you forget the two memorable Roxy Music members Brian Eno and Eddie Jobson, on her two VCS-3 synthesizers, and the electric violin. Especially the extended solo in Out Of The Blue is amazing, the ultimate mariage between skills and passion, goose bumps and wet eyes, how beautiful music can be!

Although not every Roxy Music song on this setlist is my cup of tea I consider this live DVD as a masterpiece, and every serious proghead should experience the violin solo in Out Of The Blue during this Apollo 2001 concert, what a thrill, don't miss this, prog rock history in 2001!