Moody Blues sound just fine living in the past
Bank of America Pavilion, Boston, August 25, 2009
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
Justin Hayward still can sing, and the songs still sound great for the Moody Blues. But if you were expecting something new under the sun, look elsewhere.
The pioneering British progressive and psychedelic band did not present any new music to tour behind and pretty much has moved over to being a nostalgia act at this point in their four-decade old career.
Hayward remained at the core of the band along with drummer Graeme Edge, the only actual original member, and bassist John Lodge. Four other musicians, who helped flesh out the sound, backed them.
The group certainly played their hits, starting with the lively, bouncy I Know You're Out There Somewhere, The Story in Your Eyes and the closing one-two punch to the regular set of the beautiful sounding Nights in White Satin and an excellent, invigorating version of Question with its lines "Why do we never get an answer, when we're knocking at the door/ With a thousand million questions about hate and death and war?" still ringing true.
Hayward's fine voice remains intact, though he still did not possess the warmest personality going. He left that to Lodge, who took several turns at lead vocals and Edge, an affable sort.
Edge talked a bit to the crowd at one point, saying it was 40 years since man went to the man, eliciting cheers from the faithful, and also since Woodstock. The latter reference was a curious one since the Moodys did not play at Woodstock.
The backing band proved worthy, particularly second drummer Gordon Marshall, a very physical drummer, and flautist Norda Mullen.
It's too bad that the Moody Blues did not have something new to say - their last album, "December," came out in 2003. Yes, they sounded very good 45-years into their existence, but other acts who have been around that long still make an effort to put out new material in an effort to stay relevant.
With that said, if the Moody Blues are intent on living in the past, they have fans ready to see them and the musical chops to make them want to return.
