Concert Review
Two Sides Of David Cassidy-The Florida Tour April 13, 14/2012:
Treasure Island is located about a 45 minute drive from Tampa, Florida. Known for its 3 miles of white, pristine beach, it is also home to "The Club", a resort like playground for the rich and famous of the area.
Of course, our reason for being here was to see the great David Cassidy in concert. As we were taken in for our seats halfway to the back of a banquet room, it immediately dawned on us that this was not an ideal venue for a concert. Rectangular Las Vegas style tables of 12 placed side by side perpendicular to the stage made for fairly close but uncomfortable seating as we tried to peer over the heads of Club members stragetically placed in front of us. Nevertheless, we were all ready and primed for action for this first concert after almost 6 months, and in warm, sunny Florida as well.
The familiar opening beats had the crowd on their feet to welcome the star of the show."C'mon Get Happy" sang David as he welcomed us to the show. He looked his usual fit, athletic self with that cool smile melting the hearts of all the women in the audience as they screamed their approval.
"What a great place this is. You should all become members, I know I will be one" said David as he praised the locale. He then told us about an accident he had injuring his left middle finger while attending a local sports event which hampered his guitar playing. In spite of this he still treated us to his famous licks during "Hush" and "I Woke Up In Love". The power strumming of "Ain't No Sunshine" had the crowd waving their hands in delight.
Unique about his show was a continued interaction with the audience which pleased many of those in attendance but made for less polished versions of the songs chosen to be sung. "Summer Days" and "I'll Meet You Halfway" showcased David's trademark wiggles while "Echo Valley" and "Doesn't Somebody" displayed that quick wit that we've come to know and love.
Before we knew it, an hour had passed and the show was over as David left to enthusiastic cheers while the band finished off the final strains to "I Think I Love You".
Social David gave way to professional David the next night in Miami at the Magic City Casino near the International airport. This was the show that had Davy Jones of the Monkees as a co-headliner until his tragic death a few months before. David decided to dedicate the concert to Davy and sang "Daydream Believer" and "I'm A Believer" in tribute to his friend and musical collegue. The thunderous applause and long standing ovation further proved how much the fans love to hear new and different songs year upon year.
There was a high stage that separated David from the audience which made for a very focused, memorable concert that proved David could still rock with the best of them even at the age of 62. The dialogue was kept to a minimum and songs sung with a conviction that I had not seen since 1991.
An off the cuff "Superstition" during Frank's solo added to the excitement and I could see a number of the younger folk singing along. Highlights included complete, uninterrupted versions of "Halfway", " Summer Days", "Cherish", and "I Think I Love You". Spectacular a concert if I've ever seen one and possibly one that would even make the husbands take note.
Thank you Lucio for your review
