David Cassidy on the Web
David Cassidy at Mohegan Sun
August 23, 2010
By Karen
http://www.gloriastavers.com/blog
David Cassidy in 16 magazine (May 1972)
Once in a blue moon, the right combination of talent, looks, and opportunity collide to produce a pop superstar of the magnitude of David Cassidy. Equally adept at music, acting, and live performance, his brass ring came in 1969 when he was cast in "The Partridge Family" television show and parlayed its five-year success into solo super-stardom. David's reign as a teen idol was accompanied by many record-breaking accomplishments, and he reportedly holds the record for the largest fan club membership in history. Those fans now have the pleasure of seeing David perform in more intimate settings than when he was selling out Madison Square Garden, the Astrodome and Wembley Stadium. By all appearances their loyalty has not waned, as the line for the 8pm show began forming well before noon. A rush to the foot of the stage came at the show's introduction, as fans abandoned their tables, their valuables, and some their dates for closer proximity to their fave. Cassidy opened with "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat," and then strapped on his electric guitar for "Hush," reminiscing about being an 18 year old mail room clerk in 1968, looking for a break and listening to the Deep Purple hit. Like The Monkees, The Partridge Family were gifted with songs written by some of the top tune-smiths of the day, including Rupert Holmes ("Echo Valley 2-6809") and the legendary Gerry Goffin ("I'll Meet You Halfway".) David remembered fondly some of the opportunities his stardom brought, such as a 1974 visit from John Lennon during which the two sang and played into the wee hours. Inspired at age 13 by the Beatles to pursue music, his version of "In My Life" was one of the evening's highlights. The hits kept coming with "I Woke Up In Love This Morning," "Summer Days," "Point Me In The Direction of Albuquerque," and a revamped version of the #6 hit "Doesn't Somebody Want To Be Wanted Like Me" (sans the original's "spoken word" interlude,) which David said he has only performed 3 or 4 times in the last 20 years. The band was generously given time to shine. Guitarist Ryan Bull let loose with a blazing solo, and musical director Frank Fabio kept everything grounded on bass. Producer/re-mixer/composer Craig J gave an amazingly inventive, jazzy version of "On Broadway," and drummer/percussionist Teri Cote sang the Pretender's "Brass in Pocket" while David took over for her on drums. Cassidy's vocal quality is surprisingly unchanged, and was especially strong on a soulful "Ain't No Sunshine" and a sexy/bluesy version of "Come On Get Happy" (honestly, it worked!) Known for being conflicted about his Partridge Family days, he seems to have found a way to celebrate that era without being stuck in it. He's pulled those hits into the present with more current arrangements, giving them a new energy. He engaged the audience throughout the show, recognizing the loyalty of his fans, and seemed genuinely grateful for his continued ability to entertain. He closed with the #1 worldwide mega-hit "I Think I Love You." On this night, David Cassidy rolled up his sleeves and came to play.
