The Shea set included many songs from the CPR catalogue including 'Map To Buried Treasure', 'Jesus of Rio' and 'American Ghost Town'. The CPR tracks tackle serious issues in a tapestry of dramatic guitar leads, compelling keyboards and solid beats. Crosby on occasion would play guitar but left the majority of that in the capable hands of Pevar. In addition to jams CPR has great harmonies carrying on the traditions of CSN. 'Lay Me Down', the second song of the night, showcased the vocal chemistry of CPR. At times, the harmonies sounded like one strong voice. The set list was diverse with slow passionate vinaigrettes and heavy rockers. David, in the role of ringmaster and lead vocalist talked a bit about the song writing process and how some songs are more about feeling than words as they segued into a montage that featured vocal blends and talking instruments. Each band member including Steve and Andrew had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Besides CPR material, the group played 'Guinnevere', 'So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star' and a rocked up version of 'Déjà Vu' with a soaring Pevar solo. This classic set closer earned CPR it first of two standing ovations.

The band returned to the stage for their encore of 'Cowboy Movie' with its foretelling lyrics of trouble with the law before leaving the crowd with one more song.

"There's two reasons we do this next song. One is we love it. The other is we want you to remember," before playing their show-closing number of CSN&Y's 'Ohio.' This Neil Young-penned classic rock anthem tells the story of the tragic death of four college students who were gunned down by the Ohio National Guard while protesting the Vietnam War in 1970 on the campus of Kent State University.

The audience gathered in the acoustically rich Shea Center were quiet and respectful at the appropriate moments revealing their deep appreciation of the music. Many in attendance seemed familiar with all or part of Crosby's body of work which spans four decades. They gave loud cheers and applause following each song and CPR received an enthusiastic standing ovation at the show's close. But, the night's good feelings were to be short lived for Crosby.

Immediately after the show David Crosby returned to the DoubleTree Suites hotel in midtown Manhattan where he had been staying. He had left a bag behind and had made a phone call telling management that he would be coming back to retrieve it. Unbeknownst to him, a hotel employee had discovered the bag and rifled through it to determine whose property it was. The employee discovered an ounce of marijuana, two knives and a loaded .45 caliber pistol and a total of 26 rounds of ammunition. The hotel alerted authorities and the police were waiting for Crosby when he showed up. Crosby was taken into custody and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a felony. He faces up to seven years on the gun charge if convicted.

Just when it seemed he was truly reveling in the joy of his life and in the midst of making great music — it looks like David Crosby and his career may need resuscitation once again.

From left to right: CPR is Jeff Pevar, David Crosby and James Raymond.

Related Links: For more information on CPR and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- David Crosby & CPR | Jeff Pevar | Common Rotation | W.P. University

Originally Published: 03/07/2004 on Kweevak.com