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Still Carrying On at the PNC Arts Center: Holmdel, N.J. – August 9, 2004 A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch "I still think this place looks like a flying saucer," commented David Crosby to the packed house that turned out to see CSN at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey on Monday, August 9th, 2004, continuing the thought he said, "it came, it saw, it landed, it stayed." The fans came and saw a great show on this night converging on the large, circular amphitheater which has the appearance of having portholes and is supported by several large, concrete pillars surrounded by a grassy null. The evening was a beautiful, mild summer night ideal for a concert and Crosby, Stills, Nash and company delivered an out of this world show!
 Crosby, Still & Nash in concert during their 2004 summer tour. (Photo by Buzz Person) CSN have been composing great music as individuals and as a group since the 1960's. Their first live performance as Crosby, Stills and Nash was at Woodstock. Their three-part harmonies combined with inspiring instrumentation and songs that were personal and political spoke to a generation. Today, Crosby, Stills and Nash continue to impress audiences with their harmonizing vocals, relevant lyrics and classic rock sound. Their touring line up also includes Jeff Pevar – a versatile guitarist well versed in rock, jazz and the blues and Crosby's son, James Raymond – a musical director and well-respected keyboardist who has also worked with a variety of artists. Jeff, James and the other members of the band contributed to a fuller and richer sound for CSN. The line up includes two strong lead guitar players (Stills and Pevar) and rhythm guitars (Crosby and Nash) which added drama and depth to the music. Interpretations of well-known songs were rocked up with plenty of guitars, a Hammond B3, innovative keyboards and solid bass and drum lines. The band is well rehearsed and they easily tapped into each other's energy. Many tracks included extended jams and interactions. Of course, there were the signature three part harmonies enriched by anywhere from one to three more voices. The band emerged around 8 p.m. beginning the first set with a strong version of 'Carry On' which was much heavier then the studio track with soaring guitar leads. The enthusiastic crowd was appreciative of this updated adaptation and were soon on their feet. David and Graham recently collaborated on a new CD that was released August 10, 2004. The two concert sets included their new songs along with the familiar favorites. The next few selections were C&N tunes including 'Military Madness' demonstrating that they are still outspoken proponents of peace as they sang the rallying hook and refrain of "no more war". 'Marrakesh Express' featured a snappy beat and the harmonies were strong even if a few of the higher, studio notes were missed. Nash thanked the crowd for coming to see them as they headed into an up-tempo '49 Bye-Byes' with its weighty guitar riffs. Stills prompted the crowd to clap along. David joked about his "ballads with their weird tunings and reflective somewhat confusing words but this next one is a pissed off rocker about Enron corporate greed". Pevar contributed an angry slide as David belted out his insightful, hard-hitting lyrics of 'They Want It All'. At one point, the group surrounded Jeff who was sitting with the slide and took off on an edgy jam. Both Crosby and Stills added some sizzling guitar licks layered over a driving beat. It was refreshing to see that even the lesser known tunes such as the new Crosby Nash material was well received by the audience. 'Jesus of Rio' was a prime example, it is a slower song, co-written by Pevar who handles the acoustic lead as James Raymond contributed distinctive key accents. The composition is rich in visual lyrics and vibrant instrumentation. Stills is still in prime guitar form yet gracious in sharing the lead role with the multi-talented Jeff Pevar. The two traded licks throughout the night. The serious Stills carried many of the CSN songs and Pevar handled the main role for some of the newer ones. In addition, Jeff who appeared to be having the most fun on stage, played electric mandolin and slide. 'Deja Vu' started with Nash on harmonica and as the song progressed each band member had an opportunity to jam before returning to the harmonic refrain "we have all been here before." The crowd jumped up with the opening chords of 'Love The One You're With', this arrangement was an alternative, rocking version that was an impressive close for the first set. During the break we walked around and saw that the band was supporting environmental causes and encouraging folks to register to vote. The crowd was in good spirits and we had the opportunity to chat with a number of fans who told us how much they enjoyed the first half of the concert. The second set opened with 'Southern Cross', then a new song and followed by 'Helplessly Hoping' which was well executed and the harmonies were right on target. A few more CN compositions were showcased including one about burying nuclear wastes in Yucca Mountain. It had a catchy refrain of "Don't Dig Here" and the song included incredible solos by Jeff and James. 'For What It's Worth' had the audience on their feet dancing and singing along. Stephen soared on his riffs and played an exchange with the B3 player as the rest of the group provided the groove. 'Dark Star' featured a catchy up-tempo rhythm and stellar instrumentation. The Stills' compositions received some of the strongest, positive feedback of the night. Crosby, Stills and Nash closed the second set with a great rendition of 'Wooden Ships'. Their encore included 'Woodstock' for a "star studded night" and the reflective 'Teach Your Children'. Many of those in attendance were taking the message of the last song to heart. There were many offspring of older fans in attendance who were learning a lesson in classic rock by studying the beautifully harmonic songs of the legendary CS&N. The crowd at the packed PNC Arts Center left highly satisfied having heard well-loved classics as well as new innovative and intelligent songs.
SETLIST: Related Links: For more information on Crosby, Stills & Nash and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Crosby, Stills & Nash | Buy Crosby Nash (Originally Published on August 16, 2004) |
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