Kweevak.com Rock Report: Adrian Belew - Red, Hot & Belew! (Concert Review)

Don't Miss Todd Rundgren at The BergenPAC

RED, HOT, BELEW & GREEN:
King Crimson Frontman Stands at Head of the Class in Teaneck
A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch

It's the season of graduations and when the Adrian Belew Power Trio took the stage at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey on June 7th, 2008 the much heralded guitarist served as a commencement speaker of sorts and proved that a technical education can really pay off.

A royal presence in Teaneck - King Crimson's Arian Belew!

But, we're not talking about any high school or college graduates here. The concert at the newly re-branded nightclub was a showcase for Bergen County's branch of the Paul Green School of Rock and the opening act was an assembly of talented youths from the organization who were cheered on by a house packed full of proud parents. As they closed their set and program the School of Rock paid homage and provided an introduction for Belew's band with a fiery cover of King Crimson's "Red".

A freak record-setting heat wave added more fire to the already smoldering festivities and the Adrian Belew Power Trio sizzled for the assembled fans. Adrian was sweating it up early and often during their sixteen song set yet Belew remained animated and smiling throughout the band's two-hour show.

Adrian Belew is a multi-talented artist best known as the lead guitarist for King Crimson since 1981. Adrian also plays bass, drums and piano and his vocal style has on occasion been compared to David Byrne of the Talking Heads.

In addition to solo work, Belew has supported many musicians including Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Paul Simon, Tori Amos, Jars of Clay and Porcupine Tree. Currently, Adrian is fronting the Adrian Belew Power Trio which features the brother/sister rhythm section of Erik Slick on drums and Julie Slick on bass. This trio is currently scheduled to tour the U.S. and Europe through the summer of 2008.

Belew's set-up included two foot pedals, four front miked amps and a keyboard interface.

Adrian is an innovative player who uses many tools and techniques to craft his dense and dynamic music. He employs plenty of effects pedals with one attached to a keyboard and all his amps are front miked. Interestingly, for a man who likes a lot of gear, Adrian played only one signature guitar during the Mexicali show in comparison to other guitar gods who are known to show off their personal collection while on tour.

The opening song featured a funky, heavy groove with complex chord changes enhanced with wild wa-wa effects and vocals. The second piece was propelled by the powerful rhythm team who aptly supported Adrian's innovations throughout the night.

A bass drum exchange heralded 'Ampersand' which was infused with light, lush fret work with keyboard effects flowing through the guitar. Adrian utilized the treble method for more textures and tones. The fourth song started with a dramatic drum solo from Eric before Belew and Julie joined in to add color to the vibrant, versatile piece. Adrian utilized varied techniques to get different sounds and styles from his instrument.

Drums started song five, as Adrian picked strange sonic tones from the strings. Belew dragged chords from the guitar and his fingers fluttered over the fret for experimental effects. He then melded into a slide loop for the band to jam on top of. The ever-changing progressions ended with soaring leads while beguiling bass lines floated to the foreground.

The guitarist played his own Parker Adrian Belew Signature Fly guitar all night.

The heavy "Dinosaur" started with a guitar loop that sounded a bit like prog rock compatriots, Yes, yet Adrian crafted complex chords with weird wa-wa effects to make the riff his own. Subtle drums and sultry bass lines added to the dreamy, diverse feel of the piece. Next, a drum bass exchange occurred before Belew employed the scratch method to mold even more progressive parts. Bass lines were captivating and chunky, adding to the innovation. Adrian broke a string but kept playing at a fierce pace to close the first set strong in strong fashion.

"Start the car," Adrian stated as he returned to the stage solo for the first song of the second set. Belew played layered leads, utilizing the full spectrum of sounds and effects and then segued into the Beatles' "Within You, Without" which featuring elongated notes and more wa-wa wizardry.

The rhythm tandem of Eric and Julie Slick, both in their early 20's, provided a tight platform for Belew to demonstrate his skills on. The brother and sister also offered living proof for the assembled parents that a musical education in the School of Rock is a worthy endeavor - both Slicks are alumni who were hand-picked by Belew for this tour. Putting their degree into action Eric and Julie joined Adrian in a frenzied, funky groove with some singing and slide effects. The band would continue to build on this intense, intricate progression through the next seven jams. The encore featured fast, furious fret work and rhythms along with siren effects and vocals.

"It's been a hot one," Belew said to the fans before thanking everyone for coming out to this special evening of music that celebrated the past and future of progressive rock.

The hot talent of the Bergen County branch of the School of Rock opened the show - aptly playing the complex catalogue of Yes in honor of that band's 40th Anniversary in 2008. The School players ably handled the tricky transitions of the music in spite of the many maneuvers the musicians needed to perform to get on and off the stage. Belew is clearly supporting progressive rock - and a new generation of inspired young musicians. Who knows - if you enroll your children maybe they'll grow up to be like Eric and Julie Slick - who were well prepared to perform with the red hot Adrian Belew.

Some of the students who were well-schooled in classic rock!

Related Links: For more information on Adrian Belew and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- adrianbelew.net | mexicalilive.com | schoolofrock.com

Originally Published: 06/10/2008 on Kweevak.com

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