Trans-Siberian Orchestra Live in Concert - November 13, 2008

My how time flies when you're having fun. That's the old adage right? It's amazing how some sayings ring truer than others. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is celebrating their tenth year on the road in 2008. It just doesn't seem possible. What is more shocking is it's almost Christmas already. I don't know where the years have gone. It seems nowadays if you blink too fast there goes another month. Okay, so much for sounding like all the parents out there. Another observation that also rings true is - the Christmas season for many music fans doesn't officially start until TSO comes to their town. Or at least their tunes start making it to the airwaves on radio stations. If the retailers had their way, the sparkling lights and trees would be up all year round. That could mean a TSO concert in May? I kind of doubt it. There is certainly a youthful thrill sitting in any venue U.S.A. waiting for the show to start. There is the seasonal music playing before the show (excerpts from their three Holiday CD's) and the wonder and anticipation of what's yet to come once the house lights go down, the massive cranes of stage lights climb higher and higher to the ceiling of the arena and fog begins the envelope the stage. Ah, yes, welcome ladies and gents to the most rocking spectacular Holiday show on earth: the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2008.

Now if that wasn't a build up I must be slipping. And no, I haven't dipped into the egg nog just yet. Though I do have an inkling to put up my tree. Admittedly it's hard to get into the holiday swing of things when it's 80+ degrees outside but we Southerners do our best, with a little help from the group on stage of course. For those who haven't had the pleasure of seeing TSO live let me assure you, you're missing one heck of a good time. Lights, lasers, fire, pyrotechnics, sweeping vocals, orchestral arrangements, and some of the best musicianship the music business has to offer is just feet away on the concert stage. It's amazing what 16 truckloads of lights and magic can accomplish during a three hour show. And don't forget the snow. Yes, there also is snow that falls upon audience sitting on the arena floor. The audience demagrafic is as wide as imaginable. Tiny tots to grandparents made up the audience on this evening. I have to admit I was wondering for a moment if I was at the right show. Music has a way of building bridges between generations, across ethnic lines, it's a wonderful gift. I've seen TSO and their two touring groups countless times. I try to make it every year. It's a tradition I like to keep. Actually I break out the CD's at the beginning of October much to the dismay of the people around me. True the theme is Christmas but the rock music and songs are so good they can be spun year round.

There are two distinctive parts to a TSO concert. The first: the Christmas suite. It runs just under two hours. All of the above stage production is 100% utilized, and then some. "An Angel Came Down," is the beginning. From there we're propelled into a wondrous journey of a Christmas tale Paul O'Neill's way (the mastermind behind TSO and their CD's). Though he doesn't play with them live, his spirit is felt at every performance. The body of work is really quite something. Of course there is a story behind the three CD's, the first installment especially "Christmas Eve and Other Stories." The title writes itself. Helped along by a narrator, Bryan Hicks, Trans takes us on a journey around the globe with an angel searching for the true meaning and worth of Christmas. Featured musicians for this wing of the tour (the two touring groups - the east coast and west coast) are guitarists Chris Caffery and Alex Skolnick, violinists Roddy Chong and Anna Phoebe, drummer Jeff Plate, bassist John Lee Middleton, and keyboard players Bob Kinkel (one of the groups founders) and Luci Butler. A group of local high school classical musicians made up the string orchestra, and played wonderfully I might add. Then of course there are the featured and backing vocalists. So add another six or so members to the pot: mix well and you have an evening of TSO at their finest.

The highlights of the set are always the instrumentals. "A Mad Russian's Christmas," the powerful "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)," and the crowd favorite "Wizards Of Winter," which had head bangers and the older folks alike in the audience on their feet, dancing, clapping and moving right along to the groove and amazing light show. This is the tune everyone will recognize from the TV commercial with the synchronized house lights. A holiday favorite for sure. Of course being a huge TSO fan myself I tend to lean towards the vocals. "Ornament," always sends a chill up my spine (especially when sung by Tommy Farese - not in this troupe on this night) "Old City Bar," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," performed masterfully by Jay Pierce, and "This Christmas Day." Adrienne Warren creates a tender moment all her own with "Promises to Keep."

The second half of the show included flames, incredible solos and selections from TSO's soon to be released CD "Night Castle." As of right now there is no definitive release date. You can keep up with all the news on their web site, http://trans-siberian.com/index-main.php plus there's a multitude of cool stuff to check out and buy. As always it was an amazing show. There is truly something for everyone with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. So if you find out they're heading your way don't miss them. And leave Santa some extra cookies this year. If you're lucky you may just find a TSO gift under the tree. I know that's what I'm counting on.