Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2007 Concert Review

Should you have any doubt that the holiday season is upon us, check out the entertainment section of your local newspaper or check the internet. If you see tour dates for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert you will find your answer: yep, it's Christmas time. And what a way to celebrate the season. TSO is renowned for putting together one the most anticipated concert tours of the year. Touring with two troupes of musicians; the West Coast and East Coast they essentially only tour 2/12 months from November to January. If you go to the show you are destined to have a rocking good holiday time. The show however is not your typical 'Holiday' show. There is a theme during much of the concert. You won't hear "Let It Snow," "Rudolph," or any other of the pop holiday fair. But you may hear some of the traditional Christmas carols, usually as instrumentals done up the rock'n'roll way. If you're a fan and have the CD's you already know the basic premise. It is certainly original by rock standards. The synopsis in lyric form which usually vocally opens the show: "An angel came down / One night to the earth / A mission from God / To find out the worth / Of everything that / His children had done / Since that winter night / The birth of His son."

Though you may not think you aren't familiar with Trans music, guess again. If you watch television at all during the holiday months then you're sure to have seen the beer commercial with the house decorated in an elaborate display of lights that dance perfectly to the tune "Wizards In Winter." Yes, that is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Bravo to the owner of the house. I have to say, I'm glad I'm not your neighbor and I'm glad I don't pay your light bill. It is rather festive though.

Paul O'Neill, the magical wizard in this land of Christmas OZ has always been an original. All of Trans releases (3 Christmas CD's and Beethoven's Last Night) have been fan favorites for years. Trans is one of the few bands that can be heard on traditional rock radio as well as those that cater to holiday music this time of year.

This year's installment of the "Winter 2007 Tour," has been touted as the largest show Trans-Siberian has ever ensemble. Their previous concerts have always been huge productions. The incredible light and laser show, (if you have problems with bright pulsating lights, don't sit in the front or close to the stage unless you were fortunate enough to bring your sunglasses into the arena) combining the orchestra, the choir of backup singers, and their all around musicianship has always been enough. At any given moment there are no less than 5 to 10 players on the stage. Tony Gaynor as the narrator of the show is powerful with his dramatic delivery of O'Neill's story. The important thing for these segments is: Gaynor's efforts do not detract from the show and its flow. All his vignettes are well placed and spoken to perfection, often touching and thought provoking. On this night the string orchestral section consisted of 7 local players from Sunrise along with the group's premiere violinist, Anna Phoebe. It would be quite a feat to top previous tours. Let me be the first to say they've done just that. The lights, lasers, bombs and pyrotechnics would put the rock band Kiss to shame. You could feel the heat from the fires throughout the entire arena. The great thing about this new effect during the winter season, nice and toasty. The Christmas section of the concert, which runs for the first 90 minutes, is more like a rock revival. Screeching electric guitars abound. There is also traditional Christmas music thrown in for good measure. One of the most powerful is "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," featuring vocalist Kelly Keeling. Adding to the power is Tommy Farese whom is center stage for two original tracks by O'Neill, "Ornament," and "This Christmas Day." Tommy is actually my favorite vocalist in the show. He's got a gruffy voice but it rings so clear that it's perfect for the material and brings sensitivity to the solos he delivers. Of course the show wouldn't be complete without "Old City Bar," sung by a well disguised street bum (Bart Shatto). O'Neill's Christmas message comes full circle during this segment. The instrumentals that always stand out during TSO's show are no surprise to their legions of fans. "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," is an incredible crowd pleaser and of course who can forget "Wizards In Winter." It's also the height of the light show. This time around they've added a special ingredient, Beethoven's "Fifth." (From their non Christmas CD "Beethoven's Last Night.") It's an avalanche of sight and sound and the combination absolutely rocks every seat in the house; literally.

The last hour of the show is when the rock really breaks out of the mold. Yes, there is still a spattering of holiday music but when they kick into "Christmas Night's In Blue," and meld into "Proud Mary," it's rather startling, in a good way. Complete with sexy backup singers who attempt the Tina 'swimming' dance, they add a bit of camp and fun to the number. I do have to say they don't have the legs or quite the moves of Tina Turner but they do make the song fun and another highlight among many. For those who are sitting at the back of the arena don't ever think you'll be left out of the festivities. The heat comes your way also during a couple of numbers as the lasers dance over your heads. If you're fortunate enough to have TSO passing through your town, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket. If you're a rock fan you won't be disappointed. If you're someone in need of a little holiday kick in the bum, they will certainly get your motor running. Probably the best thing about the gig is it's really for the whole family. A bonus comes after they band leaves the stage. They arrange a huge meet-and-greet for the fans in the arena hall. All the members of the group are there to talk to fans, sign autographs and take pictures. There's never been another group like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, onstage or off.