Train
Konocti Harbor Resort, Clear Lake, CA
2004-07-17
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I can’t think of a better way for Train to wind down their year-and-a-half
headlining tour than back in California for the last leg, one of their final stops
being at Konocti Harbor Resort on Clear Lake. The weather gods graciously smiled
during the day and the sun dipped low on the horizon just as the band set foot
on stage. With mountains, blue skies and the lake as a backdrop, Train belted
out a special two-set performance, no opener, show for an audience of all ages.
The smooth Konocti performance was no indication of the dynamics of the past few years. Rob Hotchkiss, one of the original founders, separated before the release of My Private Nation and was followed by bassist Charlie Colin, who parted ways last fall. For fans, this has meant an adjustment to the restructured band, which includes three new touring members. As for their music, this seems to have manifested in a loss of the distinct harmony that was the signature Train sound, and a move toward the pop end of the music spectrum.
The sound, however affected, is still solid and still works. The rich vocals of Pat Monahan, Jimmy Stafford’s incredible guitar playing and the powerful drumming of Scott Underwood are the foundations of their sound. Add piano, Stafford’s mandolin and Monahan’s sexy sax and you have a recipe for success.
With a set list sure to satisfy everyone from hardcore “trainiacs” to curious pop fans, the band opened with the tour title song, “My Private Nation,” followed by a broad mix of old, new and several well-done covers. Stafford’s guitar solo in “Meet Virginia” was nothing short of what fans have grown to expect of him — electrifying. Monahan spiced up one of the band’s standard covers, delivering an incredibly special rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On,” which included a medley of “Whole Lotta Love” and Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” Other cover treats included George Michael’s “Faith” and Rod Stewart’s “Stay with Me.” New songs included “Natural” and “Ordinary” from the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.
As a frontman, Monahan is as masterful with the audience as he is with his vocals. The second set opened dramatically with a dimly lit stage against the night sky and acoustic versions of “Respect” and “When I Look to the Sky.” It was no surprise that as the show neared its end, the crowd called out for the Grammy award-winning song, “Drops of Jupiter.” Monahan, who had taken obvious pleasure in teasing the crowd throughout the night with covers including “Jump,” “Sweet Emotion” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” stopping abruptly because he didn’t know the words, did eventually appease the crowd with “Jupiter” for one of the last songs of the night.
The night ended and soon the tour will come to an end as well; it will be interesting to see where the band takes it from here. One thing is certain, there’s a lot of talent there to work with.
The smooth Konocti performance was no indication of the dynamics of the past few years. Rob Hotchkiss, one of the original founders, separated before the release of My Private Nation and was followed by bassist Charlie Colin, who parted ways last fall. For fans, this has meant an adjustment to the restructured band, which includes three new touring members. As for their music, this seems to have manifested in a loss of the distinct harmony that was the signature Train sound, and a move toward the pop end of the music spectrum.
The sound, however affected, is still solid and still works. The rich vocals of Pat Monahan, Jimmy Stafford’s incredible guitar playing and the powerful drumming of Scott Underwood are the foundations of their sound. Add piano, Stafford’s mandolin and Monahan’s sexy sax and you have a recipe for success.
With a set list sure to satisfy everyone from hardcore “trainiacs” to curious pop fans, the band opened with the tour title song, “My Private Nation,” followed by a broad mix of old, new and several well-done covers. Stafford’s guitar solo in “Meet Virginia” was nothing short of what fans have grown to expect of him — electrifying. Monahan spiced up one of the band’s standard covers, delivering an incredibly special rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On,” which included a medley of “Whole Lotta Love” and Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” Other cover treats included George Michael’s “Faith” and Rod Stewart’s “Stay with Me.” New songs included “Natural” and “Ordinary” from the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.
As a frontman, Monahan is as masterful with the audience as he is with his vocals. The second set opened dramatically with a dimly lit stage against the night sky and acoustic versions of “Respect” and “When I Look to the Sky.” It was no surprise that as the show neared its end, the crowd called out for the Grammy award-winning song, “Drops of Jupiter.” Monahan, who had taken obvious pleasure in teasing the crowd throughout the night with covers including “Jump,” “Sweet Emotion” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” stopping abruptly because he didn’t know the words, did eventually appease the crowd with “Jupiter” for one of the last songs of the night.
The night ended and soon the tour will come to an end as well; it will be interesting to see where the band takes it from here. One thing is certain, there’s a lot of talent there to work with.
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