Adrian Belew Power Trio at The Tralf

Wow! That's all I can say about the Adrian Belew Power Trio at The Tralf last night. I anticipated a good show, knowing beforehand that Belew would be doing some familiar solo and Crimson material, but I didn't expect the direction of some of the instrumentals. To say the band went "out there" would be an understatement. They were WAY out at times and we were all blown away. Blown away that they could do such a beautiful song such as "Matchless Man" one minute and then launch into a jazz-fusion/avant garde/hard-rock instrumental the next.

Some thoughts - Belew's playing and his guitar (Parker Fly) sound are better than ever. Eric Slick (20) played the evening like a cross between Steve Smith and Keith Moon and did a great job on an impromtu drum solo when a fuse blew early in the show. Belew commented that this was one of the benefits of having a great drummer. Just in case of moments like these.

Julie Slick (his 22 yr old sister) is hands down one of the best bass players I've ever seen. Even our waitress admitted she "tore it up". In fact, the two of them easily handled Crimson material without being carbon copies of Tony Levin and Bill Bruford. They played the parts, but played them their way, leaving nothing lacking in their interpretation.

The band looked and sounded like they were having a blast the whole night and it was refreshing to hear a set that offered such a variety of styles. Great too to hear "Big Electric Cat", "Neurotica" and "Thela Hun Ginjeet". Also great to hear they are going into the studio at some point for a CD of new material. Well worth braving the winter storm for this show.