The Tony Red Band Rocks Canal Street
I have been going to concerts for over 30 years so I
have seen my share of shows; some good, some bad, and some shows I will never
forget. You know the ones, where the band just seems to be so tight and together
that it gives you cold chills; those concerts are really something special. It
doesn’t happen often, but when it does you should consider yourself lucky. Luck
was on our side when Canal Street played host to the Tony Red Band. I mean how could you go wrong, the band consist of Tony
Herdman (Guitar and Vocals), Scotty Bratcher (Lead Guitar, Vocals-The Scotty Bratcher Band), Brooks
Daugherty (Guitar, Vocals), Dino Dimitrouleas (Bass, Vocals- Oh Kee Pa), Rob Brockman (Drums, Vocals-Magic Jackson & Oh Kee Pa), and
Norman Dimitrouleas (Keyboards-The Werks). You might say it would be a stretch to call the Tony Red Band a local power
band; that is until you see these guys perform live.
The band seemed like they were already warmed up
when they opened with a song called
Midnight Ride from their self-titled CD Tony Red Band. The song features Tony’s Vocals, Norm on Keyboards, and Scotty’s
unmistakable guitar riffs; it was a great pick for the opener. The set was full
of songs from the album and for good reason, it ROCKS! The band slowed things
up a bit with the songs Gonna Run and Simple Song that kind of have a southern
rock feel that reminds me of The Outlaws. I Will Not Go is one of those tunes
that make you tap your toes, band your head, and shuffle your feet all at the
same time. It might look funny, but you can’t seem to help yourself. And I
wasn’t the only one; the entire crowd was warmed up by now and the energy level
was rising. It was beginning to feel like one of those special nights.
Next up was a song that has become a Tony Herdman
staple called Carry Me Back Home. The song is a crowd favorite and has “hit’
written all over it. While the night featured songs from the album, the band
did throw in a cover of Neil Young’s Cortez the Killer and featured Scotty on
Vocals that was amazing. The next song was a beautiful instrumental arrangement
written by Norm called Tipper that featured a very moving performance on Violin
by Kristen Carlson McNabb. One of my favorite songs on the CD is DUI. This song
is about a couple of Tony’s mishaps on the road and is a true story; even has a
lesson or two to be learned. Tony gave a shout out to the audience and decided
to let them request the next song; the overwhelming choice was a song called
Turbo. This tune featured a guitar dual between Bratcher and Daugherty that was
mind-blowing. You know what they say, “one good riff deserves another.” Is It
Worth All I Got was the final song of the night and was a fitting end to a
remarkable evening.
I am privileged to be able to witness many
amazing performances and incredible entertainers on a regular basis; and the
best part, most of them are right here in the Buckeye state. Tonight was no
different, the Tony Red Band delivered an exceptional performance and once
again Canal Street was where it happened; it truly is a great venue. I’d like
to be the lucky record label that finally decides to sign these guys; they will
have a gem on their hands. I even told Chubby I had to get a copy of this one,
it was that good. We want to thank Tony and the band for allowing Buckeye Music
Magazine to photograph and video the entire event, you guys ROCK!!!
You can grab the CD Tony Red Band at Napster: http://music.napster.com/album/13648888#&origin=staff
2011 Reviews and Interviews 
