11/28/09 Knocking off the rust

  Glenn’s eagerly anticipated “return” concert at the Beachland Ballroom was billed as doors open at 8, show starts at 9. Well, not quite. In fact, from the parking lot I called Dom and he answered the phone from the venue informing me that Glenn was in the midst of performing “Motor City.” Surprise! We immediately made a beeline for the front door, paid our $5 and entered the hall.

              Glenn and Paul were still jamming on “Motor City” when we got in. Glenn was wearing a bandana and had red rimmed eyeglasses on. We were confused as to whether this was soundcheck or not. There were already about 40 people sitting in chairs and a few of us were standing. Gene eventually got onstage and for the next 40 minutes the band plowed through abbreviated versions of “Ode to Glenn Schwartz (promises, promises),” “My Poor Generation,” “Wagon Wheels” and other tunes. More an exercise than real performance, the band was definitely rusty and the soundman had his work cut out for him trying to equalize the instruments. Glenn’s stage volume was VERY loud and his speakers were pointed almost directly at the audience, because of this it was difficult for the soundman to get the drums and bass in the house PA system to mesh with the guitar. Furthermore, Glenn decided to use his wireless guitar system for this show which also changed the sound that we’ve grown to love. The sound did improve as the night wore on, but nothing compared to the powerful wall of sound we’ve so often heard at Hoopples.

              The band ended up playing 3 sets of music from 8 pm until 12:30 am. Highlights included a slow tempo “Water Street,” a heavy-duty “Fear and Doom,” and a rocking “Proud Man.” Low point of the show was a drunk guy who chose to stand directly in front of Glenn at the foot of the stage. After 40 minutes of swaying, trying to give Glenn high fives and falling into a table, a female finally escorted him from the area.

              There were probably 200 people in attendance at this performance and they were attentive and appreciative. Glenn was in good spirits but did comment a few times that he knew he was not yet in top gigging shape. All in all it was good to see and hear the musical treasure that is Glenn Schwartz.

TZ