|
Commander
Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen
Town Crier, Pawling, NY
December 2002
The Christmas
Day Snowstorm of 2002 has left its remains piled high along both
sides of Route 22 in Pawling, New York. Our Model A Lincoln was
pointed North and traveling at a good clip. My eyes scanned the
road searching for the Towne Crier Cafe. I spotted the roadhouse
off the starboard side and prepared the vehicle for what was to
be a classic Ace Ventura fishtail parking maneuver. When the machine
finally came to a rest, I was noticed the flashing red lights
in the rear view mirror. Two patrol cars were chasing down that
familiar Cadillac we had passed some miles back.
Phil Ciganer, who greets us at the door, owns the Towne Crier.
This place has been serving up live music for 30 years and has
included the likes of, Levon Helm, John Hammond, Dan Hicks, Roomful
of Blues and others. The venue has a rustic appeal, the folks
are very friendly and the wait staff is attentive. We are seated
next to the stage. As we eat our meal of pizza and burritos, I
begin to scrutinize the Roland electric piano at center stage.
This instrument screams experience. It is impossible not to notice
the scratches and dents as well as the many decals and bumper
stickers from far off places. Like an old semi truck I wonder
what type payload this rig can haul.
As show time approached, the musicians took their positions. George
Frayne, the Commander, enters helped by the use of a cane. The
Lost Planet Airmen test their instruments. This flight is ready
for takeoff. No warm up slow song stuff, these guys go right into
a brand of diesel smoke belching oil spitting good time boogie-woogie,
swing, rock and roll.
House of Blue Lights, They Threw Me Out of the Band, Smoke Smoke
Smoke,Rock that Boogie, Truck Drivin Man, What's the Matter Now?,
Don't Let Go, Lightning Bar, We Used to Ride, Cell Block #9, Back
to Tennessee, It Should Have Been Me, Oh Mama Mama, Lone Ranger,
Don't Let Go. The crowd, now liquored up and rowdy, begged for
Hot Rod Lincoln and they got it. Next, Seeds and Stems and 8 to
the Bar. However being the critic I am, I required more than just
18 great songs and I got it. Too Much Fun, searing licks screamed
from Mark Emericks' turquoise Fender Telecaster, Rick Mullen pumped
the Bass relentlessly and kept the musicians in line, the shuffles
and crashes of the skins and cymbals were handled expertly by
Steve Barbuto, John Wingren on Pedal Steel winding and unwinding
reaching new heights trading with Emerick. Then there was the
Commander with the old Roland, plinking, plunking, swinging and
jamming through it all. The magic is still there evident to all
in attendance. The theme song Lost in the Ozone ended the flight.
When the lights came on there were smiles all around from the
kids to their grandparents. It was clear these guys enjoy their
craft.
After the show the Commander held court, Emerick sold t-shirts.
Barbuto & Mullen signed autographs and Wingren talked shop
with fellow steel player Tiny Olson who was in the audience. We
left the venue melancholy in the realization that the "Hot
Rod Lincoln Tour 2002" had ended for us. However, the band
reassured that the 2003 "Too Much Fun Tour" would be
even better. As we pulled out of Pawling late that night with
the moon and the stars shining bright, we knew we had been treated
all-right and drove that Lincoln into the night. You can bet any
chance we get we'll run, to see these guys and have too much fun.
-Merle Ziebel
GRITZ
ONSTAGE LIVE
SHOW REVIEWS
Mark
Emerick and Commander Cody
with
Marshall Tucker Band
Baker Ballroom, Dover,
New Jersey, Friday, 12 13/02
Oh what a night. The Baker Ballroom is a beautiful turn of the
century Vaudevillian show palace with marble stair banisters and
intricate frescos on the walls. The venue has 3 levels set up
in a way that makes concert going a pleasure. The people at Create
a Vibe do a terrific job. The ballroom is very comfortable, the
folks are friendly and the evening was hassle free.
The opening act is a young group from Winston-Salem, North Carolina
named The Emma Gibbs Band. This is a group of young and talented
musicians who performed many of their own tunes and also mixed
in some older classics. The song that impressed me the most was
"Ophelia" the old "The Band" number. It was
good to hear this song and I had not realized it was still in
the back of my memory. Emma Gibbs highlights a harmonica player,
mandolin & trumpet, guitar, stand up bass and full drum set.
All did a great job, go see them they are very unique and talented.
But the night was to belong to The Marshall Tucker Band. As I
get older I begin to realize more and more that you can't turn
back the clock. That things change everyday and you have to deal
with it. This band has come together in a big way and will be
around for a very long time to come. It's Friday the 13th and
we don't know how lucky we are yet.
They opened the show with “This Old Cowboy.” Doug sounded
great and the band was tight. What happened next was to be a treat
for all and a nice holiday present. In the wings was Mark Emerick
(lead guitar, Commander Cody).
For the next song "I Like Good Music," Chris Hicks handed
over his gold Gibson to Emerick and he grabbed his harp. They
rocked this song and the evening was off to a very rowdy start.Up
north we still love our Southern Rock but it is difficult tocome
bythese days. It appears to take place mostly in warmer climates
below the Mason-Dixon line. But when a show like this comes to
town you have to be glad you were there and you fans down south
should be jealous. The guitars were so hot the ice was melting
off the marquee outside the theater and the crowd loved it. Emerick
took a break and Tucker continued with some old standards as well
as some new songs. "The Rain" is sure to be a hit. "Midnight
Promises" "Hillbilly Band" "Ramblin."
Doug and Clay performed "Asking too Much" and "Desert
Skies." Then Emerick came back out borrowing Clay Cooks Fender.
The line up of Stuart, Chris and Mark, with BB on drums, Tony
on bass and Clay going back and forth from Pedal steel, Sax, flute
and keyboards was outstanding. Doug Grey stood back and watched
like the cat that ate the canary. All the musicians had to feel
good about this show as it was evident they had hit a homerun.
Smokin guitar solos rang out all over the building and the guys
were having a blast. There was so much chicken pickin going on.
I thought I was in a South Carolina henhouse. "I'll be Loving
You", "In My Own Way," and "Everyday I have
the Blues" set the stage for the final number, the all time
favorite "Can't You See." This was a great show in every
way.
I was proud to be in attendance for this event, my kids loved
it the fans loved it. The venue was terrific, Shane sold a lot
of T-shirts and I know the musicians enjoyed it. Visit the web
sites, go see a show and tell a friend to read Gritz.
-Richard Seibel
GRITZ
ONSTAGE LIVE
SHOW REVIEWS
Docksider's
- Erie
Pa - 11/08/02
Well our journey
took us to a small venue for a evening of some great
boogie woogie music that can't be beat. Playing since the mid-60s
the Commander Cody band took its name from a 1950 movie by the
same name. After graduating in 1968 George Frayne (The Commander)
took a job as an art instructor at the university of Wisconsin
but returned to Ann Arbor every weekend to play gigs. Relocating
to the cultural hotbed of San Francisco later that year they played
many shows and were even involved in the 68 Berkeley Riots at
one point. Recording and touring has been a staple sine then for
the commander and the lost planet airmen.
Returning back to the Saratoga Springs NY area in the late 80s
the band these days consists of a great group of top notch musicians
.The Commander on keyboards and vocal,Mark Emerick on lead guitar
and vocals who has played with many greats including Gregg Allman,Dan
Toler and others. On Bass guitar is Rick Mullens and last but
not least is drummer Steve Barbuto. Together they put out a very
tight and great sound that will delight every fan from 8 to 80.
Our
show opened with the always fun ,Too Much Fun and went into the
classic Riot in cell block # 9 They played two sets of classics
like Smoke Smoke Smoke that Cigarette , Rock that Boogie,and on
the country rock classic Truck Driving Man Mark was featured on
vocals and some searing guitar licks. There were many other really
great songs included in the show like Good Morning Judge dedicated
to our fine law enforcement folks,and Midnight on the strand.
Steve 's vocals were featured on Don't Let Go and the guitar work
of mark on What's the
matter now made it clear that this band is ready to rock and roll
your night away. They did a 1949 Ray Charles number named Messing
Around that showcased the commander keyboard talents. The night
just picked up pace and the classics Down to seeds and stems again
blues always a crowd favorite brought out the hoots and hollers
from all in attendance.
The band built
up to there best known song HOT ROD LINCOLN and as the crowd danced
and sang in unison it was evident that the band are happy doing
what they do, and as a group play some great music together. As
the show wound down we heard the classic Beat Me Daddy Eight To
The Bar and for the encore the anthem for so many of the baby
boomers in attendance,"LOST IN THE OZONE". This group
is as talented as any we have seen and will delight Despite many
miles and personal changes if you get a chance to hear this band
play you will not be disappointed.
Its
a chance to hear some great music and meet a bunch of really down
to earth musicians that enjoy what they do and enjoy talking to
the fans. It's
boogie woogie rock n roll at it's best
-Rick
& Joann Pierce
GRITZ
ONSTAGE LIVE
SHOW REVIEWS
The
Charlie Daniels Band, Leon Russell,
& the Commander Cody Band
Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ,
08/2/02
and 10/18/02
The show began with Commander Cody and from the first note of "Too
Much Fun" you knew these guys could still swing. Unfortunately
somewhere between "Don’t Let Go" and "Hot Rod
Lincoln" a major thunderstorm with tornadic activity had gathered
above the building. Cody finished the set and everyone headed to
the lobby, we were trapped. Within a half hour lightning had knocked
out the electricity to the area, CDB could not get out of the hotel
and the rest of the evenings events were canceled.
Jump to Oct 18, 2002, Commander Cody takes the stage and rocks the
house, they mixed up the play list so as not to duplicate, although
it wouldn’t matter if they did. George Frayne (The Commander
if you will) still boogies with the best of them. The Lost Planet
Airmen are lead by Mark Emerick on lead guitar . The rhythm section
starts and ends with Steve Barbuto on Drums and Rick Mullen on base
(lots of energy) and John Wingren on pedal steel (terrific). Unfortunately
Leon never made the trip back.
As for Charlie Daniels, he has not lost a step. The last time I
had seen him in concert was approx 17 years ago. Some people are
blessed with great ability, and some folks get better with age.
Charlie Daniels has been able to do both. He is a great musician
but he is also a wonderful entertainer. He is a patriotic American
and lets everyone know. The band is top rated and professional with
Taz, Charlie Hayward, Pat, Sparky & Bruce. The fans were lovin
it. When it came time for the closing "The South,s Gonna Do
It Again," Charlie invited Mark Emerick from The Commander
Cody Band to join in and play some slide guitar. That was all the
people could take and at that point the crowd went into a bit of
a frenzy. The show ended with "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."
It was a great night and worth the extra trip. I recommend you bring
a youngster (my 12 year old son loved the show) to keep the music
alive. Visit the web sites and keep reading GRITZ.
-Rich Seibel
The
Two River Times -
10/18/02
Music Scene Night Grooves, By Uncle Mike
While most of the music fans that filed into the Count Basie in
Red Bank on the night of October 18th were there to hear headliner,
The Charlie Daniels Band, by the end of their performance opening
act, the Commander Cody Band, had easily won the crowd over.
Opening up the night's festivities with one of their signature boogie
woogies entitled, "Too Much Fun" (hot pedal steel &
cool keys), Commander Cody, aka George Frayne (lead vocals/keys),
along with bandmates Mark Emerick (lead g./vocals), Rich Mullen
(bass), Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals) and John Wingren (pedal steel
g.), treated the audience to their uniquely uplifting style of lost
in the ozone countrified rock and roll with inspired renditions
of "It Shoulda Been Me" (smooth as silk/M.E. a monster
on lead g.), "We Used To Ride" (Commander's ode to the
bikers/crowd fave), "Oh Mama Mama" (another killer l.g./boys
in the groove y'all), "Truck Driv'n Man" (great twanger),
"What's The Matter Now?" (Mark's best vocal as J.W. steps
up on pedal steel), "Don't Let Go" (Steve nails lead v./oh
baby/way cool band #), "Lightnin' Bar" (brand new country
ditty), "Paid In Advance" (C.C. shines/big band #/another
crowd pleaser), "Hot Rod Lincoln" (classic Cody/ Mark
rules) and "Beat Me Daddy Eight To the Bar" (whole band
rocks/partial standing o).
Hey, Like I said back in August, Commander Cody hasn't lost a thing!
His present day lineup, featuring Mark Emerick on electric guitar,
is absolutely, positively Lost Planet worthy. Add to this the upbeat
bass play of Rich Mullen, Steve Barbuto's big time d's. and John
Wingren's stellar pedal steel, and you have one hell of a band!
Take it from me, Commander Cody and the boys are much much more
than just that Hot Rod Lincoln!
The
Two River Times
08/16/02
Music Scene Night Grooves, By Uncle Mike
Well this week's column is about a blast from the past, the Commander
Cody Band, and the best show of the summer so far, Cracker's performance
at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Before Mother Nature took center
stage in Red Bank on Friday, August 2nd, and washed out the remainder
of the scheduled concert, opening act the Commander Cody Band stormed
in from the furthest reaches of the ozone and taught a few lessons
of their own at the Count Basie Theatre. With tongue firmly planted
in cheek and both feet solidly entrenched behind his ever present
keyboard, Commander Cody, (aka, George Frayne) and his most excellent
band featuring Mark Emerick (1ead guitar/vocals), Rich Mullen (bass),
Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals) and John Wingren (pedal steel guitar),
ripped through revved up renditions of "Too Much Fun"
(way cool tune & lead g.), "Riot In Cell Block #9"
(hot lead g./big cheers), "Rock That Boogie" (C.B. would
be proud), "Lone Ranger" (degradation & sin in the
old west), "Truck Drivin' Man" (big time twanger with
M.E. on l.v's.), "Don't Let Go" (oh yeah the boys can
play), "Oh Momma Momma" (killer keys/hell of a boogie
woogie), "Hot Rod Lincoln" (band rolls) and "Beat
Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" (great band jam). Look. This was
free spirited high flyin', good timin', rock 'n' roll played the
way it used to be! Commander Cody hasn't lost any of his wit, irreverence
nor musical talents from his early days. And his band mates are
most certainly Lost Planet worthy! Like the Commander sez, He's
not dead! He's just livin' in upstate New York! Rock on Commander!
Rock On!
|
