It is a tradition of my family to attend the Trans-Siberian Orchestra every year. We have gone to every show for the past six years. Five out of six of these shows have been at the Pepsi Arena, much like the one this year. The show was on December 22nd, this year which is around the typical date the Trans-Siberian Orchestra usually comes around, mainly because their music is Christmas based. However, the main show that TSO puts on is a story, about a young runaway girl who tries returning home on Christmas day. They also do a lot of classical songs, like any of the songs off of the album Beethoven's Last Night. Their musical style can be described as hard-rock, classical, orchestral, and Christmas music, all blended together. No Jingle Bells, or Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer here, just classical, orchestral oblivion.
Every year, TSO does the same first set, which is the story of the young girl, but then the entire second half is filled with the classical stuff, and any other songs they decide to perform. Also each year, TSO interrupts one of their Christmas songs with a classic rock song, for example this year in the middle of one of their songs, the band just broke out into "Layla" by Eric Clapton and last year, the band broke out into "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. In accompany to the music, TSO is notorious for their pyrotechnics and lighting show. They have incorporated different lighting schemes into their music, as well as laser beams that bounce around to their music. each additional year, TSO promises that they will add something new to the show, mostly dealing with the lighting and pyrotechnics. They have added effects in past years such as snow, stars, the lasers, a lifting rocket platform, different colored fire, and different lighting effects. However, I couldn't help but notice that TSO had fallen short of their promise this year. As far as pyrotechnics go, it was all the same, nothing new. In fact, it was even less than last year. Last year they had fireworks that went all the way up some of the aisles on the side where no one could sit, but the fireworks were not there this year. Also, Jeff Plate, the drummer does a solo every year, and its absolutely amazing, except this year the solo only lasted 2 minutes as opposed to the 5-7 minute solos he usually performs. This really disappointed me because he is an amazing drummer and I didn't feel like his solo showed off his true talent. On the other hand, this year TSO did add a few new features to the show, musically. They had "keyboard wars" where the two keyboardists faced off, and they also remixed one of their Christmas songs into a more jazz-ier piece. Both of these features were really cool, and added a little something extra to the show.
Overall TSO is an amazing group, full of talent and if you ever decide to see one of their shows, you wont be disappointed. The light shows themselves are completely worth the ticket, even if you don't like the music, which is hard not to, its unlike anything you've ever heard of before.
3 comments:
This makes me want to see them live. I would die of excitement if they started playing Layla in the middle of a song. They sound cool.
Wow I've always wanted to see them play, they sound amazing. Thank goodness there are less fireworks because I would probably run if they shot up in the aisle next to me.
I wonder if the lack of fireworks stems from new fire code regulations? I don't know if you remember but several years ago, in a small club in Rhode Island, the pyrotechnics used to accentuate the performance of the rock band "Great White" started a fire that engulfed the club and killed 96 people. Maybe fireworks are no longer permitted in closed arenas? Or maybe using fireworks costs more because more preventative measures must be taken beforehand. (Now, there's a story - - changes in the regulatory use of pyrotechnics during concerts....quick get Bono on the phone for a quote....)
I'm really curious to know where the group came up with the name Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The name conjures up images of the great Arctic Tundra, Russians, Eskimos, Gulags, and a major interstate, not unlike the Pan-American highway that stretches from Alaska to Argentina.
It's interesting that musical groups like TSO and the Chieftains have big followings and can count on filling up concert halls and arenas across the US every year. However, I wonder if the groups ever yearn to diversify their acts -- to branch out into new genres the way Country Music star Garth Brooks became rock star Chris Gaines - - Wouldn't it be cool for TSO to play some jazz next year? Just a thought.
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