First Song, First Side, First Album

On Friday night last, I accompanied Sir Eric of Swenson to my second America concert.

The guy convinced me to experience America for the first time a couple of months ago. We saw them at The Hampton Beach Casino.

It was an interesting night, especially so because you could visit the bathroom any time you wanted to.

This is not a drinking crowd.

The concerts I go to at the Casino, you have to wait in a looooong line to get into the men's room. You gotta plan ahead around songs and moments.

I hate this and it is one of the reasons I avoid the Casino.

The crowd however was not a subdued crowd. They sang, they applauded, they shouted, they stood and rocked and swayed.

I dug it deeply.

Last Friday was a tad different.

We saw them at the Kingswood Performing Arts Center in Wolfeboro.

Pretentious crowd.

The average age was 89. As Sir Eric and I sat in the parking lot we watched an endless parade of Mercedes, Lexus's, Cadillacs, and BMW's roll past us.

We were amused.

Even the parking lot attendants were old. One lady looked to be about 188, hobbling around pointing and providing direction.

The crowd appeared to be the self-satisfied type who pride themselves on their support of the arts and come out to see America like they are participating in a science experiment.

Sir Eric and I were separated by floor space. An older couple sat next to me and before she sat down the woman said to me:"No screaming."

This was the sad type of older woman who is overdressed and reeking of perfume in a desperate attempt try to still project the power of femininity.

Apparently she made this comment because at the age of 59 I looked so much younger than her that she thought I was a teenager.

Me being me I calmly turned to her and said: "Can I sing?"

She responded "I don't know. Can you?"

I couldn't believe it. I was one upped by some old broad.

This was a quiet crowd. No yelling, no standing or dancing, no singing; just polite applause.

Except for Sir Eric. Please remember, America is to Eric what The Allman Brothers Band is to me. He was animated, he stood, he yelled, he sang. I loved him for that.

On that night I realized that America is a band who knows exactly who they are. They are supremely talented and they have a ton of hits. They also have the courage to play new stuff that most of the audience is probably not familiar with. They employ a self-deprecating sense of humor, yet they exude impregnable confidence.

They have a guitar player that I have to dig into. He has been with the band since 1977. His name is Michael Woods. This guy looks weather worn and he always plays with a twisted smile on his lips. When he solos, he leans back on his right leg with his left leg slightly extended. He looks like a gunslinger.

America run through different phases of their career in concert.

At one point they announced a song and identified it as first song, first side, first album.

That phrase really struck me. That album came out in 1971. 42 years ago. I got to thinking about how amazing it must feel to record your first album. The process of recording, as well as the thrill of hearing it on the radio for the first time.

I got to thinking how amazing it must be to look back 42 years later with pride and the knowledge that you are still bringing it and people still love you.

These guys started writing and performing right out of high school, and a year and a half later were opening for big name acts all over the world. I don't think most people realize how influential America was in the 70's.

I didn't. But I dig them now.

I said it a couple of months ago and I will say it again. You have not experienced Horse With No Name until you have sung it along with America. The song can be fairly benign when you hear it on the radio, but when you sing it along with America it takes on power and meaning and message and inspiration.

I am proud to say I did sing along with Sir Eric on that one.

Good night. Very good night. Musical magic in the beautiful setting of Wolfeboro, NH thanks to a band called America.