Reviewed by Jeff
The Francis Dunnery Band was the second headliner at the all day Rock 103 WIQB "Summer Shindig," held outside the Barnstormers Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Francis took the stage at dusk with little fanfare, other than one of the radio DJ's claming that he was infatuated with him.
"Hey guys, how ya doing," Francis greeted his growing audience of twenty-something's. "So ahh. . . we're just kind of gonna play anyway," Francis quipped as he plugged in his Gretch electric guitar. "So there was this beautiful, warm, summer night in Michigan. . ." said Francis as the drummer counted in the first song of over an hour of Dunnery music.
"Whoever Brought Me Here," from the yet to be released new CD, began with an extravagant, tension-building, 12 bar introduction. A flurry of drum fills from percussionist Graham Hawthorne also added to the excitement. Bass player John Montagna sang a tight harmony with Francis over the verses of "Whoever" complementing the song with his backing vocals and bass. It was quickly becoming apparent that Francis had put together a band of exceptional musicians.
Next we were treated to some heartfelt, although perhaps misunderstood wisdom from Francis as he tried to explain that we all have an equally important perception of reality:
"There's a sign over there that says pavilion." (behind the audience)
"No, there isn't, there's some green lights." (behind Francis)
"But if we look around, we'll all see the pavilion, and we'll all see the green lights."
This insightful introduction to "It's Your Own Reality," may have fallen on deaf ears, but the song itself proved to be a fantastic tune that showcased Frank's slightly twisted, over optimistic lyrics. This one is going to be a hit if it ever gets played on the radio.
Dunnery's stage presence was very commanding; he seemed to strut the stage as the songs progressed. As quickly as he would come to the front of the stage for his guitar solos, he would move back to the rear when it was one of the other member's turn to step out. Francis often seemed to be speaking to himself or to someone in the crowd, and during the more intimate parts of the show, he would sit down next to John as if in front of a campfire.
"So I woke up this morning, guys, and I said, 'Good grief, look at the way things are.'" This phrase introduced the familiar, punkish chords to "The Way Things Are," from Tall Blonde Helicopter. The song was performed with note for note perfection, except for a solo where Francis did some tricky, one-handed playing that utilized his delay unit quite a bit. The crowd sang along with the, "Bah, bah, bah, bah bah" section, as Montagna led the infectious melody. Hawthorne had obviously studied the drum part well enough to make this performance indistinguishable from the CD version.
"Sunflowers" simply has to be heard to be believed. What starts out as a country and western love song turns into a dopey, bopping, jingle, and finally becomes an amazing, all out jam with Francis showing off some of his best playing ever. Everyone went home singing "Sunflowers" in there heads.
Next, Francis strapped on his Ovation acoustic, and the group "chilled it out for a while." "What's that thing that keeps your toenails growing?" he asked, and then began an excellent rendition of "Sunshine." It was beautiful, and from the look on his face, Francis knew it.
"Sunshine" led into "I Believe I Can Change My World." It was very well received by the audience -- especially the double-time sections, which had a rock-a-billy feel. Later in the song, Francis seemed to get lost in his own lyrics as he had to ask Montagna just what it was that he believed in Malcom X for. Montagna cheerfully reminded him, and all three musicians had a great time finishing the tune.
Another new song that Francis claimed was about "totally fucking up a relationship" came next. The Ann Arbor version of "Crazy Little Heart Of Mine," which Francis described as "down and saucy," was the last of the three acoustic songs of the night.
"It's Irrelevant I Want To Hold Your Hand; I Wanna Swallow You Whole" was a gritty, Zeppelin-type rocker. A mid-section jam put Francis at the front of the stage so everyone could get a good look at his fast fingers. It was incredible.
A splendid version of "Rain or Shine" was a sharp contrast after the rather abrupt ending of "It's Irrelevant. . ." Throughout the show, Francis relied on his most recent material rather than songs from Fearless or the It Bites years.
Next was a rather bizarre song called, "Riding on the Back." This song could be a Sinatra standard; the lyrics spin tales about a cast of characters including "Johnny and Rita," and all the members of the band. This was quite a departure from Frank's usual style, but it sounded great and will probably be even better on the new CD.
The show closed with an anthem-like "Too Much Saturn," Ann Arbor's favorite Francis song. The song ended, Francis thanked his audience. . . and then it was over. The only thing missing from this fabulous show was another hour of Francis Dunnery.
Jeff