My girlfriend and I, Sonja, prettied up and headed for Mississippi Nites, which was very near the magnificent St. Louis Arch, Gateway to the West. Shining out against the dark cloudy sky, with just the slightest mist of snow falling, the setting had a mystical feel. I knew this would be a special nite as we drove up the old wet cobblestone street. I spotted Todd's tour bus parked right outside Mississippi Nites with the Neon sign glowing . A short line of people where still waiting to get in inside.
As I walked in the door and headed past the bar, I saw rows and rows of tables elevated up about two feet off the floor. It was packed, not an empty seat in the house, and even more tables made an "L" shape on each side of the stage. There was a big dance floor... and Todd's Tiki set was displayed well with plenty of room. Also, about 30 folks where hugging the edge of the stage. More people were still coming into the show and by the end of the 1st set that whole dance floor was packed.
We made our way near the stage, and minutes, later the lights dimmed the boyzz came out without TR and started playing a BN flavored Caravan instrumental. Jessie had on a loose soft plaid sport style jacket perhaps red and white with contrasting blue and white soft flowing pants. John had on a beautiful satiny white jacket with a special elegant almost sparkling trim around the front and neck. Prairie wearing sunglasses took his place and looked so sharp and distinctive in a blue shinie leisure suit.
And then I almost couldn't believe my eyes! Kasim, stood there before me in the most beautiful royal brilliant red leisure suit. Ah, he looked rich and soooo young looking with his dark hair contrasting the red suit it looked soft and swept back from the middle. A real show stopper, Kasim appeared refreshed and smiling. Who could ever forget Kasim's beautiful boyish smile.
As I was just getting over the shock of seeing Kasim after 10 years, I saw Todd come towards the center of the stage; less than 6 feet directly in front of me. Dressed in a shimmering grey leisure suit with his WAT style sunglasses, you couldn't help but feel his presence drawing you into his world. I was so locked in, seemed nothing else was in sight. :)
The opening song was I Saw The Light, ooohhhhh I melted from that moment on...the sound was just as shimmering and perfect as TR was. It wasn't long before I started to move and groove and float with my eyes closed through the whole song. Inside I was taken to a place I'd never been before a sensation and rush that tingled. I was in a heaven, I'd left this planet into a wonderful place and space. Song after song I danced mesmerized more and more by his magic spell. The sound wound round and around me taking me deeper than I'd ever been before; I thought it would never end.
I'm not sure if I can remember the order of all these songs, OR if I have them confused with the CD. I'm sure I have some in the wrong set. I'll get close... I thought I heard Mated, and Lost Horizon but those just might have been in my mind.:)
I Saw The Light
Influenza
Can Still Be Friend
It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference
Love Is The Answer
Fidelity
Espresso
TR Comments: Where you folks from...You passed up Don Hoe who is playing down the street bet he's pissed. Then he adlibbed something to the patrons about *Charro* the latin singer she plays in Hawaii a lot. I was thinking maybe I looked like her?? And then at some point I yelled twice, Show Us Bosa Nova.
Comedian was great, I liked his corny jokes a lot, especially the East St. Louie ones.:) Costume change for the band into more relaxed clothes and TR comes out in War Paint no sunglasses, and Kamono(sp) thingy with vest. Todd dances and moves a lot during this set...dancing and acting. At one point he kept taking his hands and pulling an invisible string like he was shooting a bow. Very animated and exotic our Todd was during this set.
Individualist
Eastern Intrigue
Can't Stop Running
Zen Archer
You Got To Hide Your Love
Love Of The Common Man
Lost Horizon ?
TR Comments: Mostly joked with the patrons and band, until he received the Julipuli Flamigo Head on a stick. Then he seemed enchanted like he'd found a special friend. Played with and talked to it...ooohhh.
Aaahhhhh... Prairie was so relaxed and content I kept looking at him thinking how handsome he appeared in this look and atmosphere. His style was perfect like he'd done this for years and years and his talent is what makes you feel so shimmery and floating throughout the show. Seems John has the most fun, in this tour he's up front more and shines carrying the flow. So very happy as he banters with TR. Then there's Jessie he plays soooo well and sits on one of the tall stools as if dreaming. He seems to be reserved and into deep thoughts and feelings as he plays many of the tunes, till time to liven up. Excellent job on the guitar parts Jessie! Kasim is so incredible, pulling that bass so deep and rich as he stands behind TR and occasionally smiles at just the right times to TR and the boyzz or toward the audience, the bass warms you from head to toe, won't let you go.
Short Intermission and I do some long Wolfie Howls before this next set starts! I could hunt this all nite!!! At one point here I noted Jessie playing a classical guitar a very dark rich colored one, I wondered what brand it was, like mine??? Anybody know?? Now **listen** sometime during the last set. My girlfriend grabbed me and said look Jackie, I had my eyes closed in my little girl trance then. I looked up and almost fainted!!! Todd was moving his hips in and out toward the mike stand...I'd never seen soooo, soooo, soooo, well let me say he was really thrusting it toward the mike stand. Heart Stopping!!! Oh, during this last set or just before it, Todd says something about; "The ladies are staying late, puts the band in the mood for love."
Third Set:
Born To Synthesize
Scat Song
America Drinks Alone And Goes Home
I'm So Proud
Never Never Land
Hello Its Me
I Want You
A Dream Goes On Forever
Ahhh so soft as a lovers touch as they leave you. Wolfie is... Well then the lights are tuned down low and the Tike bar is prepared to close. Standing there watching this I heard two Elvis tunes play through the speakers; I thought how perfect Todd! and remembered the Elvis museums I'd seen on the road. I talked to several roadies and told them not to forget to take the Pink Flamigos with them. Lori had laid them on the stage, she had had so much fun she never took her eyes off TR.
I noticed Kasim near the end of the stage and waved he smiled and waved back. Saw Mary Lou come out to get some drinks or talk to the bartender, then noted everyone headed out the door to stand at the bus. The band was getting on it; guess Todd was already inside.
It was snowing and much colder now and my girlfriend had my coat... I huddled in the crowd to break the cold, and watched TR sign autographs and have his pic taken. Then it was my turn.:) "Its Wolfie" smile. He touched my hair and mentioned the snow on it...held me close for the picture and said; "Oh you're cold." I thought how sweet of him to notice.:) For the picture, he held his hand up near his head and made this five fingered claw looking creature with his hand. I kept looking to see what he was doing then they snapped the shot. I said; I loved his concert and I jumped off the bus, to watch him and the last few folks in line. Then he stepped into the bus the door closed and it prepared to drive off down the cobblestone street. I walked alone in the cold, in high heeled shoes toward the van waiting for me and as the bus drove by I waved, with tears in my eyes. There they go off to Chicago.
Thanks Todd and guyzz for this beautiful joy... a painting to hold forever, and sounds that will linger near, as I remember this nite, the WAT CD is now so clear.
See this show, hock your stereo, cut work, whatever it takes get on that plane now, hurry before its too late. Still moved to tears, but its out of cheer for the beauty of all this.