Alan Parsons Live Project
Bergen Performing Arts Center – Englewood, NJ – November 14, 2024
Review & Photos – Rebecca Wolf
https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawolfconcertphotos/
Alan Parsons did not begin his musical career as a performer but rather as a sound engineer, working on albums for the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Ambrosia. He continued as an engineer and record producer with Wings, the Hollies, Al Stewart and Pilot. However, as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist himself, Parson opted to expand his musical direction and began the Alan Parsons Project with songwriter, producer, vocalist and pianist, Eric Woolfson. The group was in essence “a project” as various session musicians and singers rotated through the group (including members of Pilot and Ambrosia.) From 1975 -1990, the original band performed live only once, in 1990, but released ten studio albums. The tenure of the original band ended in 1990 with Woolfson’s departure.
After Woolfson, Parsons continued as a solo artist, releasing his first solo album, Alan Parsons Live, in 1995. Parson toured in support of this live album and since 1999 has continued to tour as the Alan Parson Live Project. With Parson on rhythm guitar, keyboards and vocals, current band members include, P.J. Olsson, lead vocals (2004), Guy Erez, bass guitar (2010), Todd Cooper, vocals and saxophone (2010), Danny Thompson, drums (2010), Tom Brooks, keyboard and backing vocals (2012), Dan Tracey, guitar and vocals (2016), and Jeff Kollman, guitar (2017.) (This fall, guitarist Jeffrey Marshall is covering for Kollman for several performances on the tour.)
On November 14th, the Alan Parsons Live Project arrived at Bergen PAC to perform for a packed, enthusiastic crowd. Parsons made his way to his perch at the upper level of the stage with the support of a cane (due to back surgery) and appeared a bit more fragile than in the past. However, during the two-hour set of electrifying Progressive Rock songs from the Alan Parsons Project’s extensive catalog there was nothing diminished about Parsons’ skills on keyboards, guitar or vocals. Parsons has always chosen to remain in the rear, never a showman nor a frontman, but his presence continues to loom large.
Parsons did not need to man the front of the stage, as his band members filled that expanse with their dynamic, powerful instrumental and vocal skills. After twenty years on lead vocals, Olsson continues to perform with passion and purpose, embodying the music as if it were his own. However, Olsson is not the only one with a compelling voice. Throughout the performance, band members showcased spectacular harmonies, often five or six of them singing at once, while Cooper impressed with dramatic lead vocals during several numbers. In addition to their vocal abilities, these musicians displayed impressive instrumental skills that brought depth and vitality to Alan Parsons Project’s strong, layered prog rock sound.
The enthusiastic crowd was abuzz with excitement throughout the performance. While the show included Parsons’ greatest hits, this was not a crowd who was only there for the “popular” numbers. The energy rippling through the audience was magnetic, as fans sang along, applauded and cheered and gave the band a standing ovation on several occasions. The electricity in the air was heightened by the spectacular light show, bathing the stage and musicians in beams of ever-changing, colorful lights.
Although, the Alan Parsons Project’s music was predominately born in the 1980s, it does not feel dated. After 40 years, the music has retained its electricity, vitality and musical relevance. If you’re a fan of Alan Parsons, a Progressive Rock enthusiast or are passionate about performances by spectacular musicians/vocalists, an Alan Parsons Live Project show is one you don’t want to miss. Check out the setlist and find out when the band is heading your way.
Set 1:
Standing on Higher Ground (1987; Gaudi)
Don’t Answer Me (1984; Amonia Avenue)
Psychobabble (1982; Eye in the Sky)
Time (1980; The Turn of a Friendly Card)
Breakdown (1977; I Robot)
The Raven (1976; Tales of Mystery and Imagination: Edgar Allan Poe)
I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You (1977; I Robot)
La Sagrada Familia (1987; Gaudi) (Dedicated to the victims of flooding in Valencia)
Don’t Let it Show (1977; I Robot)
Set 2:
One Note Symphony (Alan Parsons song – 2019; The Secret)
Damned If I Do (1979; Eve)
Limelight (1985; Stereotomy)
Can’t Take it With You (1978; Pyramid)
Prime Time (1984; Amonia Avenue)
Sirius/Eye in the Sky (1982; Eye in the Sky)
(The System of ) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether (1976; Tales of Mystery and Imagination: Edgar Allan Poe)
Games People Play (1980; The Turn of a Friendly Card)
