Boys Club Live from California
by Mike Debbage
Staff Writer
For those of you fortunate enough to witness the live collaboration of guitar extraordinaire Marc Bonilla with friends Keith Emerson and Glenn Hughes, you will know that these recordings have been rumored to have existed for a very long time. Well, it is a rumor no more as this all star line up affectionately know as Boys Club has finally seen the light of day. Chronicling a few live California dates back in 1998, Live From California encapsulates the magical moments of these three brilliant musicians on stage.
While for many, Emerson and Hughes will be the marquee players, this album is anchored by the utterly underrated and underexposed Marc Bonilla who released two fabulous solo albums back in 1991 and 1993. To this day they remain probably the best instrumental electric guitar albums of all times. With Keith Emerson making an appearance on Bonilla’s debut EE Ticket courtesy of the song “White Noise” and then Hughes on the follow up American Matador on the entirely breathtaking rendition of “A Whiter Shade Of Pale,” relationships had already been established. Three years later, Bonilla collaborated on Glenn Hughes solo album Addiction, while Bonilla has been playing live with Emerson since 2006. This ultimately progressed to last year’s ambitious studio recording under the Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla.
But let’s turn back the clocks over a decade and take a look at Live From California that features the three amigos, as well as Bonilla’s impressive band affectionately know as the Dragonchoir. Prior to this live recording, Bonilla appeared at Billboard Live also known as The Key Club which is relatively small but one of the most efficient venues back in its heyday. That particular concert also included the surprise appearance of not only the three amigos but also Ronnie Montrose. Whether there were any high quality recordings of this particular concert captured still remains to be heard but had it been captured here it would have been the quintessential recording to fully represent the live dates of California on what is already close to absolute perfection.
Nevertheless, the 68 minutes of live material that also includes the impressive studio collaboration “Middle Of A Dream” is an utter sonic delight of musician perfection. The album opens with Bonilla’s solo track “Afterburner” that outright sizzles and places you on immediate notice that you are in for a wild ride of utter rock n’ roll. Accompanied by the duel guitar work of Mike Wallace the music is tight and spellbinding. The album immediately changes pace with the more ambient “Long Journey Home” where it is Bonilla on his Ebow guitar downright weeping music tears mixed in a light wash of Ed Roth’s keyboards. While it is a wonderful song in and of itself it acts as a prelude to the introduction of Keith Emerson’s stage entrance as the song migrates into a brilliant rendition of Emerson Lake and Palmer’s “Hoedown.” The Emerson Lake & Palmer catalog is revisited later with the 19 minute mother lode “Tarkus” hammered out. However, instrumentally the band is at its best with their rip-roaring sampling of the Nutcracker courtesy of their playful and dizzy performance of “Nutrocker” that is so magical and transforming that it will have you believing that it could snow in the middle of the Sahara. The band is also spot on with the execution of Bonilla’s composition “White Noise”.
However, let’s not forget the powerful Glenn Hughes who arrives on stage on track four to present the audience with his awesome vocal rendition of “A Whiter Shade Of Pale.” With Bonilla’s guitar taking over the lead parts that were originally written for the keyboards, the duo and the entire band for that matter, breathe new life into this stellar Procol Harum classic. Those of you who have had the privilege to hear Bonilla’s studio rendition will be happy to know that both the guitarist and the Voice of Rock are totally capable of reigniting their magic live. Hughes is also prominent when Boys Club’s perform his mid-tempo moody rocker “Cover Me” from the Addiction album, as he is on the band’s interpretation of the Allman Brother’s song “Dreams” all done with the powerful funk that we have come to expect from Glenn.
For those of us that managed to miss this low profile magical moment, Live From California, you will not be disappointed. The production, energy and brilliant live performances have finally been etched for eternity via this official release. Run don’t walk to purchase this silver disc and slip it into your hi-fi player of choice. Then close your eyes and let Bonilla, Emerson and Hughes take you to musical heaven. Your rock and roll spirit will truly soar!
Label: Ear Music
Track Listing:
1. Afterburner
2. Long Journey Home
3. Hoedown
4. A Whiter Shade Of Pale
5. White Noise
6. Cover Me
7. Nutrocker
8. Tarkus
9. Dreams
10.Middle Of A Dream (studio recording)
HRH rating 9.7/10