Concert Review
The Grass Roots
Bears Den Inside Seneca Niagara Casino
Niagara Falls, NY
Saturday November 24, 2012
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
The Bears Den came alive to the sounds of the sixties Saturday evening as The Grass Roots took the patrons for a trip down memory lane. The band left no stone unturned as they delved into the bands hits and served up solid renditions of gems such as “Sooner Or Later” and “Temptation Eyes”. The band currently includes guitarist Dusty Hanvey and keyboardist Larry Nelson both of whom have been in the band since 1984. Rounding out the four piece were drummer Joe Dougherty and bassist/vocalist Mark Dawson.
The band’s seventy minute set began with their customary opener “I’d Wait A Million Years”. “Don’t Pull Your Love”, the Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds tune that was once offered to the Grass Roots, followed as did the sprightly “Heaven Knows”.
The band took the time to thank all the veterans as they dedicated “Find The Cost Of Freedom” to all those who have served. Following up with their own classic “Let’s Live For Today” brought the first of many standing ovations of the evening.
It was an entertaining show as Dawson did some comic relief in between songs to help keep the audience loose as he introduced the band’s latest single, 1975s “Mamacita”. The band seemed to really play off the intimacy of the venue as the mostly older crowd seemed very lively as many were dancing in the aisles. The band ended with “Temptation Eyes” and “Midnight Confessions” both of which by song’s end left the crowd on its feet.
It was wonderful to see this band still being able to carry on the music and legacy of The Grass Roots. Having lost longtime member Rob Grill just last year, was a big blow as he had been with the band since 1967 and handled the band in all aspects. Grill’s estate now owns the band name and even with Rob no longer with us, his music is still kept alive as it lies in the very competent hands of the current lineup. Very few bands have the luxury of being able to gain new fans and bring back old ones on a regular basis in the manner of which the Grass Roots are still able to.
Set List
I’d Wait A Million Years
Don’t Pull Your Love
Heaven Knows
Sooner or Later
Things I Should Have Said
Baby Hold On
Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)
Find The Cost Of Freedom
Let’s Live for Today
The River Is Wide
Mamacita
Where Were You When I Needed You
Come on and Say It
Two Divided By Love
Something About You (Baby)
Temptation Eyes
Midnight Confessions
A very special thanks to Tony Astran for setting us up to review the show
For more on the Grass Roots check them out at http://the-grassroots.com/
