Concert Review
Al Stewart and the Empty Pockets
Riviera Theatre
North Tonawanda, NY
Review: Joseph Suto
Photos: Joseph Suto
Thursday evening Al Stewart brought his current band the Empty Pockets to the Riviera Theatre and they tore through a 70-minute set featuring much of Stewart’s classic material from his long career. Stewart was in prime form all night injecting humor and perfectly timed one-liners into the many stories he told.
The show featured many highlights as Stewart told stories about Paul Simon and Robert Fripp. He delivered his big hits to perfection including “Year of the Cat”, “On The Border” and his highest US charting single “Time Passages”.
The Empty Pockets who served as not only the opener but as Stewart’s backing band hail from Chicago. The band features guitarist Josh Solomon, keyboardist Erika Brett, drummer Danny Rosenthal and bassist Nate Bellon. The Empty Pockets played a all-too brief 30-minute set before coming back out with Stewart.
Local sax/flutist Elliot Scozzaro had to learn the material in 24 hours due to the regular sax player having to miss the show due to illness.He got a huge ovation after delivering a stellar performance.
Overall it was a fabulous show featuring Stewart who clearly is a vastly underrated performer who still can deliver a entertaining show.
Set List
Sirens of Titan
Antarctica
The Palace of Versailles
Time Passages
Flying Sorcery
On The Border
Midas Shadow
Broadway Hotel
Joe The Georgian
Almost Lucy
One Stage Before
Year of the Cat
Encore
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
