Revisit U2's 'Elevation' opener in March 2001 via my coverage of the band's March 24, 2001 concert

On March 24, 2001, U2's Elevation tour began in Sunrise, FL. I was fortunate to be at the event and cover the memorable concert for The Orange County Register. Check out my review as it appeared in the deadwood edition of the newspaper on Monday, March 26, 2001. Click the image below to see a full screen version of the review...Robert Kinsler

Burt Bacharach remembered: Statement from Dionne Warwick regarding the legendary singer-songwriter/composer

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Burt Bacharach; he passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Many years ago, I was asked by The Orange County Register to review a concert in Long Beach, CA featuring Bacharach and singer Dionne Warwick. My wife and I were amazed at the power of the songs and emotion of the night...Robert Kinsler

STATEMENT FROM DIONNE WARWICK

REGARDING BURT BACHARACH

“Burt’s transition is like losing a family member. These words I’ve been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my Dear Friend and my Musical Partner. On the lighter side we laughed a lot and had our run ins, but always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.”

Dionne Warwick, February 9^th, 2023

Respectfully shared,

Angelo Ellerbee

Double XXposure Media Relations

B.B. King remembered: my first review of the artist

The recent death of B.B. King has continued to resonate, including news today that his death is being investigated as a homicide:

I first saw B.B. King in early 1993. when I reviewed that concert in Santa Ana, CA for The Orange County Register, and am re posting my Wednesday, January 13, 1993 review here:

King proves he's not done being blue

By Robert Kinsler

Published: WED, 1/13/1993


While the rain poured down outside Tuesday night, B.B. King dished out plenty of musical crying inside before a standing-room-only crowd packed in at the Rhythm Cafe in Santa Ana.

The famed singer, guitarist and composer – a native of Mississippi who made his recording debut back in 1949 – proved he isn't ready yet to hang up his beloved Gibson named Lucille.

Dishing out blues throughout a gracious 11-song set in his first concert (he also played a second show at the club later in the evening), King showcased his distinctive singing and guitar style that have been a major force on the American blues scene for three decades.

Backed by a tight eight-member band, King alternated between rollicking, uptempo numbers and slower, more melodic jams.

He won over the crowd with his personable wit and charming smile. Throughout the night, he would frequently cup his hands to his ears to get applause for the other members of his group.

But mostly it was his black six-string guitar that did the talking.

In one solo after another, whether performing the rocking "Let the Good Times Roll" or more traditional slow-paced numbers, King demonstrated that his skills on the guitar are undiminished.

A crowd of young and old cheered King from the beginning. In fact, when he came out he was greeted by a standing ovation.

After finishing his final and most powerful song of the set, "The Thrill is Gone," King stood at the end of the stage and signed autographs for the dozens of fans who rushed the stage.

Leon Warren's rhythm guitar playing added fire to King's playing throughout the set.

The concert was an experience and sight not likely to be quickly forgotten.

Opening act A.J. Croce, a pianist, singer and son of the late Jim Croce, who also favors the blues, started out slowly but gained momentum as his set went along.

While he and his backing band sounded like nothing special in the opening song, "Smoking Good Time," Croce and company turned things around by the third tune.

"Which Way, Steinway," an original Croce number describing having to perform a show without a piano, was an especially musical number that fused jazz and swing styles.

In "Keep on Looking," he used the blues medium to sing of the pratfalls of rushing into marriage.
Who: B.B. King Where: Rhythm Cafe in Santa Ana Background: The legendary blues guitarist performed two shows Tuesday night.