From left, lead guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, singer-guitarist Marshall Crenshaw and bassist Mike Mesaros at The Coach House on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
Marshall Crenshaw at The Coach House. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
When lead singer-songwriter/rhythm guitarist Pat DiNizio died at the age of 62 on Dec. 12, 2017, count this long-time Smithereens fanatic as having been convinced the band would likely never appear in Southern California again. But when word came late last year that lead guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros and drummer Dennis Diken would perform a short string of West Coast dates with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw culminating with a concert at The Coach House I was floored. Needless to say, I braved one of the fiercest winter storms in memory last night and made the long drive to South Orange County, CA to catch the event.
When the band took the stage at 8:24 p.m., the capacity crowd cheered and the energy was immediately palpable and remained so for the next two hours. Opening with "Behind The Wall of Sleep" (off the band's 1986 landmark disc Especially For You), Crenshaw fit well into DiNizio's role as he sang the well-known verses while strumming away on his electric guitar and the band charged in freewheeling fashion that have always been a trademark of the Smithereens.
Dennis Diken in action at The Coach House. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
Guitarist Jim Babjak at The Coach House. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
Everyone on stage was central in the making of the music, and also paying tribute to the life and legacy of DiNizio (as well as The Smithereens; the band celebrates its 39th birthday in March 2019). For example, before performing "Strangers When We Meet" (the lead-off track on Especially For You), Crenshaw recalled he had performed keyboards on that original recording using an assumed name ("Jerome Jerome"); the performance of that track was explosive with Diken unleashing a number of artful drum fills that added dynamics to the melodic rocker.
"Folks, raise your glasses high and let's have a toast to Pat DiNizio," Diken said after the musicians finished "Strangers When We Meet." The crowd was quick to toast before the group on stage launched into "Only A Memory," the lead track off 1988's Green Thoughts. That memorable rocker was bolstered by the capacity crowd propelling the song via a dramatic clap-along.
Every song performed was essential to the night's magic, with "Crazy Mixed-Up Kid" (which was somehow joyful and wistful at once), Baroque-flavored rockers "In A Lonely Place" and "Cut Flowers," the sparse "Life Is So Beautiful" (featuring Babjak on lead vocals and stellar guitar play) and intoxicating rockers "Drown In My Own Tears" and "House We Used To Live In."
Jim Babjak, left, with Mike Mesaros. Severo Jornacion is on the far right. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
Jim Babjak, left, with drummer Dennis Diken at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
Mike Mesaros on Feb. 10, 2019. |
The thrilling encore included "War For My Mind" (featuring Mesaros on lead vocals and Jornacion on bass guitar), a rousing cover of Badfinger's 1970 hit "No Matter What" (featuring Crenshaw's shimmer lead guitar work) and seven-minute, tear-down-the-walls version of "A Girl Like You."
Opening the night was Huntington Beach-based quintet Firemelon. Lead singer Matthew Samia led the group through a strong set of roots-minded Americana-drenched rock. The original songs were potent, as was a thoughtful take on the John Lennon-penned Fab Four classic "Don't Let Me Down."
Review by Robert Kinsler
Photos by Bob Steshetz
The Smithereens performing in front of a packed house in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Bob Steshetz |
5 comments:
The Smithereens music got me through college at Rutgers in the 1980’s. This gave me a chance to sing along to songs I have not heard in decades! Did not think I would have the opportunity to see them here in Orange County where I now live. And I’m looking forward to May when they play down the street from me at the beach. Thank you for your insightful review.
The Smithereens music got me through college at Rutgers in the 1980’s. This gave me a chance to sing along to songs I have not heard in decades! Did not think I would have the opportunity to see them here in Orange County where I now live. And I’m looking forward to May when they play down the street from me at the beach. Thank you for your insightful review.
Thank you Laurie. I'm with you; The Smithereens' music is full of incredible hooks and the songs are terrific! I plan to see them in Huntington Beach again!
Rutgers in the 80's here also. Kenny's Castaways
I was at the concert and in the front row! What a treat and "No Matter What" cover was right on.
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