Jeff Lynne's ELO, Dhani Harrison deliver a night of top-tier songcraft in Anaheim

Jeff Lynne's ELO
With: Dhani Harrison
Where: Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
When: Thursday, June 20, 2019
Next: Jeff Lynne's ELO is scheduled to perform in Sacramento on June 22
Information: https://jefflynneselo.com/events/


Review by Robert Kinsler

Jeff Lynne's ELO posing in front of a packed Honda Center in
Anaheim, CA on June 20. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Although I never caught the Electric Light Orchestra during the rock troupe's initial 14-year run in the 1970s and '80s, I've been making up for lost time since catching Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Hollywood Bowl in September 2016. I subsequently was thrilled when the group played at the Forum in Los Angeles County in August 2018; I was mesmerized a third time throughout their concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Thursday night (June 20, 2019).

The show at Honda Center was the opening date of Lynne's 20-date North America Summer Tour with the current jaunt also offering the chance to catch emerging solo artist Dhani Harrison – the son of the late George Harrison – on a major concert stage. Dhani Harrison's appearance provided this writer with a chance to hear live versions of material off his excellent full-length solo debut In///Parallel (released by BMG in October 2017).

A capacity crowd filled the home of the Anaheim Ducks to take in the special concert and I can certainly guarantee no one left disappointed. Performing a perfect set complete with a couple of welcome surprises, Lynne and his amazing 12-member ensemble delivered a flawless night of luxurious songcraft. The fast-paced 95-minute headlining set from Lynne's ELO offered up faithful takes on all the hits (spanning from 1972's "10538 Overture" to his 2015 comeback single "When I Was A Boy and everything in between).

Opening with a swirling cover of the classic ELO cut "Standin' in the Rain," the hits would keep coming and coming and coming. An infectious "Evil Woman" and even more dazzling "All Over the World" followed. Throughout the concert, a wall of rear projection screens and brilliant lighting effects enhanced the experience.

Lynne impressed with his signature vocals to be sure; but his artful guitar playing was displayed via melodic lead solos on "Showdown," "Mr. Blue Sky" and throughout an extended take on Chuck Berry's classic "Roll Over Beethoven" that closed out the night.

Among the moments that brought chills to this writer was a version of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" where Dhani Harrison joined the group to sing his late father's section of the classic single, the disco-flavored pop sheen of "Last Train to London" and "Xanadu," and an acoustic flavored "Wild West Hero" complete with an acapella vocals section.

Jeff Lynne's ELO performing "Mr. Blue Sky" at Honda Center.

Melodic rockers such as "Don't Bring Me Down" and "Turn To Stone" continued to build up the night's momentum, before the sweeping symphonic masterwork of "Mr. Blue Sky" closed out the regular set with a high mark.  

The power of Lynne's songs, his still poignant lead vocals and sharp guitar work only begin to tell the tale when it comes to the bona fide power of Thursday's show. Musical director Mike Stevens (who assists with guitar and vocals), lead guitarist Milton McDonald, bassist Lee Pomeroy, dummer Donavan Hepburn, piano player Marcus Byrne, keyboardists Jo Webb and Steve Turner, backing vocalist-guitarist Iain Hornal, backing and lead vocalist Melanie Lewis McDonald, violinist Jessie Murphy, and cello players Amy Langley and Jess Cox complete this extraordinary touring group. If they are coming to your town, get there.

Dhani Harrison's set was the perfect way to open the magical night. Backed by a terrific four-member band, Harrison opened with a probing "Never Know," a song that recalls the experimental neo-classical touch of Dead Can Dance. The hypnotic and intoxicating quality of that song would be the perfect segue into other cuts offered up over 40 minutes. 

Other highlights included the ambitious "Summertime Police" and electronica-styled "All About Waiting," the latter song's journey ranging from a symphonic bit opening to dynamic musicianship and a colorful baroque keyboard solo.


Jeff Lynne's ELO: Setlist at Honda Center on June 20, 2019
Standin' in the Rain
Evil Woman
All Over the World
Showdown
Do Ya (The Move cover)
When I Was a Boy
Livin' Thing
Handle With Care (Traveling Wilburys cover featuring Dhani Harrison)
Rockaria
Last Train to London
Xanadu
10538 Overture
Shine a Little Love
Wild West Hero
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Telephone Line
Don't Bring Me Down
Turn to Stone
Mr. Blue Sky
Encore
Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)

Jeff Lynne's ELO stunning in Hollywood Bowl debut

Jeff Lynne at the Hollywood Bowl on September 9, 2016.
Photo: Kim Kinsler

When I watched Jeff Lynne's ELO Live in Hyde Park on DVD in September 2015, I was blown away with the enduring power of  Lynne's songs, as well as the performance itself. After watching that concert film a number of times, I became easily convinced that Lynne and company should perform stateside in his own backyard (Lynne lives in Southern California).

That dream came true after catching Jeff Lynne's ELO with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under the baton of conductor Thomas Wilkins on Friday night (Sept. 9, 2016). Before a capacity crowd, Lynne led the musical ensemble through a dream set of enticing singles, deeper album tracks and several gems off his wonderful 2015 album Alone in the Universe. Jeff Lynne's ELO is scheduled to perform again today and tomorrow (Sept. 10 and 11, 2016).

Not only did Lynne's voice sound as marvelous as it did when he racked up a stack of hits in the 1970s, but his guitar playing and understated-but-charismatic aura remains similarly intact. The larger-than-life stage afforded by performing at the legendary Hollywood Bowl combined with the image of a top-tier orchestra performing behind Jeff Lynne's ELO and use of a high resolution rear projection screen and incredible laser/lighting made for a dramatic experience to be sure. 

The Hollywood Bowl was the perfect setting and
venue to celebrate the return of Jeff Lynne's ELO.
Photo: Kim Kinsler

There were so many wondrous moments, including the luxurious opener "Tightrope," sweeping "Evil Woman," signature sounding "Showdown" featuring Lynne's melodic guitar work and an ethereal "All Over the World" coming early in the 90-minute set, the latter followed by Lynne acknowledging: "What a fantastic place to play…I've never played here before." 

Of particular interest to fans of Lynne was the inclusion of several introspective originals off his latest album. "Love and Rain," which came early in the night, was adorned by lush vocals from his backing singers and a heartfelt solo that Lynne delivered on his electric guitar. The piano-anchored "When I Was a Boy" was even more majestic, Lynne's honest vocals and acoustic guitar work layered with the skillful work of pianist Richard Tandy the orchestra – especially during the swelling finish of the number.

Because Electric Light Orchestra was always known for the fusion of rock, pop and symphony, many of the most dramatic selections fully flourished under the stars; the magnificent "Rockaria!" with its blend of operatic singing and rock 'n' roll song craft was a delight as was the cello and guitar embellished "10538 Overture." Later in the U.S. premiere of "Wild West Hero" (off 1978's Out of the Blue album) Lynne somehow guided the players through an ambitious work that morphed from acoustic piece into a rocker with a vocal a cappella section included along the way. Amazing.

And what can be said about the thrill of hearing the wondrous chills-inducing "Mr. Blue Sky" delivered at the Bowl, complete with Lynne's George Harrison-inspired guitar solo.

The pyrotechnics added firepower to the closing
moments of Jeff Lynne's ELO concert.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The perfect night was capped with an extended version of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven," complete with a spectacular fireworks show. 

Opening up for Jeff Lynne's ELO was the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, which performed a short but memorable set highlighted by a potent performance of composer Edward Elgar's Variations, Op. 36 commonly known as "Nimrod." If you can score a ticket for tonight or tomorrow night, do.


Review by Robert Kinsler


Jeff Lynne's ELO setlist, Friday, Sept. 9, 2016:
1. Tightrope
2. Evil Woman
3. Showdown
4. All Over the World
5. Love and Rain
6. Livin' Thing
7. When I Was a Boy
8. Rockaria!
9. 10538 Overture
10. Can't Get It Out of My Head
11. Shine a Little Love
12. Wild West Hero (first-ever performance in the U.S.)
13. Telephone Line
14. Turn To Stone
15. Sweet Talkin' Woman
16. Don't Bring Me Down
17. Mr. Blue Sky
ENCORE
18. Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Jeff Lynne's ELO, 'Hamilton' (the musical)

This week Robert and TJR discuss the exciting new album Alone in the Universe from Jeff Lynne's ELO and Hamilton (the official Broadway Cast of the new musical):

Groundbreaking artists captured on new DVD/Blu-ray and audio CD releases

If variety is indeed the spice of life, look no further than a slew of September releases featuring the far-flung likes of Jeff Lynne's ELO, Los Angeles-spawned rockers Los Lobos, British quartet Duran Duran and a special reissue of the first "Mystery Science Theater 3000" featuring an infamous B move with an appearance by Little Richard and several other early rock acts.


Artist: Jeff Lynne's ELO
Title: Live in Hyde Park (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), The Beatles, Pugwash
Tell me more: There is little doubt that Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra (better known as "ELO") are back. In September 2014, singer-songwriter-guitarist Lynne and ELO performed before 50,000 fans at Hyde Park as part of BBC Radio 2's "Festival In A Day." The wonderful event has been fully captured on a new concert film that finds Lynne and company delivering epics versions of more than a dozen ELO classics. The uptempo "All Over The World," '70s-styled rocker "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle," masterful BBC Concert Orchestra showcase "10538 Overture" and sweeping "Mr. Blue Sky" are among the great songs performed. Lynne also pays tribute to his late friends Roy Orbison and George Harrison with a poignant take of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care." Live in Hyde Park is available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats. The bonus features on the title prove to be icing on the cake to be sure. Information: eagle-rock.com.
Get 'Live in Hyde Park [Blu-ray]' here 

Artist: Los Lobos
Title: Gates Of Gold (429 Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Los Lobos, the Latin Playboys, Los Super Seven
Tell me more: Whether performing rootsy rock, folk, blues or Tex-Mex rock, legendary outfit Los Lobos displays a creative wide-ranging spirit across the aptly-titled Gates Of Gold. Things lead off with the infectious roots rocker "Made To Break Your Heart," but the band turns things around with a wistful track ("When We Were Free") that blends rock and free-form jazz. No matter whether playing blistering blues rock ("Mis-Treater Boogie Blues," "Two Small Heart"), traditional Mexican music ("Poquito Para Aqui," "La Tumba Sera El Final"), Americana ("Gates Of Gold," "Song Of The Sun") or acoustic blues ("I Believed You So"), long-time members/songwriters David Hidalgo, Louie Perez and Cesar Rosas have an otherworldly ability to ensure all the sonic elements fit together perfectly. Information: 429records.com or loslobos.org.
Get 'Gates Of Gold' on CD here


Artist: Duran Duran
Title: Paper Gods (Warner Bros.)
You might like if you enjoy: Duran Duran, Arcadia, Mark Ronson
Tell me more: More than 35 years into their run, British group Duran Duran remains relevant, mixing the best of their early '80s New Wave synth sounds with modern-day dance stylings via contributions from several guest vocalists and musicians (including former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante) on their latest album Paper Gods. The heavy dance gem "Last Dance In The City" features Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon sharing vocals with Canadian singer Kiesza; equally propulsive is the disc's first single "Pressure Off" featuring Duran Duran joining forces with soul-funk singer Janelle Monáe and former Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers. Duran Duran turns in one of its greatest-ever ballads with the tender "What Are The Chances?" (Le Bon's voice sounds better than ever), while the blend of electronica and pop on "Only In Dreams" and "The Universe Alone" are enhanced by several experimental flourishes. Information: duranduran.com.
Buy 'Paper Gods (Deluxe)' here

Title: Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume 1 (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: Mystery Science Theater 3000, Little Richard, Mary Wells
Tell me more: Shout! Factory has reissued an expanded version of its long-out-of-print Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume 1 collection. The groundbreaking movie-mocking TV series never got it wrong in terms of selecting choice B movies to skew, while interspersing the film with skits and songs that featured original and intelligent comedy in spades. Volume 1 kicks off with an episode featured in Season 2 of MST3K, the 1967 beach party film Catalina Caper noteworthy for its appearance by rocker Little Richard singing "Scuba Party," a song he co-wrote with film composer Jerry Long. Often forgotten too was a performance by The Cascades singing the Ray Davies-penned "There's a New World" on screen and Mary Wells singing the song "Never Steal Anything Wet" over the closing credits. Other choice Crown International Pictures clunkers featured on "Volume 1" include Bloodlust, The Creeping Terror and The Skydivers. Information: shoutfactory.com or mst3k.com.

Buy 'Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume 1' today

Artist: Pop4

Title: Summer (Pop4)

You might like if you enjoy: Moonpools & Caterpillars, Susanna Hoffs, Pugwash

Tell me more: There are joyful echos of Electric Light Orchestra, The Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Moonpools & Caterpillars and a wide range of melodic rock icons across the aptly-titled Pop4 release Summer. The 16-track power-pop collection definitely conjures up long, warm summer days with a plethora of bright melodies and harmonies. Highlights on the album include the a capella "I Will Become Love," the driving "Blow Wind Blow," ELO-mining "Einstein and Sunshine" ("Mr. Blue Sky" is an obvious rhythmic reference here) and baroque pop standout "You're No Aimee Mann." Information: facebook.com/pop4musicquartet.

Robert Kinsler

Jeff Lynne's ELO 'Live In Hyde Park' coming to DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Formats on September 11, 2015

How cool is this everybody? Time to get excited...

New York, NY (June 29, 2015)--On September 11, 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment, in association with the BBC, will release Live In Hyde Park by Jeff Lynne’s ELO on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats [MSRP TBA].  This release offers fantastic value with a full-length concert and feature-length documentary on the same disc.  The show from Hyde Park includes ELO’s hits “Mr Blue Sky,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” “Livin’ Thing,” “Evil Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Showdown,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “10358 Overture,” “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head,” “Strange Magic,” and many more!

 

The Electric Light Orchestra, led by one of rock’s most iconic songwriters and producers Jeff Lynne, is one of the most successful bands of all time with global sales of over 50 million albums. In September 2014, Jeff Lynne’s ELO headlined BBC Radio 2’s “Festival In A Day” in London’s famous Hyde Park. It was the first time in almost 30 years that the band had performed on a festival stage. Jeff Lynne said, “It seemed like the entire 50,000 were singing and clapping along, which carried on for the whole night. The Hyde Park concert turned out to be one of the most memorable shows ever for me”.

 

The critics agreed, with The Times (UK) saying it was “near perfect” in their 5-star review and the Evening Standard (London) marveling that “ELO still have the power to flick switches” in their 4-star review. Neil McCormick of the Telegraph (UK) noted how “fifty thousand grown men and women sang along in joyous rapture to some of the greatest pop music ever heard.”

 

As well as the full Live In Hyde Park show, the Bonus Features offer the feature length documentary Mr Blue Sky – The Story Of Jeff Lynne and ELO and also new interviews filmed at Hyde Park. Jeff Lynne has been involved every step of the way with every aspect of this production, especially the audio delivery, saying: “It’s important to me that viewers experience the Hyde Park show exactly as it was performed on the night….in stereo.”

 

This show was a truly special moment that will live on in fans’ memories forever - the 50,000 tickets for the event had sold out in a matter of minutes and the fans sang along to hit after hit performed by Jeff Lynne and the band accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.  Live In Hyde Park by Jeff Lynne’s ELO will be cherished by all who love this truly important band.

 

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, Genesis, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton and Aerosmith. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 40 multi-platinum, over 80 platinum and over 144 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Paris and Hamburg.

 

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

 

 

TRACK LISTING

1) All Over The World  

2) Evil Woman  

3) Ma-Ma-Ma Belle  

4) Showdown  

5) Livin’ Thing  

6) Strange Magic  

7) 10538 Overture  

8) Can’t Get It Out Of My Head  

9) Sweet Talkin’ Woman  

10) Turn To Stone  

11) Steppin’ Out  

12) Handle With Care  

13) Don’t Bring Me Down  

14) Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King  

15) Telephone Line  

16) Mr Blue Sky  

17) Roll Over Beethoven