Styx Brings a Parade of Rock Classics to Prescott Valley

From left, James "JY" Young and Tommy Shaw rocking
Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Styx, Jay Psaros

Where: Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ

When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Next: Styx will perform a string of special concerts at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, performing the album "The Grand Illusion" in its entirety and other hits on Jan. 24, 25, 29 and 31, and Feb. 1, 2025

Information: https://styxworld.com/

Tommy Shaw performing on Nov. 9, 2024.

Lawrence Gowan on Nov. 9, 2024.

Styx is one of the few classic rock bands to emerge in the early 1970s that continues to tour and record essential new music a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Evidence of the enduring rock troupe's power came with an outstanding performance at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ on Nov. 9. The 100-minute concert was an entertaining run through Styx's rich catalog of hits and showcased a band still at the height of its powers.

Styx performing at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Opening with the title track from their 1977 masterwork The Grand Illusion, the six member's signature harmonies draped the anthemic favorite that blends progressive, arena and classic rock styles. The uptempo "Too Much Time on My Hands" followed, the crowd on its feet.

From left, Terry Gowan, Will Evankovich, Lawrence Gowan and James "JY" Young.

Drummer Todd Sucherman behind the kit in Prescott Valley, AZ.

The power ballad "Lady" featured Lawrence Gowan's soaring tenor and masterful keyboard playing in the song's melodic opening, before the collective power of the band carried the song to its dramatic finish.

Whether performing their biggest hits or album favorites, Styx presented each selection as if it was the jewel of the set. Take "Lorelei," a modest hit from early in the band's career that flat out rocked the house in Prescott Valley.

Lawrence Gowan, left, and Will Evankovich.

Every member of Styx was showcased across the night. Founding member James "JY" Young sang lead vocals and unleashed his fiery lead guitar work on "Miss America." Singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw sang the affecting "Crystal Ball" alone to the accompaniment of his acoustic guitar to launch the song before the rest of the band came in as the song built in force; Shaw used an electric guitar to play a dynamic lead sortie to close the track.

Another highlight of the night was a luxurious version of the 2021 original "Crash of the Crown," an ambitious song showcasing the band's dazzling harmonies and signature songcraft.

Tommy Shaw performing in Arizona on Nov. 9, 2024.

Other favorites of the night included the evocative "Man in the Wilderness" featuring Shaw's soaring vocals, the hard rocking "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)," the Beatlesque "Our Wonderful Lives" and "Come Sail Away," the latter showcasing Gowan on keys and lead vocals. The rhythm section of Todd Sucherman, bassist Terry Gowan and guitarist Will Evankovich added firepower to all of the selections.

Guitarist James "JY" Young.

From left, James "JY" Young and Tommy Shaw rocking
Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Styx's rousing encore included a rousing "Mr. Roboto" and blistering "Renegade," both songs thrilling the appreciative crowd.

Singer-songwriter Jay Psaros opened the bill with a 30-minute set of acoustic songs, including originals and a sparse take on Prince's "Purple Rain." Armed with a winning voice and solid guitar playing, the country-flavored original "Ballroom Singer" was among the inviting originals that impressed the audience on Saturday night.

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Styx setlist at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ

The Grand Illusion

Too Much Time on My Hands

Lady

Lorelei

Miss America

Crash of the Crown

Crystal Ball

Rockin' the Paradise

Man in the Wilderness

Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)

The Best of Times

Our Wonderful Lives

Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)

Khedive

Come Sail Away

Encore

Mr. Roboto

Renegade

New Music Roundup: Styx, Todd Rundgren & Joe Jackson, Van Dyke Parks & Verónica Valerio, Edward Rogers, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

A wide range of thrilling new releases await listeners who have a hunger for a myriad of sounds and musical styles.

Artist: Styx

Title: Crash Of The Crown (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Asia, Tommy Shaw

Tell me more: Styx has returned with Crash Of The Crown, the veteran band's 17th album and first since 2017's brilliant concept album The Mission. The new Will Evankovich-produced disc is another ambitious effort filled with a wonderful range of memorable and enticing originals. Styx (singer-guitarist James "JY" Young, singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw, bassist-vocalist Chuck Panozzo, drummer Todd Sucherman, singer-keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, bassist-vocalist Ricky Phillips) wrote the songs for Crash Of The Crown pre-pandemic and subsequently recorded the album during the challenging time of the COVID-19 outbreak. There is a decidedly defiant and uplifting spirit across the 15-track disc and it unquestionably resonates in an era where the U.S. is emerging from a prolonged and devastating pandemic. On the opener "The Fight of Our Lives," lyrics such as "We will not give in / The game is ours to win" and "This is our moment now / This is the fight of our lives" set to driving synth-adorned rock resound to be sure. Highlights abound across the ambitious set. The fearless rocker "A Monster" and psychedelia-tinged "Reveries" are early standouts, showcasing the band's incredible musicianship and intelligent songcraft. The lush "Hold Back the Darkness" is as beautiful and affecting as any track ever recorded by the classic rock troupe. On "Our Wonderful Lives," a rousing melodic chorus mesmerizes with lavish harmonies, Shaw's banjo playing and the deft drumming from Sucherman adding to the magic. The album's parade of strong songs continues with the reflective "Sound the Alarm," triumphant "Long Live the King" and "Coming Out the Otherside," and fanciful closer "Stream." Information: StyxWorld.com.

Artist: Joe Jackson & Todd Rundgren

Title: State Theater New Jersey 2005 (Purple Pyramid / Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Jackson, Todd Rundgren, Ethel

Tell me more: A legendary 2005 tour teaming singer-songwriter greats Joe Jackson and Todd Rundgren is available to revisit via a special three-disc set available now. State Theater New Jersey 2005 features the two acclaimed artists performing solo sets, as well as several songs together. There is a great mix of hits and deep cuts sure to delight fans of Jackson and Rundgren. There is a warmth and intimacy displayed across the live recording; Jackson impresses on "Steppin' Out," "Is She Really Going Out With Him" and an artfully-reworked cover of the John Lennon-penned "Girl." Rundgren hits sonic pay dirt via the folk rocker "Love of the Common Man," the acoustic ballad "I Don't Want To Tie You Down," yearning "Hello It's Me" and whimsical "Bang The Drum All Day."  New York string quartet Ethel also performs a set of instrumental music, and then accompanies the headliners during the concert's finale (notably on a powerful take on The Beatles' George Harrison masterwork "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"). The special eight-panel digipak release includes the full 31-track concert on two audio CDs and a DVD of the event too. Information: CleoRecs.com.

Artist: Van Dyke Parks and Verónica Valerio

Title: Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Verónica Valerio: Only In America (BMG Modern Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Van Dyke Parks, Verónica Valerio

Tell me more: Classical, world music and alternative orchestral pop collide in varied and wonderful ways on the exciting new collaboration from composer Van Dyke Parks and singer-harp master Verónica Valerio. Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Verónica Valerio: Only In America is a 4-song EP that effortlessly brings together the undeniable talents of Parks (best known for collaborating with Brian Wilson on The Beach Boys' "lost" masterpiece SMiLE and on the more recent Orange Crate Art) and Valerio, the latter who is an acclaimed singer-harpist who has performed her songs in Mexico, the U.S., Asia and Europe. "Two years ago, I wrote Van Dyke because he is a sincere person, a selfless communicator, polite, a fighter and great artist," explains Valerio in press notes. The two artists worked together from a distance during the global pandemic for a full year to create the extravagant songs that delight on the EP. Artist Klaus Voorman adds to the magic with a cover design (he created the iconic cover of The Beatles' Revolver album). Information: https://modernrecordings.de.

Artist: Edward Rogers

Title: Catch A Cloud (Zip Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Rogers & Butler, Public Image Ltd

Tell me more: Written and recorded pre-pandemic, the release of Edward Rogers' eighth solo album Catch A Cloud was put on hold when Rogers and Steve Butler released their full-length debut Poets & Sinners (issued in June 2020). The 11-track Catch A Cloud – co-produced by Rogers and Don Piper – includes a slew of top-tier guests including guitarist James Mastro (the Ian Hunter Band), guitarist Marty Willson-Piper (formerly of The Church), bassist Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Sparks), drummer Konrad Meissner (The Mammals) and sax player Geoff Blythe (Dexy's Midnight Runners). All that star power comes in the service of a wide-ranging and adventuresome listen; the probing opener "Imaginary Man," sweet-tempered "Button Box" and electro dream pop track "This Bird Has Flown" are among early high marks on the album. The wide range of ideas and observations Rogers fused into his track list continues via the lovely "Catch A Cloud," jazzy foray "Hayley" and disc-ending dark rocker "The Head of the Nail." Information: ZipRecords.com.

Artist: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Title: Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1 (Sour Mash Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Tell me more: A year after leaving Oasis in August 2009, singer-songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher formed the aptly-titled Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Now comes Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1, which collects Gallagher's favorite cuts released by the collective between 2011 and 2021. In addition to featuring 16 previously-released cuts from the group's first three full-length albums, Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1  includes several new songs (the sumptuous "We're On Our Way Now" and breezy "Flying on the Ground"). This retrospective serves as a great introduction to Gallagher's talents. Many of his greatest songs are featured on the set, including the wistful rocker "Riverman," fiery "Lock All The Doors," haunting "The Dying of the Light" and exhilarating "It's a Beautiful World." A bonus third disc on the deluxe edition reviewed here includes a dozen extras including instrumental versions, acoustic takes and remixes. Information: NoelGallagher.com.

Robert Kinsler