Reviews
of New Cody Band CD
"Dopers,
Drunks and Everyday Losers"
Cody
in command on new disc
By JAY N. MILLER
For The Patriot Ledger
Commander Cody’s new album isn’t due for official release
until April 21, but there’s a good chance he’ll have copies
with him when he performs at the C-Note in Hull tonight.
“Dopers, Drunks, and Everyday Losers” isn’t nearly
the downbeat collection the title might indicate, but rather a 14-song
romp through some of his most beloved older tunes, along with a bunch
of new tunes and covers. Cody’s first studio album in 20 years
is also his rocking-est album in recent memory, with the Commander –
aka George Frayne – and his boogie-woogie piano supplemented by
Western swing, and plenty of roadhouse rock. This collection does have
a loose theme of lovable losers and assorted ne’er-do-wells he’s
encountered in four decades on the road.
Frayne, now 64, is not hardly the dissolute roustabout portrayed in
many of his tunes. In reality he has several postgraduate degrees in
fine arts, a thriving career in painting and sculpture, and has taught
fine arts in several colleges. The Commander Cody Band is his current
quintet, based out of his Saratoga Springs home. Cody’s Lost Planet
Airmen, who backed him on his greatest hits back in the 1970s, broke
up in 1977 to pursue solo careers.
But the main thing you need to know about this new CD is that it rocks
hard, reprises some Cody favorites, and is infectious, dance-happy fun.
Among the older tunes, “Semi Truck” gets a raucous, Western
swing-themed workout. “Seven Eleven,” that little ditty
about stealing beer from your local convenience store, is properly rambunctious,
and “Wine Do Yer Stuff” ought to get any party rolling.
Amazon........Editorial
Review
After a twenty-three year hiatus since the release of the classic Let's
Rock, Commander Cody has returned to Blind Pig Records. Ever since his
wild, early days as front man for the Lost Planet Airmen ("Hot
Rod Lincoln," "Lost in the Ozone," etc.), the Old Commander
has plowed his own path through the fields of the American music scene
as one of its few truly unique and iconoclastic figures. His special
blend of old-time rock 'n' roll, redneck country, boogie-woogie and
swing has virtually defined American roots music. Dopers, Drunks &
Everyday Losers will delight old and new fans alike with its mix of
new songs and classics from the Cody catalog. Highlights include updated
versions of "Seeds and Stems Again", "Seven-Eleven"
and "Wine, Do Yer Stuff."
By
Shawn Underwood - twangville.com
Some albums require
several listenings to really get the subtlety and nuance of the music
composition or the power of the thought in the
lyrics. Commander Cody’s first studio effort in 20 years, Dopers,
Drunks and Everyday Losers is not one of those albums. This, ladies
and gentlemen, is a party album. If you don’t believe me, here
are some of the song titles; Roll Yer Own, Wine Do Yer Stuff, Seeds
and Stems Again, It’s Gonna Be One of Those Nights, Last Call
For Alcohol. In the spirit of his earlier incarnations (Commander Cody
and His Lost Planet Airmen) and brothers in arms like Asleep At The
Wheel and Austin Lounge Lizards, this is a disc that’s the perfect
accompaniment to Friday night.
The album starts
off with Roll Yer Own , a straightforward example of Commander Cody’s
(nee George Frayne) unmatched style of honky tonk piano. Along with
the slide guitar and pedal steel highlights, this really sets the tone
for the album. Next up is one of my favorites from the playlist, Tennessee
Plates , a John Hiatt song about a road trip that goes awry and ends
up with our protagonist making, you guessed it, Tennessee license plates.
From there the album goes through a number of tunes including Semi Truck,
Down and Out, and Seven Eleven that pay tribute (sort of) to the white
trash way of life.
At that point,
the Commander does an update of a previous classic, Seeds and Stems
Again. Now, as a poor college student in the 70’s, the original
was, well, it was one of those things you could really relate to. In
this updated version, the Commander brought in long-haired, high cheek-boned
chanteuse Circe Link to add a beautiful voice to the story of woe. And
as beautiful as her voice is, it’s a little like Patsy Cline singing
“I want to rock and roll all night, and party every day.”
You just don’t buy it. I suppose I just have too much history
with the original. What does work well, though, is the final song of
the album, a new version of the old Hoyt Axton song made famous by George
Harrison, No No Song . With a gentle Caribbean rhythm twanged up just
a bit with accordion and pedal steel, this ode to temptation really
closes the album on a high note.
So if your music
collection is in need of some party music that’s slightly off
the beaten track, Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers will be a good
addition. But I also recommend spending the extra 99 cents and getting
the 1971 version of Seeds and Stems Again Blues from Lost in the Ozone.
villagerecords.com
Love that title.
That’s how my high school principal introduced our graduating
class to the assembled friends and family. The guy was quite the visionary
as it turns out. Anyway, back to the task at hand here. This is the
first new album from the Commander in light years. He’s got some
great new tunes and even updates some of his old stuff just to remind
us of how great they were. I don’t know about the rest of you
but his blend of rock, boogie and redneck country never goes out of
date. There’s just something about that sweet spot where traditional
country meets burned out barfly that works every time
http://www.illinoisblues.com/bbnow.htm
If you read my by-line at the end of this review I've been playing music
a long time. The critics started calling my music blues I assumed they
did that because I was old. Well Commander Cody, his real name George
Frayne, is old but the Commander can still rock with the best of them.
The traditionalists wont call this CD the Blues but I will because the
blues is a feeling and Commander Cody with no doubt has the blues. He
is an historic musical icon.
The party begins with some boogie piano by the Commander and nice slide
guitar by Mark Emerick on "Roll Yer Own'"..'Tennessee Plates"
reminds me of the band Dire Straits especially the vocal by Commander
Cody. "Wine do yer Stuff' written by William Farlow and Cody is
truly a country classic. 'Lone Ranger', Semi-Truck are country tunes
complete with pedal steel played by Chris 'Tiny' Olsen. 'Down and Out'
is a traditional song about losing it all. One of the funniest songs
on the records is 'Seven Eleven' with Miss Marie Spinosa of the Crowmatix
singing 'stealing at the Seven Eleven', in the background. I understand
why Blues aficionados won't consider this a Blues recording especially
when they hear the country gem 'Seeds and Stems' sung by Circe Link.
It belongs in Nashville not Memphis. Commander Cody can sure boogie
though as on 'It's Going to be one of those nights" and "
OK Hotel'.
I had the privilege of opening for Commander Cody with my band at a
club in New Jersey and seeing first hand Cody perform "They Kicked
Me Out of the Band". He started the song with a shot of booze and
a toast to the audience. Very fitting. He puts on a great show and his
admirers love him. On "Losers Avenue", Cody takes the cruise
down losers avenue with some very good piano playing. This CD is like
hanging out in your neighborhood bar complete with ".Last call
for Alcohol". The final cut is the "No No Song" by Hoyt
Axton.
This album was recorded in Woodstock NY and produced by Aaron "Prof.
Louie' Hurwitz who got his nickname from the late Rick Danko of the
Band. Prof. Louie put his exceptional skills as musician and producer
to create an outstanding testimony to Commander Cody's music. A fine
record, great musicianship, entertaining and most of all true to Commander
Cody. This is what he does.
I remember sending some of my music to Blind Pig records and they said,
"That's not blues". Well hey this ain't Blues either but it
is great music and I am happy you took a chance with Dopers, Drunks
and Everyday Losers.
I think you will be glad you did. Commander Cody is no loser.
http://www.rambles.net/ccody_ddel09.html
Rambles.NET review by Michael Scott Cain
Commander Cody, Dopers, Drunks & Everyday Losers (Blind Pig, 2009)
It seems to me there
has never been a time when there wasn't a Commander Cody around. He's
as dependable as the sun and the sky, rarely obtrusive, never in the
way but always around when he's needed. And just when we're in danger
of drowning in the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Kellie Pickler, here
comes Cody with a new album.
Cody -- who became if not famous, certainly dangerous with his '70s
band, Commander Cody & the Lost Planet Airmen, which gave us such
musicians as Bill Kirchen and Billy C. Farlow -- has for the past few
decades specialized in creating joy and fun with a unique blend of rock,
country and blues, all held together by Cody's sledgehammer, honky-tonk,
ragtime piano.
So, how is the new album? "Brilliant" is the first word that
springs to mind. The current band -- Mark Emerick on guitar, Steve Barnuto
on drums, Chris Olson on pedal steel and Randy Bramwell on bass, as
well as the commander himself -- is a fabulous aggregation, and the
material ranges all over the Cody repertoire. He does updated versions
of "Seeds & Stems Again," "Seven-Eleven," "Wine,
Do Your Stuff" and a few others. He covers John Hiatt's "Tennessee
Plates" and "No No Song" and comes up with a handful
of originals that are destined to take their places as future Cody classics.
You can't listen to Dopers, Drunks & Everyday Losers without laughing,
wanting to dance and admiring the musicianship. My advice? Don't wait
'til tomorrow, don't wait for the rain to stop, just go out and get
it. Now.
New
Cody Band CD - "Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers" - 30
Days Out
Commander Cody is
back with a brand new album: Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers. It’s
a great party album, and there’s even an updated version of “Seeds
And Stems (Again)” as well as a nice version of Hoyt Axton’s
“No No Song.” Now Frayne isn’t much of a singer, so
enjoy singer Circe Link’s “Seeds and Stems” and discover
that the Commander is still one hell of a piano player. Pass the hookah
- the Commander is on the flight deck once again!
Dopers,
Drunks, And Everyday Losers - Commander Cody
Brian Robbins 2009-04-28- JamBand.com
Dopers, Drunks, And Everyday Losers is everything anyone who has followed
Commander Cody’s 40+ year career has come to expect: fun. No one’s
out to change the world here (unless you consider building a bridge
between dope-smokin’ furry freaks and pill-poppin’ redneck
truck drivers a form of Glasnost …which I suppose it is, in its
way). In fact, if you are familiar at all with the piano-thumping Commander
(aka George Frayne) and his musical catalog, you’ll recognize
a number of the cuts on Dopers - but don’t mistake it for a greatest
hits collection. What we have here is a revved-up Commander and a red-hot
band (guitarist Mark Emerick, Randy Bramwell on bass, drummer Steve
Barbuto, and killer pedal steel player Chris Olsen) tearing into old
CC favorites, a few covers, and some new Frayne-penned tunes.
As much as the Commander and his cohorts (whether it was the original
Lost Planet Airmen or the various lineups of the Commander Cody Band)
have made a career of playing the part of the one-more-beer-might-be-too-many
bad boys, make no mistake: these crazy bastards can play. Drop the needle
on Dopers, Drunks, And Everyday Losers and hang on: WHAM! Emerick’s
slide guitar nails you in the face, the Commander’s topple-down-the-barroom-stairs
piano grabs you by the shirt collar, and you’re off.
Oh, I know: you think you’re above the heart-wrenching pedal steel
sob of “Seeds And Stems Again” or “Wine Do Your Stuff,"
right? Yeah, well – give a listen and then try to ignore it. Just
try.
Philadelphua
Daily News
Veteran roadhouse
rock twangster Commander Cody (George Frayne) is up for a good time
(again) on "Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers" (Blind Pig).
Put a grin on with ditties like "Wine Do Yer Stuff" and his
immortal (or was that immoral?), "Seeds and Stems Again."
Written
by Don Crow
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
If you're old enough to remember Commander Cody and his Lost Planet
Airmen from their Seventies heyday, then you know that they were one
of the best country-rock outfits ever assembled. Rolling out of the
Bay Area with their hybrid brand of boogie-woogie blues and Bob Wills-inspired
swing, they released several highly-acclaimed albums for the Paramount
and Warner Brothers labels during this era. Time may have slowed us
all a bit, but it can't stop the boogie, because the ol' Commander is
back on the Blind Pig imprint with his latest release, "Dopers,
Drunks, And Everryday Losers." It's a wild ride of fourteen cuts
of just what the Commander does best---a little of this and a little
of that, all delivered with that same fire and swagger that we all enjoyed
"back in the day!"
Commander Cody is the alter-ego of George Frayne, who is also a noted
artist, providing the cool cover art for this set. Here, he serves up
some new material along with revisiting some of his classics. Backing
the Commander and his piano are Mark Emrick on guitar, Randy Bramwell
on bass, Steve Barbuto on drums, Tiny Olsen on pedal steel, and Professor
Louie on organ and accordion. These folks conjure up the spirit of the
original Airmen to make this one a real rockin' good time!
Steve Barbuto adds lead vocal to the classic drinkin' tale, "Wine
Do Yer Stuff," while Mark Emrick does vocal duty on the trucker
anthem, "I took three bennies, and my Semi Truck won't start!"
The Commander leads the way with that mean left hand on rockers such
as the leadoff "Roll Yer Own," "Seven Eleven," and
"Losers Avenue."
We had three favorites, too. The Commander gives a fine read of the
John Hiatt tale of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde who end up making "Tennessee
Plates!" Professor Louie's organ forms the perfect backdrop for
the Commander's slowed-down version of the teetotaler's tale, "The
No No Song." And, Circe Link lays down a bittersweet vocal on one
of the best cry-in-your-beer songs ever conceived, "Seeds And Stems
Again."
Commander Cody's music has stood the test of time. And, as he sings
in "Last Call For Alcohol," everybody "drink up, drink
up, and order again," and, with "Dopers, Drunks And Everyday
Losers," by all means....ENJOY!!! Until next time......Sheryl and
Don Crow.
THE
COMMANDER CODY BAND
"River City Jumpin"
GRITZ: CD REVIEWS
December '03 Issue |
 |
Too much fun! The Commander and his band rocked Generations Night
Club in St. Louis on February 4, 2003, and now you can experience
the show thanks to the magic of digital recording. The excellent
12-song set begins with a romp through "House of Blue lights",
and find the band hittin' the note time and time again on classic
Cody and newer tunes alike.
"Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette," "Seeds and
Stems Again,
"Lookin' At The World Thru A Windshield," "Lost In
The Ozone," and of course, "Hot Rod Lincoln," all
get 110% renditions from George "Commander" Frayne and
his band, with lead guitarist Mark Emerick throwing down some of
the coolest twang since the days of Bill Kirchen, Emerick tosses
in a few Southern Rock licks as well, giving Cody an even broader
appeal - not that the band isn't already pretty damned appealing.
A great live set from a living legend.
- Michael Buffalo Smith |
| |
|
Commander
Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen
Town Crier, Pawling, NY
December 2002
The Christmas
Day Snowstorm of 2002 has left its remains piled high along both
sides of Route 22 in Pawling, New York. Our Model A Lincoln was
pointed North and traveling at a good clip. My eyes scanned the
road searching for the Towne Crier Cafe. I spotted the roadhouse
off the starboard side and prepared the vehicle for what was to
be a classic Ace Ventura fishtail parking maneuver. When the machine
finally came to a rest, I was noticed the flashing red lights
in the rear view mirror. Two patrol cars were chasing down that
familiar Cadillac we had passed some miles back.
Phil Ciganer, who greets us at the door, owns the Towne Crier.
This place has been serving up live music for 30 years and has
included the likes of, Levon Helm, John Hammond, Dan Hicks, Roomful
of Blues and others. The venue has a rustic appeal, the folks
are very friendly and the wait staff is attentive. We are seated
next to the stage. As we eat our meal of pizza and burritos, I
begin to scrutinize the Roland electric piano at center stage.
This instrument screams experience. It is impossible not to notice
the scratches and dents as well as the many decals and bumper
stickers from far off places. Like an old semi truck I wonder
what type payload this rig can haul.
As show time approached, the musicians took their positions. George
Frayne, the Commander, enters helped by the use of a cane. The
Lost Planet Airmen test their instruments. This flight is ready
for takeoff. No warm up slow song stuff, these guys go right into
a brand of diesel smoke belching oil spitting good time boogie-woogie,
swing, rock and roll.
House of Blue Lights, They Threw Me Out of the Band, Smoke Smoke
Smoke,Rock that Boogie, Truck Drivin Man, What's the Matter Now?,
Don't Let Go, Lightning Bar, We Used to Ride, Cell Block #9, Back
to Tennessee, It Should Have Been Me, Oh Mama Mama, Lone Ranger,
Don't Let Go. The crowd, now liquored up and rowdy, begged for
Hot Rod Lincoln and they got it. Next, Seeds and Stems and 8 to
the Bar. However being the critic I am, I required more than just
18 great songs and I got it. Too Much Fun, searing licks screamed
from Mark Emericks' turquoise Fender Telecaster, Rick Mullen pumped
the Bass relentlessly and kept the musicians in line, the shuffles
and crashes of the skins and cymbals were handled expertly by
Steve Barbuto, John Wingren on Pedal Steel winding and unwinding
reaching new heights trading with Emerick. Then there was the
Commander with the old Roland, plinking, plunking, swinging and
jamming through it all. The magic is still there evident to all
in attendance. The theme song Lost in the Ozone ended the flight.
When the lights came on there were smiles all around from the
kids to their grandparents. It was clear these guys enjoy their
craft.
After the show the Commander held court, Emerick sold t-shirts.
Barbuto & Mullen signed autographs and Wingren talked shop
with fellow steel player Tiny Olson who was in the audience. We
left the venue melancholy in the realization that the "Hot
Rod Lincoln Tour 2002" had ended for us. However, the band
reassured that the 2003 "Too Much Fun Tour" would be
even better. As we pulled out of Pawling late that night with
the moon and the stars shining bright, we knew we had been treated
all-right and drove that Lincoln into the night. You can bet any
chance we get we'll run, to see these guys and have too much fun.
-Merle Ziebel
GRITZ
ONSTAGE LIVE
SHOW REVIEWS
Mark
Emerick and Commander Cody
with
Marshall Tucker Band
Baker Ballroom, Dover,
New Jersey, Friday, 12 13/02
Oh what a night. The Baker Ballroom is a beautiful turn of the
century Vaudevillian show palace with marble stair banisters and
intricate frescos on the walls. The venue has 3 levels set up
in a way that makes concert going a pleasure. The people at Create
a Vibe do a terrific job. The ballroom is very comfortable, the
folks are friendly and the evening was hassle free.
The opening act is a young group from Winston-Salem, North Carolina
named The Emma Gibbs Band. This is a group of young and talented
musicians who performed many of their own tunes and also mixed
in some older classics. The song that impressed me the most was
"Ophelia" the old "The Band" number. It was
good to hear this song and I had not realized it was still in
the back of my memory. Emma Gibbs highlights a harmonica player,
mandolin & trumpet, guitar, stand up bass and full drum set.
All did a great job, go see them they are very unique and talented.
But the night was to belong to The Marshall Tucker Band. As I
get older I begin to realize more and more that you can't turn
back the clock. That things change everyday and you have to deal
with it. This band has come together in a big way and will be
around for a very long time to come. It's Friday the 13th and
we don't know how lucky we are yet.
They opened the show with “This Old Cowboy.” Doug sounded
great and the band was tight. What happened next was to be a treat
for all and a nice holiday present. In the wings was Mark Emerick
(lead guitar, Commander Cody).
For the next song "I Like Good Music," Chris Hicks handed
over his gold Gibson to Emerick and he grabbed his harp. They
rocked this song and the evening was off to a very rowdy start.Up
north we still love our Southern Rock but it is difficult tocome
bythese days. It appears to take place mostly in warmer climates
below the Mason-Dixon line. But when a show like this comes to
town you have to be glad you were there and you fans down south
should be jealous. The guitars were so hot the ice was melting
off the marquee outside the theater and the crowd loved it. Emerick
took a break and Tucker continued with some old standards as well
as some new songs. "The Rain" is sure to be a hit. "Midnight
Promises" "Hillbilly Band" "Ramblin."
Doug and Clay performed "Asking too Much" and "Desert
Skies." Then Emerick came back out borrowing Clay Cooks Fender.
The line up of Stuart, Chris and Mark, with BB on drums, Tony
on bass and Clay going back and forth from Pedal steel, Sax, flute
and keyboards was outstanding. Doug Grey stood back and watched
like the cat that ate the canary. All the musicians had to feel
good about this show as it was evident they had hit a homerun.
Smokin guitar solos rang out all over the building and the guys
were having a blast. There was so much chicken pickin going on.
I thought I was in a South Carolina henhouse. "I'll be Loving
You", "In My Own Way," and "Everyday I have
the Blues" set the stage for the final number, the all time
favorite "Can't You See." This was a great show in every
way.
I was proud to be in attendance for this event, my kids loved
it the fans loved it. The venue was terrific, Shane sold a lot
of T-shirts and I know the musicians enjoyed it. Visit the web
sites, go see a show and tell a friend to read Gritz.
-Richard Seibel
GRITZ
ONSTAGE LIVE
SHOW REVIEWS
Docksider's
- Erie
Pa - 11/08/02
Well our journey
took us to a small venue for a evening of some great
boogie woogie music that can't be beat. Playing since the mid-60s
the Commander Cody band took its name from a 1950 movie by the
same name. After graduating in 1968 George Frayne (The Commander)
took a job as an art instructor at the university of Wisconsin
but returned to Ann Arbor every weekend to play gigs. Relocating
to the cultural hotbed of San Francisco later that year they played
many shows and were even involved in the 68 Berkeley Riots at
one point. Recording and touring has been a staple sine then for
the commander and the lost planet airmen.
Returning back to the Saratoga Springs NY area in the late 80s
the band these days consists of a great group of top notch musicians
.The Commander on keyboards and vocal,Mark Emerick on lead guitar
and vocals who has played with many greats including Gregg Allman,Dan
Toler and others. On Bass guitar is Rick Mullens and last but
not least is drummer Steve Barbuto. Together they put out a very
tight and great sound that will delight every fan from 8 to 80.
Our
show opened with the always fun ,Too Much Fun and went into the
classic Riot in cell block # 9 They played two sets of classics
like Smoke Smoke Smoke that Cigarette , Rock that Boogie,and on
the country rock classic Truck Driving Man Mark was featured on
vocals and some searing guitar licks. There were many other really
great songs included in the show like Good Morning Judge dedicated
to our fine law enforcement folks,and Midnight on the strand.
Steve 's vocals were featured on Don't Let Go and the guitar work
of mark on What's the
matter now made it clear that this band is ready to rock and roll
your night away. They did a 1949 Ray Charles number named Messing
Around that showcased the commander keyboard talents. The night
just picked up pace and the classics Down to seeds and stems again
blues always a crowd favorite brought out the hoots and hollers
from all in attendance.
The band built
up to there best known song HOT ROD LINCOLN and as the crowd danced
and sang in unison it was evident that the band are happy doing
what they do, and as a group play some great music together. As
the show wound down we heard the classic Beat Me Daddy Eight To
The Bar and for the encore the anthem for so many of the baby
boomers in attendance,"LOST IN THE OZONE". This group
is as talented as any we have seen and will delight Despite many
miles and personal changes if you get a chance to hear this band
play you will not be disappointed.
Its
a chance to hear some great music and meet a bunch of really down
to earth musicians that enjoy what they do and enjoy talking to
the fans. It's
boogie woogie rock n roll at it's best
-Rick
& Joann Pierce
GRITZ
ONSTAGE LIVE
SHOW REVIEWS
The
Charlie Daniels Band, Leon Russell,
& the Commander Cody Band
Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ,
08/2/02
and 10/18/02
The show began with Commander Cody and from the first note of "Too
Much Fun" you knew these guys could still swing. Unfortunately
somewhere between "Don’t Let Go" and "Hot Rod
Lincoln" a major thunderstorm with tornadic activity had gathered
above the building. Cody finished the set and everyone headed to
the lobby, we were trapped. Within a half hour lightning had knocked
out the electricity to the area, CDB could not get out of the hotel
and the rest of the evenings events were canceled.
Jump to Oct 18, 2002, Commander Cody takes the stage and rocks the
house, they mixed up the play list so as not to duplicate, although
it wouldn’t matter if they did. George Frayne (The Commander
if you will) still boogies with the best of them. The Lost Planet
Airmen are lead by Mark Emerick on lead guitar . The rhythm section
starts and ends with Steve Barbuto on Drums and Rick Mullen on base
(lots of energy) and John Wingren on pedal steel (terrific). Unfortunately
Leon never made the trip back.
As for Charlie Daniels, he has not lost a step. The last time I
had seen him in concert was approx 17 years ago. Some people are
blessed with great ability, and some folks get better with age.
Charlie Daniels has been able to do both. He is a great musician
but he is also a wonderful entertainer. He is a patriotic American
and lets everyone know. The band is top rated and professional with
Taz, Charlie Hayward, Pat, Sparky & Bruce. The fans were lovin
it. When it came time for the closing "The South,s Gonna Do
It Again," Charlie invited Mark Emerick from The Commander
Cody Band to join in and play some slide guitar. That was all the
people could take and at that point the crowd went into a bit of
a frenzy. The show ended with "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."
It was a great night and worth the extra trip. I recommend you bring
a youngster (my 12 year old son loved the show) to keep the music
alive. Visit the web sites and keep reading GRITZ.
-Rich Seibel
The
Two River Times -
10/18/02
Music Scene Night Grooves, By Uncle Mike
While most of the music fans that filed into the Count Basie in
Red Bank on the night of October 18th were there to hear headliner,
The Charlie Daniels Band, by the end of their performance opening
act, the Commander Cody Band, had easily won the crowd over.
Opening up the night's festivities with one of their signature boogie
woogies entitled, "Too Much Fun" (hot pedal steel &
cool keys), Commander Cody, aka George Frayne (lead vocals/keys),
along with bandmates Mark Emerick (lead g./vocals), Rich Mullen
(bass), Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals) and John Wingren (pedal steel
g.), treated the audience to their uniquely uplifting style of lost
in the ozone countrified rock and roll with inspired renditions
of "It Shoulda Been Me" (smooth as silk/M.E. a monster
on lead g.), "We Used To Ride" (Commander's ode to the
bikers/crowd fave), "Oh Mama Mama" (another killer l.g./boys
in the groove y'all), "Truck Driv'n Man" (great twanger),
"What's The Matter Now?" (Mark's best vocal as J.W. steps
up on pedal steel), "Don't Let Go" (Steve nails lead v./oh
baby/way cool band #), "Lightnin' Bar" (brand new country
ditty), "Paid In Advance" (C.C. shines/big band #/another
crowd pleaser), "Hot Rod Lincoln" (classic Cody/ Mark
rules) and "Beat Me Daddy Eight To the Bar" (whole band
rocks/partial standing o).
Hey, Like I said back in August, Commander Cody hasn't lost a thing!
His present day lineup, featuring Mark Emerick on electric guitar,
is absolutely, positively Lost Planet worthy. Add to this the upbeat
bass play of Rich Mullen, Steve Barbuto's big time d's. and John
Wingren's stellar pedal steel, and you have one hell of a band!
Take it from me, Commander Cody and the boys are much much more
than just that Hot Rod Lincoln!
The
Two River Times
08/16/02
Music Scene Night Grooves, By Uncle Mike
Well this week's column is about a blast from the past, the Commander
Cody Band, and the best show of the summer so far, Cracker's performance
at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Before Mother Nature took center
stage in Red Bank on Friday, August 2nd, and washed out the remainder
of the scheduled concert, opening act the Commander Cody Band stormed
in from the furthest reaches of the ozone and taught a few lessons
of their own at the Count Basie Theatre. With tongue firmly planted
in cheek and both feet solidly entrenched behind his ever present
keyboard, Commander Cody, (aka, George Frayne) and his most excellent
band featuring Mark Emerick (1ead guitar/vocals), Rich Mullen (bass),
Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals) and John Wingren (pedal steel guitar),
ripped through revved up renditions of "Too Much Fun"
(way cool tune & lead g.), "Riot In Cell Block #9"
(hot lead g./big cheers), "Rock That Boogie" (C.B. would
be proud), "Lone Ranger" (degradation & sin in the
old west), "Truck Drivin' Man" (big time twanger with
M.E. on l.v's.), "Don't Let Go" (oh yeah the boys can
play), "Oh Momma Momma" (killer keys/hell of a boogie
woogie), "Hot Rod Lincoln" (band rolls) and "Beat
Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" (great band jam). Look. This was
free spirited high flyin', good timin', rock 'n' roll played the
way it used to be! Commander Cody hasn't lost any of his wit, irreverence
nor musical talents from his early days. And his band mates are
most certainly Lost Planet worthy! Like the Commander sez, He's
not dead! He's just livin' in upstate New York! Rock on Commander!
Rock On!
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Communications
Media
Jean-Paul's Corner - 03/07/02
Veteran Radio
host Jean-Paul Tertocha is the host of the popular Internet radio
program, "Jean-Paul's Things to Hear" and former member
of local/unsigned band "The Arrowmatics". He may be
contacted via his website http://www.thingstohear.com.
Jean-Paul's Corner by Jean-Paul from thingstohear.com
March 7th
of 2002 marked the first time I was able to see Commander Cody
and the Lost Planet Airmen in person. This is significant to me
since I have been listening to the band's music since the early
seventies.
The concert was webcast by WKRP.FM Entertainment Inc., in association
with SGI Radio Productions, which is a division of Scotty's Music
of St. Louis Missouri in the USA. Michael Scott, of SGI and Scotty's,
did a fine job of putting the show together.
The concert, if you want to call it that, was held in the Holiday
Inn on Lindbergh in St Louis Missouri USA. And when I pulled up
to the location that night, I experienced a bit of disappointment.
Commander Cody in a hotel bar? Is that musical justice? Why would
someone who has played national concerts want to play in a bar?
To commune with the people is why.
Younger folks who listen and watch the glitter boys and girls
on television would do well by seeing an old rocker like Commander
Cody perform. The music and spirit obviously comes from the soul
with musicians like Commander Cody. Not from a script like the
weasel music corporations promote.
Although the songs, and for that matter some of the musicians,
are getting mighty old, the power is still there. Commander Cody
started out in 1968, and has been rocking the world ever since.
Earlier I brought up the question of why would someone like Commander
Cody want to play in a bar. A nice one of course, but a bar non-the-less.
Well, the Commander and the band are one of the people. The band
and the Commander did not leave during breaks. They went out with
the people. And of course the audience loved it.
The Commander himself is a consummate entertainer that has never
heard of the word aloof. As a matter of fact, the first break
lasted over 45 minutes because Commander Cody was busily signing
autographs. He never once turned down a person, and made everyone
there know that he was pleased to entertain them.
While listening to the music I also watched the audience. They
were enthralled by the band and the music. A truly enthusiastic
crowd.
The Lost Planet Airmen on this tour consisted of Steve Barbuto
on drums, Mark Emerick on guitar, Don Curtis on Steel Guitar,
and one of the best and most talented bass players I have ever
heard or seen, Rick Mullen.
The tour still goes on. So if you want to see a classic rock and
roll act, check out a Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen
concert coming close to you. You won't regret it! Tour dates are
at: http://www.commandercody.com.
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