Photos: Debra L. Rothenberg
Little Steven Van Zandt and his joyous rock and soul orchestra called the Disciples of Soul took the stage in Times Square’s PlayStation Theatre earlier tonight and went to Defcon 4 straight out of the gate.
A cheering, dancing audience stayed on their feet throughout, sitting only when Van Zandt slowed the pace with one of his classic ballads, “Until The GoodIis Gone,” from 1982’s debut album Men Without Women. They would have stood for that, except he urged the crowd to take a break, knowing a lot more dance numbers would follow. His 15-piece band is so exceptional with their rock, ballads and homage to soul music.
And so they did. The recently released new album SoulFire Live! features a number of crowd pleasers, and the show was liberally studded with these gems throughout the night.
A majestic “Love On The Wrong Side of Town” segued into the soul ballad “Some Things Just Don’t Change.” Van Zandt called forth genres he loves and respects like doowop, R&B, and reggae. One of his greatest gifts has always been paying heartfelt homage to classics.
It was a night that totally transfigured those watching and people left after the iconic encores “I Don’t Want To Go Home” and “Out of the Darkness” in the best possible way, starry eyed and laughing. This tour, which directly benefits hardworking teachers who do so much for so little pay, pulls into Albany Friday, and then across the US, before going back to Europe in June. Little Steven Van Zandt has many songs that are decades old, but have much relevance to the world today. Don’t miss it.
–Desiree X and Debra L. Rothenberg
One of the best shows I’ve seen in years! What performers! Austin at the Paramount.