While the show wasn't the tighest set musically, it was a very humbling experience, regardless to the set list and random antics. I did hear a few of the party goers grumbling about Sly's performance. Even with his infamous Telecaster keyboard in tow, it was hard to hear his vocals at times.
His stance is haunced, making it hard to see him at times with a full band tightly packed beside him. He has that habit of stopping in the middle of a song and totally changing the bands direction. At one point he asked us if we minded if he played something else real quick. When the crowd roared back their approval, he said "That's what I thought" and chuckled into the keyboard vocoder. I think that was the point of the night overall. It was Sly's party!
Sly began to talk to us, saying he wanted to make a song that night and would take suggestions on how to make it from the crowd, I thought he was joking. Later when he returned to the stage and began to sing his newly donated lyrics and riffs, it may have sounded off a bit, but the moment was priceless! Sly was having a great time, and it was his party to do as he wanted. We were all just guests in his world that night, and we all had a ball! I was way too caught up in the show and connecting with friends to take proper notes on songs and such, but I can tell you this much. Sly's variety party/birthday was one of the best gifts a music fan could ask for!
As I made my way to the exit, I managed to find myself outside, watching Clinton say his goodbyes to some of the party goers. One of my friends reflected on the evening as we sped off and asked "Do you realize how lucky we are?" Hell yeah I do, this was actually my second time seeing him this year! Happy birthday Sly!
Sly Stone tickles the ivories while George Clinton rocks by his side!
Make sure you visit Canhead to hear some more audio blog post from the show, complete with Sly's call and response to the crowd.
Article comments