Concert Review: Trans-Siberian Orchestra At Verizon Center, Washington, D.C., 12/16/07 - Page 2

If there’s more that O’Neill or the rest of TSO could have done to deliver to the audience, I can’t think of it.

The show begins with a narrated story from the band’s 1996 double-platinum CD Christmas Eve and Other Stories. The story is punctuated by musical bursts of a host of TSO’s classic holiday songs such as “Christmas Eve Sarajevo” and “A Mad Russian’s Christmas.” The show is somewhat somber and moving as the narrator’s deep baritone booms through the arena.

The real excitement begins when the story ends and the musicians tear into a host of rockers including TSO’s “Wizards in Winter” and “Siberian Sleighride.” As if world-class musicians performing this music weren’t enough, the show is punctuated by a host of effects including snow highlighted by green and purple lasers raining down on the audience.

The lasers, starry-screened backdrops that silhouette the musicians, and special red-and-green lighting adds an extra dimension as the musicians perform song after song including “Proud Mary,” in tribute to the late Ike Turner, and a keyboard duel based on “Linus and Lucy” by Vince Guaraldi.

Whatever you do, though, forget trying to beat the rush to the parking lot. Missing even just a few minutes of the show – which often features special guests (such as Blue Oyster Cult's Buck Dharma of "Don't Fear The Reaper" fame) and always a meet-and-greet with members – is something you’ll regret.

Article Author: Nancy Dunham

Nancy Dunham is a freelance music and automotive writer whose clients include Relix, YRB, Auto Exec, and other national magazines and regional newspapers. See some of her work at www.NancyDunham.com

Visit Nancy Dunham's author page — Nancy Dunham's Blog