Kweevak

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THE NEW RIDERS RIDE ON with New and Old Classics at Mexicali Live! A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch The New Riders of The Purple Sage (NRPS) have traveled through the decades - taking in the scenes while experiencing their fare share of creativity, line-up changes and musical challenges. In 2009, the band continues to enjoy a musical revival that started back in 2005 with a reconstituted lineup that includes David Nelson (guitar, vocals), Buddy Cage (pedal steel), Michael Falzarano (guitar, vocals), Ronnie Penque (bass, vocals) and Johnny Markowski (drums, vocals). David Nelson and Michael Falzarano provide the signature dual guitar sound for the band. The New Riders of The Purple Sage blends blues, country, jam and psychedelic rock in an array of colorful covers and originals. Where I Come From, released in 2009 (review below), melds the classic NRPS sound in 12 compelling contemporary compositions. When NRPS returned to Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey on September 18, 2009 they we're playing in honor of a lost family member. Among the packed stage full of gear and instruments were two prominent photos of band co-founder John "Marmaduke" Dawson who recently succumbed to a longtime illness. "His songs inspired us in so many ways. His energy, passion and commitment to the New Riders brought us all so much joy over the years," Michael Falzarano said early in the NRPS set, acknowledging the passing of John by reiterating a message on the band's website. "We can all be thankful that his music and legacy will live on forever." Falzarano called Dawson's music "timeless" - and to prove his point - there was a young male fan in the front row among the more seasoned adherents who was mouthing all the lyrics to NRPS's catalogue throughout the show. The two NRPS sets presented their past and present in arrangements that showcased the talents of each player and the tightness of the band as a whole. NRPS appeared to be having fun playing their flowing grooves as fans danced and swayed to old and new compositions. Both sets started with songs from NRPS's most recent record. The title track "Where I Come From" opened the evening. This mid-tempo tune meandered through exploratory jams with gelling guitars and raucous rhythms. Vocals throughout the night were handled by all members minus Cage with some collective harmonies adding to the mix. The night's festivities featured many of NRPS's signature sounding songs with county flavored forays. Buddy's shimmering steel ebbed and flowed while floating to the top of many of the mixes before melding back into the band's musical muses. The many extensive jams were joyous jaunts and a cover of the Rolling Stones "Dead Flowers" was caustic yet chipper. Michael stepped up to the mike to thank some supporters in the crowd - noting that local radio station WFUV had recently aired a block of NRPS live concerts. He also gave a shout to us here at KWEEVAK.COM (thank you, Michael) before adding that Sirius Radio was playing the next song in heavy rotation. The Falzarano sung "Carl Perkins Wears The Crown" was silky and smoky and included educational music history in the lyrics.

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