Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

July 23, 2013

The Fab Faux


Mahaiwe, Great Barrington, MA
July 22, 2013
by Eric Sutter

The ultimate Beatles' tribute band brought their happy frolic to the Mahaiwe. Sky of blue and sea of green illusions shined sunshine yellow as the slow whirl of sound and familiar words to Beatles' songs fluttered like a warm electric current. The show, titled "The Cavern to the Rooftop," tickled senses with intense happiness of the jump for joy style.

"Back in the USSR" touched down with a harmony sound of tingling joy. A river of melody from The Beatles' songbook flowed -- "Dear Prudence," "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Nowhere Man" splashed waves of happiness. The upheaval of souls in what was sheer joy bedazzled the crowd. "Drive My Car" motivated the exhilaration to new distances with a slide guitar solo and "Beep, Beep Yeah" chorus line.

As Fab Faux peeled away at the Beatles' magic, the band proved amazingly versatile. The numerous guitar changes evoked all the Beatles' to reflect early hit "All My Lovin'" to the later day "Come Together." The mighty chorus rang true with Jimmy Vivino's howlin' guitar solo. Of course, "Help" brought plenty of smiles of delight to performers and the audience. Each band member's solos proved near perfect, and their harmony singing was impeccable as "I Feel Fine" stated it all. "This Boy" was a special treat that warmed the audience. "Get Back" equalled pure excitement.

Following intermission, Fab Faux continued to play both directions. They blasted rock n' roll on "Hard Day's Night" with Vivino's lead guitar. Bassist Will Lee was full of energy dancing around the rhythms. The band mined a forgotten rockabilly nugget, "Leave My Kitten Alone," from the Cavern Days. Within minutes, Vivino played a psychedelic sitar on "Norwegian Wood." Another guitar style change sounded the jangle of Rickenbacker guitar on "Ticket To Ride." Early days' hit, "Anna" featured drummer Rich Pagano's lead vocal with great accompanied harmony by the full band. Musically varied hits "Please, Please Me" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" galvanized the masses. The complicated song, "Strawberry Fields," sparkled flawless. Keyboardist Jim Boggia resurrected the classic "Oh Darling" with nailed high mark vocals.

The Fab Faux rocked an amped up "Revolution" screamed in glorious full throated harmony. Guitarist Frank Agnello answered with the plaintive "Let It Be." "Twist and Shout" danced an ideal high note encore.