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.
