City: Las Vegas
Country: US
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May 15, 2010 - Saturday
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Category: Writing and Poetry
Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show- Show Review
I
see dead people. Ok, no I don't really see dead people. I do however
see a very close alternative. We have yet to get time travel down, but
you can visit the Sahara Hotel and casino and get a close glimpse of
what it would be to have Sammy, Frank, Joey and Dean back on the Las
Vegas strip performing for you today.
The Rat Pack is not
back. The new Rat Pack is here, at the Sahara. I've seen my share of
Vegas tribute artists, but these group of gentlemen are the real deal.
They capture the essence of the originals, but add some of themselves as
well. It's the best of both worlds.
David
Decosta leads the pack with a smile and god-like attitude much as the
real Frank Sinatra. I would say that if you close your eyes you would
swear that you were listening to "Old Blue Eyes" himself, but you really
don't have to close your eyes. He's got the look down even to the
swagger of his hand. It's not overdone, but neither was Sinatra.
There's
a Dean Martin who captures more than the drunken side of Dean? Tony
Basile is the suave Martin, with a hint of alcoholism and a voice that
could tame wild animals. His rendition of "That's A'more" is
breathtaking, with just a touch of comedy. He follows it by a spotless
"Volare". Tony sings it without missing a beat, including the Italian
parts, which is more than any other Dean I've seen. By the end of his
set you'll be singing "nessun prodigio che il mio cuore canta" (No
wonder my happy heart sings). You really can't help but fall in love
with Tony's witty, romantic take on Dean.
Doug Starks is Sammy
Davis Jr., period. He can talk the talk, walk the walk and dance the
dance. There's no question that Doug is the right man for the job. The
audience is speechless when he slows it down to "I've got to be me" and a
tear just about falls when he finishes his set with "Mr. Bojangles".
Tom
Wallek has the perfect voice to be the comedian. Actually, from his
vocals I believe he has a better singing voice than he leads us to
believe. Joey Bishop was never the best vocalist and neither is Tom when
he performs with the pack. His comedy is enough of the 50's mixed with
today for the audience at hand. They are raving through his performance.
Producer Sandy Hackett, who also performs the role off and on, has a
lot to do with the comedy in the show, but each Joey brings some of
themselves into it and plays off of the audience for the performance
perfection that is delivered.
The chemistry with the bunch
shines on the stage through their humor and harmonies. Separately they
are stars, but together they are "The Rat Pack".
Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show performs at the Sahara Hotel and Casino
Tue-Sat 5PM
There are also dinner and show packages.
visit www.sandysratpack.com for more information, and tickets.
Adendum:
I
recently returned to the show to see it with the addition of Lisa Dawn
Miller, also known as Frank's One True Love.Not only did her late and
great father Don Miller write a lot of the songs sung by the Rat Pack,
but he also fathered this great musical talent.
Lisa and her
husband, Sandy Hackett produce Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack under Hackett
Miller Productions. Miller also sings her heart out in a touching number
written by her father, as she performs with Frank Sinatra.
Her addition to the show is a welcome change. She adds a woman's touch to the already great show. Bravo.
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May 15, 2010 - Saturday
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Category: Writing and Poetry
Variety
it is, but entertainment it’s not. They’ve got jugglers, human puppets,
magic, strength acrobats and even a TV guide man. So, why couldn’t they
keep my attention?
Perhaps
some of the acts as individual headliners might be worth an hour of
your time, but crunched up together into one hour with too much of their
star act and MC, Wally Eastwald juggling just bored me. Watching Wally
juggle ping pong balls with only his mouth is good for an ironic smirk,
but it’s not a show.
The
Magic act is intriguing, but as soon as you get mesmerized it’s over.
Strength acrobats are everywhere in this town including a free show at
the Circus Circus every thirty minutes. If that’s the Variety show’s
grand attempt at trying to compete with Cirque Du Soleil they’ve really
hit a miss.
The
Human Puppets had to be the most entertaining part of the variety show,
but again they are only as funny as the audience members can be. Russ
Merlin, has a elaborate routine. I’d like to see how much further he
could take it if he had more than ten minutes.
Perhaps
it would be a bit more captive if the venue wasn’t so rustic. The stage
is well designed but it looks like they spent the entire budget on it
and forgot about the seating. They have actually put in chairs you would
find in your doctor’s waiting room. The VIP section includes tiny
coffee tables shared by four people to a table. And the rest of the room
is just rows of removable chairs tightly packed in side by side. You
get really close to the person sitting next to you whether you want to
or not. And if the person in front of you is a little tall or styles
their hair in an updo they are all you see for an hour.
In
a city with the best singers, insane acrobats, and immaculate tributes,
this show falls way too short as a variety show. This is definitely not
David Saxe Productions’ best show. I say save your time, your cash and
the un-comfort of this venue, it’s not worth the wait in the line prior
to the doors opening.
The V Variety Show Performs at the V Theater in The Miracle Mile Shops- Planet Hollywood hotel and casino
For more information visit www.thevshow.com |
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May 15, 2010 - Saturday
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Category: Writing and Poetry
"One Night With You" Trent Carlini Show Review
America
made one good decision in all of their reality television, and that was
voting Trent Carlini as the "Next Best Thing". For those of us who were
not fortunate enough to see a live Elvis concert, Trent is here to give
us the closest glimpse of what it was. And from what I've heard from
those in the audience that were at a real Elvis concert, he is as close
as it comes to The King himself.
The beginning of the show
is a little lacking, due to the dancer's less than perfect performances.
They come out after the anticipation builds to deliver a too slow dance
routine, and leave you wondering, why the choreographer and production
chose to slow down the music and make them look like they were in slow
motion and didn't know how to stand on there own feet as they trip over
themselves.
Trent then rushes to take center stage and
follows up with an incredible performance. He starts out with some of
Elvis' first hits accompanied by the well known pelvis and impeccable
foot work. He dresses the part in his black slacks, gold Lame jacket and
perfectly glossed hair. Not to be left behind is his unbelievable
voice. Even when he speaks you can swear that you're hearing The King.
The
show then continues when Trent returns with a costume change to a
tighter fitting black half jacket and red scarf. He enters into the next
period of Elvis' musical career, and makes 90 percent of the women and
quite a few men jump in there seats with his suave style. He takes this
opportunity to do a slower ballad and walk into the audience, slipping
into a few laps and awaiting lips.
Then there's another dance
break. This one really makes you uncomfortable. The dancers come out in
platinum bras, half jackets and boy shorts, with no shoes. They do a
number with robotic moves and lots of mistakes. It's supposed to be a
space landing, but it looks like they left this planet with this one.
Upon
his return Trent does just two numbers in Elvis' White suit with long
coat and red scarf. I have to admit this is the most flattering costume
in Trent's show. It is a little disappointing that he only does this era
for so little songs, before he makes his exit again for the final stage
of Elvis' life.
When he returns he is The King in all his one
piece suit glory. With a little messier hair he lets out the "bad boy"
side of Elvis. The shaking is there, the Karate moves and the pelvis
makes it's great return. This is where he brings out the scarves and
every female in the audience suddenly forgets the rest of her party and
rushes the stage for that sweat filled piece of Trent. A few even go as
far as jumping on the stage and are quickly escorted down by security.
Those that leave with a soggy souvenir are prouder than ever and those
that don't still have a chance to purchase one after the show.
Just
when you think there couldn't be any surprises Trent captures the one
side of Elvis that most Tribute Artist choose to leave out. The Las
Vegas Mass Choir suddenly appear as a backdrop to the band. They
accompany Trent as he takes you into Elvis' more spiritual side. He
belts out a royal version of How Great Thou Art, before ending the
nights show.
A night with Trent is worth every minute. There's a
few songs that were left out like "A Little Less Conversation" that left
me wanting more, but so many that I never expected to hear. If I could
have my way the show would be a lot longer than the hour and a half that
it is. There really isn't much that could be better in this show.
The
back-up singers hit every note, and entertain you with their own go go
dancing. I found myself looking back quite a few times, as they had a
very energetic routine and tons of energy flowing.
The band
doesn't miss a note. They bring down the house, even during the breaks
that Trent must take for costume changes. In the past I know that Trent
was known for a lot of video clips, but with his new show at the Hilton,
he has opted for less on video and more on sound. It was a great choice
for him. However, when he has the dancers dancing to Elvis' music they
should lay off of mixing with hits from today. I understand that it is
showing that Elvis breaks all barriers and time, but they were hits as
they were and hearing them mixed in with Beyonce is just a wrong move.
Elvis
may have left the building, but Trent has entered to bring him back. He
found his home on what was once Elvis' stage. One Night With You is one
night with The King
Trent Carlini performs Monday nights at the Las Vegas Hilton
for ticket information visit www.hiltonlv.com
Show starts at 8:PM |
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October 7, 2004 - Thursday
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Category: Writing and Poetry
12 Volt Sex
Oct 2004
 From
the frustrated and helpless lyrics to lead vocalist Matt Gucu's longing
vocals, 12 Volt Sex mixes up an energized bolt of unique talent in this
year's new self-titled demo.
With a diversity of styles ranging
from the hopeful cries of despair in "Valley of Disarray" to the harder
and heavier "fix" the boys show just how much they've grown and matured
their own sound. Without straying from their punk/pop roots they have
returned to the Las Vegas music scene with what seems to be a new sense
of self. Each new track portrays just that. This new demo is the heart
and soul of 12 Volt Sex.
"I can take a walk but it's not the
same. I can write it down, but it's not your name." are the distressed
opening lines to the opening track, "Valley of Disarray", which I'm sure
will prove itself to be one of 12 Volt's classics and most well known,
taking it's home among "Hook it up" and "Skin". Drummer Gary Wright's
drums seem to take on a mind of their own as they set you up for the
emotional ride you will embark throughout the entirety of this album.
Michael
Stratton's guitar leads you into "Pictures", which shows you a more
laidback, sultry side to Matt's Vocals. A tale of an obsessive stalker
turns out to be one of the more romantic of the tracks.
The mix
of drums, guitar and Jason Coleman's bass give "Monica" the softest and
most quixotic sound of all. Completed with Toby Ashmore's keys it has
the makings of a great love song. Just when you think it is, Matt's
lyrics turn you in a new direction. Unlike every other song of love, you
never hear "love" in this piece. It actually seems as though the vocals
are trying to give themselves something to believe in. Rather than
passion you get the sense of someone grasping on to something before
they fall, with lyrics such as, "Keeps me guessing, so I guess I'll
carry on."
Carrying on to "Fix", where you are faced with a
tongue twist of reality. In this track you are given the rocker side of
12VS. Ruled by sex, drugs and rock and roll, there is no other song
quite like this one. It is a true revelation of sound. This is where the
anguish ends and the anger kicks in. It's time for action.
Action
is exactly what is taken on the lyrics of "The Beginning." Although
there is the influence of such artists as "The Beatles", the squeaky
cleanness of the lyrics is wiped out. Time is up for subtlety. This song
let's you know how it is.
The beginning of reality is what Matt
asks for in "Hold Me Now." "Hold me now, but don't fake it. Don't make
it unreal." shows a need for real love, not fear of loneliness or
denial, or self-infliction of reasons that seem convincing, but honest
love. This is the ultimate love song of the entire Demo. Lasting truth
is what comes through in the vocals. One can believe every note.
Finally
I close with "Lullaby" a surprisingly upbeat track, Matt belts out
lyrics like, "I can see the change in me". This song is the light at the
end of the tunnel of pain and heartache. It's a new sense of optimism
and life.
Staying in theme with past 12 Volt Sex albums the new
self titled demos are filled with hopefulness. One thing Matt has always
incorporated and made shine through in every note, besides remarkable
talent, is hope. 12 Volt Sex's writing, production, incredible musicians
and Matt's extraordinary vocals are back once more energized and ready
to light up stages everywhere, with proof in these demos.
Read the review and see other artist information at Radio Wazee |
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