Review of Ambrosia Live @ The Boardwalk - Santa Cruz, CA - August 6, 1999

Review By Bob Holden

Photos By Tim Reinhart

Just came back from the Santa Cruz show...it was really thrilling to see the
guys live...I took a ton of pictures with a buddy of mine...I'll let you know
how they turn out...for what it's worth here is my review of the show...

I attended this evening's Ambrosia concert at The Boardwalk in Santa Cruz
(think Atlantic City without the casinos).   The band was doing two one-hour
sets.   I attended the earlier show and found a seat, in the sand,
approximately 10 feet from the stage.   I couldn't believe my luck.    The
only explanation is the majority of the people there weren't aware of who
Ambrosia is - they were simply there to see a Friday night concert on the
beach.  

A few things stood out to me during and after the concert.   I was really
amazed at how much Tollack and Shem add to the band - these guys are very
proficient musicians - Shem even shared some backup vocal duties.  

 

Dave was a true showman on the stage...waving & talking to the crowd...he even took
the time to especially wave at a young girl who was developmentally disabled
dancing near the stage.  

Joe was very tight...he is as good a bassist as
advertised.  

Chris and Tollack were stationed on both sides of Dave and Joe
and were very active.   I only had a partial view of Burleigh and Shem since
I was so close to the stage.  

They played 8 songs - no encore.  In order:
Nice, Nice, Very Nice; Livin' On My Own; You're The Only Woman; Somewhere
I've Never Travelled; How Much I Feel (acoustic); Angola/The Lion Sleeps
Tonight/Angola; Magical Mystery Tour; Holdin' On To Yesterday.

 
As impressive as the guys were on stage...they were even more impressive off
stage.   After the set they moved off-stage and signed some autographs.   
Burleigh came out and must have known a few fans as he was hugging them like
old friends.  

The fans all formed a line and slowly proceeded toward Dave,
Joe and Chris who were sitting down (Shem and Tollack were there for part of
the time as well).  

Dave was anything but aloof.   He was very personable
and signed autographs and answered questions.   I really enjoyed talking to
him.   I was one of the last few to get autographs as the guys had to get
ready for the next set.   Joe and Chris signed autographs and I wished I had
more time to talk to them.   The amazing guy to me is Burleigh.   He totally
goes out of his way to get to know you.   He was shaking hands and greeting
everybody.   He came over and asked me my name.   I've never met a musician
so "unfull" of himself.   In all, it was an excellent evening.    These guys
are talented musicians and true class acts.  Make sure you catch them when
they come to your city/state and try to meet them afterward - it's a very
unique experience. 

Bob Holden
(aka Blade Runner)
San Jose

 

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