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(Philadelphia Inquirer- Review) From the "Al" Archives
05/13/72
Personal Concert review by Al Babcock
Stephen Stills Manassas Rocks Soldout Spectrum
Philadelphia, PA * * * * *
Stephen Stills, late of the Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & sometimes
Young and a couple of solo albums, played to a soldout Spectrum
crowd last night as part of a band called Manassas, as he succinctly
put it. Stills along with his "partner" Chris Hillman (Byrds,
Flying Burrito Bros.) and sidemen Dallas Taylor (drums-CSNY),
Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuels (bass-CSNY), Paul Harris (keyboards), Al
Perkins (pedal steel guitar, guitars) and Joe Lala (percussion),
put on a dazzling two and a half hour musical display. Their set
ran the gamut of rock and roll, country, bluegrass, blues and
Latin flavors.
Manassas opened the show with a rousing version of "Rock and Roll Woman," one of Stills stalwart Buffalo Springfield songs. This was the
first of many surprises by this versatile band. It was followed
by "Bound To Fall", a song off their debut album, then another surprise, the Byrds'
"Rock N' Roll Star", "It Doesn't Matter," (from debut album), the Flying Burrito Bros."Hot Burrito #2," a brand new song called "Rollin' My Stone," and closing out an all electric first set, "Go Back Home," from Stills first solo album.
Stills came out alone to begin the acoustic set with "Change Partners," followed by "4+20," and "Word Game," before his partner Hillman joined him for "Do For The Others," and the rest of the acoustic set. The harmony between them was
incredible. Also included in this set was "Both Of Us (Bound To Lose)," which was blended perfectly into "Love The One You're With," and an audience participation rendition of the Byrds' "Friend Of Mine," during which the rest of the band added their talents to that
song and to "Johnny's Garden," "Don't Look At My Shadow," "Sugar Babe," and "49 Bye Byes/For What It's Worth," among others. Again Manassas' versatility stood out. Hillman
playing mandolin and Perkins on pedal steel guitar had the crowd
stomping its feet during the bluegrass flavored "Fallen Eagle."
The third set, again all electric, found Manassas performing the
entire first side of its debut album less "Both Of Us," which was performed earlier. "Song Of Love," "Rock and Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass," "Jet
Set," "Anyway," and then "Right Now," into an extended jam of "The Treasure," flowing into CSNY's "Carry On," which ended the show. But not for long as Stills appeared back
onstage for an encore of "Find The Cost Of Freedom," with the entire band joining him for the final closing harmonic
notes.
It was a tour-de-force performance. Stills appeared to be in great
form and seemed to be enjoying himself and his new band. Hopefully
they will be making some great music for a long time.
The band is currently on a nationwide tour supporting the release
of their debut double album simply titled "Manassas".
Epilogue:
28 years and many concerts later including several during the
recent CSNY2K Tour, this Manassas show @ The Spectrum in Philly,
is still the BEST concert I have EVER attended. The performance was great and the setlist was varied
and fresh. Stills was fearless at this stage of his career. It's
disappointing that Manassas lasted only 2 years because it was
one helluva musical experience!
"AL" @ The SANDS Casino1998 "Stills" into it after all these years!!
Photo: Ra - Dude ©
1973 Ticket
Al Babcock, as a huge veteran Stills fan, and my friend; I urged
him to write some remembrances of this monumental show in his
life. Al fondly remembers and holds high his memories of this
outstanding night of music. The music and the performances that
Manassas gave over their short life-span, touched so many people
deeply. I wonder if Stephen realizes how much of an impact his
innovative group and music had and continues to have on people.
Thanks Al, mucho appreciated! And of course thanks to Stephen...for
the music.
Lorraine
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