March 18th, 1979 Stephen Stills Band at The Palladium NYC This was my first solo STILLS show back in 1979, which had a lasting
impression on me. There is nothing like LIVE Stills music, period.
My initiation, if you will was invigorating, to say the least! I myself remember distinctly Stephen running up and down the aisles
of the Palladium with his transmitter guitar. I also was blown
away by the strength and presence of not only Stephen, but by
Bonnie Bramlett and Mike Finnigan; their vocal work was inspirational
to me. I also fondly recall 49 Bye Bye's on piano! and Stephen
playing the banjo during the encore. Ira Mayer mentions that he
did anti-nuke songs. In fact one of the songs that he did was
"No Hiding Place", which would surface again years later on the
1985 Stills record, "Right By You". In regards to his comments on the Thoroughfare Gap record. I think
this is definitely a record that has been scorned, even by many
CSN/Stills fans. I beg to differ and implore fans to give that
record another spin. It is a good work, with some strong and neglected
selections. Unfortunately CBS/Columbia has never released it on
CD. I always suggest patronizing used record stores, there is
alot of great music getting lost in the transition from records
to cd's. Some of my favorite cuts on the record are "Woman Lleva", "Lowdown",
"What's The Game", "Thoroughfare Gap". A mixture of latin, rock,
and acoustic guitar work make these interesting selections. His
cover of "Midnite Rider" is heartfelt and the record finale "Can't
Get No Booty" is a fun parody. The Palladium, which used to reside on 14th Street in the Village
held many musical memories for me. A fading theatre with a huge
ornate crystal chandelier hanging high above. It was here that
I also saw the 1979 premiere of Neil Young's "Rust Never Sleeps"
film, along with my 3D Rust - o- Vision glasses.
by Lorraine Kaczorowski