Lyric Opera House, Baltimore, MD
April 20, 2007

Finally we have some spring weather in the DC/Baltimore area, and with it tons of traffic.  But the three hour drive to Baltimore was a distant memory once the music began.  The concert opened with a local band, Four Corners.  They played several smooth jazz cover songs and were very well received by the crowd.

Then, like a tornado, Nick Colionne and his band took the stage.  It’s amazing how the energy level of the crowd instantly rises when Nick plays.  His own energy and personality are so contagious that you can’t help but laugh, smile and move right along with him.  The band consisted of the usual suspects:  Dave Hiltebrand (bass), Chris Miskel (drums), John Blasucci (keys), and Tim Gant (keys).  These guys have been playing together for so long now that they can anticipate every move and note from one another.  Nick played several of his hits, such as “High Flyin’” and “Always Thinking of You.”  The audience was truly taken by Nick’s vocals on “Rainy Night in Georgia.”  That song really fits well with his voice.  For “Hurry Up,” Nick was out in the crowd and getting everyone all stirred up!  Chris Miskel’s drum talents were showcased on “Drumbalaya.”  Always an outstanding performance.  Chris is one of the most physical drummers we have seen.  Overall, this was Nick at his best!  Since seeing him for the first time four years ago, he has really taken his performances to new heights.

Next up was Brian Culbertson.  With Brian was special guest, Michael Lington, providing the sax grooves, Jim Culbertson on trumpet, Chris Miskel doing “double dipping” on drums that night and Eddie Miller on keys and vocals.  There were a few new band members this night:  Sheldon Reynolds, a 15 year veteran of Earth, Wind and Fire, on guitar, Maurice Fitzgerald on bass and Matt Godina on keys.  It was a new show and a new feel.  Brian got things cooking with tunes like “Back in the Day” and “Let’s Get Started,” then went into a medley of tunes he has written/co-written/produced for other artists.  Those songs included tunes recorded by Boney James, Steve Cole, Rick Braun and Dave Koz.  That was a really fun and nostalgic treat.  It also provided the opportunity for Michael Lington to perform one of his hits written with Brian, “Still Thinking of You.”  Brian went on to give us some of his newer songs like “Hookin’ Up” and “It’s on Tonight.”  With Sheldon Reynolds now on board, the chance for some old school EWF tunes got the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along.  What a fun time that was!  After nearly 90 minutes of music, Brian ended the evening with the very special “Our Love.”

Overall, this was a really fun night with a ton of great music.  More joint-effort concerts like this are just what are needed to kick-off the spring season.

- Bonnie Schendell