Stockton's Guest Blogger reviews The Classics IV and previews The Family Stone
“Stormy” was on the set list for Monday night’s show by The Classics IV, but the weather was balmy and beautiful on the Ocean City Boardwalk. A perfect night for music! Jerry Beebe’s intro was met with a hearty round of applause from the audience, obviously familiar with the host of WIBG-FM’s morning show. It wasn’t long before Tommy Garrett (looking dapper in black suit, white shirt and red tie) swung out on stage to lead an up-tempo medley that got people smiling, heads nodding and toes tapping.
Garrett confided after the show that he never pre-arranges jokes or banter for performances, because he wants to preserve the spontaneity and uniqueness of each venue. He paused between songs to chat with the audience, talking about The Classics IV’s roots, poking playful fun at the band’s somewhat lesser-known status despite having 16 Billboard hits, and even leaving the stage entirely to shake hands with fans while singing “Pollyanna.” At least one couple drove all the way from Massachusetts just to attend the show! I soon gave up trying to measure the crowd’s enjoyment because I was having too much fun humming along to “Pity the Fool,” “What Am I Crying For,” “Cherry Hill Park” and covers of “Unchain My Heart,” “It’s Not Unusual,” “Don’t You Care” and “Tender Years.”
There were some poignant moments in the show, such as the sweet “Traces” which Garrett always dedicates to the memory of former lead singer Dennis Yost, and a heartfelt “God Bless the USA” with an extra verse written by Garrett to honor fallen American soldiers. But there was plenty of humor throughout, and even a few surprises. I didn’t expect to hear two new songs by The Classics IV, but “Teenage Lover” and “A New Horizon” fit snugly into the band’s repertoire as though they’d always been there. The harmony on “A New Horizon” was almost as much of a thrill to hear as the saxophone (and flute!) solos provided by Paul Weddle (standing in for Garard Montague) -- who got so much applause, Garrett hinted darkly he might not get paid. All in good fun! The new tunes should be available on Amazon.com as MP3s soon, so you can hear for yourself.
Well, I could go on, but there’s so much to look forward to this Monday night as well, with The Family Stone Experience arriving at 8 p.m. July 18 at (you guessed it) the Music Pier in Ocean City! I don’t know if I’m fully prepared for the raw power of ’70s soul and funk performed live by Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson, but if there was ever a reason to pile on the fringe, wear some platform shoes and “Dance to the Music,” this would have to be it. See you there!
- Rebekah Zumwalt (Stockton PAC's Summer Guest Blogger)
