Is it a Christmas extravaganza, a rock concert, or an orchestral performance? I suppose it’s all of the above, and that’s where the trouble lies with the enigma known as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I think it’s a pretty accepted truism that you can’t be all things to all people, and I’m afraid that’s exactly what TSO tries to be. As a result this show was indeed entertaining but left me with that unsatisfied feeling.

To be clear, this show was performed by TSO West (more on this later). First, the positives.

The visuals were spectacular, especially the lasers, which were primarily in the Christmas colors of red and green, and there were more of them than ever. The lights are set on moving trusses which allows for virtually limitless variety, and there was plenty of fire, both up front, in the rear of the arena, and on trusses in mid-air. All of this was perfectly synchronized to the music and is very impressive; a technological wonder. Considering the obvious expense the ticket prices are pretty reasonable.

The performers had their moments too. Guitarists Al Pitrelli and Angus Clark traded off often-soaring guitar breaks, especially within the more traditional Christmas hymns. John O’Reilly was ever-present on the drums and had an impressive drum kit up there (I kept waiting for a drum solo that never happened (more on this later)). Violinists Roddy Chong and Caitlin Moe really picked up the pace with their furious playing styles. And Jane Mangini opened several of the songs with a very elegant piano. The band was accompanied nicely by The Nashville Strings, who did a fine job of filling out the sound.

But now, the negatives.

There were plenty of vocalists in the band, and they were, for the most part, pretty solid. But none of them ever blew me away. Tony Gaynor did a fine job narrating the Christmas story, but I couldn’t help thinking, with all those vocalists up there (I counted nine of them), couldn’t one of them have performed this role too?

As mentioned above, there were many impressive individual performances that kept the show aurally entertaining. But in TSO’s case, the sum is less than the parts somehow. I barely had any impulse to tap my feet or clap to the beat. If this is primarily a rock concert, I couldn’t tell by the audience either, who clapped politely on occasion but never got up on their feet during a song (although they did rise a few times between songs). If the intended focus is on the classical, it was too watered down and only contained snippets of some of the most recognizable classics. Finally, if this was supposed to be a Christmas extravaganza, I came to the conclusion in the middle of the non-compelling Christmas story (morale: it’s easier to believe on Christmas Eve) that I prefer my Christmas hymns played in a more traditional fashion. The singers can’t really dance but they tried to, and there was but one costume during one song in the entire Christmas story (not enough to keep young kids engaged, and there were plenty of them with their parents for this matinee performance). The band just seemed distant, so I found myself disengaging not very far into the Christmas story segment, which some people call the first half (but in reality it’s the bulk of the show).

The second part of the show, featuring material from the new album “Night Castle”, was certainly more rocking (and therefore, more to my liking). But it was too little, too late to salvage the afternoon for me. Perhaps the rare TSO 2010 Spring Tour in support of “Night Castle” will come off better.

I have one last pet peeve. The TSO West/East reality is a challenge for reviewers, but we can only write about what we actually witness. I heard rave reviews from people I know who saw the Lexington and Jacksonville shows. But guess what? They saw TSO East. So they will read this and probably wonder what I’m talking about. I’m sure TSO’s organizers will say both troupes put on the same basic show. I’m sure that’s true of the visuals, but just as every performer is unique so too are the troupes. For example, there was allegedly a killer drum solo by TSO East’s Jeff Plate, but there was no John O’Reilly drum solo at this show. Since he sounded great I was really looking forward to it. I’ll never know just how good it was because TSO East was playing in Columbus, Ohio today while I was in Nashville with TSO West.

So my advice for next year: expect a little of this and a little of that and you’ll be fine with this show. But if you expect either a killer rock show, high-brow classical music, or a Christmas extravaganza, you may want to spend your money elsewhere.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at the Sommet Center, Nashville, TN on 1/3/2010

Upcoming Nashville Concert Calendar – Pennman’s Happy 2010 Recommendations

• Sommet Center – Winter Jam – 2/21**, Clapton/Daltrey – 2/27, Muse – 3/15, Bon Jovi/Dashboard Confessional – 4/21.
• Wildhorse Saloon – Better Than Ezra – 1/20*, Rick Springfield – 2/13 & 14*, George Thorogood – 3/17*
• TPAC – Umphrey’s McGee – 2/5*, Brandi Carlile – 2/16*, Moody Blues – 3/18
• Ryman Auditorium – Kris Kristofferson – 1/27*, Gov’t Mule – 1/28*, BB King/Buddy Guy – 2/9, Keb’ Mo’ – 2/19*, Trey Anastasio – 2/25, Foreigner – 3/16, John Prine – 3/26, Tegan & Sara – 3/31, Aretha Franklin – 4/25
• *Recession Buster – Tix available under $25    ** Free ($10 donation at door suggested)    

Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman