John Lodge performs with the Moody Blues at TPAC. Photo by Pennman 3-18-2010.

You won’t find too many rock bands playing in performing arts centers, but if there ever was a group well-suited for this type of venue it’s the Moody Blues. Their highly melodic and often subtle music almost requires good acoustics for maximum enjoyment. Add to this that the band seems to enjoy playing in Nashville (I’ve witnessed this twice now; no comparison to the vibe in Louisville last year) and you can rest assured it’s going to be a great night.

The dynamic duo of original members (well, sort of original – they’ve been in since 1966 and that’s when the band really took off) Justin Hayward (guitars/vocals) and John Lodge (bass/vocals) still sync perfectly together (their harmonies are just out of this world). Graeme Edge also remains from the true original lineup, and is one of two drummers on the touring stage (the other being Gordon Marshall, who’s been with the band since 1991). Edge doesn’t sing much, but when he does it’s pretty high-profile, singing lead on “Higher and Higher” and reciting the poetry of “Late Lament” (the prelude to “Nights in White Satin”). He also adds a bit of comic relief when he comes front and center for “Higher”.

The rest of the band provides most of those subtleties I mentioned earlier. Norda Mullen does extensive, lovely flute work, and is quite true to the original arrangements. She also plays a bit of acoustic guitar and provides backing vocals. Julie Ragins is quite audible with her backing vocals, providing superb harmonies, particularly with Lodge. She also plays keyboards. Always keyboard heavy, the Moody’s main keyboardist is newcomer Alan Hewitt, and when you hear that distinctive Mellotron sound in those songs from the classic “Days of Future Past” album, he’s the man behind it. I have to call Marshall a percussionist rather than simply a drummer. He uses sticks, hands, chimes, timpani mallets, and really his entire body to create a plethora of sounds back there. Sometimes it’s tough to tell if the booming bass you often hear is Lodge’s bass guitar or Marshall’s timpani. He contributes so much to the symphonics.

As with any band that has a catalog the size of the Moody’s, sure there were songs I would have liked to hear that weren’t played. But with so many classics (21 songs in all) such as opener “The Voice”, “Tuesday Afternoon”, “Never Comes the Day” (with its’ tender start and powerful midsection), “Story In Your Eyes” (with Hayward’s blistering lead), “Isn’t Life Strange” with Mullen’s haunting flute and Lodge’s amazing vocals), “Are You Sitting Comfortably”, the rousing “Question”, and the energetic encore of “Ride My See-Saw”, I really couldn’t complain. “The Other Side of Life was particularly rocking and oh so tasty.

As I witnessed at the Ryman a couple of years ago, the audience was both delighted and a bit shell-shocked by what they had seen. Praises were flowing like water, smiles were everywhere to be seen, satisfied looks between strangers were being shared everywhere, more than a few females were absolutely gushing, and the merchandise was flying off the tables. You might think this mostly ancient music is rather outdated, but when the Moody’s are on like they were tonight, it all comes alive right here in the present. And that affirms that the Moody Blues are the proud creators/owners of a timeless legacy. Don’t miss them next time.        

About the author: 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