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31. 3. 2004 Munich
 Eric Sardinas

I've seen the man playing live at least 3 times so far, and each performance was better than the one before. Despite of his LA - Glamrocker look  , Eric has devoted his life to the Mississippi-Delta-Bluesrock. Jesus wept, what a guitarist! Robert Johnson, Washboard Sam and Blind Willy Fulton would be proud, if they could still see him playing. That's the living Blues, which hopefully is never gonna die. At least as long, as this style of music has heirs like Eric Sardinas. He has continued to develope the blues and got it close to perfection - with a modern touch and a harder edge. Exactly like we would play the Blues from the past nowadays. 

 And when someone does it with such a lot of heart, the sparkle still jumps over from the stage to the audiance. it is so intensive, that the Blues makes a rollover and is even for me, an old Blues lover, almost too much.  Torturing the guitar like a madman, - yes of course we all know, you can play it Eric, but you can over do it as well. But this inbetween low point is almost imidiately finished, when Eric sets his baby on fire and the mastro himself takes a bath in the audiance. His beautiful tattooed body well noticed by all the females down there. Two and a half hours the intermezzo is lasting, and the impression to find yourself deep down in the south od Louisiana almost becomes reallity. 
At least this time Eric Sardinas is playing a much bigger venue than last time here in munich with threetimes as many fans. That's a start, and I'm sure, he is managing the huge stages of this world one day as well. With such a lot of talent and obvious enjoyment to play this has got to be the logical result. I'm sure, Robert Johnson gives his blessing from above... in sanctus spritus....

                                                                                            

30. 3. 2004 Munich
 Vanilla Fudge / The Lizards

Sir Lord Baltimore was the name of an early Seventees american psychodelic Rockband, who were able to get noticed then on one hand, but never managed a break through. The result was a not too long carriere of the group. John Garner was Sir Baltimore. John Garner is the Lizards nowadays. The band is, despite 3 albums so far, still quite new on the Rock'n'Roll heaven. That's why the probably rather prefer a supportslot here in europe. And because they are friends with the headlining band Vanilla Fudge, - so what's better than doing it together. - We all know Bobby Rondinelli, who was playing the drums already in Rainbow, ... but Lizards drummer is not with them, 'cause he's busy with Blue Öyster Cult. So there is none better than Vinnie Appice to jump in for him.

 And Vinnie is Carmine Appice brother, who's playing the drums in Vanilla Fudge. Anyway, it is the very first time within their carriere, that the two brothers stand on one stage for a whole tour. So of course they are playing a double solo during the support set. Great! - We are impressed. John Garner himself has nothing lost from his stage presence since the glory past. No, the pics got even more volume including a smart hat and a nice suit. Right handside Patrick Klein, his guitarist who looks like one of the Lords, but handles his instrument like Michael Schuhmacher his cockpit. And last but not least Randy Pratt on the bass. Whereby the  bass is almost bigger than himself. Psychodelic rhythms with a hard beat, but not without a touch of blues. The recepie is okay, and the audiance does accept them, - cheers....

That's what I call a reunion! They came, they saw and the won. Yes! - And most of all of course general Carmine Appice, who handles his $ 16.000,-- drumkit like a holy altar and looks down at his admirers. He was and he is the driving power behind  Vanilla Fudge. Even the rest of the group is quite remarkable. Tim Bogert, also a founder member, in each way, looks like he's really enjoying himself, even he looks like Grandpa's twinbrother with white hair and strong glasses. But he belongs to Vanilla Fudge like the milk to the cheese. The second half of the band is consisting of Teddy Rondinelli on guitar and Bill Pascali on keyboards. The vocals are mainly shared between Carmine Appice and Pascali. And how could it be missed out... Of course the set includes an eight minutes version of "You Keep Me Hanging On",  everybody was waiting for from the start. "Tearin' Up My Heart" a must and "She's Not There"  (original from the Zombies) But the highlight is a brilliant version of Rod Stewart's classic "Do Ya' Think I'm Sexy". , which was pent by Carmine for Roddy. This is the reason, why Carminis is singing it as a matter of course. Fact is, that this good old boy seems not to have aged since the Seventees. Oh sorry, Sixties.... Because right then Vanilla Fudge was already alive. And that's why he is aloud to ask : Do Ya think I'm Sexy"... Got me?!!!

However.... Vanilla Fudge ain't cloned or renewed, just refreshed with new haircolour and much energy. Push up you call that, I presume. And the fans luv 'em for that. You won the test boys. And you may come back again to convince us, that your original of "You Keep Me Hanging On" in opposite to Kim Wilde's  hitversion of the eightees, is still the best. Little weakness, probably only realized by me.... Where the hell did you leave "Golden Age Dream"? But.... and that's probably the answer... it has never been a hit..Okay, next time I let you know as a special request Carmine....otherwise no more pics....