By Susie Salva
Sexy, seductive, and sincere sums up Pat Monahan’s (the voice behind the rock band Train) live performance at the House of Blues Sunset Strip on Saturday, October 6th. Monahan’s performance is like a religious experience where he infuses rock, soul, R&B, and gospel imbued tunes. Casually dressed in a white T-shirt, black vest, and tight jeans he is touring in support of his new solo debut, "Last of Seven" on Columbia records and commanded the audience from the get go. The show was comprised of fifty percent Train material and the other fifty percent of Monahan’s new music.
As the projector screen rose Monahan took center stage dramatically singing "Shine" the last track on his new record. He then dove into the gospel sounds of "Ripple in the Water" followed closely behind with "Raise Your Hands" as the audience raised their hands in the air swept up in the moment. "I’m really proud to be here tonight," Monahan commented to the crowd then he sang, "Meet Virginia"…"You remember that one," he said.
Picking up the tempo he sang "All American Girl," off of the Private Nation CD. He stopped in the middle of the song saying, "Normally at this time I would make some fun of Britney Spears but right now I feel really sorry for her…I wish her well and this is for her," he sang Argent’s "Hold Your Head Up," as the crowd sang along seeming to feel some sympathy for her as well.
"I was talking with my daughter and she asked me why don’t I tell the audience the meaning of the songs I sing…and I told her to mind her own business. No, I’m just kidding. So, I get inspired by people trying to make a difference. Some of the people have been here and some have passed on. This song is about wanting to be with someone," he explained singing "Someday" as the lyrics emote that "Someday we will be together".
Digging into the Train vault Monahan them sang "Get To Me" and "She’s On Fire," contending that he didn’t wake up until 2:00 pm this afternoon, "So, we have a lot of songs to sing tonight" he commented.
As a special treat renown bass player Ricky Minor joined Monahan on stage. "I’ve had the great pleasure of singing with Stevie Wonder and now I’m joined with the great Ricky Minor" as they paid tribute to Wonder by singing, "Superstition."
"I’m going do something I’ve never done before. I’m going to join the horn section and let Luis (guitar player) and Charlotte Sometimes (opening act) sing. Then they broke into "It’s Your Thing" as Monahan hung back and played the trumpet. He is one talented guy.
Rounding out the performance Monahan sang Train’s dynamic hits, "Calling All Angels," and "Drops of Jupiter," as the crowd sang every word, and new songs "Thinking Bout You," and debut single, "Her Eyes" were both stellar renditions.
Before closing out the set, Monahan bid goodnight walking off stage momentarily and then appeared back on stage singing "Girlfriend," as requested by a girl in the front row of the audience. But the showstopper had to be Monahan’s rendition of Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love". He drummed along with his drummer doing the classic drumming solo that accompanies Zeppelin’s famed tune. The crowd went wild. Finishing off the set Monahan sang "Ooh My My" leaving the audience thoroughly thrilled and satiated.
Monahan’s performance was nothing sort of sensational and amazing. He is the consummate musician giving what the audience was clamoring for. Check him out when he is in your town…you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for the kind words.I am glad you found it engaging. Pat Monahan is the consummate perfomer and such a talented musician. His voice is even better in person than on his records. So if you get the chance to see him you’ll have a fantastic time. I definitely recommend it.
This article was insightful and gave me a new perspective on Pat Monahan’s solo performance.