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The Machine: A Full Spectrum of Pink Floyd in Teaneck
by Rich and Laura Lynch
The Machine really set the controls for the heart of the fans!
Formed in 1987, The Machine started playing gigs in the village of Nyack, New York recreating the magic of Pink Floyd including extensive psychedelic jams of the early years. The four members of the band are first class musicians using state of the art equipment and lighting to capture the essence of the Pink Floyd experience.
A montage of The Machine at Mexicali Blues!
Now, nearly 20 years after their inception, The Machine have made a strong connection with Pink Floyd fans while carving out a loyal fan base of their own. They have built a strong reputation for their live shows, appearing at many well-known rock clubs and music festivals including Bonnaroo in 2003. The Machine was very well received at this major jamming event and it gave the band an opportunity to expand upon their experimentation.
On February 15, 2004, Create A Vibe featured The Machine at Mexicali Blues in Teaneck, New Jersey. The stage was packed with instruments and equipment. The first set opened with eerie tones combined with smoke and flashing lights. By the end of that vintage song we knew we were in for an unbelievable night of music. Next they played 'Welcome to the Machine' complete with sound effects. Neil Alexander on keyboards and Moog synthesizer truly encapsulated the complex haunting components of this Floyd epic.
Following was a psychedelic tune from the first Pink Floyd album. Purple and pink lights combined with smoke added atmosphere to entrancing jams and the overall visual affect. 'Mother' featured Joe, who sounds like both Roger Waters and David Gilmour, in a hazy triangle of light. The crowd sang along to this well-known classic.
Perfect execution and attention to details leads to flawless reproductions of Floyd songs yet the freedom to jam and improvise adds even more flavor and depth to the established catalog. Ambient lighting is also an important aspect of The Machine experience. Besides incredible musicianship, The Machine quickly connected with the audience creating a strong bond with the fans of Pink Floyd. The crowd enthusiastically sang along and swayed in unison to the music. It was great to see both young and more mature fans enjoying the Mexicali Blues show.
Other highlights of the first set included 'Have A Cigar,' 'Breathe' and 'Time'. Pascarell conscientiously ducked down so that the crowd could clearly see the drum intro to 'Time' that was stunning as was the rest of the song. The Machine played an eclectic mix of classics and lesser-known gems such as 'A Saucerful of Secrets'. They closed the opening set with the legendary 'Comfortably Numb'.
During the band's break we were speaking to a local dentist who was at the gig with his wife and fifteen year old son. The dentist had seen Floyd 7 or 8 times, yet he was impressed with The Machine. Also during the break the band mingled. Joe Pascarell sat on a stage step chatting amicably with fans. Yet when a lady by the side of the stage gently said, "we're ready" he got the hint or perhaps was getting up anyway and the band started the second more psychedelic set.
Culling songs from the Syd Barrett era, the quartet captured the spirit and experimental energy of the vintage years. The interpretations and extended jams in conjunction with the light show were mesmerizing. Passion, precision and spontaneity have earn The Machine the status as "The Worlds Greatest Pink Floyd show."
The Machine is now working on a video DVD of live performances, which should be released the spring of 2004. For more information on the DVD and upcoming gigs go to www.themachinelive.com.
The Machine is:
Joe Pascarell – guitar and lead vocals
Neil Alexander – keyboard and backing vocals
Ryan Ball – bass and backing vocals
Todd Cohen – drums
Related Links:
For more information on THE MACHINE and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links --
The Machine Official Site
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