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Rock Icon Roger Hodgson - Presents a Super Strong Night of Music in New Jersey

by Rich and Laura Lynch

This was one of the most anticipated events of the year - that year being 2012. Then, the tempest known as Superstorm Sandy tore through the region scrubbing the concert by the legendary voice of Supertramp Roger Hodgson. But, good things come to those who wait and nearly one full year later the result was a delayed but fully gratifying night of music when on October 25, 2013 the recently rejuvenated singer and songwriter from one of rock's greatest bands performed his make-up date at the bergenPAC in Englewood, New Jersey.

Rock Icon Roger Hodgson - Presents a Super Strong Night of Music in New Jersey
Roger Hodgson and his band take the stage for a super night of music at the bergenPAC.

Roger Hodgson is best known for his work in the progressive rock band Supertramp. Roger is a composer and multi-instrumentalist. Hodgson is credited with singing and writing some of Supertramp's biggest hits such as "Breakfast in America ", "Dreamer", "It's Raining Again", "School", "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song".

Roger left the band in 1983 to pursue a solo career and also took an extended break to spend more time with his family. Since 2004, Hodgson has toured regularly in various configurations. At the bergenPAC he was fronting a five piece band. Behind the amps and gear was Roger's name in stars along with some plants.

The crowd erupted in loud cheers as the rock icon took his place at the keyboards. The sound of a harmonica heralded the start of the classic "Take the Long Way Home". The drums and sax punctuated the lyrics that were well sung by Hodgson who was in great spirits and voice the entire show.

"Thank you, happy to see you," greeted Roger who mentioned that this show was supposed to take place last year. He welcomed all his fans noting that some had come from as far as Europe to attend the concert in Englewood. A number of songs Roger played on Friday were dedicated to people who had made requests. Hodgson further shared how much he has been enjoying doing this night after night. "Leave all cares outside for the next couple of hours," he suggested.

"You missed the best song," joked Roger as some folks strolled in late. That was not really the case as the set list was filled with flavorful material. The next two songs were Supertramp tunes. "School" included the shouts of children mixed in with the music followed by "In Jeopardy". The sound at the bergenPAC was crisp and clean so that all the effects and instruments were distinct adding to the dynamics of the music.

"Love is what is most important," declared Roger as an intro to a lovely "Lovers in the Wind." Hodgson alternated between an acoustic guitar, a grand piano and keys throughout the night. He band was talented and tight enhancing Roger's poised performance that received standing ovations throughout the evening.

"I wrote this song when I was 19, dreaming of going to America, Roger said before they served up an animated and hearty "Breakfast In America" along with more Supertramp hits. They finished the first set with a satisfying "The Logical Song". A sassy saxophone combined with wood block sounds added layers to the song.

Rock Icon Roger Hodgson - Presents a Super Strong Night of Music in New Jersey
Roger Hodgson switched from acoustic guitar to keyboard and piano throughout the show.

The second set was a mix of Supertramp tunes and solo tracks including a poignant "Puppet Dance". Roger explained that "Death and a Zoo" was based on the idea that if you were an animal would you choose death or a zoo. The song had many elements that ran from primal to polished with sounds of elephants and monkeys mixed in with lyrics asking "would it feel lonely?".

"This is for the dreamer in all of us," stated Roger as they played a diverse and dynamic interpretation of "Dreamer" that flowed into a fluid "Fool's Overture". For the encore, Roger was armed with an acoustic for a tasteful and tender "Two of Us" before going into a giddy "Give a Little Bit". At this point there were balloons floating around the venue adding to the cheerful tone of the tune. They concluded with a spirited "It's Raining Again".

Based on the warm reception and response that Roger received his songs clearly touched people and he is still a rock icon to many. Hodgson and his band presented a super strong night of music in Englewood that was varied and vibrant and was worth the wait.

The bergenPAC is centrally located among restaurants and shops in downtown Englewood, New Jersey. The theater continues to host a wide range of artists such as Roger Hodgson. Upcoming events at the bergenPAC include Elvis Costello, Abba Mania, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Midori, Doktor Kaboom!, Michael Nesmith, Pat Benatar, Dave Davies, Southside Johnny, Aaron Neville and the Gin Blossoms.

First Set Take the Long Way Home / School / In Jeopardy / Lovers in the Wind / Hide in Your Shell / Easy Does It / Sister Moonshine / Breakfast in America / Only Because of You / Lord Is It Mine / The Logical Song / Second Set / Child of Vision / Puppet Dance / Death and a Zoo / If Everyone Was Listening / Even in the Quietest Moments / Don't Leave Me Now / Dreamer / Fool's Overture / Encore / Two of Us / Give a Little Bit / It's Raining Again

Rock Icon Roger Hodgson - Presents a Super Strong Night of Music in New Jersey
Hodgson is known as "the voice" of Supertramp and he played many of that band's most beloved songs for his ecstatic fans.

Related Links: For more information on ROGER HODGSON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Roger Hodgson | bergenPAC.org


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