All Feature Articles

Styx Sail on the River with the Nashville Symphony On Board

by Rich and Laura Lynch

In August of 2015 Nashville, Tennessee finally got an outdoor venue to replace the beloved Starwood when the $52 million dollar Ascend Amphitheater opened on the banks of the Cumberland River just off of 1st Avenue. Styx had played at the Starwood many times during the venue's tenure as the musical destination in Antioch just outside of the City. On May 21, 2016 Styx invited the prestigious Nashville Symphony to join them at their performance. Together they both made their maiden voyages at the new digs in the Downtown.


Tommy Shaw - a relatively new Nashvillian - onstage in Music City.

Conducting the band was Liza Grossman who was reprising her role that began with a 2006 performance with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra. At the time, several Styx members enthused over their first experience with full symphonic accompaniment and they voiced how working with the young musicians had re-energized them as a group. Sure enough, the renewed spirit has propelled them through the ensuing decade as they have remained one of the hardest working legacy acts seemingly always on the road and at the top of their game. For Tommy Shaw this was also a homecoming as he currently lives in the Nashville region.


James J.Y. Young is the "godfather" of Styx.

Both the lawn and seated areas at the Ascend were packed as the Nashville Symphony took their places on the stage filled with chairs and gear. Liza strolled out first to lead the orchestra through an intro that transitioned into "The Grand Illusion" as Styx made their grand entrance. The song rocked on soaring guitars with strings punctuating the points of the song. Encouraged by the band fans clapped along to an engaging "Too Much Time on My Hands" as the Symphony added accents to this timeless tune. "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" was another crowd pleasing classic enhanced by the elements that the orchestra contributed.

"Lady" sailing into "Lorelei" allowed keyboardist Lawrence Gowan to shine on piano and vocals. At times his keyboards were spinning around adding to the elation of his presentation. Mentioning the 1970's and bic lighters the band asked the audience to hold up their phones for "Light Up" that was another tune well-coordinated with the orchestra. In honor of the recently departed George Martin Styx put their own cool spin on "I Am The Walrus". Styx stated that Sir Martin was one of the best producers at blending classical and rock instruments, The Beatle tune was another composition perfect for an orchestra. Styx finished their first set with a bold "Suite Madame Blue".


Styx founding member Chuck Panozzo takes the stage in Nashville.

Styx performed a number of tracks from The Grand Illusion as the progressive-pop songs from that classic album were well-suited for an orchestra. The enhanced interpretations were invigorated with strings adding layers to the originals. It appeared that the band enjoyed the challenge of working with a large group of world class musicians.

Set two opened with an animated "Miss America". Styx also paid tribute to David Bowie with "Space Oddity" flowing into their own magical "Crystal Ball". A potent piano solo set up "Pieces of Eight". At this point dynamic versions of the singles came in a flood with a beguiling "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)", a catchy "Come Sail Away", "Rockin' the Paradise" and a rousing "Renegade" as part of the encore.


Ricky Phillips, J.Y. and Tommy, drummer Todd Sucherman and fans at the Ascend.

Styx continues to ride a wave of popularity because they are a passionate and professional band with a boat load of great songs. Styx are a well manned vessel with a polished stage presence. Yes, they may have played their hits hundreds of times, yet each night they manage to keep it fresh with coordinated moves and all. To earn a seat in a respected city orchestra one has to be the best at their instrument thus it was exciting to see the two renowned musical vehicles converge at the Cumberland River for a memorable night under the moon.

SETLIST: The Grand Illusion | Too Much Time on My Hands | Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) | Lady | Lorelei | Man In The Wilderness | Light Up | I Am the Walrus (The Beatles cover) | Suite Madame Blue | Miss America | Lights | Space Oddity (David Bowie cover) | Crystal Ball | Keyboard Solo | Pieces of Eight | Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) | Come Sail Away | Encore | Rockin' the Paradise | Renegade


Lawrence Gowan, Liza Grossman and Nashville Symphony COO Steven Brosvik.

Related Links: For more information on STYX and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Styx | Nashville Symphony | Ascend Amphitheater


.







Do you like SP.net??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's pair of DEBUT ALBUMS on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!










Vince Gill Opens Four-Night Stand at the Ryman Auditorium in Fantastic High-Flying Fashion



Award-Winning Blues Guitarist Albert Castiglia Was In Righteous Form at the City Winery in Nashville



Alan Parsons Project - Third Time Is the Charm at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville



Stryper Strips It Down Just a Bit at Tour Finale in Franklin



Quinn Sullivan Brings Salvation to the City Winery in Nashville



Celebrating 15 Years of Darius & Friends Benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville



Kevin Gordon Emerges From The In Between at Music Makers Stage in East Nashville



Amos Lee Plays the First of Three at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville



Alejandro Escovedo Resonates in Return to Music City



Eric Church Preaches to the Choir at Chief's on Broadway in Nashville



Carter Vintage Guitars Makes a Big Move in Nashville



Taj Mahal Remains a Blues Wonder of the World at Grimey's in Nashville



John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band Cruise Into with Nashville with a Memorable Debut Fifty Years in the Making



Interview: Talking Power, Glory and An Incredible Comeback Story with Rocker Benny DiChiara



Celtic Woman: Third Time's a Charm at the TPAC in Nashville



Interview: Talking History with Christian Rock Legend John Schlitt and What Keeps Him On the GO at NRB!



John Oates Delivers Songs and Stories with a Smile, Some Tears and a Few Laughs in Franklin



Interview: New Jersey Rocker Jason Didner Preps His Digital Carnival That Promises to Be One Wild Ride!



The Tina Turner Musical Is Simply Terrific at the TPAC in Tennessee



Girl From the North Country Lights Up the Nashville Skyline at the TPAC





Music Review: Emerson, Lake & Powell: The Complete Collection



Music Review: Hugo's VOYAGE: Inception



Music Review: Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2024 SoundPress.net
All Rights Reserved