Bill Lynch and drummer James Gadson were the stars and guests of a homecoming ball Friday night at Liberty Hall.
LAWRENCE -- Bill Lynch and the Midwestern Icons were the centerpiece of a reunion Friday night at Lawrence’s Liberty Hall. The show was homecoming, too, particularly for Lynch who performed at the hall regularly from 1969 to 1985. For bassist Rick Moors, it was a return long overdue: He last played the hall 43 years ago in a ‘60s garage band.
It was clearly a reunion for the audience, too, which, beginning with the third song, kept the dance floor packed all night. Between the two sets of songs, lots of old friendships were renewed.
The fans moved to songs they clearly recognized, from Lynch’s own “Maybe Somebody Loved Me” to rocking standards like “Rocket 88” and old local favorites like “Moment to Moment”, a song written by the Blue Riddim Band.
Though performing a variety of styles including blues, reggae, and country – all the songs remained pure Lynch with a blues and roots sensibility. His guitar work was flawless, and his voice carried its trademark soulful rasp.
During a break between sets, the PA played a string of hits that included work by Lynch's drummer, James Gadson: the Watt’s 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s “Loveland,” Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”, the Jackson’s “Dancing Machine” and songs by Aaron Neville and more.
Gadson also showed his amazing vocal dexterity on several songs, but shined brightest on a rendition of “Stand By Me” as he drummed, singing with pure soul, revealing his Kansas City doo-wop roots, including a sweet falsetto.
In the middle of the song, he made a few jokes before launching into a show-stopping yodel and a surprisingly smooth transition back into soul mode to wrap up the song. Rhythm guitarist Hoke also took a turn at the mic for a pumping cover of Chuck Berry’s “Nadine”.
The show began at 8 p.m. and lasted until midnight, when the band ended with a rousing cover of Don and Dewey’s “Justine” before stepping down to the dance floor to catch up with old friends. Like newlyweds in the receiving line, Lynch and the band stayed to talk with a long line of old friends.
| Review and photo by Anne Tangeman, Special to The Star
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