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Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Izod Center (12/12/2009)

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Artist: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Venue: Izod Center (East Rutherford, NJ)
Opener: n/a
Date: 12/12/2009
Label: Lava Records

As I walked into the Izod Center for this years Trans-Siberian Orchestra show, I had to say that I felt that the time had flown by quickly from when I was doing it the last time around. I also mused to myself how this was actually going to be my tenth year supporting the group having seen them every year since 2000. That was their second tour and I had only missed the first go round of it because it came and went faster than anyone could have imagined. As a music journalist, this evening’s appearance would be my seventh show which would be documented for the masses at large and while I greatly enjoy what they do, the schedule that I keep does not permit me to be one of those fans that hit a number of shows each season. Instead of following the band around to different cities as some are apt to do, I find myself satisfied with the one show every year and this has been a tradition of mine since 2002 when I felt that this should be one of my yearly agenda items. In 2009 the TSO as they are lovingly referred to by their fans have become a massive undertaking with two separate companies hitting the cities across the nation and now a full five albums under their belt. Five you say? Well, yes I do because we found the group releasing their long awaited second non-Holiday CD “Nightcastle” only a few weeks ago. That was sure to offer up some difference to the fans tonight and here are some highlights of the performance if you somehow managed to miss out.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Izod Center (12/13/2008)

Logo - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Artist: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Venue: Izod Center (East Rutherford, NJ)
Opener: n/a
Date: 12/13/2008
Label: Lava Records

I cant be the only Metal head who feels as though 2008 went by like a rocket and yet here we are at the annual gathering held by The Trans-Siberian Orchestra which in most cases comes off as my final show of the musical year in terms of coverage. Of course this will not be the case this year as we are only in the second week of the month and according to my records there are still a couple of things to investigate for the Metal legions. If am recalling this correctly, tonight will be my sixth year supporting the bands live concerts and for me it never, ever gets old based on the manner in which they deliver it, and how they always seem to pull out the surprises and the stops for their always growing fan base. Similar to last year, I had opted for the matinee show this time around because I wanted to be home early for a change and since the afternoon show would mirror the later performance there was really no risk at missing anything that I would kick myself in the head about the next day. Having seen the group a number of times in the past I can easily repeat my own words by describing every minute detail but this time I will not even bother and that would be smart based on a couple of the amazing differences that this tour would offer in terms of the music and the membership roster. This year we would still find the presence of Chris Caffery and Alex Skolnick on lead guitar but gone from the East Coast company lineup for these shows would be Mark Wood, their violinist. The musician would be joining the West Coast company this time around and in his place would be Anna-Phoebe McElliott who I had heard some really cool things about. The bass duties once held by Dave Z. had been replaced by Chris Altenhoff who I had assumed would be in place this evening as well. As the Narrator came out to introduce the nights festivities the bands newest song “A Night Enchanted” began and while some of the members were already on stage, there was no Chris, Alex, or Phoebe or the bassist……suddenly with a page torn out of the KISS playbook three platforms began to descend from the rafters and on them with smoke billowing out was Chris Caffery, Alex Skolnick, Anna-Phoebe and a face I was amazed and surprised to see, the one and only Johnny Lee Middleton. Yes, a full four members of Savatage live and in your face for the East Coast Company and while I always loved what Dave Z. did, I will take Johnny Lee Middleton over him any day when it comes to having these guys together onstage again. What an opener.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Madison Square Garden (12/19/2005)

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Artist: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
Date: 12-19-2005
Opener: n/a

According to my ticket stubs this will be the sixth year that I have gone to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert and as a result I officially declare it a Holiday tradition in my life. By now the music of this amazing group is no longer a mystery to most people and songs such as the signature track of “Christmas Eve Sarajevo” can be considered a staple on mainstream radio during the holiday season. As a matter of fact, the recent years have found both “Christmas Canon Rock” and newer numbers like “Wizards In Winter” also being showcased. This is a good thing since the TSO has so much to offer such a wide audience and the more that hear them then the better it is all around. As I looked back on my year of musical coverage I could not think of a better way to close it out than to see a group that I enjoy so much and in New York City’s famous Madison Square Garden as well. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is the brainchild of Jon Oliva, Bob Kinkel and Paul O’Neill; together the three of them formed something magical that is not easily forgotten once you are caught in its spell. The scope and impact of this group on the Holiday Season led it to have two separate entities formed so proper touring could be facilitated and reach the most people as they possibly can. Given my New York location, we get the talents of the East Coast Company and since this group has my personal favored performers that suits me fine. The part that has become tricky in coverage of this performance is in deciding if one year was better than the last or if I enjoyed it more. I honestly always have a great time as do my friends and the light show seems to get more impressive as each year passes. Musically it remains the same with the beginning portion being the full presentation of “Christmas Eve & Other Stories” which has narration of the story from the CD. All the while the group of performers playing their hearts out. With so many fantastic numbers on this first record I am glad they have kept the format of performing it in full. I feel it is far more effective this way.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Beacon Theater (12/10/2003)

Logo - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Artist: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra “Christmas Eve & Other Stories Tour 2003”
Venue: Beacon Theater, NYC
Date: 12-10-2003

Every Holiday Season, The Beacon Theater in New York City has been the place where the power symphony known as Trans-Siberian Orchestra makes its home for a couple of nights. This year will mark the 5th Anniversary of such performances. The venue itself holds a little over 3,200 people and every seat in the place is terrific. On top of excellent views, one cannot mistake the quality of the sound in the room. Among the best acoustics I have ever experienced. This will be my 4th year in a row attending a Trans-Siberian Orchestra performance (The TSO for short). It is officially a Christmas Tradition for my Friends and I. Each year it’s a spectacle that gets bigger and better each time.
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