To:  <arnold@reluctant.com>
      From:  "MadManMoon" <MadManMoon@email.msn.com>
   Subject:  Jones Beach - 8/9/98
      Date:  8/16/98 11:35 AM


     Having seen each gig the boys have done since the reunion in the Long
     Island area of New York, I drove to the gig hoping for a bit of diversity.
     
     Following the usual 2nd Impression "bits and pieces" opener, I got 
     quite enthusiastic when Keith admitted they'd like to play some things not 
     done in years. A smile crossed my face when they broke into "A Time and A 
     Place" and my mind raced with the possibilities of what might follow.
     
     "Hoedown" was crisp (this was the warp speed version), even though 
     instead of inciting the crowd, Keith "ignited" the crowd  when he threw
     down the distortion stick (or whatever its called) showering the front row 
     fans with sparks. Keith, ever the hero, did return from the keyboard to 
     "redirect" the firepower, to which he wryly commented "Oops!" upon the
     conclusion of the piece! (I must note, Keith and Carl seem to be having
     a hell of a time lately, both playful and full of smiles for the crowds.)

     Though I must agree with another reviewer, Greg seems to be "mailing it
     in" lately, though he did respond with the strongest version of "Ces't La
     Vie" that I've heard in many moons; his voice strong and acoustic guitar
     heartfelt. And yes, Ces't La Vie was complete with Keith in French baret
     and accordion solo.
     
     Although I was hoping for a piece other than "Tarkus", it was played 
     in its entirety, with Greg contributing lead electric lines on "Battlefield" 
     which was welcome. The only surprise song other than "A Time and A Place" 
     was "21st Century Schizoid Man" Keith's solo was a variation of the 3rd
     impression of his Piano Concerto (with no sight of the midi until the 
     final lines!)

     The set was unbearably short (btw, so was Deep Purple's (?)). Others 
     may agree that it is time for some new material and some mixing up of the 
     old. Although its seems very much as though the boys are treading water 
     right now, they sounded sharp enough and ethusiastic enough to promise that 
     both of those may become realities in the future.
     
     Cheers,
     
     Joe Kaczmar
     Long Island, NY