“Thank you for a sold-out show tonight,” lead singer Doug Gray told the crowd, prior to expressing his respect for everybody that was gathered at the venue tonight.
Unlike previous shows overs the years, Gray changed their opening song to “Running Like the Wind,” and it was well-received by the New York crowd as the stage was graced in green lights.
Gray noted that he was thrilled to raise over $100,000 for “Christmas 4 Kids” at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and he shared that the iconic band still plays over 150 gigs a year.
Chris Hicks sang lead on “Dog Eat Dog World” and Gray took his fans on a trip down memory lane to 1973 with their upbeat “Fire on the Mountain,” which featured Marcus James Henderson on saxophone.
“Take The Highway” was sheer vocal and instrumental perfection as always with Henderson and B.B. Borden on flute and drum solos respectively that earned the group a deserving standing ovation.
Gray revealed that five of their songs will be in movies, and he took his fans back to 1975 with “Desert Skies,” with Chris Hicks on harmonies. “Thank you guys for allowing to have a little fun,” Gray said. “Nobody knows what’ll happen next,” he added.
Backed by Henderson on keyboards, Gray performed a tender version of “Asking Too Much of You,” while noting that at the time they recorded it, it was never meant to be released as a single. Thankfully, for the B.B. King Blues Club audience, it was a real treat to hear live.
They continued with a soulful version of “Midnight Promises,” and “Hillbilly Band,” prior to bringing out the crowd favorite songs such as “Heard It In a Love Song” and their signature hit “Can’t You See,” where everybody was singing and clapping along.
Gray and the band returned for an encore, which included yet another popular hit, “24 Hours at a Time.”
The Verdict
Overall, it is not December in New York City, unless The Marshall Tucker Band comes to “The Big Apple” to play their December show at the B.B. King Blues Club. They have been around for 44 years, and it is safe to say that they will be around for many, many more. Their show was entertaining and nostalgic for fans of all ages. Their music is filled with passion and soul. Their concert garnered an A rating.
