As soon as they took the Jones Beach Theater stage, their presence was met with a warm standing ovation, as the audience was well aware that they were in the presence of rock and roll greatness. They kicked off their set with “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),” where they were instantly able to lure the crowd in from the first note.
They continued with the mid-tempo “The Voice,” which has a retro vibe to it, and “Steppin’ in a Slide Zone,” with its hypnotic flute solo. “Say It With Love” featured Justin Hayward’s rich voice, which was smooth as silk. Simply put, it was one of those songs that one would wish could go on forever.
“Nervous” was more mellow with soaring harmonies, while “Your Wildest Dreams” was mid-tempo with infectious melodies. Lyrically powerful were “Isn’t Life Strange” and “The Story In Your Eyes,” the latter of which was pure poetry. “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” was equally fun and timeless.
They had an exceptional storytelling ability, and they were able to form a strong connection with the Jones Beach audience. There was a feeling of nostalgia in the venue, thanks to The Moody Blues bringing their timeless recordings to life.
In the second part of their show, the stand-out songs included “Dawn Is a Feeling,” “Another Morning” and the upbeat “Peak Hour,” where everybody was clapping and dancing along.
“(Evening) Time to Get Away” had a haunting vibe to it, and it featured images of the band in their youth. “The Sunset” was more soft and delicate, as green lights dimmed from the stage, and “Twilight Time” was glorious.
After “Late Lament,” which featured a video cameo from Jeremy Irons on the giant televised screen, they closed with “Nights in White Satin,” which was sheer perfection, and it subsequently garnered them a standing ovation. They were truly able to take their fans on a musical journey.
Just when one thought the concert was over, The Moody Blues proved their audience wrong, and they returned for an encore that included the upbeat and refreshing “Question,” and the fan-favorite “Ride My See-Saw,” which was perhaps the highlight vocal of the evening.
The Verdict
Overall, The Moody Blues were phenomenal at the Jones Beach Theater in New York. They played with such passion and charisma that anybody who has unfamiliar with their musical work, left the Jones Beach venue as major fans of The Moody Blues. Most importantly, they allowed the music to speak for itself, and they were able to belt out hit after hit all night long, despite the rain. This is a band that belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Any doubts? Just watch a highlight reel of their powerhouse performance at the Jones Beach Theater on Long Island. Their live show garnered five out of five years.
To learn more about The Moody Blues and their touring schedule, check out their official website.
